On the afternoon of June 28, the People's Committee of Lang Son Province held a ceremony to receive the UNESCO Global Geopark title for Lang Son.

The event honored the region’s outstanding heritage values, promoted the preservation of traditional culture, and served as a platform to highlight natural wonders and tourism products to both the community and visitors.

With internationally significant geological, cultural, and scenic values, and thanks to the strong commitment and continuous efforts of local Party committees, authorities, and residents – along with technical support from central ministries – Lang Son Geopark was recognized as a Global Geopark in September 2024 and officially awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status in April 2025.

This prestigious title marks a significant milestone, officially integrating Lang Son Province into the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, which now includes 229 destinations across 50 countries.

Covering nearly 5,000 square kilometers, the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark boasts over 100 unique geological, cultural, and archaeological heritage sites. It is not only rich in geological value but also a confluence of traditional culture, revolutionary history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse indigenous customs.

At the ceremony, Nguyen Tien Thieu, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Lang Son, emphasized that this recognition marks an important milestone. It opens great opportunities for the province to leverage its potential and strengths, promote sustainable tourism development, and transform Lang Son into one of the key economic growth poles of the northern midland and mountainous region.

Jonathan Wallace Baker, Chief Representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Vietnam, congratulated Lang Son, stating, “Nature is our shared heritage and the foundation for lasting peace. We must unite to protect it. The Lang Son Geopark offers invaluable insights into the evolution of life over millions of years. Studying its geology and life history helps countries find ways to address climate change challenges.”

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Committee for Non-Governmental Organizations, Ngo Le Van, urged localities to integrate sustainable development principles into geopark management to ensure harmony and progress. Geological, cultural, and ecological values must be strictly preserved to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities.

He also affirmed that the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark is a vivid testament to Vietnam's commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. This includes not only tangible sites but also intangible heritage such as the Mother Goddess worship, Then singing of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups.

On this occasion, Lang Son Province announced a comprehensive action plan for developing the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark from 2025 to 2030. Key focuses include reviewing and finalizing planning for sustainable conservation and development in the geopark area and enhancing transport infrastructure connecting heritage sites.

The province will strengthen research, surveys, digitization, and systematization of geological, cultural, and ecological values to build a unified database. It also plans to develop distinctive tourism products reflecting local identity, blending geological, cultural, historical, and culinary elements to support effective conservation and promotion efforts.

Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark is Vietnam’s fourth global geopark after Dong Van Karst Plateau, Non Nuoc Cao Bang, and Dak Nong Geopark.

Lang Son strengthens efforts to develop UNESCO global geopark

As part of the ceremony recognizing the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark, the provincial Center for Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion hosted a forum and signed cooperation agreements with partners of the Geopark.

The forum provided a platform for Lang Son to promote its incentive policies, attract investment, and share experiences in geopark management and development.

Attending the forum were representatives from the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Subcommittee on Global Geoparks in Vietnam, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy, and the Deputy Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO.

The Center for Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion presented development objectives for the Lang Son Geopark from 2025 to 2030, with a vision to 2035. It introduced investment incentives and priorities for the province.

Domestic and international experts and partners discussed comprehensive development strategies for the geopark area, drawing from successful global geopark management models.

They also proposed suitable management models for Vietnam in general and Lang Son in particular.

Tour operators and travel businesses proposed interactive tours and tourism products based on geological heritage integrated with culture and ecology. They advocated for using smart digital technology to digitize, communicate, and promote tourism on digital platforms.

The forum also highlighted the role of stakeholders in training and raising awareness about geological values and developing green, sustainable tourism.

Based on these discussions, Lang Son plans to develop adventure tourism linked with sustainable conservation to create new growth engines for tourism.

Experts also debated multi-channel communication strategies to promote the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark and attract both domestic and international visitors.

The ideas and contributions from the forum are vital for Lang Son to enhance state management quality of the Geopark and foster a dynamic, sustainable development model. It aligns with the World Heritage Convention’s vision of passing down heritage to future generations.

The development of the Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark is also closely tied to green growth-oriented tourism, balancing conservation and development, ensuring the heritage is truly a community asset - protected by the people and for the people.

Pham Cong