Lang Son receives UNESCO Global Geopark Designation

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative and Head of Office in Vietnam ; Mr. Ngo Le Van, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Non-Governmental Organization Affairs; representative leaders of central ministries, departments, and branches, the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO; Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Management Boards of UNESCO Global Geoparks in Viet Nam.

On the side of Lang Son province, the ceremony was attended by comrades: Hoang Van Nghiem, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; Ho Tien Thieu, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Duong Xuan Huyen, Member of the Standing Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; leaders of the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee; leaders of departments, branches, agencies, organizations, armed forces, districts and cities; scientists, experts, businesses and people in Lang Son province.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Ho Tien Thieu, Chairman of the Lang Son Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that the recognition of Lang Son as a UNESCO Global Geopark is a pride for the province and a shared joy for the entire nation. It reaffirms the diverse geological, cultural, and natural heritage of Vietnam to be acknowledged on the global scale. Covering nearly 5,000 km² and encompassing more than 100 geological, archaeological, and cultural heritage sites, the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark is not only significant for its geological values but also serves as a convergence point of traditional cultural heritage, revolutionary history, majestic natural landscapes, and especially the richness of distinctive indigenous cultures, historical and geological features. On behalf of the provincial leaders, the Chairman affirmed Lang Son’s commitment to implementing comprehensive measures to preserve and promote the Geopark’s values in line with UNESCO’s criteria. He also expressed hope for continued support from UNESCO, the central Government, Ministries, neighboring provinces, domestic and international scientists. At the same time, Lang Son will actively expand cooperation with other Geoparks in Vietnam and internationally, working together to build a sustainable development network that contributes to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people to the world.

Amidst a formal and solemn setting, the leaders of UNESCO in Vietnam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Lang Son province performed the ceremony to receive the Certificate of the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark. This is an important event, marking a milestone in the international integration and sustainable development of Lang Son province.

Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative to Viet Nam, affirmed: UNESCO highly appreciates Lang Son's serious efforts and strong commitment in building and developing the UNESCO Global Geopark. We will continue to accompany the province in preserving heritage and promoting the province's sustainable development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Ngo Le Van, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized: Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark is a typical model where people live in harmony with nature, minimizing negative impacts, while improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable socio-economic development. Preserving and promoting the significance of this designation is a collective effort requiring strong collaboration of ministries, sectors, and local communities.
 

During the ceremony, Mr. Duong Xuan Huyen, member of the Standing Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee announced the master plan for developing Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark for the period 2025 - 2030.