UNESCO Global Geopark Network revalidation delegation conducts a field survey in Phja Thap incense village, Phuc Sen commune (Quang Hoa district)

Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, an exceptional area in which it is possible to explore the history of the Earth for more than 500 million years, contains over 130 unique heritage sites such as limestone cones, valleys, caves, and an interconnected underground lake-river-cave system. The Geopark is home to different ethnic groups, including Tay, Nung, Mong, Dao, Kinh, Lo Lo, San Chi, etc

For the protection and promotion of the heritage values of the geopark, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Management Board of Non Nuoc Cao Bang geopark have implemented the recommendations of UNESCO Global Geoparks experts. “After having been recognized as the UNESCO global geopark, the most important task is to protect and promote the heritage values of the geopark” said the Head of the Management Board of the geopark Truong The Vinh. The geopark’s Management Board has advised that Department of Culture, Sprots and Tourism, the Provincial People’s Committee to develop plans and popularization contents for raising the public awareness of the protection and promotion of the geopark values as well as the sustainable tourism development and international cooperation.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training organized popularization and education of the geopark heritage values for thousands of secondary school and upper-secondary school students. Schools organized extra-curricular activities and field trips to geosites for students on three geopark experience routes. The “Geopark ambassador club” model continued to be applied and proved its effectiveness. The competition on "Environmental protection initiatives in Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark 2022" and the “Ambassador of Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO global geopark” contest were held. The voluntary activities on cleaning the surrounding of the geosites at Mountain Angel Eye, Ma Phuc Pass, Lang Mon ancient coral fossil, Dragon-back panorama, etc. have been carried out.

The locals and tourism service businesses in the geopark area have been trained, supported and consulted to protect the value of geological heritage in association with the conservation of architectural space, craft villages, traditional cuisine, and folk dance and music for the development of community tourism. “Participating in the training on geopark popularization and listening to the advice of UNESCO experts, I introduced the Nung ethnic culture including architecture of traditional on-stilts houses, local cuisine, horse riding for doing homestay services, which attracts a large of foreign visitors to experience” said Ms. Hoang Lan, the owner of Lan’s Homestay in Dam Thuy Commune, Trung Khanh district.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with other Departments and branches conducted field surveys and carried out specialized appraisal of 11 mining projects and building materials, 14 construction projects of geosites. A number of heritage sites including Phja Oac granite site, Ban O tungsten mine, Lung Noi Brocade weaving village, Keo Yen Panorama, Lung Luong Ammonite fossils, Lung Sang magic water mine, Dia Tren paper making village, chestnut garden, Thong Cot Hydroelectricity, etc. have been preserved, upgraded and supplemented according to the advice of UNESCO experts.

Mountain Angel Eye - One of the attractions in the exploring tour of Non Nuoc Cao Bang geopark

Some geosites have been upgraded. Direction panels, parking lots, information panels at the geosites have been built. The project “Upgrading the information and display centers of the geopark has been implemented. New check-in panels at Lang Mon ancient coral heritage sites (Nguyen Binh), Lung Luong Ammonite fossils (Ha Quang), Mountain Angel Eye, Ma Phuc pass have been built. The 4^th experience route (Cao Bang city - Thach An - Quang Hoa) with 15 heritage sites and partners and the 5^th experience route (Bao Lac - Bao Lam) connecting Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark with Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark have been built.

“The Management Board of the geopark continues to strengthen the promotion of the geopark by regularly publishing the geopark newsletter, maintaining the operation of its English-Vietnamese bilingual website; build a geopark partner network and develop the geopark’s brands and products; actively participate in seminars, conferences and meetings with countries who has UNESCO global geoparks in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. The title of UNESCO Global Geopark is the bridge for Cao Bang's image to be known to international friends” said Mr. The Vinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Head of the Management Board of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark.

Over 4 years of implementation of the recommendations of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, UNESCO experts and members of the Global Geopark Network highly appreciated Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. "Coming to Cao Bang and through international conferences, I know that that the Management Board of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has done a good job of raising public awareness, especially to students; mobilizing hundreds of local English teachers to participate in the presentations, popularization for domestic and international visitors. Committees at all levels, departments and all people of Cao Bang province pay special attention to preserving and promoting the geopark’s heritage values for tourism development” said Vice President and Coordinator at the Global Geoparks Network in the Asia-Pacific Prof. Ibrahim Komoo.

Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark is highly appreciated by UNESCO experts, increasing its influence with the international community. In September, within the 7th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium (7th APGN Symposium) in Satun UNESCO Geopark, Thailand, the delegation of Cao Bang province attended the APGN Advisory Committee meeting and presented candidature dossiers for hosting the 8th APGN Symposium in Cao Bang in 2024. The dossiers were highly appreciated by the members of the APGN AC for the dossier preparation and the potential of Cao Bang province. 100% of the APGN AC members agreed to vote for Cao Bang as the host of 8th APGN Symposium 2024. This opens up many new opportunities for Cao Bang to promote Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO global geopark to domestic and international friends.