Linking ASEAN Heritage Parks across Viet Nam

The workshop aimed to connect, build networks, and share information among ASEAN Heritage Parks inViet Nam while strengthening the natural heritage system and implementing aspects of biodiversity under the 2020 Environmental Protection Law and Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP. The outcomes of the workshop include [specific outcomes], and the next steps involve [future actions].

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Le Ngoc Tuan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), noted thatViet Nam has the highest number of ASEAN Heritage Parks recognized in Southeast Asia. To date,Viet Nam has 12 areas recognized as ASEAN Heritage Parks, including Hoang Lien National Park (Lao Cai, Lai Chau), Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan), Vu Quang National Park (Ha Tinh), Bai Tu Long National Park (Quang Ninh), Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve (Kon Tum), Chu Mom Ray National Park (Kon Tum), Kon Ka Kinh National Park (Gia Lai), U Minh Thuong National Park (Kien Giang), Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park (Lam Dong), Lo Go - Xa Mat National Park (Tay Ninh), Con Dao National Park (Ba Ria - Vung Tau), and Bach Ma National Park (Thua Thien - Hue). More ASEAN Heritage Parks inViet Nam are expected to be recognized. Connecting ASEAN Heritage Parks will enhance the effectiveness of biodiversity, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable development.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Vinh, Head of the Natural Heritage Management Division, Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, cooperation in managing the ASEAN Heritage Parks network will bring multiple benefits, including increasing access to traditional knowledge and sustainable utilization of natural resources by local communities; enhancing community participation through livelihood development programs; increasing funding for ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs); improving AHP management capacity; and aligning with the goals outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).