Workshop on management of geoparks in Vietnam in the new situation

On the afternoon of July 19, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism coordinated with the Subcommittee for Vietnam Global Geoparks (Vietnam National Committee for UNESCO) to organize a workshop on local geopark management in Vietnam in the new situation.

Delegates attending the workshop

Attending the workshop were representatives of Department of Cultural Diplomacy – UNESCO (Secretary Board of Vietnam National Committee for UNESCO); Institute of Geosciences and Minerals (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment); Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Geopark Management Board of Dak Nong, Cao Bang, Ha Giang and Lang Son provinces; geoscientists and scientists.

Currently, Vietnam has 3 geoparks recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark. Some provinces, including Lang Son, are initially developing geoparks, completing applications to submit to UNESCO for the recognition of global geoparks. Geoparks in Vietnam have achieved certain achievements in conservation and promotion of different types of heritage, making positive contributions to socio-economic development, and enhancing international integration, enhancing the position of the locality and Vietnam in the multilateral cooperation mechanism.

The leader of Lang Son Geopark Management Board speaks at the workshop

However, recently, geopark management boards in Vietnam have encountered difficulties and obstacles in the process of building, developing, managing and operating geoparks.

The workshop was organized to evaluate the management apparatus, the management of the geopark; to propose solutions to remove obstacles, heading to building a unified and effective UNESCO global geopark management model in Vietnam.

The leaders of the Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark (Ha Giang) speaks at the workshop

At the workshop, the delegates listened to presentations of experts and researchers with the contents including the appropriateness of the legal basis system in state management of geological heritage, geopark in Vietnam; sharing about the model of management boards from Dong Van Stone Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark (Ha Giang), Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark (Cao Bang), Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark (Dak Nong); management model of Lang Son Geopark as recommended by consultants; some models of global geopark management boards in the world.

Ms. Do Thi Yen Ngoc, Director of Center for Karst and Geoheritage, Institute of Geosciences and Minerals speaks at the workshop

The workshop contributes to strengthening the bonding among members of the Vietnam Global Geoparks Network, cooperation and sharing of experiences, thereby gradually building, developing, and effectively managing the geoparks. This is also an opportunity for Lang Son province to learn from valuable experiences of other provinces in the construction and development of geoparks, towards the title of UNESCO Global Geopark.

Previously, on July 18, Lang Son Geopark Management Board organized a survey delegation including representatives of the Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Minerals, the Specialized Subcommittee for Vietnam Global Geoparks. and representatives of the geopark management board of Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Dak Nong provinces to visit and experience at 4 tourist routes in Lang Son geopark.