Participants of the 11th Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks.
At the meeting, Prof. Jin Xiaochi, Vice Chairperson of the GGN Executive Board and APGN Coordinator summarized the activities of the APGN since September 2024. Representatives from member countries presented reports on their national Geoparks’ activities since September 2024.
Representing the Vietnam Geoparks Network, Mr. Vi Tran Thuy, Director of the Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark Management Board, delivered a summary report on the activities of Vietnam’s Geoparks from September 2024 to September 2025. The report highlighted achievements in management, education, heritage conservation, sustainable development, and the networking activities of Vietnam Geoparks.
Currently, the Vietnam Geoparks Network has five members, including 04 UNESCO Global Geoparks namely Dong Van Karst Plateau (Tuyen Quang), Non nuoc Cao Bang (Cao Bang), Dak Nong (Lam Dong), Lang Son (Lang Son), and Phu Yen Geopark (Dak Lak). The year 2024 marked several important milestones for the Vietnam Geoparks Network, most notably, the successful hosting of the 8th APGN Symposium in Cao Bang. In April 2025, Lang Son Geopark was officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, further affirming Vietnam’s efforts and commitment to heritage conservation in line with sustainable development.
Mr. Vi Tran Thuy, Director of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark Management Board presented a report on VGN activities at the APGN meeting within the framework of the 11th UGGps Conference.
Over the previous year, the Vietnam Geoparks Network has maintained regular capacity training workshops and annual meetings, providing a platform for its members to share experiences and expand cooperation. Educational and awareness-raising efforts were carried out with creative and effective activities, such as the contest “Preserving the Tay and Nung Languages for Secondary and High School Students in Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark territory”, launching of “Geopark Ambassadors” in Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, and Dak Nong Geopark’s field trips and study tours for students. These initiatives have fostered community engagement, raised awareness of heritage preservation, and evolked pride for younger generations.
In addition, Vietnam Geoparks have implemented practical initiatives to promote sustainable development. Highlights include craft village preservation linked with community-based tourism in Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, development of community-based tourism villages in Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, the development of the “Geotrails” and the “Net Zero Community Tourism Village” in Lang Son Geopark. At the same time, geoparks have focused on climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and active participation in APGN and GGN activities. Over the past year, representatives of Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark and Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark joined evaluation/revaluation field missions appointed by UNESCO, thereby enhancing management capacity and fostering international cooperation.
With these achievements, the Vietnam Geoparks Network continues to affirm its role as an active and proactive member of the Global Geoparks Network while spreading the message of geological and cultural heritage preservation tied to sustainable development.
At the meeting, the representative of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (Malaysia) provided updates on preparations for the 9th APGN Symposium, scheduled to take place in Malaysia in September 2026.
Through the meeting, delegates were updated on regional and national Geopark activities, while also having opportunities to exchange knowledge and experience in Geopark development. This contributed to strengthening bonds among members, deepening international cooperation, and affirming APGN’s role in heritage preservation for sustainable global development.