VietNamNet Bridge – The National UNESCO Committee of Vietnam has asked the central province of Quang Nam to urgently make scientific records of the lower section of the Thu Bon River to submit to UNESCO for consideration as a world biosphere reserve.

This area includes the complex of Hoi An ancient town, Cu Lao Cham sea reserve, and the lower section of the Thu Bon River.

The Thu Bon River’s lower section is the confluence of several rivers which run from the Truong Son Mountains to the sea, such as De Vong, Truong Giang and Thu Bon.

According to domestic and foreign scientists, this area has good environment for the development of fresh and salt water animals as well as animals on land. In addition, the architecture complex of Hoi An has been recognised by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site since 1999.

Many scientists confirm that the architecture complex of Hoi An ancient town and the lower section of Thu Bon River can’t be separated. Cu Lao Cham archipelago is a tectonic plate stretching to the southeast of the granite block running from Bach Ma-Hai Van-Son Tra, which was formed more than 230 million years ago. Through changes in nature, many caves have been formed inside the granite block. This archipelago also has nearly 5,200ha of water surface, with 165ha of coral and 500ha of sea grass.

Scientists have also identified 202 species of fish, four species of tiger shrimp and 84 species of mollusks living there, many of which are named in the Vietnam Red Book.

Archaeological research reveals that ancient people lived there more than 3,000 years ago. Cu Lao Cham is also on the sea silk road, and has tens of thousands of antiques belong to the Sa Huynh, Champa, and Dai Viet civilisations.

Tran Minh Ca, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Quang Nam province, said that Quang Nam was preparing documents to submit to the Chairman of the National UNESCO Committee.

Vu Trung