APGN Week is an important annual event that reflects the shared commitment of geoparks across the region to preserving Earth heritage values while promoting cooperation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development initiatives. It also provides an opportunity for network members to review their achievements, evaluate effectiveness, and define strategic directions for future development.

To celebrate the 7th APGN Week, the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark organized various educational, experiential, and community capacity-building activities. A key highlight was a training program combined with field surveys for 66 teachers and 198 students from the “Geopark Ambassador” Clubs of  secondary schools and high schools along the four experiential tourism routes of the geopark. The program took place from 14 to 17 April 2026 and was jointly organized by the Geopark Management Board and the Department of Education and Training.

The training program provided and reinforced knowledge about the Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark designation, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, and the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network, as well as the region’s geological, cultural, and historical heritage values and experiential tourism routes. During the training sessions, students were guided on integrating club activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and participating in international events promoted by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. They also practiced developing club action plans and strengthening communication and teamwork skills.

As part of the field survey activities, participants directly engaged in developing communication materials and proposing initiatives to protect the environment and landscapes at heritage sites. Through these activities, the program not only equipped participants with knowledge and skills but also fostered proactive thinking and strengthened young people’s awareness and sense of responsibility in conserving and promoting heritage values.

Alongside the training activities, the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang geopark intensified communication efforts and encouraged members of the Geopark Partner Network, the “Geopark  Ambassador” Clubs, and local communities to actively celebrate Earth Day (22 April) through practical environmental protection actions. These included reducing plastic waste, preserving natural landscapes at heritage sites, raising community awareness of environmental protection, and promoting green tourism. At the same time, efforts to promote the geopark’s geological, cultural, historical, and biodiversity values continued through digital platforms and mass media channels.

Numerous school-based activities were also organized, effectively spreading the message of heritage conservation. On 21 April, the “Together Exploring the Geopark” Club of Hoa Chung Secondary School held the event “Opening Books – Discovering Cao Bang’s Nature.” Through publications on the geopark compiled by the Geopark Management Board, students gained access to engaging and visually rich learning materials. Notably, under the theme “Knowledge Flow – From Printed Pages to Digital Space,” the club created an online learning environment using QR codes, enabling students to easily access geopark information in the digital space. This initiative contributed to innovative learning approaches while promoting knowledge sharing and encouraging self-directed learning and exploration among students.

At Hoa An High School, the activity “Creative Lessons – Promoting the Heritage Values of Our Homeland” introduced an innovative teaching approach that connected classroom knowledge with local realities. Students actively explored and learned about heritage sites within the Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. In particular, they took on the role of tour guides, presenting destinations through engaging and vivid interpretations. The activity not only helped students strengthen their knowledge but also enhanced their confidence, communication skills, and career orientation for the future.

These meaningful activities in response to APGN Week 2026 contributed to improving the effectiveness of geopark education in schools and promoting greater community awareness of environmental protection, heritage conservation, and heritage value enhancement, while supporting the development of sustainable tourism in the locality.

Through these efforts, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark continues to affirm its role as an active and responsible member of both the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. In the coming years, the Geopark Management Board will continue to strengthen communication, education, and cooperation activities, gradually realizing sustainable development goals associated with heritage conservation and improved community livelihoods.