Delegation of UNESCO Global Geoparks Network Experts met with the Provincial People’s Committee of Cao Bang

Attending the meeting were Mr. Guy Martini, Senior Expert, the Chairman of UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, head of the delegation and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Tan Van, member of UNESCO Global Geoparks Council.
On the side of Cao Bang PPC, there was Mr. Trinh Truong Huy, Vice Chairman of the PPC, representatives leaders of Department and Branches, People’s Committee of 5 districts and Cao Bang city and other members of the delegation conducting the field survey.

In order to prepare for the organization of the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium 2024, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Management Board of Non-nuoc Cao Bang UGGp continues well realizing recommendations of UNESCO and Global Geoparks Network on protecting geoheritage, natural resources and environment and preserving and developing ethnic minority culture values for new and attractive tourism products and livelihood creation for the local population in the Geopark territory and towards sustainable tourism development. Cooperating with UNESCO experts to consult the PPC to establish an organizing committee for the next APGN Symposium; assigning tasks for the members of the organizing committee and drafting decisions on the establishment of sub-committees and the master plan on organizing the Symposium; asking for the decision of the GGN Executive Board and the APGN Coordination Committee on the time of the Symposium; develop an informatic system and a website to manage the event; finalizing the master program, opening and closing ceremonies, making decision on scientific sessions, reception, side activities and field excursions to geological and cultural sites, craft villages and community-based tourism villages; fashion show promoting indigenous ethnic groups’ brocade and cultures; establishing Advisory Committee, scientific Committee. Collaborating with the Department of Education and Training and Provincial Youth Union to recruite volunteers for the Symposium, and training nearly 300 people who are the Geopark partners, teachers in charge of the “Geopark ambassador” clubs and English teachers from the schools in the Geopark territory.

At the meeting, Mr. Guy Martini, Chairperson of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council recommended the PPC implement the following tasks: quickly defining the time and plan of the Symposium and announcing the interested geoparks and countries to register for the Symposium; finalizing solutions on fast and accurate registration procedures. Continuing to pay attention to the protection and management of Mountain Angel Eye, Ban Gioc waterfall, etc. Suggesting Departments and Branches study and increase investment in geosites to transfer them into satellite tourist destinations to attract tourists when they come to famous heritage sites; escalating the completion of the 5^th route connecting Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp and Dong Van Karst Plateau UGGp so that it can be an important route for international Symposium participants to experience when attending the Symposium. Continuing fulfilling the introduction and promotion of the experiential routes of the Geopark and the beauty of Non nuoc Cao Bang in 4 seasons to international visitors so that they can choose tours of their interest.
Provincial Departments and Branches, the People’s Committees of Districts and the city agreed on the implementation of the tasks assigned and will continue performing their tasks in the conservation and development of heritage values.  

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Trinh Truong Huy, Vice Chairman of the PPC suggested provincial Departments and Branches, the People’s Committees of Districts and the city strengthen responsibility and closely follow assigned tasks, continue to implement the conservation and development of heritage values according to the recommendations of UNESCO Global Geoparks Network experts; Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark and the orgianzing committee of the Symposium regularly report on the progress of the assigned tasks, and requested members of the organizing committee to closely keep up with the progress of task implementation and promptly adjust arising problems. Quickly completing the preparation for the organization of the Symposium in 2024.