Central Nghe An province on April 29 announced UNESCO’s certificate of recognition granted to the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve.

Covering more than 1.3 million hectares bordering Laos , the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve is the only remaining area in the northern region with unexplored primary forests.
The region boasts remarkable biodiversity, ranging from lowland evergreen monsoon forests to cloud forests at altitudes of 2,300 metres.

The reserve now accommodates more than 884,000 people of seven ethnic minority groups: Kinh, Thai, Kho Mu, Tho, H’Mong, Dan Lai and O Du.

It is home to 70 species of flora and 80 species of fauna listed in Vietnam’s Red Book of endangered species, 295 species of birds, 54 species of reptiles and amphibians, 83 species of fish and 39 species of bats.

Among the indigenous wildlife animals in the reserve is the Sao La or Vu Quang ox, which was first discovered late last century and is among the world’s most endangered species.

Vietnam has five other UNESCO recognised biospheres – the Can Gio mangrove forest of Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien National Park, Cat Ba archipelago, Red River Delta and Kien Giang./.