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What Is Inferiority Complex? Signs, Causes And How To Treat It

Inferiority complex describes a persistent feeling of self-doubt and a belief that one is inherently inferior or less capable than others, explains David Tzall, Psy.D, a licensed psychologist in New York City. The American Psychological Association (APA) describes the term as a "feeling of inadequacy and insecurity stemming from true or imagined deficiencies." These perceived deficiencies can be physical or psychological, and can lead to a range of behaviors such as immobilizing timidness to excessive competitiveness and aggression, per the APA.

Generally, you can think of an inferiority complex as a state of mind or a feeling of being unworthy compared to others, adds Jenny Maenpaa, a New York City-based psychotherapist and author of Forward in Heels.

While occasionally comparing ourselves to others can be a healthy motivator—like when it causes us to positively pursue certain goals after seeing someone achieve something we'd like to have, which can be a rewarding experience—someone with an inferiority complex tends to have a chronically negative inner monologue, which makes comparison to others a negative experience instead of a rewarding one, notes Maenpaa.

"When your inner monologue can only focus on how your shortcomings make you an inherently unworthy person, you've moved beyond usual insecurities and into an inferiority complex that is defining who you are as fundamentally inadequate," Maenpaa says.

Inferiority complex is not a diagnosable disorder on its own, so you won't find it in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), says Dr. Tzall. Still, he points out, it may be a feature of other disorders.

Some disorders where you may see an inferiority complex at play, according to Dr. Tzall, include:

  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD)
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
  • Dependent personality disorder (DPD)
  • If your focus is always on how you don't measure up to others, it's possible for those inner thoughts to lead to symptoms like insomnia, loss of interest in once pleasurable activities or restricting your food intake in an attempt to look a certain way, adds Maenpaa.

    "If enough symptoms are present for long enough, you might meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health disorder," she says.


    6 Best Vitamin B Complex Supplements Of 2024

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    Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

    Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
  • We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

    Was this helpful?

    Nordic Naturals, Thorne, and MegaFood offer quality supplements if you need more B vitamins. See what else our dietitians recommend.

    There are eight B vitamins that support metabolism, nerve function, and energy production, among other bodily processes. As these vitamins are abundant in food sources like animal products, legumes, leafy greens, and fortified foods, many people get all the "B" they need from their diet.

    But if you eat vegetarian or vegan, have increased nutrient needs, or have a medical condition that affects your body's ability to absorb nutrients, you may benefit from taking a B-complex supplement. Here are the products our dietitians recommend most.

  • Form: capsule
  • Active ingredient(s): thiamin 37 mg (3,083% DV), riboflavin 26.6 mg (2,046% DV), niacin 37 mg NE (231% DV), vitamin B6 45 mg (2,647% DV), folate 333 mcg DFE (83% DV), vitamin B12 250 mcg (10,417% DV), biotin 300 mcg (1,000% DV), pantothenic acid 60 mg (1,200% DV)
  • Price: $$
  • Healthline's review

    While Nordic Naturals is known for its omega-3 supplements — which top our list as the best fish oil supplement on the market — the company also makes an excellent vitamin B complex supplement.

    It's our pick for the best overall vitamin B complex, thanks to its rigorous testing methods and comprehensive formulations that are designed to maximize absorption.

    Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex contains all eight B vitamins in absorbable forms, including methylcobalamin, which is the active form of B12, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which is the biologically active form of folate.

    All Nordic Naturals supplements are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

    The company also offers customers a certificate of analysis (COA) to verify that its products have undergone specified testing and adhere to product specifications and standards.

