The event was co-organised by the Nghe An provincial People's Committee and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Society (VASS) with representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, VASS and 60 scientists from across the country taking part.

The delegates focused their discussions on typical values of biodiversity in the region and measures to conserve the unique natural values of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province and natural landscapes in Pu Mat National Park in Nghe An Province.

They also proposed measures to develop heritage tourism models in connection with cultural-landscape tourism in order to preserve and bring into play cultural values in the region, which has a huge number of archaeological relics, religious sites, arts and architectural sites and historical monuments.

The northern part of the central region, home to Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue provinces, owns a system of diverse cultural and natural heritage sites.

Three of the region's seven relic sites were recognised as world heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). They are Hue relic complex in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province and Ho Citadel in Thanh Hoa Province. Several sites also received national heritage recognition.

The seminar gave participants an opportunity to share experiences, and examine the potential and value of cultural and natural heritage sites in the region to promote its potential, contributing to the socio-economic and cultural development of the country.