Prestigious awards for Nui Chua National Park and Vinh Hy Bay

More than half a year after the 33^rd meeting of the International Coordinating Council for the Human and Biosphere Program in Abuja from September 13 to 17, Nigeria has finally authorised nomination files. Following this, UNESCO has formally recognised Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve in Ninh Thuan province.

Ninh Thuan People’s Committee receives UNESCO's certificate recognising Nui Chua National Park as the Biosphere Reserves.

This is the global community's acknowledgement of the importance of natural landscapes, biodiversity, and indigenous cultural values. It demonstrates the appreciation for Vietnam's policies, commitments, and efforts in conserving nature, indigenous cultures, and responding to climate change, along with its implementation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals in the 2030 Agenda.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No.44/QD-BVHTTDL on the listing of Vinh Hy Bay as a national monument of scenic beauty.

The Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve is the sole standard model of Vietnam's distinctive arid forest ecosystem. Its overall size is almost 107,000 acres, and it includes three distinct environments, forest, sea, and semi-desert. Currently, it is the home of 1,511 and 765 plant and animal species respectively, including numerous flora and fauna species listed in the Vietnam Red Book and the World Red List. Nui Chua has a 40-kilometre coastline and the nation's biggest coastal coral reef, with over 350 varieties of coral and hundreds of marine creatures.

It is a unique location where numerous rare animal species of worldwide importance are being meticulously conserved and protected.

The Nui Chua world biosphere reserve in Ninh Thuan province overlooks Vinh Hy Bay. Photo courtesy of the biosphere reserve, Photo: Nguyen Van Quang

Vinh Hy Bay, one of Vietnam's eight most picturesque bays, is also located within the Nui Chua world biosphere reserve. On January 7, 2020, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No.44/QD-BVHTTDL on the listing of Vinh Hy Bay as a national monument of scenic beauty.

This recognition elevated the image of nature, people, and indigenous cultures in Ninh Thuan province to international friends. It not only enhanced the province's reputation but also presented a chance to construct a model of socioeconomic growth based on a harmonious relationship between people and nature.

Rai Cave in the newest UNESCO's Biosphere Reserve Nui Chua National Park. Photo: Nguyen Van Hop

Ninh Thuan has put strategies in place to conserve and rehabilitate its forest and marine ecosystems, as well as rare flora and fauna species. Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve will devote its investment resources to conservation, research, and the fostering of ecological values. Activities will include boosting eco-tourism, scientific research, environmental education, sightseeing, and leisure.

The province is also focused on conserving and promoting art, sculpture, ceramics, brocade weaving, and traditional festivals. A methodology for forest conservation, supporting vocational training, and the establishment of grape-growing regions has also been established.

Ninh Thuan has huge potential for development in other industries including renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, and urban development. It is expected to develop an environmentally-friendly economy and take advantage of the opportunities brought by climate change.