(KPL) On July 13, 2025, Hin Nam Nor National Park, located in Boualapha District, Khammouane Province, has been officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking a historic milestone for conservation in Laos.

The announcement was made during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France. With this recognition, Hin Nam Nor becomes Laos’ fourth World Heritage Site, joining Luang Prabang, Vat Phou, and the Plain of Jars.

This inscription holds special significance as part of a transboundary expansion of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang World Heritage Site in Vietnam, making it the first joint natural World Heritage Site between Laos and Vietnam.

Renowned for its outstanding universal value, Hin Nam Nor features:

One of Southeast Asia’s oldest karst landscapes

The spectacular 6.4-kilometer Xe Bang Fai Cave

Critical habitats for rare and endangered species such as the golden-throated sparrow, Lao rock rat, and southern white-cheeked gibbon

The designation is the result of years of collaborative efforts by the Lao government, local communities, and international partners, with key support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Ms. Suansavanh Viyaket led the Lao delegation to Paris to witness the official inscription, highlighting the country’s ongoing commitment to cultural and environmental stewardship.

Beyond its ecological value, the recognition of Hin Nam Nor showcases the power of cross-border cooperation and underscores how sustainable development and biodiversity conservation can go hand in hand. The park’s new status ensures greater international attention and protection for one of the world’s most extensive and biodiverse tropical limestone ecosystems.

KPL