Field survey and assessment of experiential tourism routes in preparation for the second revalidation of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark.

The expert delegation included Mr. Guy Martini, Senior Advisor and Secretary-General of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network Bureau, who served as the head of the delegation; Associate Professor Dr. Tran Tan Van, Member of the Advisory Committee of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network for the Asia-Pacific region and former Director of the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources; and Ms. Do Thi Yen Ngoc, former Director of the Center for Karst and Geological Heritage under the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources.

As part of the program, the expert delegation conducted surveys at heritage sites and Geopark Information Centers along the four experiential tourism routes of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. The focus of the survey was to assess the current state of tourism infrastructure within the Geopark area, including signage systems, introduction boards, check-in points, parking areas, environmental sanitation, landscape conservation, and the promotion of cultural values at community-based tourism sites.

Following the surveys, the delegation proposed a number of practical solutions to improve the quality of visitor experiences and promote sustainable tourism development, especially in preparation for the second revalidation of the UNESCO Global Geopark title. These recommendations emphasized environmental sanitation, landscape enhancement, upgrading of facilities, replacement of deteriorated signs, and the creation of vibrant check-in areas to serve as attractive highlights at key stops along the tourism routes.

In addition, the expert delegation outlined several strategic directions for the next phase of development of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, emphasizing the importance of integrating geological and cultural heritage conservation with community livelihood development through green, responsible, and sustainable tourism models.

Accordingly, proposed solutions should be implemented in a coordinated manner—ranging from heritage spatial planning, improvement of tourism infrastructure, and development of locally distinctive products, to local workforce training and the application of digital technology in communication and heritage promotion.

Several specific recommendations for the next development phase were emphasized by the expert delegation during this survey, including: Expanding parking areas and investing in basic infrastructure to support livelihood activities for local communities, while preserving landscape features and traditional architectural elements; At the Geopark Information Centers, the experts suggested reorganizing the scientific specimen displays to make them more accessible and engaging, enriching the content with in-depth information, and enhancing interactive elements for visitors; For forest walking trails, they recommended a professional and effective update of the QR code system to ensure it provides useful and informative content for both domestic and international tourists.

The field survey served as a crucial foundation for the expert delegation to provide an overall assessment of the current development status of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. Based on the findings, the delegation proposed priority actions to be implemented ahead of the upcoming UNESCO revalidation mission, while also offering initial recommendations for the Geopark’s development plan in the next phase.

Following the survey, the expert delegation acknowledged that the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has achieved significant progress in the management, conservation, and promotion of various heritage values. However, to fully meet the criteria in the upcoming revalidation, the Geopark needs to continue prioritizing improvements in tourism infrastructure, enhancing digital communication, strengthening the capacity of local human resources, and completing technical documentation in line with the requirements of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

With thorough preparation and practical, well-targeted adjustments, Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark is expected to successfully meet the criteria and requirements in the second revalidation of the UNESCO Global Geopark , scheduled in June 2025.