Vietnam’s unique landscape perfect for geo-parks

Vietnam possesses the potential to create geological parks of an international standard in the northern region of the country, said the Director of the Research Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources of Vietnam (RIGMR), Dr. Nguyen Linh Ngoc.This potential is based on its diverse geology, unique geomorphology and abundant sediment ranges and limestone distribution across the north of Vietnam. According to the results of research by geological and mineral experts, out of fifteen regions studied in the northern region, nine regions have the potential to support national geological parks. In particular, six regions possess the natural resources and landscapes to be transformed into international geological parks, including the Limestone Highlands of Dong Van - Meo Vac, Ba Be National Park, the World Heritage Site of Phong Nha – Ke Bang, the World Biosphere Reserve of Cat Ba Islands – Long Chau Archipelago – Do Son Peninsula and other regions. The RIGMR has studied two essential geological park models, including the establishment of geological parks in existing national parks and the creation of geological parks in residential areas. The results of the research will help the RIGMR petition for the construction of the international geological parks in the northern provinces.As part of its activities to mark the International Year of Planet Earth from 2007-2009, Vietnam is planning to create a number of geological parks in an effort to bring people closer to nature.