Phong Nha-Ke Bang recognised by UNESCO as World Biosphere Reserve for third time

Pham Hong Thai, Director of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Management Board, said on June 6 the recognition was announced during the 38th session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, held on June 5 in Hernandarias, Paraguay.

The designation follows Phong Nha-Ke Bang’s inscription as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2003 and again in 2015. According to Thai, the latest designation not only affirms the area’s outstanding global values but also opens up new opportunities for conservation and sustainable development.

The designation marks an important milestone for central Quang Tri province and Vietnam, further highlighting the site’s rich biodiversity, tropical limestone forest ecosystems, natural landscapes and distinctive geological and geomorphological values, he added.

Thai noted that the recognition also demonstrates international acknowledgement of Vietnam’s long-standing efforts in nature conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development. He said it will provide additional momentum for improving the management and protection of natural resources while linking conservation with community livelihoods and sustainable tourism development.

According to the dossier approved by UNESCO, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang World Biosphere Reserve covers 515,830 hectares, including a core area of 123,326 hectares, a buffer zone of 220,055 hectares and a transition area of 172,449 hectares. More than 159,300 people live within the reserve.

UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently comprises 759 sites in 136 countries. With the recognition of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam now has 11 World Biosphere Reserves.

The designation is expected to provide further impetus for socio-economic development, particularly tourism in Quang Tri province, while enhancing the locality’s standing on the global map of tourism and nature conservation and supporting green growth and sustainable development goals.

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