At the invitation of the Khammouane Provincial Government, a delegation from Quang Tri Province, Viet Nam, led by Mr. Hoang Nam – Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee – attended a workshop from July 27–30 on developing a cross-border cooperation plan between Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Quang Tri, Viet Nam) and Hin Nam No National Park (Khammouane, Lao PDR). The delegation also included Mr. Dinh Huy Tri – Deputy Director of the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park Management Board, along with representatives of relevant departments and units.
Leaders of Quang Tri (Viet Nam) and Khammouane (Lao PDR) at the Workshop on Developing a Cross-Border Cooperation Plan between Phong Nha – Ke Bang and Hin Nam No National Parks.
The workshop marked an important step in concretizing bilateral cooperation in biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and the promotion of World Heritage values. Participants shared management experiences, reviewed relevant policy and legal frameworks as well as customary local practices, and discussed the development of a dedicated protocol on transboundary heritage conservation to facilitate coordination in scientific research and international tourism management.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Hoang Nam reaffirmed Quang Tri Province’s commitment to upholding and implementing agreements previously signed between Quang Binh (Viet Nam) and Khammouane (Lao PDR). He emphasized that Quang Tri will continue to promote cross-border cooperation in conserving biodiversity and advancing the World Heritage values of Phong Nha – Ke Bang and Hin Nam No.
Overview of the Workshop on Developing a Cross-Border Cooperation Plan between Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Quang Tri, Viet Nam) and Hin Nam No National Park (Khammouane, Lao PDR).
The event was held against the backdrop of UNESCO’s recent recognition of the two parks as the first transboundary World Natural Heritage Site jointly shared by Viet Nam and Lao PDR – a historic milestone for cross-border conservation in Southeast Asia.
The Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee has tasked the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park Management Board as the standing agency, responsible for coordinating with provincial departments to develop a cooperation framework and implement agreed activities. A detailed action plan will be submitted to the provincial leadership of both sides and then proposed to the two Governments for guidance and execution.
Extending congratulations to the Party Committee, authorities, and people of Khammouane Province on Hin Nam No being inscribed as Lao PDR’s first World Natural Heritage Site, Mr. Hoang Nam highlighted that this achievement opens valuable opportunities for the two provinces to foster eco-tourism cooperation, promote green economic development, and raise community awareness of nature conservation.
As part of the program, the Quang Tri delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Vansay Phongsavanh – Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Secretary and Governor of Khammouane Province – to further strengthen the special friendship between the two localities.
My Hanh
