The centre is entrusted with the tasks of rescuing, protecting and breeding plant and animal species, providing advice on rescue and conservation measures, establishing a biodiversity database and increasing international co-operation in the field of conservation.

Nguyen Quang Vinh, Director of the Hoang Lien National Park, said the establishment of the centre is particularly important since the park was given an “A” rating - the highest rating possible - by the Global Environment Fund for the value of its biodiversity.

Hoang Lien National Park comprises the communes of San Sa Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van and Ban Ho in Lao Cai province’s district of Sa Pa, as well as part of Than Uyen district in Lai Chau province.

The 30,000ha national park was recognised by the ASEAN Secretariat as a regional heritage site in 2006.

The park is surrounded by a buffer zone of 38,724ha, which borders a number of communes in the districts of Van Ban, Than Uyen and Phong Tho in Lai Chau province.

Located in the heart of Hoang Lien National Park is Mount Fansipan. At 3,143m, Fansipan is the highest in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and is therefore referred to as the “Roof of Indochina”.