Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark: A Year in Review

To strengthen international networking and cooperation, in 2024, the Geopark Management Board actively responded to significant events of GGN, participated in domestic and international conferences, seminars, and training courses. Notably, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark played an important role as the host of the 8^th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium.
During the Symposium, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark signed 4 important MoU on sistership establishment with the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) of: Leye-Fangshan (China), Khorat (Thailand), Haute-Provence (France), and Mudeungsan Area (Republic of Korea). These MoUs paved a solid foundation for deepening cooperation, sharing experiences, and promoting sustainable development among UGGps. In particular, the "Cao Bang Declaration" adopted at the Symposium not only expressed the commitment of the province to promoting the UGGp importance but also reaffirmed Viet Nam's strong commitment to achieving the United Nations' goals.

Activities on geopark communication and public awareness raising has been implemented according to criteria and recommendations of UNESCO. In 2024, the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark continued its cooperation with localities to hold capacity building workshops on UNESCO Global Geopark importance, encourage local people to get involved in heritage preservation and community-based tourism development.

For Geopark education in schools, the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has closely coordinated with the Department of Education and Training to carry out field learning trips, training workshops for the students. Schools have also conducted extracurricular sessions and integrated the Geopark importance into the school subjects. Students not only gained knowledge about the Geopark but also directly participated in communication activities about heritage values through diverse activities such as weekly school assembly, on-site field learning trips, extracurricular sessions and activities conducted by the schools’ Youth Union, etc.

Additionally, the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark actively implemented Cao Bang tourism promotion on the Geopark’s website and Facebook page. At the same time, the Management Board effectively carried out communication activities through printed materials such as the Guidebook for the 4 Geopark tourism routes, leaflets, etc.; cooperated with relevant agencies to promote the Geopark at significant events in the province and elsewhere such as APGN 8 Symposium, 20^th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival, etc. Check-in panels, Information panels and Geopark Info centers on the 4 Geopark routes were upgraded, adding more attraction to tourists.

Entering 2025, with the support of local authorities, communities, and related units, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark will focus on preparing for the 2^nd UGGp revalidation while ensuring the successful implementation of sustainable development goals in the coming years.