Ninh Binh expects Tam Chuc - Van Long complex to become a world heritage site

On January 14, the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee organised an international scientific workshop to establish the boundaries of the nomination area, determine criteria for outstanding global values associated with the orientation of building a dossier to submit to UNESCO for recognition of the Tam Chuc complex and Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve as a world heritage site.

According to Vice Chairman of the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee Tran Song Tung, the Tam Chuc - Van Long complex is a place where pristine nature, fascinating landscapes, and unique spiritual culture converge and blend, typical of the tropical karst region on the southern edge of the Red River Delta.

With its interconnected system of limestone mountains, valleys, and wetlands, the area has preserved the integrity of its geological and geomorphological formation processes and hydrological ecosystem. This is not only a scenic spot but also a "paradise garden" rich in scientific and aesthetic value.

One of the key highlights in the UNESCO dossier is the presence of the white-buttocked langur population. This primate species is endemic to Vietnam and is among the 25 most endangered species globally.

Tung emphasised that the research and nomination of the Tam Chuc - Van Long complex as a world heritage site is not only a professional task but also a strategic undertaking, reflecting Ninh Binh province's long-term development vision in building a heritage city, heritage economy, and cultural industry, aiming to make Ninh Binh a centrally-governed city by 2030.

At the workshop, delegates discussed the following topics: Geology, geomorphology, and biodiversity; cultural values (historical, archaeological, intangible) and human adaptation; integrity, boundaries, and management issues of the nominated heritage site; the proposed roadmap for nominating the Van Long - Tam Chuc wetland karst area as a world heritage site and the next steps in the plan.

Delegates also focused on establishing a "green corridor" connecting Tam Chuc (formerly Ha Nam province) and Van Long (Ninh Binh province) to create a continuous ecological and cultural space.

Concluding the workshop, Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim, Vice Chairman of the National Council for Cultural Heritage and member of the World Heritage Committee, stated that these are important scientific bases for the organising committee to synthesize, absorb, and refine.

The results of the workshop are an important basis for Ninh Binh province to finalise the report, include the Tam Chuc - Van Long complex in the provisional list, and proceed with building the official dossier to submit to UNESCO in the near future./.