The designation was approved during the 38th session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, held on June 5 in Hernandarias, Paraguay.
The recognition marks the third time Phong Nha-Ke Bang has received international recognition from UNESCO, following its inscription as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2003 and 2015.
Pham Hong Thai, director of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Management Board, said the designation highlighted the area's outstanding biodiversity, tropical limestone forest ecosystems, natural landscapes and unique geological features.
He said the recognition also reflected international acknowledgement of Vietnam's efforts in nature conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development.
According to UNESCO-approved documents, the biosphere reserve covers 515,830 hectares, including a core zone of 123,326 hectares, a buffer zone of 220,055 hectares and a transition zone of 172,449 hectares. The area is home to more than 159,300 residents.
UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently includes 759 sites across 136 countries. With the addition of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam now has 11 UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserves.
The designation is expected to support socio-economic development, particularly tourism, while strengthening the area's profile in global conservation and sustainable tourism efforts.
