Leaders of Quang Tri Province and the Management Board of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park receive the certificate recognizing Phong Nha - Ke Bang as a World Biosphere Reserve

On the morning of June 6, Mr. Phạm Hồng Thái, Director of the Management Board of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, announced that during the 38th session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme held on June 5 in Hernandarias (Republic of Paraguay), Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park was officially recognized a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

This marks the third time that Phong Nha-Ke Bang has received international recognition from UNESCO, following its previous designation as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2003 and 2015.

The designation not only reaffirms the area’s outstanding global values but also creates new opportunities for conservation efforts and sustainable development in the locality.

According to Mr. Pham Hong Thai, UNESCO’s recognition of Phong Nha-Ke Bang as a World Biosphere Reserve represents a significant milestone for Quang Tri Province in particular and Vietnam as a whole.

The designation further affirms the outstanding values of Phong Nha-Ke Bang in terms of biodiversity, tropical forest ecosystems on limestone mountains, natural landscapes, and its unique geological and geomorphological features.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve

Mr. Pham Hong Thai emphasized that the inscription reflects the international community’s appreciation of Vietnam’s sustained efforts in protecting nature, preserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable development. At the same time, it serves as a strong motivation for local authorities to further improve resource management and environmental protection while integrating conservation with community livelihoods and sustainable tourism development.

According to the dossier approved by UNESCO, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang World Biosphere Reserve covers a total area of 515,830 hectares, including a core zone of 123,326 hectares, a buffer zone of 220,055 hectares, and a transition zone of 172,449 hectares. The area has a population of over 159,300 residents.

Currently, UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves comprises 759 reserves across 136 countries. With the recognition of Phong Nha-Ke Bang as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam now has a total of 11 UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves.

UNESCO’s recognition is expected to provide additional momentum for the socio-economic development of Quang Tri Province, particularly the tourism sector in Quang Tri Province. It is also anticipated to enhance the province’s profile on the global map of tourism and nature conservation, contributing to the pursuit of green growth and sustainable development.

Quang Tri Portal