Vietnam’s biosphere reserve Nui Chua in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan was officially recognised by UNESCO at the 33rd session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (CIC-MAB) in Abuja, Nigeria, on September 15.
The recognition reflects the world's appreciation for Vietnam's policies, commitments and efforts in developing and preserving nature and indigenous culture as well as adapting to climate change and implementing the sustainable development goals in the United Nation's 2030 Agenda.
The Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve covers a total area of over 106,646 hectares and is located in the two districts of Ninh Hai and Thuan Bac. It converges forest, sea and semi-desert and is the the only standard sample of a typical and unique dry forest ecosystem in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
The reserve has much forest and marine biodiversity with rare animals and plants and diverse natural landscapes. It is home to more than 1,511 species of plants, including 54 recorded in the Vietnam Red Book and the IUCN Red List, as well as 765 animal species, including 46 listed in Vietnam's Red Data Book and the IUCN Red List.
Nui Chia is proud to have the largest coastal coral reef in Vietnam, with more than 350 species of coral and hundreds of species of marine animals.
At the ceremony, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism presented a certificate recognising Vinh Hy Bay in Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district of Ninh Thuan province as a national relic site.
