The recognition was celebrated on June 28 at a ceremony hosted by the northern province's People's Committee.

Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam (right), presents the UNESCO Global Geopark Certificate for Lang Son to the provincial leadership.

Presenting the UNESCO Global Geopark certificate, Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative in Viet Nam, hailed geoparks as exemplary models of sustainable living in harmony with nature.

He emphasised that such landscapes, shaped over millions of years, hold vital clues for understanding Earth’s evolution and developing responses to global challenges like climate change.

Nature is shared heritage and the foundation of lasting peace, he said, stressing the need to protect it together.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van highlighted the designation as a powerful testament to Vietnam’s efforts in preserving and promoting both tangible and intangible heritage, such as the spiritual practices of Mother Goddess worship and “Then” singing by the Tay, Nung and Thai ethnic minority groups.

He urged local authorities to integrate sustainability principles into geopark management, ensuring protection of geological, cultural and ecological values while creating livelihoods for local communities.

Under an action plan to develop UNESCO Global Geoparks for 2025–2030, Lang Son will enhance infrastructure, improve access to heritage sites, and digitise its geological and cultural assets to develop a comprehensive conservation and tourism database.

The province also aims to create distinctive tourism products that combine geology, culture, history and cuisine, while promoting responsible tourism and community engagement.

The Lang Son Geopark was recognised as a Global Geopark in September 2024, and officially granted the UNESCO Global Geopark status in April 2025.

Lang Son Global Geopark spans over 4,842 square kilometres, roughly 58% of the province, and is home to around 627,500 people. It features a rich blend of geological wonders and cultural heritage, including stunning caves and sinkholes such as Nguom Mooc Cave, Tham Lum and Ung Roac. Its biodiversity is also protected within the Huu Lien Nature Reserve.

The geopark boasts 38 attractions across four thematic routes, offering visitors immersive and adventurous experiences in one of northern Viet Nam’s most captivating landscapes.

Awakening the potential of Lang Son Global Geopark

The Lang Son Geopark covers a total area of 4,842.58 square kilometres with a population of nearly 627,000, representing approximately 58% of Lang Son Province’s area and 78% of its population.

Dak Nong receives UNESCO global geopark title for second time

The Central Highlands province of Dak Nong celebrated the second conferment of the UNESCO global geopark title for its geopark at a ceremony organized recently. The Dak Nong geopark has been validated as a member of UNESCO Global Geoparks Network for another four years, from 2024 to 2027.

 

 

Local communities play crucial role in geopark conservation: symposium

The 8th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium wrapped up in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang on September 15.

Asia – Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium opens in Cao Bang Province

The 8th Asia – Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium officially opened at the Cao Bang Provincial Conference Centre on September 12.

Lang Son Geopark gets UNESCO recognition

The Lang Son Geopark in the northern province of Lang Son has been officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council.

UNESCO experts assess dossier seeking global status for Lang Son Geopark

A delegation of experts from UNESCO made a field trip to the northern province of Lang Son from July 6 -10 for on-site assessment of the dossier submitted to the organisation to seek the organisation's recognition of Lang Son Geopark as a global one.