On October 13th, 2008, in Nam Dinh city, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially awarded the certificate of provincial trans-boundary coastal wetland biosphere reserve in the Red River Delta ("The Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve") to 3 provinces: Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, and Ninh Binh. This important ceremony was formally held with the participation of more than 100 national and international delegates, officers, and residents of these 3 provinces.
 

Xuan Thuy National Park (XTNP) in Nam Dinh province has been recognised as the first Ramsar site in South East Asia. The XTNP plays a key role in conserving internationally important migratory birds, including the Black-face Spoon Bill (Platalea minor), an especially valuable migratory bird species.

In addition, the mangrove forests in the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve help regulate the climate and protect the coastline from some effects of climate change. This ecosystem service of protecting the coastal zone and its inhabitants from sea level rise and storm surges will be increasingly important.

The local people, authorities, and organisations, such as the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD), have cooperated to build sustainable economic development models using an ecosystem-based approach.

In her capacity as technical adviser to the management of the Biosphere Reserve, MCD director, Nguyen Thu Hue works with the provinces and local communities to build and implement action plans to achieve sustainable development goals. She said, "The UNESCO recognition of the international importance of the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve brings about a new opportunity for sustainable development activities which MCD is implementing in these provinces. Initiatives include developing community-based ecotourism models and supporting alternative livelihoods for local communities in order to reduce the pressure of human activities on the protected areas."

UNESCO representative in Vietnam, Ms Vibeke Jensen, added, "The fact that the Red River Delta coastal wetland in Vietnam is recognised as an international Biosphere Reserve brings many opportunities as well as challenges. One of the major challenges is to help the locals living surrounding the Biosphere Reserve to both exploit and protect natural resources and the environment."

In celebration of this event, the people of Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, and Ninh Binh provinces proudly organized activities, including cultural performances, folk music and dance, photo exhibitions, and a knowledge quiz show titled "Understanding the Red River Biosphere Reserve and fisheries resources"  in Nam Phu commune, Thai Binh province.

In the Tien Hai district of Thai Binh province, the significance of the ceremony to receive the UNESCO certificate was increased as it was combined with the commemoration of the famed Nguyen Cong Tru who reclaimed land and fathered this district 180 years ago