Defining the criteria for "global prominence" of the Tam Chuc - Van Long Complex.

VHO - On the morning of January 14th, at Tam Chuc Scenic Area, the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee organized an international scientific workshop titled "Establishing the proposed boundary of the nomination area, determining criteria for outstanding universal values ​​associated with the orientation of building a dossier to submit to UNESCO for recognition of the Tam Chuc Complex and Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve as a World Heritage Site".

Overview of the International Conference

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Tran Song Tung, Vice Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee, said that the Tam Chuc complex and the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (referred to as the Tam Chuc - Van Long Complex) is a special heritage space where nature, landscape, culture, and spirituality blend harmoniously, typical of the tropical karst region on the southern edge of the Red River Delta.

With its interconnected system of limestone mountains, karst valleys, wetlands, and water bodies, this area has preserved a high degree of integrity in its geological, geomorphological, ecological, and hydrological formation and tectonics, creating a unique landscape rich in scientific and aesthetic value.

In particular, the Tam Chuc - Van Long area is home to a population of white-buttocked langurs, a primate species endemic to Vietnam, and ranked among the 25 most endangered primate species globally.

Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, Head of UNESCO Representative Office in Vietnam, delivered a speech at the workshop.

Conservation efforts for the White-buttocked Langur not only protect a globally endangered species but also serve as an important indicator reflecting the ecological integrity, management effectiveness, and commitment to sustainable development of the Tam Chuc - Van Long wetland karst area according to UNESCO standards and recommendations.

The workshop was organized with the aim of establishing a scientific and interdisciplinary forum to comprehensively review and evaluate existing research results, documents, and scientific data related to the Tam Chuc - Van Long Complex.

Based on that, the aim is to clarify the scientific and practical basis for the process of establishing Outstanding Universal Value, gradually unifying the proposed criteria (criteria 5, 9, and 10 according to the UNESCO Guidelines for the Implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention).

Mr. Tilo Nadler and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, research experts, affirm that the white-buttocked langur is the symbolic species of Ninh Binh province.

Simultaneously, scientists, international experts, and managers discussed the scope, scale, and boundaries of the nominated area and buffer zone, as well as determining the direction for forming a "green corridor" connecting Tam Chuc and Van Long as a continuous ecological and cultural space, ensuring the integrity, authenticity, and effective management of the heritage in the long term.

The workshop also focused on discussing issues of management, conservation, and sustainable development, particularly the harmonious relationship between strict conservation of natural values ​​and socio-economic development, tourism, and the livelihoods of local communities.

Through this workshop, the Steering Committee for the development of the heritage dossier respectfully and seriously considered all the contributions and recommendations from experts and scientists.

This is an important basis for Ninh Binh province to continue refining the report to include the Tam Chuc - Van Long Complex in the tentative list, moving towards building a World Heritage nomination dossier in accordance with international procedures, standards and practices, and the strict requirements of UNESCO.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/xac-dinh-tieu-chi-noi-bat-toan-cau-cua-quan-the-tam-chuc-van-long-197196.html