This reserve features a unique terrain composed of three distinct components: forest, sea, and semi-desert areas. It is considered to have the harshest climate in Vietnam, characterized by low rainfall and hot, sunny weather year-round. This climate has fostered a specialized ecosystem of flora and fauna, including many drought- and heat-resistant plants such as cacti, Combretum quadrangulare, Grewia eriocarpa, and Acanthus ebracteatus. Because of this, the Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve is regarded as a one-of-a-kind "thorny forest steppe" in Vietnam.
Research results indicate that the Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve currently harbors 1,514 plant species, including 54 species listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book and the IUCN Red List. The fauna is equally diverse, with 766 species, 48 of which are rare and listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book and the IUCN Red List. Notably, the area is home to many rare animals of international importance that are under strict protection, such as the black-shanked douc langur and the silver-backed chevrotain.
The areas surrounding the buffer zone of the reserve are also inhabited by indigenous ethnic communities, including the Raglay, Cham, and Hoa people. These long-term residents possess a rich and diverse cultural identity and make their living through various trades such as salt production, growing onions and garlic, animal husbandry, and crafting traditional musical instruments, creating a unique local community within the region.
Given these exceptional values, Nui Chua National Park was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve on September 15, 2021. Reflecting on this milestone, Mr. Tran Van Tiep, Director of Nui Chua National Park, expressed his joy, stating: "When we received the news that UNESCO recognized the Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve, we were very excited and happy because this title represents global honor and recognition for all the efforts of Ninh Thuan in particular, and Vietnam in general, in the conservation and development of biodiversity resources, as well as in the preservation of indigenous culture and the support of local research functions."
An Impressive Destination in Ninh Thuan
Immediately following the UNESCO recognition, Ninh Thuan province quickly strengthened and promoted communication to advertise the biosphere reserve, while also establishing a Management Board to create the best conditions for managing and developing the Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve into an attractive local destination, focused on the sustainable conservation of biodiversity values.
Accordingly, Ninh Thuan is accelerating the implementation of comprehensive solutions for protecting and restoring forest and marine ecosystems, as well as launching numerous research projects to supplement the list of new plant and animal species. Currently, the Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve Management Board is continuing to build and complete its system of botanical gardens, nurseries, and marine life rescue areas to conserve and develop rare and endemic gene sources at risk of extinction, as well as to expand the existing forest area.
In parallel with the conservation and development of natural resources, Ninh Thuan is also focused on promoting tourism activities in the Nui Chua National Park area by diversifying tourism types and activities to attract visitors. Key types of tourism include: community-based ecotourism, nature-conservation-linked tourism, and experiential tourism.
For community-based ecotourism, visitors to the Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve will have memorable experiences as they visit and learn about the cultural activities, customs, and livelihoods of indigenous ethnic communities like the Raglay, Cham, and Hoa. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the simple, nature-connected lives of the locals, try their hand at making handicrafts, and enjoy products made from local wild fruits.
For tours linked to nature conservation, the target audience is primarily students and lovers of wild nature, with content focused on education and experience. Visitors can learn about marine conservation efforts at the National Park and marine rescue operations. Additionally, guests can participate in activities such as salt-making, planting onions and garlic, and other daily routines to immerse themselves in the lives of the local residents.
Another type of tourism that is attracting many visitors is experiential tourism, featuring engaging activities such as trekking to the top of Nui Chua (over 1,000m high) to challenge oneself, camping overnight in the National Park, or immersing oneself in the lives of the natives. Participants in these experiential tours will be guided and supported throughout their journey exploring this wild land by local guides, making for a truly fascinating experience.
In particular, upon visiting the reserve, guests have the opportunity to discover beautiful pristine beaches, immerse themselves in the clear blue sea, and go snorkeling to admire the shimmering, colorful coral reefs.
The Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve has also been gifted by nature with a beautiful location known as Hang Rai, featuring majestic and unusual landscapes. Hang Rai is likened to a natural wonder—a "waterfall on the sea." Through thousands of years of geological formation, Hang Rai was shaped from ancient fossilized coral reefs, creating a spectacular two-tiered rock formation with many unique and unusual shapes. Waves crashing onto the rocks and receding create the image of a waterfall pouring onto the sea, leaving visitors spellbound by the beauty of nature.
UNESCO's recognition of the Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve serves as motivation for Ninh Thuan to invest in conserving and developing the natural treasure gifted by nature, ensuring the world gains a unique, high-potential biosphere reserve and visitors gain an impressive new destination.
