Virtual meeting on discussing the cooperation agreement establishment between Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark (Vietnam) and Leye - Fengshan UNESCO Global Geopark (China)

The purpose of establishing the sistership cooperation between the two geoparks is to exchange management experience and expertise, to train staff, to improve the effectiveness of geo-popularization and Geopark development, exchange of initiatives, the most effective models and activities related to creating livelihoods, geopark education and sustainable tourism development. The establishment of a cooperative relationship between the two geoparks will promote friendly cooperation between the two localities.

The representative leader of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, leaders and staff members of the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp and Leye-Fangshan UGGp attended the meeting.
At the meeting, the representatives of the two geoparks introduced an overview of the geoparks and outstanding heritage values, experience in the development of the geoparks in accordance with the criteria of a UNESCO global geopark and their noticeable results, especially, geopark education and sustainable development activities. In addition, the two sides also actively discussed the expected areas for cooperation.
After discussion, the two geoparks came to an agreement on following: (1) enhancing the exchange of experience in the protection and conservation of geological heritage, biodiversity and cultural heritage, especially, exchanging and cooperating in research on heritage protection and conservation, methods, and conservation projects; (2) Enhancing the bilateral cooperation in: geological and scientific knowledge education and popularization, geoscience research and application of achievements, dissemination of geological knowledge, exhibitions on geoparks...joint efforts for the mutual benefits and development of the two geoparks; (3) Enhancing the exchange of staff members between the two geoparks, organizing reciprocal visits between local government leaders, tourism sector, managers, member staffs, tour guides and science lecturers of two sides to learn and exchange experience and good practices from each other, fostering comment investment, applying for funding for national and international projects and enhancing capacity building in geopark management. The two geopark will provide the necessary support for the visits and exchanges; (4) Enhancing the geotourism promotion: Promoting geotourism products, developing, promoting high-quality sustainable tourist attractions for effective international promotion, improving local economic development, and strengthening the UNESCO global geopark label. Additionally, cooperation in geotourism between the two geoparks will foster the involvement of other GGN members in relevant activities and their necessary support in promotion, and exchange activities between the two geoparks; (5) Communication and promotion: the two sides will enhance the mutual communication and promotion in their websites, introducing the sistership geopark.
After this meeting, the two sides will finalise the cooperation agreement and prepare the required procedures and conditions for the signing ceremony at the earliest convenience, setting the foundation for future cooperation between the two geoparks.