2025 Annual Conference of the Sub-Committee for Vietnam UNESCO Global Geoparks

The event was attended by Mr. Trinh Hai Son, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources and Head of the Sub-Committee for Vietnam UNESCO Global Geoparks; Management Boards of Non nuoc Cao Bang and Dong Van Karst Plateau (Ha Giang) UNESCO Global Geoparks; representative leaders of the Lang Son Center for Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion and relevant departments and sectors of Lang Son Province.

According to the report, in the 6 beginning months of 2025, the Subcommittee worked closely with related Geopark Management Boards to implement international cooperation activities, organize international conferences and workshops, and carry out communication activities to raise community awareness about UNESCO Global Geopark initiatives. Efforts also focused on heritage conservation, developing Geoparks in localities, and supporting the evaluation/revalidation missions of UNESCO Global Geoparks. A highlight was the successful organization of the contest “Preserving the Tay and Nung ethnic languages for secondary and high school students in the Geopark territory” which helped evoke cultural pride and raise awareness among the young generation about safeguarding their indigenous languages. Sustainable tourism development models near geosites and traditional craft villages continued to be scaled up, delivering tangible benefits in improving local livelihoods and preserving indigenous cultural values. Geopark education in schools has been maintained and strengthened through close collaboration between the Geopark Management Board (under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism) and the Department of Education and Training. The “Geopark Ambassador” club model has been further expanded in many schools, nurturing a pride for the homeland and a sense of heritage preservation among students. At the same time, the Geopark Management Board has actively participated in networking activities of the Global Geoparks Network and the Vietnam National Geoparks Network. Efforts are also underway to prepare for the second revalidation of the UNESCO Global Geopark designation in 2025, ensuring progress, quality, and compliance with UNESCO requirements.

In addition, the Vietnam Geoparks Network has actively exchanged and shared experiences in Geopark development. The newly established Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark has actively participated in networking activities with other Geoparks at both national and international levels.

During half of 2025, the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark advised the People’s Committee of Cao Bang Province to issue an activity plan for the development of the Geopark in line with current needs and UNESCO’s technical criteria for the new phase. Based on this plan, numerous coordinated and effective activities have been implemented, with a focus on public education and communication to enhance community awareness of Geopark values, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism development following UNESCO guidelines.

At the meeting, delegates discussed key topics such as developing management structures for UNESCO Global Geoparks in provinces; promoting green growth within Geopark territories; public education and awareness-raising about Geopark development; preservation of cultural heritage and indigenous languages; and fostering cooperation and experience sharing between Global Geoparks.

On this occasion, the Organizing Committee handed over the flag for hosting the 2026 Annual Conference of the Sub-Committee for Vietnam UNESCO Global Geoparks to Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark (Ha Giang).