Unesco is preparing to announce Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand's third-highest peak that is part of a karst geological mountain range in Chiang Mai, as a new biosphere reserve.
Thai government representatives will attend, via online, the International Coordinating Council of Unesco's Man and the Biosphere Programme's review of 22 areas -- including Doi Chiang Dao -- to be listed as biosphere reserves today, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation's Facebook page yesterday.
The council is meeting for its 33rd Session in Abuja, Nigeria, from Sept 13-17.
Last year, the Thai cabinet approved the limestone mountain's nomination as it has an abundance of rare wild fauna and flora.
The area is also diverse in ethnic groups with Tai Yai, Hmong, Lahu, Lishu and Paganyaw, including Lanna culture.
Doi Chiang Dao is located in Ban Pang Ma-O in Chiang Dao district which is part of the upper Ping River basin where its ecosystem has been protected by the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary for four decades.
The surrounding area is home to protected animals, such as gorals and serows.
With the Doi Chiang Dao's abundance of biodiversity, there is the possibility that there remain undiscovered species of plants and animals in the area.
The area has a tradition of wildlife conservation, with a research station that has successfully conserved gorals in their habitats. Watershed and highland research stations are also set up in the area.