Tam Chuc Complex and Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve aim for world heritage status
WVR - On January 14, at the Special National Monument Tam Chuc Complex, the People's Committee of Ninh Binh Province organized an international scientific conference to establish the boundary of the nominated area and identify the criteria for outstanding global value, serving the preparation of a dossier to submit to UNESCO for the recognition of Tam Chuc Complex and Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve as world heritage sites.
Latest
The conference serves as a scientific, interdisciplinary forum to comprehensively review and evaluate existing research results, materials, and scientific data related to the Tam Chuc-Van Long area. This forms the basis for completing the report to include the heritage in the tentative list and orient the preparation of the nomination dossier according to international procedures, standards, and practices.
 |
| Tam Chuc Scenic Complex. (Source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.) |
One of the key topics discussed was the establishment of the boundary for the nominated area, with an estimated scale of about 11,000 hectares.
Opinions emphasized that boundary determination should not only rely on geographical-geological factors but also fully integrate ecological, archaeological, landscape, and historical-cultural values. This ensures comprehensive coverage of the elements constituting outstanding global value while creating a safe corridor for conservation and sustainable development.
The conference also focused on clarifying the heritage criteria – the core foundation of the nomination dossier.
Many presentations deeply analyzed the value of the Tam Chuc-Van Long area as a typical example of ecological evolution in a tropical karst context. It records ongoing biological processes, long-term human adaptation to the natural environment, and plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation with many endemic and rare species.
Scientific arguments were strengthened to meet the rigorous assessment requirements of international advisory organizations.
A particularly concerning issue was balancing heritage conservation with economic activities, especially the conflict between the cement industry and the need to protect the ecosystem.
The conference focused on discussing technical, legal, and governance solutions to promote a green transition, minimize impacts on the natural habitat, and ensure the integrity and authenticity of the nominated area – key factors for the feasibility of the heritage dossier.
Additionally, opinions also addressed the need to build an effective heritage management model, aiming for unified, professional management with substantial participation from the local community.
Transforming indigenous ecological knowledge into specific management processes is seen as a sustainable approach, contributing to linking heritage conservation with the livelihoods and long-term benefits of the people.
The conference results provide an important scientific basis for Ninh Binh Province to continue completing the dossier, gradually realizing the goal of nominating the Tam Chuc – Van Long Complex as a world heritage site, contributing to the preservation of unique natural and cultural values and promoting sustainable development.
