During a meeting with a UNESCO delegation led by Jonathan Baker, Chief Representative of UNESCO in Vietnam, Huan highlighted the crucial role that UNESCO has played in the socio-economic development of Ninh Binh Province. He emphasized that since Trang An complex received UNESCO recognition in 2014, it has contributed to local economic restructuring and the development of tourism. Ninh Binh is committed to transforming into a millennium urban heritage site and a creative city with exceptional values. Recognizing the challenges in preserving and promoting heritage values, climate change, and urbanization, the province hopes to receive further assistance from UNESCO. This includes mobilizing international resources for archeological and biodiversity research, as well as implementing advanced preservation measures. Ninh Binh also seeks UNESCO’s support and close cooperation in building a UNESCO charter or declaration for the Trang An landscape complex.
Huan took the opportunity to express his gratitude to UNESCO and its office in Hanoi for their support in promoting Trang An to the world. He also expressed his hope for a successful tenure for Baker in Vietnam, which would contribute to strengthening cooperation between UNESCO, Vietnam, and its localities, including Ninh Binh. Baker, on his part, praised the achievements of Ninh Binh and applauded the province’s strategy to become a millennium urban heritage site despite the challenges of climate change. He pledged increased support for Ninh Binh and stated that UNESCO Vietnam would organize international cooperation forums to facilitate the exchange of preservation experiences between localities with similar circumstances. UNESCO is ready to assist Ninh Binh in joining the global network of heritage cities and towns and in successfully celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex being recognized as a UNESCO world’s cultural and natural heritage site.
An Ancient Pagoda in the World Heritage Site of Trang An
Though the Tam Coc grotto is more popular than Bich Dong in NinhBinh province, about 120km to the south of Hanoi, the latter is still visit-worthy and in fact, still a favourite destination among tourists.