    Pros & cons
  • contains all eight B vitamins
  • third-party tested
  • COA is easily accessible online
  • gluten- and dairy-free
  • certified vegan
  • contains all eight B vitamins
  • third-party tested
  • COA is easily accessible online
  • gluten- and dairy-free
  • certified vegan
  • Product details
  • Number of servings: 45 per container
  • Dose: 1 capsule per day
  • Certifications: non-GMO verified, third-party tested for purity
  • Number of servings: 45 per container
  • Dose: 1 capsule per day
  • Certifications: non-GMO verified, third-party tested for purity
  • Form: capsule
  • Active ingredient(s): thiamine 25 mg (2,083% DV), riboflavin 15 mg (1,154% DV), niacin 50 mg (313% DV), vitamin B6 50 mg (2,914% DV), folate 1,333 mcg DFE (333% DV), vitamin B12 800 mcg (33,333% DV), biotin 400 mcg (1,333% DV), pantothenic acid 100 mg (2,000% DV), choline 40 mg (7% DV), inositol 25 mg, Benfopure benfotiamine 3 mg
  • Price: $
  • Healthline's review

    Several B vitamins are used by the body during physical activity for energy production, tissue regeneration, and more. This makes it especially important for athletes and anyone active to meet their vitamin B needs through foods or supplements.

    Klean Athlete's B complex stands out as a strong choice for athletes because it's NSF Certified for Sport — a certification that ensures products are free of more than 280 substances banned by major athletics organizations.

    Plus, it's formulated with well-absorbed forms of all eight B vitamins, including 5-MTHF and methylcobalamin, along with Benfopure benfotiamine, a compound similar to thiamine believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

    Klean Athlete manufactures its supplements in a CGMP-audited facility and uses both in-house and third-party testing to ensure supplement quality.

    Pros & cons
  • contains all eight B vitamins
  • also includes choline and inositol
  • third-party tested
  • NSF Certified for Sport
  • dairy- and gluten-free
  • vegan-friendly
  • some complaints that the capsules have an unpleasant chalky taste
  • contains all eight B vitamins
  • also includes choline and inositol
  • third-party tested
  • NSF Certified for Sport
  • dairy- and gluten-free
  • vegan-friendly
  • some complaints that the capsules have an unpleasant chalky taste
  • Product details
  • Number of servings: 60 per container
  • Dose: 1 capsule per day
  • Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, third-party tested for purity and potency
  • Number of servings: 60 per container
  • Dose: 1 capsule per day
  • Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, third-party tested for purity and potency
  • Form: caosule
  • Active ingredient(s): thiamin 100 mg (8,333% DV), riboflavin 12.7 mg (977% DV), niacin 108 mg (675% DV), vitamin B6 16.7 mg (982% DV), folate 667 mcg DFE (167% DV), vitamin B12 400 mcg (16,667% DV), biotin 400 mcg (1,333% DV), pantothenic acid 100 mg (2,000% DV)
  • Price: $
  • Healthline's review

    Pure Encapsulations packs all eight B vitamins into its vitamin B complex — including 5-MTHF and methylcobalamin — and comes with a lower price tag per serving than other comparable brands.

    Pure Encapsulations exceeds standards set by United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a nonprofit organization that sets strict product-specific standards for the quality, purity, and identity of supplements.

    Plus, it's tested by third-party labs and is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, making it a good choice if you have a gluten-related disorder.

    Pros & cons
  • contains all eight B vitamins
  • affordable
  • certified gluten-free
  • third-party tested ingredients
  • vegan-friendly
  • can be difficult to find in local stores
  • contains all eight B vitamins
  • affordable
  • certified gluten-free
  • third-party tested ingredients
  • vegan-friendly
  • can be difficult to find in local stores
  • Product details
  • Number of servings: 120 per container
  • Dose: 1 capsule per day
  • Certifications: certified gluten-free, non-GMO verified, vegan
  • Number of servings: 120 per container
  • Dose: 1 capsule per day
  • Certifications: certified gluten-free, non-GMO verified, vegan
  • Form: liquid
  • Active ingredient(s): thiamin 3.5 mg (292% DV), riboflavin 3 mg (231% DV), niacin 10 mg (63% DV), vitamin B6 4 mg (235% DV), vitamin B12 500 mcg (20,833% DV), pantothenic acid 10 mg (200% DV)
  • Price: $$$
  • Healthline's review

    Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Liquid is a good option for people who don't like to or can't swallow pills. It contains six B vitamins: vitamin B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid.

