Concretizing the common vision
On July 13, 2025, at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, Hin Nam No National Park (Kham Muon province, Laos) officially became an expanded part of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Quang Tri province, Vietnam). This is the first cross-border World Natural Heritage of Southeast Asia.
Mr. Pham Hong Thai, Director of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Management Board, emphasized: Receiving UNESCO is an honor but at the same time a responsibility. To preserve and develop heritage, the two sides must coordinate closely, turning vision into practical actions.
According to Mr. Thai, the common vision and 8 goals of cross-border heritage management cooperation by 2050 have been agreed upon by both sides. This is the guideline for a series of programs, from biodiversity conservation, scientific research to ecotourism development, improving community livelihoods. In the first phase, the two provinces of Quang Tri and Kham Muon are focusing on concretizing those goals into feasible and sustainable activities.
Increasing resources and connections
"It is impossible to successfully preserve if people living in the buffer zone are still in difficulty. We identify that developing eco-tourism, creating jobs, and improving people's lives are the keys to protecting forests and heritages, Mr. Thai shared.
In addition to the economic aspect, cross-border governance is also a matter of concern. This cooperation model is expected to become a model for Southeast Asia in natural heritage management. By connecting zoning areas, including buffer zones, the two sides can build a common governance system, ensuring consistency in conservation, scientific research and tourism development.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Vietnam) and Hin Nam No National Park (Laos) are considered one of the most typical and intact limestone Karst landscapes in the world.
This area is located at the intersection between the Truong Son range and the Central East Sea limestone belt, stretching across the Vietnam - Laos border.
UNESCO's recognition has elevated regional values, while becoming a vivid symbol of strong cooperation between the two countries.
According to the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Management Board, in the coming time, the two sides will continue to develop joint research projects and programs for the conservation of endangered species, while expanding cooperation in human resource training and sharing management experience.
