Conference to review the activities of the Global Geoparks Subcommittee in 2024 and orientation for activities in 2025

Attending the conference were Mr. Trinh Hai Son, Head of the Vietnam Geopark Subcommittee; representative of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO; representative of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources; representative of the Geopark Management Boards of Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Dak Nong, Lang Son provinces.
In 2024, the Subcommittee closely coordinated with the Geopark Management Boards to implement international cooperation activities, successfully organized many international seminars and conferences; strengthened comunication, education, and raised public awareness of UNESCO programs related to Geoparks; supported the development of sustainable Geopark development models at the local level; supported the appraisal and re-appraisal of the UNESCO Global Geopark title.In addition to improving the capacity of staff and promoting heritage, the Subcommittee also actively supports localities in preparing dossiers for heritage recognition, heritage conservation and management; periodically reporting/re-evaluating heritage sites according to UNESCO regulations. At the same time, the Subcommittee continuously improves the heritage management mechanism and policies in Vietnam, creating a solid foundation for promoting the value of UNESCO titles and heritages.

In order to promote exchanges and strengthen international cooperation between global geoparks, the Subcommittee actively promotes, launches and coordinates with domestic geoparks to participate in important events organized by the UNESCO Global Geopark Network and the Asia-Pacific Geopark Network on the occasion of the following anniversaries: Earth Day (April 22), International Museum Day (May 18), World Environment Day (June 5), World Oceans Day (June 8), International Day of Ethnic Minorities (August 9), World Tourism Day (September 27), International Day for Geodiversity and Risk Reduction (October 10), and International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (October 10).

With the support of the Vietnam Geoparks Subcommittee, over the past year, domestic Geoparks have achieved many outstanding achievements, contributing to the overall development of the Global Geopark Network. At the UNESCO Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, the 8th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium  (APGN) was successfully held, leaving a deep impression on the international delegates attending. In particular, the "Cao Bang Declaration" adopted at the Conference not only demonstrated the locality's determination to promote the title of UNESCO Global Geopark but also affirmed Vietnam's strong commitment to implementing the United Nations' goals. Also at the 8th APGN Symposium, Lang Son Geopark was unanimously approved by the members of the Global Geopark Council to submit its dossier to UNESCO for consideration of recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Over the past year, the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark (Ha Giang) continued to complete its dossier to expand its title while implementing many sustainable development initiatives and creating opportunities to improve the economy for the local community. In Dak Nong, the second UNESCO Global Geopark title receiving ceremony was solemnly held, marking an important milestone in the journey of preserving and promoting the value of geological heritage, while affirming the locality's commitment to efforts and determination to achieve sustainable development goals.

At the conference, representatives of the Geopark Management Boards shared valuable experiences on the following contents: Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark towards comprehensive development; Building geological tourism products in Lang Son Geopark area; Experience in management, operation and development of Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark; Experience in management, operation and development of Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark.
 Concluding the conference, Mr. Trinh Hai Son acknowledged the results achieved by the Geoparks in the past year and emphasized the key tasks of the Vietnam Geoparks Technical Subcommittee in 2025: Continue to coordinate with global Geoparks to deploy working groups to build and develop Geoparks to meet the requirements and recommendations of UNESCO and the Global Geopark Network; Continue to pay attention to guiding localities in the management and conservation of heritage sites in the Geopark region according to UNESCO criteria; Strengthen international integration and cooperation, participate in the activities of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, the Asia-Pacific Regional Geopark Network, the Vietnam Global Geopark Network; Attend the International Conference on the Global Geopark Network in Chile (September 2025)...