    However, this supplement doesn't contain biotin or folate. If you have increased folate needs, such as during pregnancy, or if you have a genetic variation that affects folate metabolism, you'll need to supplement separately with folate.

    Pure Encapsulations B-Complex Liquid is sweetened with juice concentrates and stevia.

    Pros & cons
  • convenient liquid formulation
  • third-party tested ingredients
  • certified gluten-free
  • vegetarian-friendly
  • no added sugar
  • doesn't contain folate or biotin
  • expensive
  • not vegan-friendly
  • convenient liquid formulation
  • third-party tested ingredients
  • certified gluten-free
  • vegetarian-friendly
  • no added sugar
  • doesn't contain folate or biotin
  • expensive
  • not vegan-friendly
  • Product details
  • Number of servings: 28 per container
  • Dose: 1 tsp (5 ml)
  • Certifications: certified gluten-free
  • Number of servings: 28 per container
  • Dose: 1 tsp (5 ml)
  • Certifications: certified gluten-free
  • Form: capsule
  • Active ingredient(s): thiamin 40 mg (3,333% DV), riboflavin 28.6 mg (2,200% DV), niacin 80 mg (500% DV), vitamin b6 23.4 mg (1,376% DV), folate 667 mcg DFE (167% DV), vitamin B12 600 mcg (25,000% DV), biotin 80 mcg (267% DV), pantothenic acid 45 mg (900% DV), choline 14 mg (3% DV)
  • Price: $
  • Healthline's review

    People who eat a vegan diet have a greater risk of developing a deficiency in certain B vitamins, including vitamin B12, as these nutrients are most concentrated in animal-based foods.

    Thorne B-Complex #12 is a vegan vitamin B complex supplement. It doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients and contains all eight B vitamins in active, absorbable forms.

    Thorne adheres to the FDA's CGMP standards and boasts an A rating from the Therapeutic Goods Association, a regulatory agency run by the Australian Department of Health.

    What's more, Thorne supplements undergo four rounds of in-house testing to ensure quality and purity.

    Pros & cons
  • provides all eight B vitamins
  • also includes choline
  • third-party tested
  • gluten-free
  • vegan
  • can be difficult to find in local stores
  • provides all eight B vitamins
  • also includes choline
  • third-party tested
  • gluten-free
  • vegan
  • can be difficult to find in local stores
  • Product details
  • Number of servings: 60 per container
  • Dose: 1 capsule per day
  • Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency
  • Number of servings: 60 per container
  • Dose: 1 capsule per day
  • Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency
  • Form: tablet
  • Active ingredient(s): thiamin 750% DV, riboflavin 4 mg (308% DV), niacin 45 mg NE (281% DV), vitamin B6 10 mg (588% DV), folate 400 mcg DFE (100% DV), vitamin B12 50 mcg (2,083% DV), biotin 30 mcg (100% DV), pantothenic acid 45 mg (900% DV)
  • Price: $$
  • Healthline's review

    MegaFood Balanced B Complex is a high quality supplement that's designed to be gentle on the stomach, so you can take it with or without food.

    The supplement contains highly absorbable forms of all eight B vitamins. It also contains a blend of organic brown rice, kale, and broccoli, which are rich in B vitamins and other nutrients.

    While it isn't third-party tested for purity and potency, all MegaFood supplements are tested for more than 125 pesticides and herbicides.

    Pros & cons
  • contains all eight B vitamins
  • can be taken with or without food
  • gluten-free
  • vegan
  • contains all eight B vitamins
  • can be taken with or without food
  • gluten-free
  • vegan
  • Product details
  • Number of servings: 30 per container
  • Dose: 1 tablet per day
  • Certifications: certified vegan, non-GMO project verified
  • Number of servings: 30 per container
  • Dose: 1 tablet per day
  • Certifications: certified vegan, non-GMO project verified
  • 3 This product has been third-party tested by an accredited lab to ensure purity and potency.

