Phong Nha-Ke Bang: Towards a new international title

QTO - Recently, the Standing Committee of the Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee has agreed in principle to allow the Provincial People's Committee to submit a nomination dossier for the Phong Nha-Ke Bang World Biosphere Reserve (PN-KB) as proposed by the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Committee Party Committee. If successful, PN-KB will be considered by UNESCO for recognition of the title of World Biosphere Reserve in 2026. This will be one of the important contributions to consolidating and enhancing the international status of the heritage, creating new momentum, contributing to promoting economic growth and sustainable development of the province.

Head of the Department of Science and International Cooperation, PN-KB National Park Management Board Le Thuc Dinh said that the PN-KB World Biosphere Reserve was built with a total area of ​​515,830 hectares, with a population of 159,325 people. Of which, the core zone is 123,326 hectares, the buffer zone is 220,055 hectares, and the transition zone is 172,449 hectares. The core zone is the entire core area of ​​PN-KB National Park, located in 5 communes, including: Bo Trach, Kim Dien, Kim Phu, Phong Nha and Thuong Trach. The buffer zone is the entire buffer area of ​​PN-KB National Park, located in 7 communes, including: Phong Nha, Thuong Trach, Dan Hoa, Truong Son, Kim Phu, Kim Dien and Bo Trach. The transition zone is located in 10 communes, including: Tan Thanh, Minh Hoa, Tuyen Lam, Tuyen Son, Tuyen Phu, Tuyen Hoa, Dong Le, Kim Phu, Kim Dien and Kim Ngan...

“When an area is recognized as a world biosphere reserve, it will receive many different benefits, including the process of contributing to the country in implementing international commitments, contributing to achieving economic development goals and biodiversity conservation for the locality…”, Mr. Le Thuc Dinh informed.

View of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park - Photo: NH

The World Biosphere Reserve title will bring many positive impacts to the PN-KB National Park. It will contribute to protecting one of the largest and oldest tropical karst areas in the world, with a system of more than 447 caves, many endemic and rare species of flora and fauna; maintaining the ecosystems of primary forests on limestone mountains, evergreen forests and underground river and cave ecosystems; preventing degradation, habitat loss and reducing pressure on overexploitation of resources; supporting the protection of the outstanding global values ​​of the PN-KB National Park World Natural Heritage.

This title will also help attract domestic and foreign tourists, create revenue and jobs for local communities through eco-tourism, adventure tourism, homestay services; promote green livelihood models, such as: Sustainable agricultural and forestry production; cultivation of medicinal herbs, OCOP products; increase access to capital sources, support projects from international and conservation organizations...

In addition, this is an important site for interdisciplinary research on geology, biology, climate and indigenous culture; creating conditions for organizing environmental education programs, raising public awareness about conservation and sustainable development.

This is also an opportunity to expand cooperation with other biosphere reserves, national parks, and conservation organizations in the world; exchange experiences in management, conservation, environmental monitoring, and sustainable tourism development; attract international research, training, and investment programs; affirm the global value of PN-KB not only as a World Natural Heritage but also as a model of integrated resource management and sustainable development; increase media appeal, promote the image of Quang Tri province and PN-KB to the world...

Ngoc Hai

 

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/du-lich/202509/phong-nha-ke-bang-huong-den-danh-hieu-quoc-te-moi-a5d75fa/