Preliminary recommendations for Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark after the field revalidation mission

From the August 14-16, the evaluators carried out  a field survey to geosites on the 3 tourism routes of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark and some geopark partners' establishments. The delegation highly appreciated the efforts of the province and the coordination of departments, agencies and local authorities in the operation and development of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, and affirmed that Cao Bang has being applying effective models and good practices such as the implementation of “Geopark ambassador club” as a tool for geopark education activities in schools and applying technology in developing Geopark products.
Besides, through observations in the field survey, the evaluators also made recommendations for Cao Bang province for the better development of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, to facilitate the local socio-economic development while conserving heritage values and protecting the environment. Specifically, the recommendations includes: Illustrating the global network of the geoparks, introducing information of other members of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) at Geopark Information centers; Special education on issues of climate change, natural disasters and sustainable goals of the UN; Special attention to the ethnic groups and conservation of the ethnic languages; Dynamic connection with the geopark stakeholders, capacity building and promotion of geoproducts; Solutions on systematical management of Nguom Ngao cave; Strengthening the involvement of the communities, for example, establishing steering committees or monitoring groups on tourism activities at community-based tourism villages; Restoring French villa into a multifunctional space to conserve architecture, culture and attract tourists; Cooperating with related Departments and branches (for example the Management Board of Phja Oac – Phja Den National Park) to provide visitors with biodiversity information; completion of staff positions of the Geopark Management Board.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Le Hai Hoa highly appreciated the efforts of the UNESCO Geopark experts in undertaking the revalidation mission of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark and  acknowledged the delegation’s recommendations. He also informed the evaluators of some activities that have been or are going to be implemented such as proposing project on supporting green circular economy through agricultural value chain improvement to Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), attracting investment in planting spice crops in ethnic minority areas, activities on preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritages in accordance with the provincial program and the national target programs, investing in the construction of a provincial museum, planning foreign language education courses for those wishing to work abroad or working in tourism and service section. The Vice Chairman expected that the UNESCO Geopark experts, through their work, could connect with foreign organizations to invest in Cao Bang so that the local people can benefit from practical projects.
The report of revalidation field mission of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark will be presented for consideration in the meeting of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council in September, the official decision will be announced in early 2023.