Hanoi (VNA) – The Prime Minister recently approved the nature conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park region, phase III, which is funded by the German Government.
The project, carried out from now to 2016, is intended to apply park nature conservation experience in local managerial agencies’ policy making process.
It will be financed with 2 million EUR (2.15 million USD) through non-refundable official development assistance of the German Government. The 175,000 EUR (188,400 USD) corresponding capital will be arranged by the People’s Committee of central Quang Binh province, which is home to the park.
The Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park was recognised as a World Natural Heritage Site on geological and geomorphological criteria by UNESCO in 2003.
The property contains and protects over 104 km of caves and underground rivers, making it one of the most outstanding limestone karst ecosystems in the world.
The park is also home to a large number of faunal and floral species, including threatened species such as tiger, Asiatic black bear, Asian elephant, giant muntjac, Asian wild dog and the recently discovered sao la.
It received its second UNESCO recognition on July 3 this year.
The site's new profile includes more geological and geomorphological data. Since 2012, the park area increased from 85,754ha to 123,326ha under a decision by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to adjust its boundaries.-VNA