  • Vitamin formulations: We prioritized supplements that contain highly absorbable forms of B vitamins, including methylcobalamin and 5-MTHF.
  • Additional ingredients: We looked for products that contain minimal amounts of additives, such as fillers, artificial sweeteners, and colors.
  • Dietary needs: We included products to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences, including gluten-free, major allergen-free, and vegan-friendly.
  • Price: We included supplements to suit a range of budgets.
  • Vetting: The supplements on our list have been vetted to ensure they align with Healthline's brand integrity standards and approach to well-being.
  • Your needs: Do you need a supplement that contains all eight B vitamins? Or would you prefer a supplement that contains select B vitamins, such as B12 and folate?
  • Type of folate: Many vitamin B complexes contain folic acid, the synthetic form of folate found in food. However, research suggests that folic acid isn't as readily absorbed as the active form of folate, 5-MTHF. When possible, look for products that contain 5-MTHF.
  • Dosage: B vitamins are water soluble, and your body excretes whatever it doesn't need via urine — but B vitamin toxicity can still happen. Therefore, it's best to discuss optimal doses of B vitamins with a healthcare professional and use supplements as directed.
  • Cost: Some products cost less than others, but it doesn't mean they're low quality. Plenty of affordable, well-formulated vitamin B complex supplements are available.
  • What is the best vitamin B to take?

    The best vitamin B complex supplement to take depends on individual health needs. A B complex supplement like Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex may be beneficial because it's third-party tested and provides all eight essential B vitamins in absorbable forms.

    The best vitamin B complex supplement to take depends on individual health needs. A B complex supplement like Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex may be beneficial because it's third-party tested and provides all eight essential B vitamins in absorbable forms.

    Is it better to take B complex or B12?

    Whether to take a B complex or just B12 hinges on your specific health requirements. For example, if you have a B12 deficiency, a singular B12 supplement might be suitable. However, if your diet is lacking in all of the B vitamins, included B12, a B complex would be more appropriate. Your doctor can help you determine which, if any, supplement is right for you.

    Whether to take a B complex or just B12 hinges on your specific health requirements. For example, if you have a B12 deficiency, a singular B12 supplement might be suitable. However, if your diet is lacking in all of the B vitamins, included B12, a B complex would be more appropriate. Your doctor can help you determine which, if any, supplement is right for you.

    Is it OK to take B complex every day?

    Yes, it's generally safe to take a B complex daily, especially since B vitamins are water-soluble and excess amounts are excreted in urine. However, it's still possible to overdo it, so it's important to adhere to the recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional first.

    Yes, it's generally safe to take a B complex daily, especially since B vitamins are water-soluble and excess amounts are excreted in urine. However, it's still possible to overdo it, so it's important to adhere to the recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional first.

    Which B vitamin is best for the gut?

    Each of the eight B vitamins plays a role in gut health. For example, vitamin B3 helps produce gastric juices to digest fats, B5 supports gut movement, and B7 helps break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

    However, the association of B vitamins and gut health is an area still being explored.

    Each of the eight B vitamins plays a role in gut health. For example, vitamin B3 helps produce gastric juices to digest fats, B5 supports gut movement, and B7 helps break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

    However, the association of B vitamins and gut health is an area still being explored.

    What foods have vitamin B?

    B vitamins are naturally found in a variety of foods. Some of the best sources include leafy green vegetables, beans, dairy products, and meat.

    B vitamins are naturally found in a variety of foods. Some of the best sources include leafy green vegetables, beans, dairy products, and meat.

    How much vitamin B complex should I take daily?

    The recommended daily amount of each individual B vitamin varies. Daily requirements may also vary based on other factors, like your age, sex, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    A healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance on an appropriate dosage to meet your needs.

    The recommended daily amount of each individual B vitamin varies. Daily requirements may also vary based on other factors, like your age, sex, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    A healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance on an appropriate dosage to meet your needs.

