At the ribbon-cutting ceremony

Counsellor for Cultural Cooperation and Activities at the French Embassy in Vietnam Sophie Maysonnave  said the centre is one of three pilot projects under a project named "Share and protect Vietnam's heritage" which aims to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

The project is like an invitation to explore the Cuc Phuong National Park and is a typical example of shared culture between Vietnam and France, she said.

Nguyen Van Chinh, Director of the Cuc Phuong National Park, said with the support of the French Embassy in Vietnam and leading experts in the field of museum and international media, the centre will become an attractive destination and ideal classroom about nature that attracts the interest of visitors and communities.

Visitors can learn about the rich ecosystem, flora and fauna; unique cultural features and traditions of indigenous people, he said, adding that items displayed at the centre are designed with the maximum use of local materials such as stone, wood and bamboo.

According to surveys, Cuc Phuong has 2,234 floral species of 931 genera and 231 families. They include 430 species of medicinal plants and 229 species of edible plants as well as 57 species which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book of endangered species.

The Cuc Phuong National Park has been named "Asia's Leading National Park" by the World Travel Awards for the fifth consecutive year in 2023.

Translated by Nguyen Thuy