reader Posted March 18 Posted March 18 From The Star (photo credit: Laotian Times) VIENTIANE (Xinhua): The Lao government's efforts to submit its Hin Nam No National Protected Area to UNESCO's list of world heritage sites are one step closer to fulfillment following the agency's acceptance of the application dossier. In the near future, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Center will conduct an on-site verification of the facts contained in the dossier and confirm the authenticity of the statements made in support of a world heritage listing, according to a report issued on Monday from Hin Nam No National Park's website. 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 planet's most 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, with their unique traditions, customs, and ways of life. Laos currently has three world heritage sites, including the Plain of Jars in northern Laos' Xieng Khuang province, the Vat Phou temple complex in southern Laos' Champasak province, and the town of Luang Prabang in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province. vinapu and fedssocr 2 Quote