December 12

Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park, located in central Vietnam's Quảng Bình province, is home to the world's largest cave systems and remarkable biodiversity. On December 12, 2001, Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải formalized its upgrade from a nature reserve to full-fledged national park status. The announcement introduced revised maps and detailed plans for conservation projects, ecotourism, and community engagement. Officials highlighted the park’s importance for preserving rare species, protecting karst formations, and promoting sustainable local livelihoods. The decision followed studies by UNESCO and Vietnamese scientists on the area’s unique geological and ecological value. The new designation attracted international attention and funding, laying the groundwork for Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng's later inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the park is celebrated as one of Southeast Asia’s premier natural wonders.

The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, marking a pivotal moment in global climate diplomacy. Representatives from 195 countries agreed to strengthen the global response to climate change by holding the global average temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. The accord introduced nationally determined contributions (NDCs), requiring each country to submit and periodically update its own greenhouse gas reduction targets. It also established a transparency framework for tracking progress, financial support for developing nations, and a global stocktake every five years. Unlike previous treaties, the Paris Agreement relied on voluntary commitments and peer pressure rather than legally binding national targets. The agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016, after rapid ratification by many signatories. It remains the cornerstone of international efforts to combat climate change, influencing domestic policies and corporate strategies worldwide.