In conserving and promoting heritage values, local communities play a pivotal role, they are both the guardians of cultural identity and innovators who transform heritage into a momentum for sustainable development. To raise awareness of the link between heritage preservation and tourism and socio-economic development, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark Management Board has implemented numerous education programs on the UNESCO Global Geopark. At the same time, residents are encouraged to participate directly in conservation efforts, share the benefits, and enhance a harmonious development environment for better living standards.

In the first eight months of 2025, the Management Board organized 11 training courses and field surveys, attracting a large number of local communities, public officials, and relevant organizations. Training content covered the conservation of geological heritage, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. The participants were equipped with knowledge and skills on disaster prevention, mitigation, and climate change adaptation, particularly in vulnerable areas. These training sessions were combined with field surveys, enabling locals to practice tour guiding and interpretive skills on traditional crafts and heritage sites, as well as to recognize and effectively respond to emergency geohazards.

At the same time, the Management Board has focused on enhancing the capacity of local communities and Geopark partners, who are businesses, homestay owners, traditional artisans, and service providers, toward sustainable tourism development. Through training courses, field surveys, and study exchanges to provinces such as Ninh Binh, Thai Nguyen, and Tuyen Quang, the Geopark partners have gained knowledge of the method to harness local medicinal herbs, developing accommodation services, diversifying traditional cuisine, and developing cultural experiential tourism products. These activities foster stronger networking among members of the Geopark Partner Network, encouraging the exchange of initiatives and collaboration in implementing community-based tourism models. Particularly noteworthy is the support provided for vulnerable groups to join the tourism service chain through skill training, product marketing, destination promotion, and linkage with traditional craft villages. As a result, Geopark partners now have a solid foundation to develop innovative, practical tourism models that promote fair, responsible, and sustainable local development.

With the close collaboration of the Management Board, local authorities, and residents, many community-based tourism models while conserving nature and preserving traditional culture have been diversified and improved to better meet visitor expectations. Examples include Dia Tren traditional paper-making village, Phja Thap incense-making village (Quang Uyen commune), Khuoi Ky stone village (Dam Thuy commune), and Hoai Khao community tourism village (Thanh Cong commune). Here, tourism products not only ensure quality service but also their packages and designs have been improved to match with modern tastes and trends. What makes these products truly captivating is the cultural depth infused into each one, reflected in folk tales, indigenous beliefs, and legends rooted in community life. Step by step, distinctive cultural souvenirs are being developed, spreading local cultural values while creating opportunities to increase income and secure sustainable livelihoods.

The consistent efforts of the Management Board and local communities have earned high praise from international experts. During the second revalidation of Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark mission, the UNESCO expert team who conducted the field mission, acknowledged significant achievements in heritage conservation, community-based tourism, and cultural identity preservation for sustainable livelihoods. Dr. Kupetz Manfred Reinhard, Chair of the Muskauer Faltenbogen Geopark Support Association and senior evaluator of the revalidation mission shared  in Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, he clearly felt the profound pride of local communities in the heritage they preserve. Through each product and experience, they convey their cultural stories, breathe life into the destination, and contribute to building a sustainable journey that connects people and nature.

In the coming time, the Management Board will continue collaborating with relevant departments, sectors, and localities to implement comprehensive measures to engage communities with heritage preservation and promotion. Priority will be given to strengthening the capacity of tourism practitioners, especially in remote areas; improving infrastructure and services; preserving and promoting traditional cultural values through education and communication; connecting young generations with heritage through schools and experiential activities; and boosting digital promotion to expand markets and attract social resources.

With the joint efforts of communities, and the engagement of generations in preserving heritage, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark is steadily affirming its status as a destination of heritage values and strong cultural identity. These achievements not only provide a firm foundation for sustainable tourism development but also enhance local livelihoods while widely promoting Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark to both domestic and international visitors. The story of a vibrant, green territory rich in heritage will continue to written, connecting people and nature in harmony toward a sustainable future.

Author: Minh Chau