Mount Chua Officially Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam
On the morning of April 14, the Ninh Thuan Provincial People’s Committee held a ceremony to receive the certificate recognizing the Mount Chua Biosphere Reserve from UNESCO. Previously, during the 33rd meeting of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme held in September 2021 in Nigeria, the nomination dossier was approved and officially recognized by UNESCO.
The Mount Chua Biosphere Reserve, located in Ninh Hai District, Ninh Thuan Province, covers a total area of 106,646 hectares, including forests, sea, and semi-desert ecosystems. It is home to a unique dry forest ecosystem found in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The core area is the Mount Chua National Park, which boasts significant biodiversity in both forest and marine life, including rare animal and plant species and diverse natural landscapes.
Flora of the core area at Mount Chua Biosphere Reserve, Ninh Thuan. (Photo: Huỳnh Văn Truyền)
Mount Chua is a “common home” for over 1,511 plant species, including 54 species listed in the Vietnam Red Book and the World Red List (IUCN); it also hosts 765 animal species, of which 46 are rare according to IUCN standards. With 40 kilometers of coastline, Mount Chua features the largest coral reef in Vietnam, comprising over 350 coral species and hundreds of marine animal species.
Notably, Mount Chua is home to many internationally significant rare animal species, such as sea turtles, black-footed langurs, and silver-backed cheek monkeys, which are strictly protected.
Scientists have assessed that this area experiences the harshest climate in Vietnam, characterized by low rainfall and year-round heat, resulting in a distinctive semi-arid ecosystem. Therefore, Mount Chua is also known as a unique “cactus prairie” in Vietnam.
Within Mount Chua lies Vinh Hy Bay—one of the eight most beautiful bays in Vietnam, recognized as a national scenic site. The recognition of the Mount Chua Biosphere Reserve and the national scenic site of Vinh Hy Bay is expected to promote the natural beauty, people, and indigenous culture of Ninh Thuan Province and Vietnam to the international community.
Ancient coral reef platform at Mount Chua National Park. (Photo: Huỳnh Văn Truyền)
According to the leaders of the Ninh Thuan Provincial People’s Committee, programs and solutions for the protection and restoration of forest and marine ecosystems, as well as rare animal and plant species, have been implemented. The province also focuses resources on investments in research and conservation of biodiversity, promoting ecological values through various forms such as eco-tourism, scientific research tourism, environmental education, and relaxation visits.
11 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam
1. Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve (2000).
2. Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve (2001).
3. Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve (2004).
4. Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve (2004).
5. Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve (2006).
6. Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (2007).
7. Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve (2009).
8. Ca Mau Cape Biosphere Reserve (2009).
9. Lang Biang Biosphere Reserve (Da Lat) (2015).
10. Mount Chua Biosphere Reserve (Ninh Thuan) (2021).
11. Kon Ha Nung Biosphere Reserve (Gia Lai) (2021).
Scientists Propose Drilling “Hell’s Gate” to Extinguish Fires
Earth’s Core is Leaking, “Treasure” from 13.8 Billion Years Ago Escapes to the Surface
