UNESCO recognizes Central Highlands plateau Kon Ha Nung as world biosphere reserve

UNESCO on Saturday awarded the "world biosphere reserve" title to Kon Ha Nung Plateau in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

Christian Manhart, Chief Representative of UNESCO in Vietnam, handed over the recognition decision to Gia Lai authorities at the province's 90th anniversary ceremony.

The 413,500-hectare Kon Ha Nung Plateau is home to two nationally protected sites, Kon Ka Kinh National Park and Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, which serve as its core areas.

Kon Ha Nung boasts rare species like the Gray-shanked douc (Pygathrix cinerea) - a rare and endemic primate species of Vietnam classified as critically endangered, with only about 1,000 individuals in the wild.

The importance of the biosphere reserve is reflected in the fact that it is home to many rare species, and a relatively large area of upper land rainforest in the Central Highlands.

The UNESCO recognition is expected to contribute to environmental protection, biodiversity, and sustainable development promotion across the reserve.

The title is awarded by UNESCO for nature reserves with unique and diverse flora and fauna. Biosphere reserves must meet seven criteria, namely having ecosystems representing biogeographic regions, significance for biodiversity conservation, opportunities for sustainable development, and a large enough area. They are also required to fulfil three functions as prescribed by UNESCO: conservation, sustainable development and logistic support.

Gia Lai currently has 31 ranked relics including one special national-level relic complex; 14 national monuments and clusters; and 16 provincial-level relics and 43 relics in the checklist.

Besides Kon Ha Nung Plateau, the gong culture space of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.