Pu Mat National Park has been recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park.
At the ASEAN Environment Ministers' Meeting, Pu Mat National Park was recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park. This will further expand the path of green economic development for the province's tourism industry, especially in the southwestern region.
A prestigious title
According to Mr. Le Anh Tuan, Director of Pu Mat National Park, Pu Mat National Park will be honored as an ASEAN Heritage Park at the World Heritage Parks Forum to be held this November.
Previously, on September 3, 2025, at the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME-18), Pu Mat National Park was officially recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP). Along with Pu Mat National Park, Vietnam also had the Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Reserve and Xuan Thuy National Park (Ninh Binh) honored on the same day.
"The recognition of Pù Mát as an ASEAN Heritage Park is not only an honor but also a milestone that shapes the future. This is the result of the persistent efforts of the unit and all levels of government in Nghe An province who have worked together to meet international standards for heritage parks.
"This title also serves as an affirmation and motivation for the unit, along with all levels of government, local communities, and people, to wholeheartedly preserve and promote the unique natural heritage, contributing to building the image of a green, sustainable Nghe An that is connected to world civilization," Mr. Le Anh Tuan affirmed.
To be recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park, a nature reserve must fully and rigorously meet criteria regarding integrity, representativeness, naturalness, and national and regional conservation significance; have an approved management plan and be recognized by national law; and may also meet additional criteria regarding transboundary nature, uniqueness, or cultural-ecological connections.
Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest number of recognized ASEAN Heritage Parks in Southeast Asia. To date, along with Pu Mat National Park, Vietnam has 15 Heritage Parks. ASEAN Heritage Parks have made significant contributions to the conservation of genetic resources, ensuring the sustainable use of ecosystems; maintaining natural areas with cultural and educational value, and raising awareness of biodiversity conservation among people in ASEAN countries.
Enhancing tourism potential and advantages while protecting the environment.
Since 2017, Nua village in Con Cuong commune (formerly Yen Khe commune) has been selected by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a location for funding community-based tourism development. With support in terms of mindset and skills, the people of Nua village have continuously developed ecotourism associated with homestays that reflect the unique cultural identity of the local people. Nua village is also located within the conservation area of the Pu Mat ASEAN Heritage Park.
Developing ecotourism in a sustainable manner is a type of tourism that brings the most sustainable economic benefits to local residents, not only in Nghe An, Vietnam, but also worldwide. Ecotourism development not only helps people protect environmental resources but also contributes significantly to preserving and promoting the unique characteristics of the locality. Pu Mat National Park has great potential in terms of natural landscapes combined with unique cultural features to develop sustainable ecotourism. Especially with its recognition as an ASEAN Heritage Park, Pu Mat National Park has even more advantages in promoting and attracting tourists, boosting tourism-based economic development linked to green growth and environmental protection.
Pu Mat National Park is located in the Northern Truong Son ecological region and is named after the highest peak in the area - Phu Mat peak, at 1,841m. Tourists visiting Pu Mat National Park will be able to admire the pristine beauty of the primary forests in the headwaters of Khe Thoi, Khe Bu, Khe Choang, Cao Veu... with one of the highest biodiversitys in Vietnam, home to many rare and precious species of flora and fauna.
Pu Mat National Park also boasts 2,500 plant species belonging to 160 families and nearly 1,000 species of wild animals. The endemic bird and mammal fauna in Pu Mat National Park includes 12 species (both Vietnamese and Laotian), among which are characteristic species such as: the Oriental Magpie-robin, Black langur, Saola, Large muntjac, Trường Sơn muntjac, Brown-footed langur, Yellow-cheeked gibbon, Striped rabbit, Striped civet, Star-crested pheasant, Long-billed thrush…
Furthermore, in terms of species conservation, Pu Mat is not only a national-level area but also has value for Laos and Indochina. Particularly important is the fact that the populations of several bird and mammal species that are truly endangered in Vietnam and worldwide still have the potential for conservation and development if Pu Mat National Park is well managed and protected. These include elephants, tigers, saola, gaur, Trường Sơn muntjac, striped rabbits, civets, sun bears, Malayan bears, and peacock pheasants.
Recognizing these advantages, Nghe An province has implemented numerous measures to sustainably exploit and develop the Pu Mat National Park tourist area, such as: promoting ecotourism in the area; implementing preferential mechanisms and policies to attract businesses to invest in the tourism sector; strengthening regional linkages for tourism development; investing in the construction of cultural villages associated with community tourism development, such as the Nua village community tourism area; the Khe Ran village community tourism area; and the Khe Kem waterfall ecotourism area…
After nearly 40 years of implementing development planning (1986 - 2025), Pu Mat National Park has attracted a considerable number of tourists. With these achievements, the Pu Mat National Park Management Board is now actively coordinating with local authorities and relevant provincial agencies to continue implementing solutions to improve the quality of tourism in the area, aiming to make Pu Mat National Park one of the most attractive ecotourism destinations in Nghe An province.
Mr. Le Anh Tuan, Director of Pu Mat National Park, stated: In October 2025, Pu Mat National Park launched a bidding process for organizations and individuals to lease forest land for ecotourism, recreation, and leisure activities within the park for the period 2024-2030, with a vision to 2050. In November 2025, a forum of World Heritage Parks will be held. At this forum, the Pu Mat ASEAN Heritage Park will be officially announced, honored, and activities will be implemented to connect and enhance the value of conservation and tourism development, as well as protect the natural environment. This will focus on connecting and implementing the strategic goals of the ASEAN Heritage Parks Program, such as establishing agreements between ASEAN Heritage Parks and stakeholders to conserve heritage and develop tourism.
