Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang world heritage site, home to the famed Son Doong cave, has won its second UNESCO title from the organization for its rich biodiversity.
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At a meeting in Germany last Friday, representatives from the UN body’s 21 member countries unanimously approved the national park’s application, reports Thanh Nien.
The biodiversity recognition is yet another feather in the hat of the national park that was awarded world heritage status 2003 based on its great importance for increasing human understanding of the geologic, geomorphic and geo-chronological history of the region.
The 123,000 hectare gem is home to caves nearly half a billion years old, 16 types of forests and a diverse collection of species, making it one of 200 biodiversity centers of the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Hopefully, it stays that way. Last month, the government announced that the park would be spared from development until at least 2030, limiting tourism actives, especially to Son Doong Cave where a 7-day excursion will set you back US$3,000. In the meantime, you can explore the world's largest cave with this nifty interactive map.
[Top photo via Oxalis]
