Earlier than Phu Quoc turned the suave, well-groomed ecotourism vacation spot it’s at the moment, it was a quiet island of not more than 45,000 folks. In just some a long time the island has grown to accommodate almost 180,000 residents and thriving tourism trade – and but greater than 50% of Phu Quoc Island and its surrounding marine zone continues to be considerable with pure magnificence.

The unbelievable ecological success is as a result of UNESCO Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, which straight protects land, water, and pure assets whereas offering help of the sustainable improvement of the encompassing area. The biosphere additionally features as a cultural protector, integrating conventional information into ecosystem administration, and searching for native enter into improvement choices.

The UNESCO reserve was established in 2006 and since then it has develop into probably the greatest locations in Vietnam to expertise nature in its truest varieties. The biosphere protects a system of 105 islands (Phu Quoc is the most important), which have remained a essential habitat for tons of of plant and animal species, together with endangered species. The encompassing ocean has been so effectively protected that fishing stays a main trade with out inflicting injury to the steadiness of the native ecosystem. The marine life and assets on this space, particularly squid, cuttlefish, and anchovies, are thought of among the greatest in the whole southwest area of Vietnam, and are essential to native livelihood.

The UNESCO Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve protects 105 islands. Phu Quoc Island is the most important.

The UNESCO biosphere reserve is Phu Quoc Island’s most valuable treasure and ought to be explored each on land and by sea.

On Land – Phu Quoc Nationwide Park

Greater than half of the northern a part of Phu Quoc Island is dedicated to Phu Quoc Nationwide Park, the terrestrial zone of the UNESCO biosphere reserve. A hike by the dense evergreen forest takes vacationers by an internet of intricately-layered ecosystems and local weather zones cascading down the mountain vary. Primeval forest merges with secondary and indigo forests; lowlands flood into wetlands; mangrove bushes and seagrass defend coastal mudflats and  waterways; uncommon orchid species develop alongside medicinal vegetation.

Fowl-watchers will likely be busy with greater than 200 completely different native hen species, whereas photographers with eager eyes ought to preserve a lookout for uncommon wildlife similar to macaques, loris, and langurs. Guests unconcerned with genus or species will however take pleasure in being immersed within the birdsong cacophony of uninhibited nature.

Island hopping the An Thoi Archipelage is among the hottest methods to discover Phu Quoc’s pure world. A tour boat will take you between uninhabited islands, the place nature grows daring, wild, and untrampled.

By Sea – Phu Quoc Marine Reserve

The cerulean waters surrounding Phu Quoc and its dozens of island neighbors are dwelling to their very own various ecosystems. A whole 41% of the realm round these islands includes a system of tons of of species of exhausting and gentle coral and the fish that occupy them. The seaweeds and seagrass beds that flourish right here present important habitat for critically endangered animals like hawksbill and inexperienced turtles, in addition to the dugong, a marine species on the point of extinction that may solely be present in one different place in Vietnam.

Water sports activities and actions are one of the best ways to get intimate with nature in Phu Quoc. Snorkeling alternatives are considerable and tropical fish – unthreatened by people right here of their protected habitat – are each colourful and plentiful. Get PADI licensed to take the expertise to the following stage, exploring the biosphere to its depths on a scuba dive.

Seashores mark the border of the 2 areas. Every island of the biosphere has its personal distinctive seashores, formed by completely different tides, ecosystems, and geological histories. Phu Quoc Island – the most important of all of them and a seaside vacation spot at its coronary heart – has among the longest and prettiest stretches, together with fashionable Sao Seashore, which is bracketed to the north and south by jungle. To mix wildlife remark with swimming and sunbathing, head to “Starfish Seashore” close to Rach Vem Village, the place starfish cluster on rocks below the clear water. On fortunate nights, it’s doable to see bioluminescent plankton illuminating the clear water, one more suave contribution to the biosphere.

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protects a fancy system of exhausting and gentle coral reefs