The Global Geoparks Council of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially recognized Non Nuoc Cao Bang park in the northern province of Cao Bang as a global geopark late last week.
Ban Gioc Waterfall, which is part of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, boasts magnificent landscape. The park has been recognized as a global geopark by the UNESCO - PHOTO: VNA
This is the second global geopark in Vietnam recognized by the UNESCO after Dong Van Karst Plateau, which was recognized in 2010, according to news website Vietnamplus.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said the Global Geopark title is conferred by the UNESCO in recognition for the diverse landscapes and cultural values of the area. It is expected to contribute to promoting socio-economic development in Cao Bang Province and improving local living standards.
Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark is about 300 kilometers from Hanoi. Covering more than 3,000 square kilometers encompassing nine districts of the province, it is home to nine ethnic groups like Tay, Nung, H’Mong, Kinh, Dao, San Chay and others.
Fossils, marine sediment, volcanic rocks, minerals, and especially karst formations in the geopark can provide an insight into a period stretching over 500 million years of the Earth’s history. It is also rich in biodiversity with many fauna and flora species.
Ambassador Tran Thi Hoang Mai, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UNESCO, said that during the verification process, UNESCO experts highly appraised the values of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark.
In addition to natural values, the geopark contains plenty of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, especially revolutionary historical relic sites like Pac Bo and Tran Hung Dao forest.
Chairman of Cao Bang Province Hoang Xuan Anh said the local authorities and people always attach special importance to preserving Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark and promoting its geological, biological, cultural and historical values.
Non Nuoc Cao Bang park was established in 2015. In November 2016, the provincial government submitted a dossier to the UNESCO for the recognition. A survey team from the UNESCO visited the province in July 2017 to conduct assessments of the geopark’s values and conservation work.
The Saigon Times