The imprint of nature and the hand of man.
The Tam Chuc - Van Long complex boasts a magnificent beauty, where the characteristic tropical karst landscape of Vietnam is preserved almost intact. With its majestic limestone mountains, winding valleys, wetlands, and interconnected waterways, it creates a picturesque landscape. What makes this place particularly valuable is the integrity of its geological, geomorphological, ecological, and hydrological processes. While many karst areas around the world have been heavily impacted by human activity, Tam Chuc - Van Long stands out as a living museum, a testament to the harmony between nature and the Earth's geological history.
A view of Tam Chuc Pagoda from above. Photo: Dai Nghia - VNA.
More than just a geological masterpiece, Tam Chuc - Van Long is also a significant home for biodiversity. It is a vital habitat for the white-buttocked langur, a primate species endemic to Vietnam and among the 25 most endangered primate species globally. The presence and development of the white-buttocked langur in Tam Chuc - Van Long not only holds national and international conservation value but also serves as an important indicator of the integrity and health of the wetland karst ecosystem. Protecting the white-buttocked langur and its habitat has become a top priority, demonstrating Ninh Binh 's strong commitment to biodiversity conservation according to UNESCO's stringent standards.
Tourists enjoy the beauty of Van Long Lagoon on its clear blue waters and have many opportunities to observe rare bird species during migration season. Photo: Minh Duc - VNA
Besides its natural value, the Tam Chuc - Van Long complex also holds profound cultural values. Prehistoric archaeological remains, ancient murals on the cliffs at Van Long, and the long-term adaptation of humans to the flooded karst environment have created a unique cultural identity. This area records the continuous history of human habitation through many periods, from prehistoric times to later historical periods, highlighting the role of Tam Chuc - Van Long as an important living and cultural space.
The journey of building a World Heritage dossier.
With its outstanding global values in both nature and culture, Ninh Binh province is devoting all its efforts to building a nomination dossier for the Tam Chuc - Van Long Complex to become a World Heritage Site. The province has established a Steering Committee for dossier preparation and organized numerous international scientific workshops with the participation of reputable experts from both within and outside the country.
One of the most important tasks is to establish the proposed boundaries of the nominated area. These boundaries must not only be based on geographical factors but also fully integrate ecological, archaeological, landscape, and historical-cultural values, ensuring that they encompass all elements constituting outstanding universal value and create a safe corridor for conservation efforts.
Simultaneously, defining nomination criteria according to UNESCO standards is a core foundation. The presentations at the workshop deeply analyzed the value of Tam Chúc - Vân Long as a prime example of ecological evolution in tropical karst regions, documenting ongoing biological processes, long-term human adaptation, and the crucial role in biodiversity conservation, especially the white-buttocked langur – the symbol of the area.
Domestic and international tourists visit the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve by boat. Photo: Minh Duc - VNA.
The major challenge lies in harmonizing heritage preservation and economic development. Industrial activities, particularly limestone quarrying and cement production, can conflict with the need to protect the ecosystem. Therefore, building an effective, integrated heritage governance model that involves local communities and promotes technical and legal solutions to foster green transition and minimize impacts on natural habitats is crucial.
Vision for sustainable development
The recognition of the Tam Chuc - Van Long Complex as a World Heritage Site will open up tremendous development opportunities for Ninh Binh. This success not only affirms the global value of the heritage but also creates a solid foundation for the locality to pursue a development model based on heritage economy, cultural industry, and green tourism.
Mr. Tran Song Tung, Standing Vice Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee, emphasized: "The research and nomination of the Tam Chuc Complex and the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve for World Heritage status is not only a professional task but also a strategic content, reflecting Ninh Binh province's long-term development vision in the process of building a heritage city, heritage economy, and cultural industry."
The journey towards World Heritage status for the Tam Chuc - Van Long complex is entering its final stage. With thorough preparation and the concerted efforts of the government, scientists, and local people, it is hoped that this natural and cultural wonder will soon be honored, contributing to the preservation and promotion of invaluable values for future generations.
Source: https://vietnam.vnanet.vn/vietnamese/long-form/quan-the-tam-chuc-van-long-hanh-trinh-vuon-tam-di-san-the-gioi-424611.html
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