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ix
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Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Viet Nam
Factors affecting the property in 2005*
  • Ground transport infrastructure
  • Illegal activities
  • Management systems/ management plan
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

Negative impacts of a road construction project in the World Heritage site; Illegal logging and forest crimes; Lack of a visitor Management Plan.

International Assistance: requests for the property until 2005
Requests approved: 1 (from 2005-2005)
Total amount approved : 24,240 USD
Missions to the property until 2005**
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2005

A report on the state of conservation of the property was submitted by the State Party on 21 January 2005 as requested by the Committee its 28th session (Suzhou, 2004).  The report outlines measures taken by the authorities to mitigate the negative impacts of a road construction project.  Eight measures have been undertaken in regard to impact reduction, including education and awareness programmes; waste collection measures; tree planting; embankment and ditch system construction; planting of grass; maintenance of the naturally recovered vegetation; law enforcement and involvement of local people in forest protection.

The report also notes that measures to stop illegal actions and to enforce the existing law in Quang Binh province have been strengthened, with programmatic initiatives such as the Inter-border Conservation Cooperation funded by the World Bank through several workshops.  These initiatives are receiving backing from key organizations including WWF, which is promoting and supporting the implementation of conservation activities in specific localities.

The report further notes that a plan is being developed to strengthen the management of the buffer zone by the Quang Binh People’s committee.  The plan intends to clarify the different responsibilities of the Central Vietnam Government and the Quang Binh People’s Committee and includes conservation activities for which the German government is apparently considering providing financial assistance up to USD 12.6 millions. 

Other measures reported by the State Party relate to the visitor Management Plan.  Efforts are currently being undertaken by the management board of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to effectively manage the different types of tourists visiting the property.  An analysis on tourism needs, diversification of activities and awareness programmes has also been launched.

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2005
29 COM 7B.14
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Viet Nam)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-05/29.COM/7B.Rev,

2. Recalling its Decision 28 COM 15B.19 adopted at its 28th session (Suzhou, 2004),

3. Noting that measures were taken by the authorities to mitigate the negative impacts of the road construction, including education and awareness-raising programmes; waste collection measures; tree planting; embankment and ditch system construction; planting of grass; maintenance of the naturally recovered vegetation; law enforcement and involvement of local people in forest protection,

4. Further noting that other positive initiatives, such as activities for possible transboundary cooperation with Lao People’s Democratic Republic as well as programmes for buffer zone management and tourist management are ongoing,

5. Congratulates the State Party of Vietnam on its positive response to the request of the Committee at its 28th session and for its efforts for the conservation of the property;

6. Requests the State Party to report regularly to the World Heritage Centre on the state of conservation of the property.

Draft Decision: 29 COM 7B.14

The World Heritage Committee,

1.  Having examined Document WHC-05/29.COM/7B.Rev,

2.  Recalling its Decision 28 COM 15B.19 adopted at its 28th session (Suzhou, 2004),

3.  Noting that measures were taken by the authorities to mitigate the negative impacts of the road construction, including education and awareness programmes; waste collection measures; tree planting; embankment and ditch system construction; planting of grass; maintenance of the naturally recovered vegetation; law enforcement and involvement of local people in forest protection,

4.  Further noting that other positive initiatives, such as activities for possible transboundary cooperation with Lao P.D.R as well as programmes for buffer zone management and tourist management are on-going,

5.  Congratulates the State Party on its positive response to the request of the Committee at its 28th session and for its efforts for the conservation of the property

6.  Requests the State Party to regularly report to the World Heritage Centre on the state of conservation of the property.   

Report year: 2005
Viet Nam
Date of Inscription: 2003
Category: Natural
Criteria: (viii)(ix)(x)
Documents examined by the Committee
arrow_circle_right 29COM (2005)
Exports

* : The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).

** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.