Partners of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark join hands in preserving the landscape of traditional craft villages and promoting the spirit of responsible tourism.

Traditional craft villages are places where unique cultural values are preserved, shaped by the skilled hands and long-standing folk knowledge of local communities. On the journey to explore the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, visitors have the opportunity to discover many distinctive craft villages such as Dia Tren Paper Village, Phja Thap Incense Village, Lung Ri Tile Village, and Bo To Sugarcane Village (Quang Hoa District). The preservation of these craft villages, alongside the protection of landscapes and living environments, lays a solid foundation for the development of community-based tourism linked to sustainable livelihoods. In this way, craft villages not only become attractive destinations but also serve as spaces for cultural education, experiences, and community connection, providing a competitive advantage for Cao Bang tourism.

Recently, the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark Partners Network has actively collaborated with the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark and local communities to implement many responsible tourism activities linked to community benefit sharing, such as: environmental cleanup, beautifying landscapes, supporting the establishment of environmental protection funds for craft villages, setting up information boards for craft village tours, creating self-service stands for selling local agricultural products and specialties, and showcasing products from Geopark partners. These activities not only contribute to improving the living environment but also provide additional income for local residents. Through these efforts, a sustainable link between heritage preservation and local economic development is gradually being established.

Not stopping at initial support, the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark Partners Network has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to working with the community in building a responsible tourism model: preserving the integrity of craft village spaces, preventing environmental pollution, respecting local cultural values, and encouraging locals to showcase their handcrafted products and local specialties at heritage sites. These actions have been and continue to create positive changes for the craft villages, promoting sustainable tourism development, enhancing the visitor experience, and spreading the spirit of responsible tourism within the community.

Ms. Nong Thi Xanh, a Geopark partner from the Dia Tren Paper Village (Quang Hoa), shared: "The practical contributions of the Geopark Partners Network have helped establish a friendly and attractive tourism destination, while also awakening pride and a sense of responsibility to preserve and promote traditional crafts within the community. As a result, paper making not only continues to be preserved but has also gained new opportunities for development, contributing to improving local incomes."

At the same time, the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark Partners Network regularly participates in training programs and experience exchanges both within and outside the province on heritage conservation combined with sustainable tourism development. Through these activities, local people and Geopark partners are not only equipped with knowledge on how to build quality tourism services and manage destinations effectively, but also learn how to preserve cultural values during economic development. Additionally, active participation in tourism fairs and promotional events within and outside the province has helped raise awareness and promote Cao Bang's craft villages to visitors.

With the spirit of partnership – sharing – creation, the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark Partners Network has been effectively supporting local communities in environmental protection, preserving cultural identity, and developing responsible tourism models. These efforts not only help preserve valuable traditional values but also contribute to spreading the image of Cao Bang as a friendly, hospitable, and culturally rich tourism destination to both domestic and international visitors.