Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark responds to the International Geodiversity Day 2024

October 6^th is designated as "International Geodiversity Day" by UNESCO to raise awareness about the significance of geodiversity and ask nations and communities worldwide to join hands for the natural environmental protection. Geodiversity is considered the diversity of abiotic elements in  nature, like minerals, fossils, soils, sediments, landforms, topographies, geological processes and forms, and hydrological features such as lakes and rivers. Geodiversity is the foundation of all biodiversity and the basis of all ecosystems, but independent from geodiversity.
 

The theme of the International Geodiversity 2024 is “Conserving the past  Sustaining the future”. At UNESCO Headquarters, the UNESCO Secretariat in collaboration with the permanent delegations of Kazakhstan, Poland, Portugal and UK and North Ireland conducted a conference on the commitment of UNESCO in promoting geodiversity and sustainable development. On this occasion, the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) members organized many events emphasizing the importance of geodiversity in the conservation of the Earth heritage for the future generations, thereby, promoting geodiversity and sustainable development.

Responding to the International Geodiversity Day 2024, on October 2024, Khorat UGGp (Thailand) and Merangin Jambi UGGp (Indonesia) jointly organized an online workshop entitled “Gender equality and Geodiversity”. Attending the event were the representative of the Indonesian National Geopark Committee, Merangin Jambi UGGp (Indonesia), Khorat UGGp (Thailand), Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp (Viet Nam) and Guangwushan-Nuoshuihe UGGp (China).

The workshop affirms the roles of geodiversity related to the evolution history of the Earth, as well as the foundation of sustainable development for future generations.

Acknowledging the significant value of geodiversity, the Seminar highlighted the importance role and responsibility of individuals in protecting and conserving geodiversity value for future generations. At the Seminar, speakers presented and shared their experience in enhancing gender equality and promoting geodiversity in the UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Participating in the Seminar, the representative of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark Management Board gave a presentation “Conservation for equal and sustainable development in Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark”, introducing the general information about Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp and activities of the Management Board regards conserving heritage values for sustainable tourism development and local livelihood improvement towards the goals of promoting gender equality and highlighting the role of communities in the conserving and promoting geological heritage, contributing to “conserving the past, sustaining the future”.

Today, geodiversity is face the risks of damage from many factors such as land use changes, fast urbanization, over tourism, climate change, etc. Geodiversity is related to many social aspects; therefore, it is essential to raise the awareness about the geodiversity conservation for better geoharzard adaptation, create favorable conditions for geotourism development, contributing to realizing Agenda 2030 on sustainable development goals and creating a green and sustainable future.