The south-central coastal province of Phu Yen boasts the potential to build a geopark accredited by UNESCO, experts said at a conference in the south-central province late last week regarding international cooperation for the local development of a geopark and sustainable tourism.
Ghenh Da Dia (Rapids of Stone Plates) is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Phu Yen Province. Formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, the rocky shore of Ghenh Da Dia has the unique shapes of round, hexagon, pentagon and polygon. — VNA/VNS Photo Pham Cuong
Phu Yen boasts potential to build a geopark accredited by the UNESCO, said experts at a conference held in the south-central province on July 23 regarding international cooperation for the local development of a geopark and sustainable tourism.
UNESCO Geoparks Council Chair Guy Martini said the province possesses three main values to form a geopark – geological heritage, cultural heritage and biodiversity.
Phu Yen is characterised by metamorphic rocks dating back about 2.5 billion to 542 million years ago and architectural works show the Champa–Viet Nam–Ho–Europe cultural interference, coastal sand ecosystems, lagoons, and rich coral reefs.
Deputy Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Dao My said that the authorities have determined the goal of building the Phu Yen geopark towards achieving the global-geopark accreditation by UNESCO to preserve and promote its heritage values and promote sustainable economic and social development.
Director of the Geology Museum Truong Quang Quy clarified that the proposed area for the establishment of the Phu Yen geopark covers 1,575sq.km, including Tuy Hoa City, Song Cau Town, Dong Hoa Town, Tuy An District and parts of Phu Hoa and Son Hoa districts.
Dr Bui Viet Hung from the European Research Institute said that the building of a global geopark is a catalyst for sustainable tourism development.
Concluding the conference, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Tran Huu The said currently, Phu Yen is implementing its plan for 2021-30 with a vision for 2050, creating a favourable condition to make a detailed blueprint for the geopark project.
The assigned the relevant local departments and agencies to coordinate with ministries, experts and international organisations to complete the contents and technical procedures for a project to develop Phu Yen Geopark to well preserve the value of geological heritage, protect the environment, and create sustainable livelihoods for people in the geopark region.
