Previously, in May 2009, Mui Ca Mau and Cu Lao Cham Islands in Vietnam received an overwhelming vote in favour at the 21st session of the International Coordinating Council of the UNESCO and the Biosphere Programme held in the Republic of Korea.

Cu Lao Cham Islands, covering 40,000ha, are regarded as the only biosphere reserve in the world linking nature and urban space.

After the ceremony, Vietnamese and Japanese art troupes gave an art performance putting an end to the 7th Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange Days Festival.