Lang Son Geopark of Vietnam was officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council on September 8.
The recognition is expected to support Lang Son to mobilize resources on managing, preserving, and promoting the value of its geological heritage, cultural heritage, historical and archaeological sites, biodiversity, as well as its unique scenic landscapes.
Lang Son Geopark is expected to receive its UNESCO Global Geopark designation in Chile next year.
Covering 4,842 sq.km across eight district-level localities, Lang Son Geopark is one of the largest of its kind in Vietnam and boasts a number of unique values.
In terms of geology, geomorphology and landscape, it is home to a rich diversity of paleopedological fossils dating back as far as 500 million years, many of which indicate this province used to be under the sea in the past. The park is endowed with many renowned landscapes such as the low mountain ranges surrounding valleys and villages in Yen Thinh Commune of Huu Lung District and the caves like Tham Khuyen in Binh Gia District that accommodated prehistoric humans.
Regarding cultural values, it houses a number of temples dedicated to the gods in the worship of Mother Goddesses - an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, especially Bac Le Temple, as well as villages of Tay and Nung ethnic groups.
A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area's natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our earth's resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural hazard-related risks. At present, 213 geoparks are found in 48 countries.
Vietnam is home to four geoparks named in the UNESCO Global Geopark network including Dak Nong Geopark, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, and Lang Son Geopark.
Earlier, a delegation of experts from UNESCO made a field trip to the northern province of Lang Son for on-site assessment in July 2024.
The Global Geoparks Council carefully assessed Lang Son Geopark's geological features, conservation efforts, and local engagement before granting it UNESCO Global Geopark status./.
Kim Anh