Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park seeks third UNESCO recognition
VGP - The Management Board of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park is coordinating with relevant agencies to advise the authorities of Quang Tri Province on procedures to seek UNESCO recognition of the park as a World Biosphere Reserve for the third time.
Son Doong Cave the biggest cave located in the core zone of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
The park's special-use forest ecosystem remains largely intact, with forest coverage consistently maintained at around 95 percent. Numerous wildlife rescue operations have also been conducted, achieving a success rate of more than 93 percent.
At the same time, the board is finalizing a third nomination for World Natural Heritage status under aesthetic criteria, aiming to further enhance the site's international profile and establish a solid foundation for long-term conservation.
In addition, the park has implemented two provincial-level scientific research projects and documented several plant and animal species previously unknown to science, reaffirming Phong Nha–Ke Bang's Outstanding Universal Value.
Alongside conservation efforts, the management board has promoted sustainable tourism by developing new ecotourism products, including the Legendary Truong Son Trail–Command Cave route.
In 2003, UNESCO recognized Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park as a World Natural Heritage. On July 3, 2015, the Nation park was recognized by UNESCO for the second time as a World Natural Heritage based on biodiversity criteria.
At the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris on July 13, 2025, UNESCO officially approved the extension of the boundary of the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Quang Tri, Viet Nam). This adjustment includes Hin Nam No National Park (Khammouane Province, Laos), forming the first transboundary World Heritage Site named "Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park"./.
