Global Geopark Network expert team working with Cao Bang province

The working group of the expert group included Mr. Guy Martini, senior expert, chairman of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network Council; Associate Professor, PhD. Tran Tan Van, senior expert, Member of the UNESCO Global Geopark Council. Before working with leaders of Cao Bang province, the delegation had a survey trip to Cao Bang City with the main locations where the Symposium took place such as: the Provincial Convention Center; Vo Nguyen Giap Street; City Center Garden area, Riverwalking Street area; conference infrastructure. Experts gave opinions and suggestions on the preparation process of each task; coordinated with the design unit, selected locations for check-in areas, dining areas, and display booths of geoparks in different countries.

Reporting to the expert delegation and provincial leaders on the progress of the work, the leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: Currently, inviting experts from the global Geopark network to join the Advisory Board and Scientific Council; has been completed; officially opened the registration portal to attend the Symposium for delegates; planned for arranging human resources to support the organization; collaborated with experts to research and select souvenirs… In the next phase, urgently prepare and train participants for the conference such as volunteers, foreign language students, restaurant, hotel, and transportation workers...

After listening to the report of Cao Bang province, the expert team assessed that the current work is being prepared on schedule, but needs to be much more urgent at all stages to ensure the organization of the conference will be thoughtful. Regarding consulting content for the province, Mr. Guy Martini focused on selecting souvenirs with traditional handicraft products such as paper and terracotta products; proposing the idea of ​​​​organizing a photo contest of the 8th APGN Symposium with the participation of all international delegates, the idea of ​​​​organizing Understanding Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark contest for delegates of Geoparks in Vietnam; give suggestions for the symposium's opening program; organizing training classes for provinces on Geoparks in Vietnam… Mr. Guy Martini suggested that to complete the work quickly, Cao Bang province needs to make the earliest choice of coordinating units and decide on the contents the expert group has proposed.

At the end of the meeting, the leaders of Cao Bang province thanked the expert group for their practical advice; hoped that the expert group would continue to support Cao Bang province in preparation and advising on conference organizing contents. Cao Bang province will urgently select the contents proposed by the expert group and urgently direct relevant units and members of the Organizing Committee to implement tasks. Believe that, with support from the expert delegation, Cao Bang province will successfully organize the 8th Asia Pacific Geopark Network Symposium.