Central Highlands province eyes tourism development at world biosphere reserve
Friday, June 17, 2022, 09:04 GMT+7
A delegation of officials and tour operators from Ho Chi Minh City recently visited Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, as part of a survey trip to develop tourism products in the Central Highlands region.
The visit to the park located at Kon Ha Nung Plateau, which was recognized as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2021, was guided by Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich, deputy chairman of Gia Lai People’s Committee.
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| Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich (L), deputy chairman of the People’s Committee of the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, introduces the plants at Kon Ka Kinh National Park to a delegation from Ho Chi Minh City during a survey trip to boost tourism in June 2022. Photo: Hai Kim / Tuoi Tre |
According to Lich, Kon Ka Kinh is not only a forest that provides a source of food with precious vegetables and herbs, but it is also associated with the sacred traditions of the indigenous Ba Na people.
As a case in point, a banyan tree in the park is over 300 years old and an important place for Ba Na people who pray for their family under its wide canopy.
The Kon Ha Nung Plateau represents the forest ecosystem of the Central Highlands region with a very high level of biodiversity.
Kon Ka Kinh, which means 'the highest mountain peak,' is 1,748 meters above sea level. The park has been dubbed the 'Roof of Gia Lai Province.'
The Kon Ka Kinh park is home to semi-wild animals, green vegetation, and centuries-old trees, including a group of around 30 ancient banyan trees with the oldest aged 700.
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| An ancient banyan tree at Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. Photo: Hai Kim / Tuoi Tre |
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| The root system of an over-300-year-old banyan tree at Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. Photo: Hai Kim / Tuoi Tre |
The Kon Ka Kinh National Park is currently offering tours to the local primeval forest, ecotourism services combining environmental education, as well as trekking and cycling tours through the forest where tourists can learn about local culture.
The park’s guide team consists of biologists who can answer questions or tell visitors fascinating stories about the mysterious life of local trees and endemic animals.
Phan Thi Thang, vice-chairwoman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, said that organizing tours to the forest will hep boost economic development, effectively unlock available natural potential, and raise tourists' awareness of forest and environmental protection.
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| Green vegetation at Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. Photo: Hai Kim / Tuoi Tre |
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| A pine forest at Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. Photo: Hai Kim / Tuoi Tre |
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| Roots from a banyan tree embrace another tree at Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. Photo: Hai Kim / Tuoi Tre |
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| A small spring where visitors often stop for lunch while touring Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. Photo: Hai Kim / Tuoi Tre |
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| A grilled snakehead served for lunch in the middle of Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. Photo: Hai Kim / Tuoi Tre |
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| Grilled pork and chicken served with 'com lam' (sticky rice cooked in bamboo) for lunch in the middle of Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. Photo: Hai Kim / Tuoi Tre |
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