The People's Committee of Quang Binh Province has issued a decision to establish the Forest and World Heritage Protection Center, following the reorganization of the Forest Ranger Department of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (NP), which is now under the management of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang NP Management Board.
The Phong Nha - Ke Bang Forest and World Heritage Protection Center will continue to perform duties such as patrolling, protecting forests, preventing forest fires, and preventing actions that harm the natural resources of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Additionally, it will play a crucial role in communication and education programs on conservation, helping to spread awareness of preserving the region's "green lung," not only within the local community but also among both domestic and international tourists.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang is finalizing the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve nomination. The proposed area for the Phong Nha - Ke Bang Biosphere Reserve spans 484,326 hectares and has a population of 133,642 people. The core area of the biosphere reserve is based on the boundaries of the core area of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park and its UNESCO World Heritage site, which spans two districts and seven communes/towns, totaling 123,326 hectares.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang NP is nominated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Photo: Khanh Trinh.The buffer zone follows the boundary of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang NP buffer zone, covering three districts and 13 communes/towns with an area of 220,000 hectares; while the transition zone covers six districts/towns and 18 communes/towns with an area of 141,000 hectares.
To be nominated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, seven criteria must be met, including: representation of a variety of ecosystems in the main biogeographical areas, including stages of human impact; high biodiversity conservation value; potential for sustainable development; suitable location to meet the three functions of the biosphere reserve; and a management and conservation system accepted by UNESCO.
If recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve, Phong Nha - Ke Bang will contribute to preserving diverse landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. It will also promote sustainable economic, cultural, and human development across cultural, social, and ecological aspects. Moreover, it will support environmental education programs, research, and monitoring related to conservation and sustainable development at the local, national, and global levels.