Vietnam leads ASEAN in number of Heritage Parks

 Vietnam currently tops Southeast Asia in the number of ASEAN Heritage Parks, totaling 12, according to a report from the Government News.

They are Hoang Lien National Park  (in the northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau), Ba Be National Park (in the northern mountainous province of Bac Kan), Vu Quang National Park (in the central province of Ha Tinh), Bai Tu Long National Park (in the northern province of Quang Ninh, which is home to Ha Long Bay), Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve (in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum), Chu Mom Ray National Park (Kon Tum), Kon Ka Kinh National Park (in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai), U Minh Thuong National Park (in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang, which is home to Phu Quoc island), Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong), Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park (in the southern province of Tay Ninh), Con Dao National Park (in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau), and Bach Ma National Park (in the centrally-run city of Hue).

Vietnam targets to increase the number of ASEAN Heritage Parks to 15 by the end of this year.

ASEAN Heritage Parks are defined as "protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving in total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the ASEAN region."

These areas are established to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of ASEAN's rich natural heritage, through a regional network of representative protected areas, and to generate greater collaboration among ASEAN Member States in preserving their shared natural heritage.

The ASEAN Heritage Parks play a crucial role in preserving genetic resources, ensuring the sustainable use of ecosystems, maintaining natural areas of cultural and educational value, and raising awareness about biodiversity conservation among the people of ASEAN countries.