Pristine World Biosphere Reserves Recognized by UNESCO
The pristine and majestic Kon Ha Nung Plateau has just been recognized as a member of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO.
Vietnam’s biosphere reserves Kon Ha Nung in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai was named in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves at the 33rd session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme in Nigeria from Sept. 13-17.
 |
| Kon Ha Nung Plateau covers a total area of more than 413,500 hectares. Its core zone is Kon Ka Kinh National Park and Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve. (Photo: VOV) |
 |
| The middle zone stretches from Chu Pah district to Kbang district (Gia Lai province), bordering Kon Ray and Kon Plong districts (Kon Tum province), Ba To district (Quang Ngai province), An Lao and Vinh Thanh districts. (Binh Dinh province). (Photo: VOV) |
 |
| Kon Ha Nung's flora ecosystem is mainly lowland and medium mountain subtropical evergreen forest. A part of the area is semi-evergreen forest and dipterocarp forest. (Photo: VOV) |
 |
| The forest's flora has high biodiversity and is classified as at a level of international importance. Among its thousands of plant spices, many are rare, precious, and included in Vietnam and the global red book. (Photo: VOV) |
 |
| The reserve's animal ecosystem has many species that are in the world's Red Book. (Photo: VOV) |
 |
| Gray-shanked douc, black-crested gibbons, great hornbills, and masked finfoots are among protected animals. (Photo: VOV) |
 |
| The reserve has a system of magnificent waterfalls, particularly in Kon Chu Rang, which has 12 waterfalls over 15m high in the primeval forest. (Photo: VOV) |
 |
| Kon Ha Nung Plateau Biosphere Reserve is a popular tourist destination. In the buffer zone of Kon Ha Nung, many ethnic minority groups, mainly Bahnar and Jrai people reside. (Photo: VOV) |
 |
| Vietnam Red Book in 2007 mentions 22 plant species in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| The reserve has 380 species of wild animals, including 80 mammals, 228 birds, 38 reptiles. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| The pristine Kpung waterfall in Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| K50 Waterfall, also known as En cave, is located in Kon Chu Rang nature reserve. K50 waterfall has a height of more than 50m and is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Central Highlands. Behind the waterfall lies a large cave which is the home to swifts. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| A 50-meter-high ecological observatory in Kon Chu Rang nature reserve. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| Cows raised by local residents. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| The Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center is located in the Kon Chu Rang nature reserve. (Photo: VN Express) |
 | Interesting Facts about Lithophone – The Pride of Vietnam’s Central Highlands Lithophone, or stone gong, has been a signature musical instrument and the pride of the Central Highland locals for thousands of years |
 | 130-year-old stilt house in Central Highland's famous 'elephant village' A unique stilt house sits in Don village, famous for its tradition of hunting and domesticating elephants |
 | Three pristine lakes that capture visitors' hearts in Central Highland Lying in the midst of the mountains, Lak, T'Nung and Ea Kao lakes remained unspoiled and rustic. |
Related Stories
National
Vietnam News Today (Jan. 26): Vietnamese, Indian Peoples Strengthen Friendship
Vietnam News Today (Jan. 26): Laos always regards relations with Vietnam as top foreign policy priority: ambassador; Vietnamese, Indian peoples strengthen friendship; Vietnam shines at FITUR int’l tourism fair in Spain; Cold air to hit Northern Vietnam repeatedly ahead of Lunar New Year.
January 26, 2026 | 07:00
National
Vietnam News Today (Jan. 23): 14th National Party Congress – Milestone Shaping Brighter Future for Vietnam
Vietnam News Today (Jan. 23): 14th National Party Congress – milestone shaping brighter future for Vietnam; Vietnam supports UN Security Council’s substantive reform; Phu Quoc named among TravelAwaits’ top 10 trending destinations for 2026; Roasted pork belly bread leads TasteAtlas’ 100 Vietnamese dishes list.
January 23, 2026 | 07:00
National
Vietnam News Today (Jan. 16): Vietnam Shows Leading Role in ASEAN’s Digital Strategy
Vietnam News Today (Jan. 16): Vietnam seeks Japan’s support in science and technology infrastructure development; Developing ties with China a strategic priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy: Deputy PM; Vietnam shows leading role in ASEAN’s digital strategy: ASEAN Secretary General; Vietnam emerges as rising tourism star for Philippine travelers.
January 17, 2026 | 07:00
Travel
International Arrivals to Vietnam Hit New Record in 2025, up Over 20%
The year 2025 marked an impressive growth milestone for Vietnam’s tourism sector, as the number of international visitors to Vietnam reached an all-time high, increasing by more than 20% compared to 2024 and far exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels.
January 10, 2026 | 08:16
Recommended
Multimedia
Infographic: Members of the 14th Politburo
The first meeting of the 14th Party Central Committee elected the Politburo, the General Secretary and the Secretariat on the morning of January 23.
January 24, 2026 | 08:06
Multimedia
WVI Provides Over VND 6.4 Billion in Aid to Families Affected by Storm No. 10 in Thanh Hoa
According to Decision No. 257/QD-UBND dated January 21, 2026, issued by the Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, the emergency international aid is intended to provide relief to disadvantaged households in the communes of Co Lung, Pu Luong, Quy Luong, Trung Thanh, Thien Phu, Phu Xuan, Nam Xuan, Trung Son, Thanh Vinh, Thach Quang, Muong Lat, Quang Chieu, Nhi Son, Tam Chung, and Muong Chanh, which suffered the consequences of Storm No. 10 in 2025.
January 23, 2026 | 15:39
Multimedia
Plan International Vietnam Supports Communities in Da Nang after Typhoon 12 & 13
On 10 December, Plan International Viet Nam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Da Nang People’s Committee, carried out the first distribution under an emergency aid package worth VND 1.848 billion to support people affected by Typhoons Fengshen and Kalmaegi.
December 11, 2025 | 09:10
Multimedia
Equipping Vietnamese Students with Digital Safety Skills
On October 20, 2025, a series of communication events under the theme “Together for Online Safety” took place simultaneously at seven schools supported by Plan International Vietnam, providing students with essential knowledge to protect themselves in the digital space.
October 22, 2025 | 14:40
Popular article
Travel
Vietnam’s Villages Attract Growing Numbers of Experience-Seeking Travelers
In recent years, rural tourism has emerged as a vibrant trend among international travelers visiting Vietnam.
October 15, 2025 | 14:43
Multimedia
Digital Skills Bring New Opportunities to Quang Tri’s Girls
Plan International Vietnam in collaboration with the Quang Tri province's Department of Education and Training and The Dariu Foundation, on September 19 officially launched the “Girls in Tech - Children with Digital Technology” project.
September 20, 2025 | 08:39
Multimedia
Vietnam Launches Global Initiative to Empower Women Through Vovinam
The initiative of empowering women and girls through martial arts, specifically Vovinam, marks a significant milestone in connecting traditional martial arts with efforts to empower women and girls in Vietnam, as well as in the region and around the globe.
September 18, 2025 | 09:11
Multimedia
International Friends Extend Hopes for Strong and Prosperous Vietnam
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), international friends have extended their congratulations to Vietnam.
September 02, 2025 | 08:00