News Detail - Quang Tri Portal
Ceremony Marking the Recognition of Hin Nam No National Park (Lao PDR) as a World Natural Heritage Site
On March 19, 2026, a ceremony was held in Khammouane Province (Lao PDR) to mark the inscription of Hin Nam No National Park as a World Natural Heritage site. The event was attended by Prime Minister of the Lao PDR Sonexay Siphandone.
Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee Phan Phong Phu delivers remarks at the ceremony
A delegation from Quang Tri Province, led by Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Phan Phong Phu, participated in the ceremony.
In his remarks, Vice Chairman Phan Phong Phu affirmed that the UNESCO’s recognition of Hin Nam No National Park as a World Natural Heritage site, together with Viet Nam’s Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, forming a transboundary World Natural Heritage complex, marks a particularly significant milestone. The event not only reflects international recognition of the outstanding universal value of the karst ecosystem and the region’s rich biodiversity, but also represents the first transboundary World Natural Heritage site between Vietnam and Laos.
Hin Nam No and Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Parks are part of the ancient limestone massif of the Truong Son Range, representing a typical tropical karst systems of exceptional value in terms of geology, geomorphology, landscapes, and biodiversity. The area is also characterized by a rich system of caves and unique natural scenery, playing an important role in nature conservation and sustainable development.
Overview of the ceremony
The event contributes to further strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, as well as between Quang Tri and Khammouane provinces. It also opens up opportunities to enhance cooperation in nature conservation, scientific research, environmental education and sustainable ecotourism development.
In the coming period, Quang Tri will continue to coordinate closely with Khammouane in the management, conservation and promotion of the heritage; strengthen cooperation in research, information sharing and management practices; and develop ecotourism associated with sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Quang Tri also proposed that the two Governments continue to provide guidance and enabling conditions for ministries, sectors and localities to enhance coordination, and to consider establishing an appropriate bilateral cooperation framework to improve the effectiveness of management, conservation, and promotion of the transboundary World Natural Heritage in the future.
During the visit, Vice Chairman Phan Phong Phu paid a courtesy call on Mr. Xaysana Khodphouthone, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and Secretary of the Khammouane Provincial Party Committee.
The Vice Chairman expressed his sincere thanks for the warm reception by the leaders of Khammouane Province and shared an overview of the socio-economic development of Quang Tri Province. Accordingly, after the merger, Quang Tri Province has an area of approximately 12,700 km² and a population of over 1.8 million people, sharing nearly 410 km of border with Lao provinces, including nearly 200 km with Khammouane. In recent years, the province has recorded positive socio-economic results, with continued investment in transport infrastructure and implementation of key projects.
Vice Chairman Phan Phong Phu pays a courtesy visit to the Secretary of the Khammouane Provincial Party Committee
The friendship and cooperation between Quang Tri and Khammouane have continued to be strengthened and comprehensively developed. In the coming time, both sides agreed to step up cooperation in human resource training, education infrastructure development, heritage conservation, and to facilitate business cooperation and investment.
Vice Chairman Phan Phong Phu presents a souvenir to the Secretary of the Khammouane Provincial Party Committee
On the occasion of the New Year, leaders of Quang Tri Province extended best wishes to the leaders and people of Khammouane Province for good health, happiness, and continued development, contributing to further strengthening the special Vietnam-Laos friendship.
On the same day, the delegation offered incense and flowers at Team 589 in Pho Sy Tha village, Thakhek district, Khammouane Province, which is tasked with the search and repatriation of martyrs’ remains.
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