Vietnam is currently leading Southeast Asia in the number of ASEAN Heritage Parks, with 12 areas.
Ba Be National Park in the northen province of Bac Kan (Source: vuonquocgiababe.com)
They are Hoang Lien National Park (Lao Cai and Lai Chau), Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan), Vu Quang National Park (Ha Tinh), Bai Tu Long National Park (Quang Ninh), Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve (Kon Tum), Chu Mom Ray National Park (Kon Tum), Kon Ka Kinh National Park (Gia Lai), U Minh Thuong National Park (Kien Giang), Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (Lam Dong), Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park (Tay Ninh), Con Dao National Park (Ba Ria-Vung Tau), and Bach Ma National Park (Hue).
Vietnam targets to increase the number of ASEAN ASEAN Heritage Parks to 15 by the end of this year.
ASEAN Heritage Parks are defined as "protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving in total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the ASEAN region."
These areas are established to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of ASEAN's rich natural heritage, through a regional network of representative protected areas, and to generate greater collaboration among ASEAN Member States in preserving their shared natural heritage.
The ASEAN Heritage Parks play a crucial role in preserving genetic resources, ensuring the sustainable use of ecosystems, maintaining natural areas of cultural and educational value, and raising awareness about biodiversity conservation among the people of ASEAN countries./.
Thuy Dung
