Geopark in Vietnam’s Central Highlands earns global status twice
Friday, December 27, 2024, 12:16 GMT+7
A volcanic cave system in Vietnam’s Central Highlands province of Dak Nong has been officially revalidated as a UNESCO global geopark for another four years from 2024 to 2027.
UNESCO’s Section on Earth Sciences and Geo-hazards Risk Reduction renewed the title for the Dak Nong geopark at a ceremony hosted by the provincial People’s Committee on Thursday evening.
The geopark spans 4,760 square kilometers, stretching through five districts – Krong No, Cu Jut, Dak Mil, Dak Song and Dak G’Long – and Gia Nghia Town.
It has 65 geological and geomorphologic heritage sites, including a system of nearly 50 caves with a total length of more than 10km, along with craters and waterfalls.
Prehistoric archeological sites discovered within the park's caves have drawn significant interest from researchers and tourists at home and overseas.
The geopark is also home to a rich array of minerals and gemstones.
This revalidation, conducted every four years by UNESCO experts, reflects Dak Nong's dedication to meeting global conservation standards and advancing sustainable geopark management.
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| Ton Thi Ngoc Hanh (R, 3rd), vice-chair of the People’s Committee of Dak Nong Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region, receives the UNESCO global geopark certificate, December 26, 2024. Photo: The The |
Addressing the ceremony, chairman of the provincial administration Ho Van Muoi said that the Dak Nong Geopark was first recognized by UNESCO as a global geopark in July 2020, becoming the third to obtain this title in Vietnam, after Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in northern Ha Giang Province and the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in Cao Bang, also in the northern region.
Jonathan W. Baker, UNESCO’s representative to Vietnam, congratulated the province on the revalidation of the Dak Nong Global Geopark designation, elaborating that this UNESCO recognition is a clear testament to the province’s dedication to conserving its geological values.
He added that this milestone would create opportunities for global branding, economic growth, and international collaboration, further enhancing Vietnam’s global reputation.
Aside from the recognition, the provincial administration hosted a workshop focused on sustainable development goals for its geopark the same day.
Experts at the event highlighted Dak Nong’s natural beauty, cool climate, and biodiversity as assets to promote eco-tourism and agri-tourism growth.
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