The Lạng Sơn Geopark has been officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark by the Global Geoparks Council.
On the afternoon of September 8, during the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in the Asia-Pacific region held in Cao Bang, the Global Geoparks Council voted to designate the Lạng Sơn Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Lạng Sơn delegation attending the Global Geoparks Council Meeting during the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo: Lạng Sơn Newspaper)
The Lạng Sơn Global Geopark was established in 2021, encompassing the districts and cities of Bắc Sơn, Chi Lãng, Hữu Lũng, Lộc Bình, Văn Quan, and the city of Lạng Sơn, covering a total area of 4,842 km² with a population of nearly 627,000, representing approximately 58% of the province’s area and 78% of its population.
The park includes 38 attractions across 4 tourism routes which are: Route One “Exploring the World Above the Clouds”; Route Two “Journey to the Heavenly Realm”; Route Three “Rustic Life on Earth”; and Route Four “The Road to the Underwater World”.
It is expected that the Lạng Sơn Geopark will receive its UNESCO Global Geopark certificate in 2025 in Chile.
Some fossils discovered by experts in the Lạng Sơn Geopark. (Photo: Lạng Sơn Newspaper).
Mr. Lưu Bá Mạc, Deputy Director of the Lạng Sơn Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that this recognition will provide Lạng Sơn province with additional motivation and opportunities to focus resources on enhancing management, conservation, and promotion of geological heritage, cultural and historical heritage, archaeological sites, biodiversity, as well as the province’s unique scenic spots.
Previously, based on years of research, investigation, and field surveys, domestic and international scientists confirmed that Lạng Sơn province possesses all the globally significant values necessary for developing a geopark, aiming to become a Global Geopark.
On November 30, 2023, the Lạng Sơn Provincial People’s Committee collaborated with the National Commission for UNESCO Vietnam (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to finalize the dossier proposing the Lạng Sơn Geopark for UNESCO Global Geopark status, which was subsequently submitted to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
With this recognition, the Lạng Sơn Geopark becomes the fourth Global Geopark in Vietnam, following the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark in Hà Giang province, the Cao Bằng Non-water Global Geopark, and the Đắk Nông Geopark.
