The 2023 Sum-up and 2024 activity plan workshop of the Technical Committee for Vietnam Geoparks Network

Attending the workshop were representatives of Vietnam Union of Geological Sciences, Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, the Management Boards of Vietnam Geoparks: Dong Van Karst Plateau, Non nuoc Cao Bang, Dak Nong and Lang Son. Prof. Trinh Hai Son, Head of Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources cum Head of the Technical Committee chaired the meeting.

At the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Dai Trung – Secretary General of the Technical Committee, presented a report on the activities of the Technical Committee in 2023, the collaboration with the Geopark Management Boards in implementing international networking activities, conducting workshops/ conferences, geopark communication and education and developing Geopark model at localities. For 2024 Activity Plan, the Technical Committee with support and participate in the organization of the 8^th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium in Cao Bang, cooperate with the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark to prepare for its 2^nd revalidation, collaborate with the Management Boards of Vietnam Geopark to carry out activities on developing the Geoparks according to criteria of UNESCO; and continue to deploy and complete the Mechanism of tourist fee collection in Dong Van Karst Plateau UGGo and Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp in order to have a fund for supporting activities on conservation and livelihood creation and improvement.

Besides, at the workshop, the Management Boards of the Geoparks presented their annual reports and proposed Activity Plan 2024, exchanged experience in the management and operation of the Geoparks; and the experts shared their experience in implementing activities on harnessing the UNESCO Global Geopark label.

t the workshop, Vi Tran Thuy, Deputy Director of the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark gave a presentation on sharing experience of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in Geopark education in schools and communities, sustainable tourism development and the environmental and landscape protection for local benefits and the Geopark Partner Network. Particularly, regarding the 8^th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium in Cao Bang, he suggested the Technical Committee assist Cao Bang in technical aspects, logistics, moderating scientific sessions and side events, etc.

Related to the organization of the 8^th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium in Cao Bang, Mr. Trinh Hai Son affirmed that the Technical Committee and Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources would actively cooperate with and assist Cao Bang, suggested Cao Bang accelerate the implementation of the detailed plan on the organization of the Symposium and recommended the need of the collaboration of relevant Ministries and the Geoparks in Vietnam to harness the resources in the organization of the Symposium. In addition, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark received comments and willingness to support Cao Bang and Vietnam Geoparks Network in the organization of the Symposium.

Closing the workshop, Mr. Trinh Hai Son, acknowledged the results that the Geoparks achieved in 2023 and suggested two key tasks in 2024 which are successful organization of the 8^th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium in Cao Bang and evaluation mission of Lang Son Geopark, proposed issues related to Geoparks be added to legal regulations, developing criteria for ranking Geopark sites, establishing a multi-functional center for scientific research, conferences, workshops and accommodation for experts and serving as a cultural park in each Geopark.