HCMC – Halong Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago off Quang Ninh Province and Haiphong City has been recognized as the inter-provincial world heritage site in Vietnam by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
UNESCO’s decision was unveiled during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on September 16, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
This accolade marks a significant milestone for the region, making it the first inter-provincial UNESCO-listed world heritage site in Vietnam.
The natural beauty of Halong Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago is nothing short of breathtaking, with its limestone islands adorned with luxuriant vegetation, towering limestone peaks emerging from the azure waters, and remarkable karst formations.
Covering over 17,000 hectares, the heritage site encompasses Vietnam’s largest maritime forest and boasts a rich variety of ecosystems.
It is home to more than 4,900 species, including 198 species listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Additionally, the 1,000-hectare pristine forest on pristine forest is one of the key factors contributing to the ecological value and biodiversity of this heritage site.
Previously, Cat Ba had been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere
Reserve in 2014. Halong Bay in Quang Ninh Province was named by UNESCO as a
world heritage site twice in 1994 and 2000.
