Welcome to Discover Ninh Binh. Welcome to a wonderland of karsts, caves, spectacular waterways, ancient traditions and historical monuments. Welcome to gorgeous landscapes, awe inspiring natural beauty, fantastic food, and gracious people. Ninh Binh has always been at the heart of Vietnam, the home of the founders of what has since become a vibrant nation and a modern ecological, spiritual and historical treasure.house. Welcome!
The modern Ninh Binh Province declares itself dedicated to preserving and displaying the rich history, verdant fields, and abundant natural resources of Vietnam, the newest of “old” countries. This is not surprising considering the Hoa Lu-Tam Coc-Trang An complex is acknowledge by UNESCO as a Global heritage site and within Vietnam, a national treasure.
In recent years, Vietnam’s population has grown significantly, and the country has rapidly transitioned to industrialization and urbanization. Unfortunately, this, along with the impacts of past wars, has led to the neglect and destruction of many of Vietnam’s ecological and historical treasures.
The Ninh Binh Provincial Government, the Vietnam National Assembly, and the Vietnamese business community have come together to reverse the trend of neglect and destruction of Vietnam’s natural and archeological wealth. As part of the sustainability effort, there is a strong push towards both domestic and foreign tourism, which is hoped to provide a significant boost to the reclamation endeavors.
Vietnam’s first President, Ho Chi Minh, had a visionary outlook that emphasized the significance of preserving the environment to ensure a sustainable future for the country. In 1962, just as the most devastating conflict in living memory was beginning, he inaugurated Cuc Phuong National Park. Despite the turmoil and strife that followed, subsequent governments, individuals, and even foreign nations have kept Ho Chi Minh’s dream alive by continuing to invest in and preserve the biodiversity of Vietnam’s first and largest national park.
Preservation in Ninh Binh
Currently, a significant portion of northern Ninh Binh Province has been designated as an ecologically protected zone. This recognition has resulted in funding and support from various international bodies, including UNESCO and AUSAID, as well as strong support from the Central Government. Hoa Lu Ancient City, the original Vietnamese national capital, has been declared a National Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. All this highlights the importance the rich cultural and natural heritage of Ninh Binh Province.
Despite the positive developments, there are still significant challenges facing the preservation of Ninh Binh Province’s ecological wealth. Reports continue of wildlife smugglers, illegal logging, and willful, often malicious, ignorance of the protections put in place. The large and wild nature of the area only a couple of hours drive from the megalopolis of Hanoi makes it challenging for conservation groups to patrol and monitor. While welcome and important, recognition as a critical global and national resource for the ongoing biodiversity of the region is only part of the solution.
Benefits of Ecological Tourism
Discover Ninh Binh strongly believes that ecotourism, both domestic and international, can provide a significant boost to the preservation efforts in many different ways. In addition to providing a source of revenue, tourism can also help local communities realize the value of preserving their natural resources, leading to continued support for conservation efforts.
To ensure the success of ecotourism, it is crucial that local communities see direct benefits from the industry. This can include employment opportunities, recognition, and increased business in services such as catering, accommodation, tour hires, and translation services.
For this to happen, visitors should make a conscious effort to support locally-owned businesses and curb the temptation to patronize global chains like Starbucks or Jollibee. Instead, spending time and money in locally-owned businesses can have a much more significant and positive impact on the community and the conservation efforts in the province as a whole.
Education
Education also plays a critical role in promoting awareness of the natural and cultural heritage of Ninh Binh Province. Experiencing the region’s magnificent landscape, waterways, birds, flora, and fauna first-hand can significantly influence people’s understanding of the importance of preserving these protected areas.
With a large demographic shift towards urban environments, many Vietnamese and foreigners may be unaware of the region’s immense biodiversity. This diversity is important to maintaining a healthy environment to sustain clean water supplies, air, and a vibrant food chain. Education and ecotourism can be powerful tools in promoting awareness and appreciation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Enjoy!
Ecotourism in Ninh Binh does not have to be a dull and depressing experience attended only by environmental activists. Visitors to Ninh Binh will enthusiastically recount their experiences, such as boat rides in Trang An and Tam Coc, the excitement of climbing Hang Mua View Point, savoring the taste of home-cooked Com Chay Ninh Binh, Then there is the view of thousands of birds taking flight at Thung Nham, the exuberant Buddhism of Bai Dinh, trekking through the forests, caves and wildlife at Cuc Phuong National Park .The list goes on, but it is indisputable that Ninh Binh has become one of the must-visit destinations in Vietnam, and ecotourism plays a significant role in this trend.
And never discount the pure enjoyment that comes from appreciating natural beauty. Supporting the preservation of this most special place is a source of encouragement and employment to the many people actively involved in conservation efforts. If their hard work goes unnoticed or becomes expected, it can decrease interest and availability of the workforce not maintain the effort. Your visit will add value to the preservation efforts, sometimes in unexpected ways.
