Monday, September 9, 2024 The Lang Son Geopark, situated in the northern province of Lang Son, has earned the prestigious status of a UNESCO Global Geopark, as confirmed by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council. This recognition was announced by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The official designation was finalized following a vote held on September 8 in Cao Bang province, during the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network for the Asia-Pacific Region.
Extensive research, surveys, and field studies by both domestic and international scientists over several decades have confirmed Lang Son province’s global geological and cultural significance, making it an ideal candidate for geopark development. The creation and growth of Lang Son Geopark have been successfully achieved through collaborative efforts between local authorities and active participation from the communities across the eight districts and city within the geopark area. The focus remains on sustainable management, preservation, and promotion of the park’s rich geological heritage, archaeological sites, biodiversity, and stunning landscapes.
Lang Son is committed to conserving and enhancing the value of its unique geological features, cultural heritage, biodiversity, and scenic beauty. The official UNESCO Global Geopark designation for Lang Son is expected to be awarded in Chile next year. Earlier, a team of UNESCO experts conducted an on-site assessment of the Lang Son Geopark from July 6 to 9, visiting 26 of its 38 attractions along four distinct tourism routes across the districts of Bac Son, Binh Gia, Van Quan, Huu Lung, Chi Lang, Cao Loc, Loc Binh, and Lang Son city.
Covering an area of 4,842 square kilometers, Lang Son Geopark, established in 2021, is one of Vietnam’s largest geoparks and holds extraordinary geological significance. It features a wide array of paleobiological fossils dating back as far as 500 million years, which suggest that the region was once submerged under the sea. The park also includes remarkable landscapes such as the low mountain ranges encircling valleys and villages in Yen Thinh commune, Huu Lung district, and prehistoric caves like Tham Khuyen in Binh Gia district.
Culturally, the geopark is home to temples that play a key role in the Mother Goddesses worship, an intangible cultural heritage recognized globally. Notably, Bac Le Temple and the traditional villages of Tay and Nung ethnic groups, known for their unique cultures, contribute to the park’s rich heritage..
