The event took place within the framework of the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in Asia-Pacific held in Cao Bang city, Cao Bang province. The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council held a meeting, evaluated and voted for recognition.
Previously, based on the results of research, investigation and field surveys over the past decades, domestic and international scientists have affirmed that Lang Son province has all the values of global significance to be able to build and develop a Geopark (Geopark), aiming to become a global GEOpark.
Lang Son Geopark was established in 2021, covering 8 districts and cities: Bac Son, Chi Lang, Huu Lung, Loc Binh, Van Quan and Lang Son city with a total area of 4,842.58 km2 and a population of nearly 627,000 people, equivalent to about 58% of the area and 78% of the population of the whole province.
Lang Son Geopark has the theme "The flow of life in the sacred land", including 38 attractions in 04 tourist routes: (1) Route 1: Discovering the Upper World; (2) Route 2: Journey to the Heavenly Realm; (3) Route 3: Rustic life on earth; (4) Route 4: Road to the Aquarium.
On November 30, 2023, the People's Committee of Lang Son province coordinated with the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to complete the dossier proposing Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO global geopark, then submitted it to the UNESCO Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Accordingly, at 3:30 p.m. (Vietnam time) on September 8, 2024, the UNESCO Global Geopark Council Meeting held a meeting, evaluated and voted to recognize Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
With the recognition of Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Lang Son province will have more motivation and opportunities to focus more resources to strengthen and enhance the management, conservation and promotion of the values of geological heritage, cultural heritage, history, archeology, biodiversity, as well as unique landscapes of Lang Son province.
It is expected that Lang Son Geopark will receive the UNESCO Global Geopark Recognition Certificate in 2025 in Chile.
