Nui Chua – A new biosphere reserve
The 3-in-1 biosphere reserve
Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve lies within Nui Chua National Park, with a total area of more than 106,646 hectares (core area is more than 16,400 hectares), located in the two districts of Ninh Hai and Thuan Bac, about 30km northeast of Phan Rang - Thap Cham in Ninh Thuan province.
It also has diverse flora. Photo: Nui Chua National Park’s files
This reserve has a peculiar topography converging three natural areas of forest, sea and semi-desert and is considered to have the harshest climate in Vietnam with low rainfall and hot weather all year round.
"Nui Chua (Ninh Thuan) and Kon Ha Nung (Gia Lai) were recognized by UNESCO at the 33rd session of its International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB-ICC) in Nigeria from September 13-17 2021, bringing the total number of world biosphere reserves in Vietnam to 11."
It is this type of arid weather that has created a unique flora and fauna ecosystem with many species that are drought and heat tolerant such as, cacti, Combretum quadrangulare and Hydnocarpus ilicifolia. With these unique characteristics, the Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve is also said to be a unique meadow of "thorny trees" in Vietnam.
With a sea area of 7,352 ha, the underwater ecosystem of the Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve is also equally rich. Every year, a population of sea turtles comes to this place to lay eggs and it is home to the largest coral reef in Vietnam with 350 species. Additionally, it is also known for its beautiful beaches such as, Binh Tien, Nuoc Ngot, Chuoi, Thung and Ken. These stunning landscapes of the blue sea, white sand, and golden sunshine are the dream of many tourists.
The Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve is endowed with 1,514 species of flora, of which 54 are recorded in the Vietnam Red Data Book and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. It is also home to 766 animal species, of which 48 are recorded in the Vietnam Red Data Book and the IUCN’s Red List. There are some of international importance that are attentively protected such as, the black-shanked douc and the Vietnamese mouse-deer.
The buffer zone of the reserve is also home to ethnic minorities such as the Raglay, Cham and Chinese. They all have rich and diverse cultural identities and form a community of unique features.
Thanks to 40km of coastline, Nui Chua National Park has rich marine flora and fauna, with a large coral population of more than 350 species. This palce is among rare destinations in Vietnam for sea turtles to lay eggs.
On September 15 2021, Nui Chua National Park was officially recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a world biosphere reserve. “When we heard about UNESCO’s recognition, we were very excited and happy because this title reflects the world's honor and recognition of the efforts of Ninh Thuan in particular and Vietnam in general in the conservation and development of biodiversity resources, as well as the preservation of indigenous culture here,” commented Tran Van Tiep, Director of Nui Chua National Park, who could not hide his joy upon this event.
The Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve is endowed with 1,514 species of flora, of which 54 are recorded in the Vietnam Red Data Book and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. It is also home to 766 animal species, of which 48 are recorded in the Vietnam Red Data Book and the IUCN’s Red List. There are some of international importance that are attentively protected such as, the black-shanked douc and the Vietnamese mouse-deer.
A must-visit destination in Ninh Thuan
Soon after the recognition, Ninh Thuan province heavily advertised and promoted the biosphere reserve. Also, the province has established a management board to foster the best conditions for the management and development work, aiming to transform the biosphere reserve into an attractive destination of sustainable biodiversity values.
Accordingly, Ninh Thuan is implementing the preservation and restoration of forest and marine ecosystems, as well as conducting research projects. Currently, the management board of Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve is working on a system of botanical gardens, nurseries, and marine rescue areas. The goal is to conserve and nurture rare and endangered resources as well as expand the forest area.
Ninh Thuan also focuses on promoting tourism in Nui Chua National Park by diversifying tourism activities. The most notable ones currently are community eco-tourism, nature-conservation tourism, and experiential tourism. Community eco-tourism offers memorable experiences such as learning about the culture and lives of ethnic people. Visitors will have the chance to be immersed in the nature and ethnic life, try their hand at handicrafts and enjoy food made from forest fruit.
Nature-conservation tourism focuses on educational experience and targets students and wildlife lovers. Visitors will learn about marine conservation and marine rescue work. They can also participate in activities such as making salt, growing onions and garlic and other daily activities of residents here.
Experiential tourism is also gaining popularity with activities such as hiking on Mount Chua which is 1,000m high, camping overnight at the park, or experience the local life. Visitors will be guided by locals in such explorations. Going to the reserve, visitors will have the opportunity to explore beautiful pristine beaches, swim in the clear blue sea and scuba dive to see colorful coral reefs.
Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve is also favored by nature to have the majestic landscape of Rai cave - a natural wonder that is dubbed the “waterfall on the sea”. Formed over thousands of years, Rai cave is made from calcified coral reefs to create a magnificent two-story rocky beach with unique shapes. The waves crashing on the rocks and receding creates an illusion of a waterfall on the sea - a scene that is bewildering in its natural beauty.
UNESCO's recognition of Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve has driven Ninh Thuan to invest more in preserving and developing its natural treasures. The world then will have one more unique biosphere reserve and visitors an attractive destination.
- Story: Son Nghia & Hong Hanh
- Photos: VNP & Nui Chua National Park's Files
- Designer: Trang Nhung