    What is vitamin B good for?

    B vitamins play a key role in many aspects of health, including energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and DNA production. Getting enough B vitamins in your daily diet is crucial for ensuring your cells are able to function properly.

    Not only that, but a deficiency in one or more B vitamins can contribute to several health conditions and issues, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbances, skin problems, and anemia.

    B vitamins play a key role in many aspects of health, including energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and DNA production. Getting enough B vitamins in your daily diet is crucial for ensuring your cells are able to function properly.

    Not only that, but a deficiency in one or more B vitamins can contribute to several health conditions and issues, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbances, skin problems, and anemia.

    When it comes to B vitamins, the best supplement for you depends on your individual health needs and dietary intake. It's important to work with a healthcare professional to determine whether you'd benefit from a B supplement and, if so, whether you need a full B complex or a single B vitamin supplement.


    Trang An Landscape Complex

    Trang An Landscape Complex

    Situated near the southern margin of the Red River Delta, the Trang An Landscape Complex is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. Exploration of caves at different altitudes has revealed archaeological traces of human activity over a continuous period of more than 30,000 years. They illustrate the occupation of these mountains by seasonal hunter-gatherers and how they adapted to major climatic and environmental changes, especially the repeated inundation of the landscape by the sea after the last ice age. The story of human occupation continues through the Neolithic and Bronze Ages to the historical era. Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Viet Nam, was strategically established here in the 10th and 11th centuries AD. The property also contains temples, pagodas, paddy-fields and small villages. 

    Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

    Complexe paysager de Trang An

    Situé sur la rive méridionale du  delta du fleuve Rouge, Trang An est un spectaculaire paysage de pitons karstiques sillonné de vallées, pour certaines immergées, et encadré de falaises abruptes, presque verticales. L'exploration de quelques-unes des grottes les plus en altitude qui ponctuent ce paysage a mis au jour des traces archéologiques d'une activité humaine qui remonte à 30 000 ans environ. Elles illustrent l'occupation de ce massif par des chasseurs-cueilleurs et leur adaptation aux changements climatiques et environnementaux. Le bien comprend aussi Hoa Lu, l'ancienne capitale du Viet Nam aux Xe et XIe siècles, ainsi que des temples, des pagodes et des paysages de rizières, de villages et de lieux sacrés.

    Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

    Complejo paisajístico de Trang An

    Situado cerca de la orilla meridional del delta del Río Rojo y formado por un macizo de picos cársticos, el espectacular paisaje de Trang An está surcado por varios valles, sumergidos en parte por las aguas, y se halla enmarcado por farallones abruptos prácticamente verticales. Las exploraciones efectuadas en algunas de las grutas más altas que jalonan este sitio han permitido descubrir vestigios arqueológicos de actividades del ser humano que se remontan a unos 30.000 años atrás. Estos vestigios son un testimonio de la ocupación de este macizo montañoso por grupos de cazadores-recolectores, así como de la adaptación de éstos a los cambios climáticos y ambientales. El sitio abarca también la localidad de Hoa Lu, antigua capital de Viet Nam en los siglos X y XI, y una serie de templos, pagodas, paisajes de arrozales, aldeas y lugares de carácter sagrado.

    source: UNESCO/CPEDescription is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

    チャン・アン複合景観 ベトナム北部に位置するチャン・アン一帯は、石灰岩の山や鍾乳洞からなるカルスト地形で、水田などにも囲まれている。かつてはハロン湾のように海に沈んでいた時代もあるが、現在は隆起によって地上に姿を現し、そのため、「陸のハロン湾」と呼ばれることもある。地下の鍾乳洞は、互いに地下水を通じてつながっている。この地域には、3万年前から人類が住んでおり、洞窟の中には考古学的な証拠も残る。また10~11世紀のベトナムの古都、ホア・ルーもこの地域にあり、チャン神殿などを見ることができる。

