TUYÊN QUANG — A solemn ceremony was held on October 14 by local authorities and people of Na Hang District in the northern province of Tuyên Quang to receive the certification of National Landscape to Na Hang–Lâm Bình Nature Reserve.

The reserve covers a total area of over 61,000ha, stretching across 14 communes of Na Hang and Lâm Bình districts.

The area includes primitive forests along the Gâm and Năng rivers, hosting a diverse array of flora and fauna as well as stunning cave systems. There are many rare animals including those listed in the world’s Red Book.

The area includes famous landscapes like Thượng Lâm, Nà Chao cave, Pác Khoang cave, Pác Ban Waterfalls, Pác Hẩu and Khuổi Nhi.

Scientists have unearthed objects dating back to the Neolithic period (around 10,200BC) and Metal Age (4,000 years ago). The area has been a residential area for many ethnic minority groups like the Tày, Dao and Mông.

“The reserve is of great scientific value,” said Đặng Thị Bích Liên, deputy culture minister, at the ceremony. “Locals and authorities should further promote preservation efforts, while properly and effectively using the values of the reserve in order to develop local tourism.”

She also suggested that the province co-ordinate with neighbouring Bắc Kạn Province and concerned central-level agencies to ask for UNESCO’s recognition of Ba Bể-Na Hang Nature Heritage Site as a world’s nature heritage.

Liên also encouraged locals to promote co-operation in the preservation and development of traditional handicraft villages to create special tourism products and turn the area into an attractive destination for domestic and foreign visitors.

On October 13, the district hosted the Na Hang Mountain Culture & Tourism Festival and the province’s Mass Art Festival.

The events attracted thousands of participants. — VNS