The delegation of experts conducting the second revalidation of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark had a working session with Cao Bang Province.

Joining the working session with the UNESCO expert delegation were leaders and specialists from the Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Agriculture and Environment; Finance; Education and Training; and Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, delegates were presented with a summary report on the progress of the development of the Geopark since the first revalidation in 2022, as well as the implementation of six UNESCO recommendations. These include: conserving and promoting heritage values; enhancing community capacity to respond to climate change; consolidating the management structure; strengthening promotion efforts; preserving ethnic minority languages; and expanding international cooperation. As of now, these recommendations have been effectively implemented by the province.

With its geological, geomorphological, archaeological, cultural, and biodiversity values, Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark was recognized by UNESCO as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018. Following the first revalidation in 2022, the Geopark has continued to develop along a sustainable path, making a positive contribution to the province’s socio-economic development, particularly in the areas of geological heritage conservation, cultural and historical preservation, biodiversity, natural landscapes, and tourism and services.

In recent years, the development of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has achieved many significant results, affirming its role as a space for preserving and promoting heritage values, while also serving as a foundation for fostering green tourism and improving local livelihoods. These efforts have contributed to effectively advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda. In parallel, Cao Bang has actively participated in activities of the Global Geoparks Network and the Asia–Pacific Geoparks Network. Notably, in 2024, the province successfully hosted the 8th Asia–Pacific Global Geoparks Network Symposium, thereby enhancing the status and reputation of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark on the international stage.

Building on these achievements, Cao Bang is committed to continuing the development of its Global Geopark in accordance with UNESCO's criteria. In the coming period, the province will further promote awareness and education about the Geopark within communities and schools; expand its network of socially and environmentally responsible partners; preserve heritage in connection with sustainable tourism development; and ensure the fair sharing of benefits from community development activities.

At the working session, the UNESCO expert delegation highly appreciated the thorough preparations for the second revalidation and acknowledged the comprehensive efforts of Cao Bang Province in implementing activities related to the development of the Geopark. Through the report, the delegation particularly recognized a number of outstanding local initiatives in recent years, such as the establishment and effective operation of the “Geopark Ambassador” Club; support for the preservation of traditional craft villages in connection with sustainable development—exemplified by the Dìa Trên tradditonal paper village and the Phja Thap incense village; and the expansion of the Geopark partner network.

These initiatives reflect a strong linkage between heritage conservation and the sustainable improvement of local livelihoods. The delegation expressed hope that the upcoming field survey would provide experts with a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of how the province is fulfilling UNESCO’s criteria—especially the active and proactive participation of local communities in heritage conservation and sustainable development.

This revalidation serves as an opportunity for all parties to share experiences and learn from each other in Geopark development efforts. It is also a valuable occasion for Cao Bang to reaffirm its strong commitment to the mission of nature conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development for the benefit of the community.

Speaking at the working session, Ms. Tô Thị Trang, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, expressed her hope that the UNESCO expert delegation would continue to support, accompany, and assist Cao Bang Province in its journey to preserve and promote the values of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark. She emphasized that the development of the Geopark is not only about maintaining an international title but also a crucial task in preserving the province’s unique geological and cultural heritage, while contributing to creating livelihoods and improving the quality of life for communities within the Geopark region.

Cao Bang Province is always willing to listen to and take in the assessments and professional advice from UNESCO experts. The province remains proactive in formulating and implementing appropriate mechanisms to effectively fulfill UNESCO’s recommendations. Ms. Trang affirmed that, with serious and methodical preparation, Cao Bang is determined to make its utmost efforts to successfully defend the title of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark ,while fully committing to meeting all the criteria and requirements set forth by UNESCO.

According to the plan, from June 10 to 12, the UNESCO expert delegation will conduct field surveys and evaluations along the following routes: the eastern route “experience traditional cultures in a wonderland ” (Quang Hoa and Trung Khanh districts); the northern route “experience history and freedom” (Hoa An and Ha Quang districts); and the western route “Experience Phja Oac – The Mountain of Transformations” (Nguyen Binh district).