The 106,646ha Nui Chua biosphere reserve encompasses theterrestrial and marine areas of Ninh Thuan and is located at the end of theTruong Son Mountain Range where the climate is harsh with sunny, arid weatherand minimal rainfall. It is home to 1,511 species of flora, of which 54 are inthe Vietnam Red Book and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s(IUCN) Red List, and to 765 species of fauna including mammals, birds andamphibians.
It was recognised by UNESCO at the 33rd session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme(MAB-ICC) in Nigeria from September 13-17, 2021.
The recognition demonstrated international recognition ofbiodiversity values as well as the efforts of Vietnam and Ninh Thuan toconserve nature and promote sustainable development.
Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the provincialPeople’s Committee Le Huyen affirmed that protection and conservation programmesfor Nui Chua’s forest and marine ecosystems and rare species of flora and faunawill continue.
Ninh Thuan will focus on investing in promoting theecosystem’s values via the development of eco-tourism, scientific research andenvironmental education, he noted.
On the occasion, Vinh Hy Bay, located withinthe biosphere reserve, also received the title of national relic site from theMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It is a popular scenic destinationranked among the eight most beautiful bays in Vietnam./.