Located in Cat Hai special Zone, Hai Phong City, Cat Ba National Park has long been known as the "green pearl" of Northern Vietnam. The year 2026 marks an important historical milestone: the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Cat Ba National Park (March 31, 1986 - March 31, 2026). Over four decades, this place has not only been an attractive tourist destination but also a symbol of biodiversity conservation efforts and the international integration of the port city.
- A 40-Year Milestone of Construction and Maturity
On April 17, 2026, Cat Ba National Park solemnly held its 40th anniversary ceremony. The event was an occasion to look back on a long journey with many important achievements in biodiversity conservation and the promotion of natural resource values. The Director of Cat Ba National Park, Mr. Nguyen Van Thiu, affirmed that these proud results were achieved thanks to the close guidance of leaders at all levels and the tight coordination of scientists and organizations both at home and abroad.
Throughout the past 40 years, Cat Ba National Park has successfully fulfilled its mission of forest protection, preventing law violations, and minimizing forest fires. In particular, the companionship of the local community has helped manage natural resources more effectively, preventing illegal hunting and the negative impacts of unsustainable tourism activities.
- A Biodiversity "Holy Land" and the Cat Ba Langur Icon
Cat Ba National Park is the core zone of the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2004. This area represents a karst landscape encroached upon by the sea, recording the process of sea-level rise and fall as well as the settlement history of the ancient Vietnamese people.
The most unique feature of Cat Ba National Park is that it is the only place in the world where the Cat Ba Langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus) is present. Thanks to persistent conservation projects, the number of langurs has increased significantly, from about 40 individuals in 2000 to 76 individuals in 2023. This is a major success highly appreciated by the UNESCO Advisory Committee in its periodic reports.
Additionally, Cat Ba National Park attracts the international scientific community due to its insect diversity. From May 10 to May 15, 2026, a scientific delegation consisting of experts from the Vietnam National Museum of Nature and the Asian Coleopterological Society (Japan) is expected to investigate, observe, and record the diversity of insect species here. This activity serves not only research purposes but also helps the city better manage rare genetic resources.
- Digital Transformation and Modernization of Management
Entering a new stage of development, Cat Ba National Park is leading the way in applying technology to resource management. A breakthrough step is the establishment of an information database for 1,300 flora and fauna species in the "Database Management Software for Biodiversity of Flora and Fauna Species in the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve". In 2026, this database will continue to be updated and supplemented, making monitoring and conservation more scientific and accurate.
The city is also developing a draft "Sustainable Development Strategy for the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve for the 2024-2035 period" and a specific action plan for the 2026-2030 period. These strategies are closely integrated with global biodiversity target frameworks, ensuring harmony between conservation and economic development.
- International Integration and Sustainable Ecotourism Models
Cat Ba National Park is actively expanding international cooperation to enhance its position. On March 26, 2026, a delegation of experts from the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the Czech Tourism Association visited and worked at the Park. The Czech side introduced a trail marking system—a proven safe and sustainable model for outdoor tourism—to support Cat Ba in developing international-standard ecotourism infrastructure.
In addition to welcoming international delegations, representatives of Cat Ba National Park's leadership are expected to join a Hai Phong City working group to attend the 38th Session of the MAB-ICC in Paraguay (taking place from June 3 to June 6, 2026). The purpose of the trip is to exchange experiences, learn about livelihood models for local communities living around Biosphere Reserves worldwide, and fulfill UNESCO's international commitments on natural sciences and education.
- Green Tourism Vision and Community Responsibility
Cat Ba National Park is developing a project for "Ecotourism, Resorts, and Entertainment" to ensure that conservation goals are not affected by development pressure. One of the new directions is promoting the labeling of Biosphere Reserve products and services that are environmentally friendly, in coordination with the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to raise tourist awareness.
Communication efforts are also being strengthened so that the community better understands the value of the Biosphere Reserve. The participation of people in forest fire prevention and protection patrols is a key factor in preventing illegal hunting and unsustainable resource use.
With a proud 40-year history, Cat Ba National Park is steadily advancing on its journey to becoming a model of nature conservation associated with sustainable tourism development. From protecting rare langurs to applying digital technology and expanding international cooperation, Cat Ba National Park not only preserves heritage for the future but also contributes actively to the socio-economic development of Hai Phong and Vietnam's position on the world heritage map.