Nominate Phong Nha - Ke Bang as a World Biosphere Reserve

Phong Nha - Ke Bang in Quang Binh is not only a natural heritage of Vietnam but also of all mankind. If it becomes a "World Biosphere Reserve", it will help raise global awareness of the importance of preserving these natural values.

Buffer zone of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Thuong Trach commune, Bo Trach district - Photo by Oxalis

On September 26, Mr. Pham Hong Thai, Director of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Management Board (Quang Binh), said that he had just held a meeting with the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and related departments, branches and units to develop a dossier to nominate Phong Nha - Ke Bang as a World Biosphere Reserve. Accordingly, the survey area to establish Phong Nha - Ke Bang World Biosphere Reserve has an area of 484,326 hectares, with a population of 133,642 people. In which, the core area of the biosphere reserve is taken according to the boundary of the core area of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park and the heritage area of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, located in 2 districts, 7 communes/towns, with an area of 123,326 hectares. The buffer zone is taken according to the boundary of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park buffer zone, located in 3 districts, 13 communes/towns, with an area of 220,000 hectares; the transition zone is located in 6 districts/towns, 18 communes/towns, with an area of 141,000 hectares.

The population of Green Stone Cypress in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is determined to be over 500 years old and is always strictly protected.

To be nominated as a World Biosphere Reserve, it is necessary to meet 7 criteria including: Having diverse representation of ecosystems of major biogeographical regions, including stages of development with human impact; having high biodiversity conservation value; being able to develop in a sustainable direction; having an area suitable to meet the three functions of a biosphere reserve... and a management and conservation mechanism accepted by UNESCO. Currently, there are 738 biosphere reserves in the world in 134 countries; including 22 recognized transboundary world biosphere reserves. In Vietnam, there are 11 world biosphere reserves. According to Mr. Pham Hong Thai, if Phong Nha - Ke Bang is recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve, it will contribute to the conservation of diverse landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic resources; promote economic , cultural and human development in a culturally, socially and ecologically sustainable manner; support demonstration programs, environmental education and training activities, research and monitoring related to conservation and sustainable development at local, national and global levels. Source: https://nld.com.vn/de-cu-phong-nha-ke-bang-thanh-khu-du-tru-sinh-quyen-the-gioi-196240926120301953.htm