The 500-year-old "treasure" in Phong Nha - Ke Bang is about to open to visitors

(NLDO) - The more than 500-year-old green cypress forest, considered a "green forest treasure", has been approved by Quang Tri, expected to create a new highlight for Phong Nha - Ke Bang tourism.

The People's Committee of Quang Tri province has approved the ecotourism project "Exploring Bach Xanh Da and Kling Cave".

On October 23, the People's Committee of Quang Tri province announced that it had issued a document approving the implementation of the ecotourism project " Exploring the Cypress Trees and Kling Cave" under the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park ecotourism, resort and entertainment project.

The project, managed by the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Management Board, is being implemented in sub-areas 645, 643, and 288A in Thuong Trach commune, Quang Tri province, with a total investment of 4.29 billion VND under a joint investment model. The implementation period extends until 2030.

According to the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, the project aims to rationally exploit the value of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang World Natural Heritage Site, develop sustainable ecotourism products, create jobs, increase income for local people, and contribute to the local budget.

The construction items, including rest shelters, safety ropes, reflective ribbons, and portable toilets, are designed to be lightweight and minimize impact on the forest environment.

The authorities have requested relevant departments and units to coordinate in implementing the regulations correctly, ensuring the safety of tourists, while preserving the landscape and forest ecosystem, aiming for sustainable tourism development in the heritage area.

The cluster of cypress trees in Phong Nha - Ke Bang is always strictly protected.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, covering an area of ​​over 123,000 hectares, is the largest national park in Vietnam. It has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site due to its outstanding global value in geology, geomorphology, and biodiversity.

One of the highlights of the area is the population of the rock cypress (Calocedrus rupestris Aver.) - an ancient plant species over 500 years old, discovered in 2004.

According to scientists, there are currently 11 forest areas where this species has been recorded, mainly concentrated in the strictly protected zone with an area of ​​approximately 5,000 hectares.

The rock cypress is considered one of the rarest endemic species in Vietnam, listed in the IUCN Red List as endangered (EN). The discovery and protection of this population is evidence of the pristine nature and exceptional biodiversity value of Phong Nha - Ke Bang.

The "Exploring the Cypress Trees and Kling Cave" project is expected to open up new avenues for tourism development linked to conservation, allowing visitors to experience and learn about the pristine forest ecosystem, while also spreading awareness of nature protection in the heritage area.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/bau-vat-hon-500-tuoi-o-phong-nha-ke-bang-sap-mo-cua-don-khach-196251023095613007.htm