Nui Chua and Kon Ha Nung: The primeval beauty of Vietnam's nature
Nui Chua biosphere reserve and Kon Ha Nung biosphere reserve
Primordial, magnificent, and incredible are the words that nature lovers take about the two world biosphere reserves of Nui Chua and Kon Ha Nung.
On the evening of September 15 (Vietnam time), within the framework of the meeting of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (CIC-MAB) taking place from September 13 to 17 in Nigeria, Vietnam's two biosphere reserves of Nui Chua (Ninh Thuan province) and Kon Ha Nung (Gia Lai province) were officially recognised as World Biosphere Reserves.
Notably, the profiles of these two biosphere reserves were approved right from the first round of review. Thus, after six years, Vietnam has additional biosphere reserves recognised by the world.
So what makes these two biosphere reserves so impressive to the world?
Nui Chua
Typical arid ecosystems in Southeast Asia
Nui Chua is said to be a typical arid ecosystem in Southeast Asia, with a natural area of 29,856ha. Nui Chua National Park in the South Central province of Ninh Thuan, is the convergence of three areas of forest, sea and semi- desert, featuring many rich and diverse ecosystems.
Diverse marine life (Photo: Nui Chua National Park)
Diverse marine life (Photo: Nui Chua National Park)
This is the habitat of more than 1,500 plant species, with ten endemic species and 54 rare species recorded in the Vietnam Red Book and the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN Red List). The conservation of nature, biodiversity and the environment has always received much attention and been conducted methodically.
After hatching, baby turtles are released back to the sea at Nui Chua National Park. (Photo: VNA)
After hatching, baby turtles are released back to the sea at Nui Chua National Park. (Photo: VNA)
Students learn about biodiversity, resource conservation and environmental protection at Nui Chua National Park (Photo: Nui Chua National Park).
Students learn about biodiversity, resource conservation and environmental protection at Nui Chua National Park (Photo: Nui Chua National Park).
The rich fauna in Nui Chua National Park. (Photo: Nui Chua National Park)
The rich fauna in Nui Chua National Park. (Photo: Nui Chua National Park)
The fauna is also very rich with 756 species of forest animals, more than 350 species of coral, and hundreds of species of marine animals.
One of the most special features of Nui Chua National Park is that this area has a dry and hot climate similar to many places in Africa (the highest temperature being approximately 42 degrees Celsius). Therefore, this place is also known as the “Phan Rang dry forest”.
The harsh climate and diverse topography have created a model of the most typical and unique dry forest ecosystem in Vietnam and Southeast Asia as a whole.
Kon Ha Nung
a typical plateau biosphere reserve
Kon Ha Nung is known as a typical plateau biosphere reserve. Located in the Central Highland province of Gia Lai, Kon Ha Nung biosphere reserve covers a total area of over 65,000 hectares with its two core zones of Kon Ka Kinh national park and Kon Chu Rang nature reserve, along with a forest area spanning the districts and towns of Dak Doa, Kbang, Mang Yang and An Khe.
The biosphere reserve is famous for the specific characteristics of the Central Highland forests, the richness of a closed subtropical humid evergreen forest ecosystem and its high level of biodiversity. It is located in many localities where indigenous people are living.
Kon Chu Rang nature reserve covers 15,500 hectares inside the Kon Ha Nung plateau. Its forest area stretches across many localities in Gia Lai province.
The flora and fauna in Kon Ha Nung Plateau are rich and diverse with many rare species. (Photo: VNA)
The flora and fauna in Kon Ha Nung Plateau are rich and diverse with many rare species. (Photo: VNA)
With many beautiful waterfalls, Kon Ha Nung plateau has become an extremely attractive eco-tourism destination.
The plateau features many pristine waterfalls. (Photo: VNA)
The plateau features many pristine waterfalls. (Photo: VNA)
Located in the Kon Chu Rang nature reserve, the K50 waterfall (also kwon as Hang En waterfall) is one of the most beautiful of its kind in the Central Highlands. It is dubbed the "fairy of the sacred forest".
Nestled amidst the sacred forest, the K50 waterfall has retained its wild and majestic beauty, without human intervention.
UNESCO’s recognition of Kon Ha Nung and Nui Chua as world biosphere reserves has great importance
Firstly, it was international recognition of the biodiversity values of the two biosphere reserves in particular, as well as the high level of appreciation from the international community for Vietnamese Government’s policies, strategies and efforts in the management of nature conservation towards its sustainable development goals.
Secondly, it showed the commitment of the Vietnamese Government to environmental and natural protection.
Thirdly, it contributes to promoting the image of the land, people and culture of Vietnam to our international friends”.
Chairman of the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO
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