    source: NFUAJ

    Landschapscomplex Trang An

    Trang An ligt aan de zuidelijke oever van de Rode rivierdelta. Het is een spectaculair landschap van kalkstenen karstpieken doortrokken met valleien, sommige onder water en omgeven door steile, bijna verticale kliffen. De verkenning van enkele van de hoogste, over het landschap verspreide hoogtegrotten leverde archeologische sporen op van menselijke activiteit daterend van bijna 30.000 jaar geleden. Ze tonen aan dat deze bergen bewoond werden door jager-verzamelaars en laten zien hoe zij zich aanpasten aan de klimatologische en ecologische veranderingen. Het landschapscomplex herbergt ook Hoa Lu – de oude hoofdstad van Vietnam in de 10e en 11e eeuw – tempels en pagodes. Trang An kent ook rijstveldlandschappen met dorpen en heilige plaatsen.

    Source: unesco.Nl

    Outstanding Universal Value

    Brief synthesis

    Located within Ninh Binh Province of North Vietnam near the southern margin of the Red River Delta, the Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An) is a mixed cultural and natural property contained mostly within three protected areas; the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest. The property covers 6,226 hectares within the Trang An limestone massif, and is surrounded by a buffer zone of 6,026 hectares, mostly rural land with rice paddy fields. There are about 14,000 residents, the majority of whom are families involved in subsistence agriculture, but much of the property is uninhabited and in a natural state.

    Trang An is of global significance as an outstanding humid tropical tower-karst landscape in the final stages of geomorphic evolution. It is composed of a variety of classical karst cones and towers and a network of enclosed depressions connected by an intricate system of subterranean waterways, some of which are navigable by small boats. The area is unique in having been invaded by the sea several times in the recent geological past but is now emergent on land. The blend of towering mountains draped in natural rain forest, with large internal basins and narrow cave passages containing quietly flowing waters, creates an extraordinarily beautiful and tranquil landscape.

    Archaeological deposits in caves reveal a regionally significant, continuous sequence of human occupation and utilization spanning more than 30,000 years. There is convincing evidence showing how early human groups adapted to changing landscapes in the massif, including some of the most extreme climatic and environmental changes in the planet's recent history.

    Criterion (v): Trang An is an outstanding locale within Southeast Asia, for demonstrating the way early humans interacted with the natural landscape and adapted to major changes in climatic, geographical and environmental conditions over a period of more than 30,000 years. The long cultural history is closely associated with geological evolution of the Trang An limestone massif in late Pleistocene and early Holocene times, when the inhabitants endured some of the most turbulent climatic and environmental changes in Earth history, including repeated submergence of the landscape due to oscillating sea levels. Within the one compact landscape there are many sites covering multiple periods and functions, comprising early human settlement systems.

    Criterion (vii): The exceptionally beautiful tower-karst landscape of Trang An is dominated by a spectacular array of forest-mantled limestone rock towers up to 200m high, which are linked in places by sharp ridges enclosing deep depressions filled by waterways that are inter-connected by a myriad of subterranean cave passages.  These features all contribute to a multi-sensory visitor experience that is heightened by contrasting and ever-changing colours - the deep green tropical rainforests, grey limestone rocks and cliffs, blue-green waters and the brilliant blue of the sky, and areas of human use including the green and yellow rice paddies. Visitors, conveyed in traditional sampans rowed by local guides, experience an intimate connection with the natural environment and a relaxing sense of serenity and security. The dramatic mountains, secretive caves and sacred places in Trang An have inspired people through countless generations.

