VIENTIANE, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in central Laos' Khammuan province plan to hold a grand ceremony at the end of 2025 to celebrate the inscription of Hin Nam No National Protected Area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the country's fourth World Heritage site.

According to the Vientiane Mai newspaper on Tuesday, authorities held a meeting on Monday to discuss plans for a grand ceremony celebrating the inscription of the national park. The site holds special significance as it forms part of a transboundary extension of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a world heritage site in Vietnam, the first transboundary natural world heritage site shared between Laos and Vietnam.

Authorities also plan to intensify efforts to raise public awareness about the importance and benefits of natural World Heritage sites, encouraging local communities to take part in their protection and management. They will work with relevant sectors to develop sustainable strategies for conservation and development, while improving local livelihoods.

Additionally, the province aims to transform Hin Nam No National Park into a sustainable, world-class tourist destination.

Hin Nam No National Protected Area is a natural marvel that spans an area of 94,121 hectares in southeastern Laos. This biodiverse and stunningly beautiful protected zone shelters some of the spectacular and mysterious biodiversity, and harbors an array of ecosystems, including pristine forests, majestic waterfalls, and intricate cave systems.

The park is home to an incredible range of species, including rare and exotic birds, mammals, reptiles and plants, and is home to several ethnic minority groups. ■