Khe Kem Waterfall is a destination that tourists cannot miss when visiting the Pu Mat National Park in the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. (Source: Vietnam Pictorial) In September 18, 2007, the reservewas recognized by UNESCO as World Biosphere Reserve for its ecological andcultural values.
The reserve includes three corezones, namely Pu Mat National Park - a storehouse of fauna and flora species,Pu Huong and Pu Hoat Nature Reserves, and the entire watershed of Ca River.
Biodiversity
The Western Nghe An BiosphereReserve has a high biodiversity, representing most types of tropical rainforestswith a plentiful array of habitats such mountains, wetlands and streams.
This is the only area in the norththat has a large area of primitive forest that is well protected. It lies alongthe border between Vietnam and Laos. There are many rare species in thereserve.
It is home to over 3,960 species, ofwhich 3,019 are vascular plants and 942 are large and small vertebrates. Manyof these animals and plants are rare or endangered, as noted by internationalsources and the Red Book of Vietnam.
In particular, the Western Nghe AnBiosphere Reserve is identified as one of the three areas in the country wherethe Asian elephant population exists in significant numbers according to herdsize.
Outstanding cultural value
The Western Nghe An Biosphere Reservehas the largest ethnic cultural diversity among biosphere reserves in Vietnam.In particular, it is populated by two ethnic groups that are unique to Nghe Anand are on the verge of losing cultural identity. They are the Dan Lai ethnicgroup, with 3,000 people residing in Con Cuong district, and the O Du group,with 570 people living in Tuong Duong district.
The diversity and rich culturalidentity of ethnic minority groups is the biggest characteristic and source ofpride in the western region of Nghe An. Many customs, folk songs, dances,traditional crafts, culinary culture, costumes and stilt-house architecture areimbued with unique indigenous culture.
Many historical and cultural relicshave been well preserved through the mobilisation of resources from the privatesector. These include the Choong temple festival in Quy Hop district, Chin Giantemple festival in Que Phong district, Van-Cua Rao temple in Tuong Duongdistrict, Hang Bua festival in Quy Chau district and Muong Ham festival in QuyHop district.
Locals and businesses, with thesupport and assistance from the administration, have contributed resources torestore relics, traditional festivals and cultural practices, therebyattracting a large number of people and surrounding areas to visit and joinreligious activities.
Khe Kem Waterfall is a destination that tourists cannot miss when visiting the Pu Mat National Park in the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. (Source: Vietnam Pictorial) The characteristics of biodiversity and unique culture are advantages fortourism development, especially eco-tourism, cultural and community tourism.
The types of tourism with prospects for development currently being explored byNghe An province include eco-tourism, sightseeing tours, cultural-communitytourism, forest adventure discovery and scientific research tourism.
Such products made by locals astraditional medicine and handicrafts are produced from natural materials. Thesespecialties are highly attractive to tourists.
After being recognised as a WorldBiosphere Reserve in 2007, tourism activities in the western region of Nghe Anhave developed remarkably. This has contributed to promoting the local economy,especially in Con Cuong, Tuong Duong and Quy Hop districts.
Infrastructure for tourism has beengradually invested with the participation of businesses.
The tourism development project ofWestern Nghe An has been undertaken by the provincial Department of Culture,Sports and Tourism. The goals are to expand tourist attractions, focusing oneco-tourism & culture and to promote advertisement to internationalvisitors.
Nghe An province plans to developurban areas in an ecological approach. Con Cuong district is chosen to pilotthis model before expanding to other districts.
Ecotourism and economic models witha green growth approach will be an important highlight in sustainabledevelopment in the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, the department said./.
VNA