    Criterion (viii): Trang An is a superb geological property that displays, in a globally exceptional way, the final stages of tower-karst landscape evolution in a humid tropical environment. Deep dissection of an uplifted limestone massif over a period of five million years has produced a series of classical karst landforms, including cones, towers, enclosed depressions (cockpits), interior-draining valleys (poljes), foot- caves and subterranean cave passages decorated with speleothems. The presence of transitional forms between 'fengcong' karst with ridges connecting towers, and 'fenglin' karst where towers stand isolated on alluvial plains, is an extremely significant feature of the property. Trang An is an unusual autogenic karst system, being rain-fed only and hydrologically isolated from rivers in the surrounding terrain.  Former inundation by the sea transformed the massif into an archipelago for some periods, though it is fully emergent on land today. Fluctuations of sea level are evidenced by an altitudinal series of erosion notches in cliffs, with associated caves, wave-cut platforms, beach deposits and marine shell layers.

    Integrity

    The property is of sufficient size and scope to encompass almost the entire limestone massif, with a full range of classic tower-karst landforms and associated geomorphic processes. All caves and other sites known to be of archaeological significance are included. The very rugged topography has generally isolated the property from intensive occupation and utilization, and much of its interior remains in a natural state. Within the extensive natural areas of the property there are no structures that obstruct the scenery or detract from the aesthetic appeal. Occupied areas are mainly small traditional villages and associated gardens and rice paddy fields tended by subsistence farmers. The greater part of the property is enclosed within three officially designated protected areas, and contains a number of other sites protected by Government Decree. A large buffer zone surrounds the property and is designed to protect it from external impacts. It contains many small villages together with gardens, farms and rice paddies, and also the recently reconstructed Bai Dinh Pagoda complex. 

    Trang An is a relatively small property that supports a resident population and is host to a large and growing number of tourist visitors. Close monitoring, strict regulation and careful management will be required in the long term to avoid pressures and threats from urban expansion, resource use, village growth and excessive tourist infrastructure and use, and service development. These are among the key issues given priority attention in the property management plan.

    Authenticity

    Knowledge of the ancient inhabitants of Trang An, their culture and relationship to the landscape comes primarily from archaeological investigation and excavation in caves within the massif, which are still largely in their original condition – a rarity in Southeast Asia. The rich archaeological resources are predominantly midden accumulations containing shells, animal bones, stone tools, hearths, corded-ware pottery and occasionally human remains. The sites are yielding vivid palaeo-environmental records from analysis of pollen, seeds and plant tissue, from fauna, and from geomorphic evidence of ancient shorelines. These studies are supported by sophisticated modern techniques such as geo-chemical analysis of plant carbon isotopes and lipids, and shell oxygen isotopes, and the pioneering use in Southeast Asia of LiDAR (Light Distancing and Ranging) to create millimetre-accurate images of cave sites. All materials are professionally plotted, collected, catalogued, stored and analysed. The results of studies have been communicated through an impressive portfolio of published scientific papers, and are also reported in a definitive monograph on human adaptation in the Asian Palaeolithic, the author of which has conducted research in Trang An for almost a decade.

    Protection and management requirements

    Trang An is State-owned and is controlled by the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee. Most of the property is secured within three statutory protected areas: the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest. Six primary national laws and a series of Government decrees provide measures for: administration and management of the property; protection of cultural heritage, monuments, relics and archaeological sites and resources; biodiversity conservation; environmental protection; eco-tourism and other commercial activities; and sustainable socio-economic development. The property is managed by the Trang An Landscape Complex Management Board, an independent agency with extensive decision-making powers, responsibilities and resources, and with close functional links to Government ministries, research institutes, and commercial and community stakeholders.

    Management is guided by a comprehensive, Government-approved and legally binding management plan, prepared in consultation with the public and key stakeholders. The plan adopts a zoning system that allows for management prescriptions to be more effectively aligned to the varying protection and use requirements in different parts of the property.  A long-term lease gives delegated authority to a private company for some aspects of conservation and tourism management in the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape area.  There are four small private tourist resort operations within the property.  Ongoing management priorities include: extended monitoring and control of tourist operations; development of better visitor centres and services; ongoing research together with improved archaeological site conservation, database development, and collection, storage and display of artefacts; expansion of training, education, awareness-raising and promotion programmes; and support for social and economic development of local communities through employment opportunities, and more effective sustainable use and conservation of natural resources.




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