Summary of the Field Evaluation for the Revalidation of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark

Joining the working session with the expert delegation were representatives of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO; leaders and officials from the Office of the People's Committee of Cao Bang Province, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Management Board of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark.
With a sense of urgency, seriousness, and high responsibility, the expert delegation successfully completed the planned agenda after three days of fieldtrip. During the mission, the delegation conducted direct surveys at various heritage sites, evaluated infrastructure conditions along the Geopark's experiential tourism routes, and met with representatives of local authorities, communities, Geopark partners, and students from the "Geopark Ambassador" Club. Based on their observations, the delegation provided assessments on the implementation of recommendations from the previous revalidation and acknowledged the province’s efforts in preserving geological, biological, and cultural heritage, as well as promoting sustainable livelihoods in connection with raising community awareness.

At the working session, the UNESCO expert delegation presented a preliminary report on the results of the field survey and evaluation of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. The delegation acknowledged many positive outcomes in the Geopark’s development and management efforts, notably: the conservation and promotion of geological heritage sites; the preservation and development of traditional craft villages; the safeguarding of local cultural values; the implementation of initiatives to preserve indigenous languages; the effective integration of Geopark-related educational content in schools; and the active role of the Geopark Information Center in communication and connection. In addition, the expert delegation highly appreciated the upcoming plans for the development of the Geopark, noting its clear strategic vision, concrete action orientations, and alignment with sustainable development goals. The delegation also acknowledged the flexible management model, which effectively promotes the role of local communities in heritage conservation, as well as the efficient coordination among various levels and sectors. The spirit of support and collaboration among members of the Geopark Partners Network was also recognized as a key factor in strengthening connectivity, sharing experiences, and optimizing local resources.

Ms. To Thi Trang, Acting Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cao Bang Province, expressed her sincere thanks to the UNESCO expert delegation for their interest, support, and close cooperation throughout the field survey and evaluation process of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. She emphasized that the Geopark represents a sustainable development model, closely linked to the preservation of geological, cultural, and ecological heritage, which has brought and continues to bring positive impacts to the province’s socio-economic development.Cao Bang Province identifies tourism development—especially tourism associated with the UNESCO Global Geopark title—as one of its key priorities to drive economic growth, create sustainable livelihoods, and improve local living standards. Ms. Trang reaffirmed the province's commitment to thoroughly acknowledge and implement the delegation’s recommendations, to build on the achievements made, and to address existing limitations in pursuit of the sustainable development of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. She also expressed hope that the expert delegation would continue to accompany, support, and advocate for Cao Bang in its journey to maintain and promote the UNESCO Global Geopark title in the upcoming years..

In addition to fulfilling UNESCO’s regulations on evaluation and revalidation for member Global Geoparks to ensure the maintenance of operational quality, this revalidation mission also serves as an opportunity for the province to comprehensively reflect on the process of developing the Geopark. It provides a basis for identifying future goals and strategies that align with current contexts and new requirements. The outcome of this revalidation mission will serve as an important foundation for UNESCO to consider the renewal of the UNESCO Global Geopark status for Non Nuoc Cao Bang. It also stands as strong evidence of the province’s ongoing efforts in heritage conservation, the promotion of sustainable development and  international integration.