The rocky mountain cypress, discovered in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 2004, is an endemic and rare plant species of exceptional value for biodiversity, scientific research, and gene conservation. Through years of research, scientists have determined that this is the world's largest rocky mountain cypress population, with a potential distribution area of approximately 3,732 hectares, mainly concentrated in the strictly protected zone of Thuong Trach commune, comprising about 592,543 mature trees.
The majority of the distribution area lies on rugged limestone terrain, far from populated areas. This helps to preserve the ecosystem relatively intact, but also poses considerable difficulties for authorities in patrolling, monitoring, and preventing illegal encroachment and exploitation.
According to the plan for managing and protecting the rocky mountain cypress population, many tasks and solutions will be implemented synchronously, such as: Strengthening patrols and control, coordinating between functional forces; promoting propaganda and raising community awareness; applying science and technology, digital transformation in management, monitoring and building a database on the rocky mountain cypress population; focusing on developing sustainable livelihoods for people in the buffer zone to reduce pressure on forest resources and promote the role of the community in conservation work…
The issuance of this plan not only enhances the effectiveness of managing and protecting the rocky mountain cypress population in the new phase but also contributes to the effective achievement of goals related to biodiversity conservation, application of science and technology, and digital transformation in forest resource management at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Ngoc Hai