On September 14, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ngai province received an official dispatch from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on assigning the task of developing a dossier and nominating to recognize the Kon Tum Plateau World Biosphere Reserve.
Accordingly, the core area of Chu Mom Ray National Park and Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve have been effectively preserved for many years, the forest has high biodiversity value, and is home to many rare species of animals and plants in the Red Book.
Chu Mom Ray National Park and Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve have long been considered the "green lungs" of the Central Highlands and the South Central region, with forest area of thousands of hectares.
Quang Ngai's nomination of these two natural forest areas as the Kon Tum Plateau World Biosphere Reserve has the potential to meet UNESCO's criteria for recognition.
When recognized, the World Biosphere Reserve will contribute to promoting the potential and advantages of tourism, wildlife conservation, and preserving the culture of local residents living in the buffer zone.
According to Mr. Dao Xuan Thuy - Director of Chu Mom Ray National Park Management Board, the garden has a total area of 56,249 hectares, located in the southwest of Quang Ngai province (belonging to the communes of Sa Thay, Ro Ko, Mo Rai, Ya Ly, Sa Loong and Bo Y).
The forest has high biodiversity, with more than 1,000 animal species (including 112 species on the list of endangered, precious, and rare species prioritized for protection) and 1,895 plant species (including 192 endemic, precious, and rare species).
In 2004, Chu Mom Ray National Park was recognized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as an ASEAN Heritage Park.
In Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve, the vast forests are where thousands of hectares of precious medicinal herbs such as ginseng, Ngoc Linh ginseng, passion fruit, paint... growing medicinal herbs not only contributes to forest conservation but also improves livelihoods and eliminates hunger and reduces poverty for people.
