To affirm its commitment to fulfill UNESCO’s recommendations, in the first half of 2025, the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has actively engaged in a range of GGN and APGN activities and initiatives, including workshops, training programs, celebrations of the Earth Day (April 22), APGN Week (April 22–28), and World Environment Day (June 5). Communication efforts have focused on key themes such as water conservation, plastic waste reduction, and empowering local communities to preserve heritage values in line with sustainable development. In addition, the Management Board has consistently made contributions to GGN’s Fan page and Newsletters, spreading the Geopark’s values and sharing practical experiences in Geopark management and development.

One of the highlights was the participation in the Meeting to celebrate to the World Environment Day and the Action Month for the Environment 2025, where the Management Board cooperate with relevant stakeholders to showcase traditional local products such as Phja Thap incense and Dia Tren handmade paper, along with Geopark promotional publications, including Geopark four-tourism guidebooks and leaflets. These efforts not only promoted the Geopark’s image to the wider public but also reinforced messages on joint responsibility for environmental conservation, and encouraged sustainable tourism and community-based services in the Geopark territory.

In addition, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has intensified its heritage conservation efforts through a range of creative initiatives deeply rooted in local culture. Notable examples include responding to the “Geopark Gastronomy” and “Weaving Hope” innitiatives launched by GGN. These activities reflect the Geopark’s strong commitment to safeguarding and upholding intangible cultural heritage while emphasizing the intrinsic link between cultural–natural heritage and sustainable development in the context of globalization.

Beyond awareness-raising and promotional efforts, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has launched a series of practical programs aimed at delivering sustainable benefits to local communities. In celebration of the 6^th APGN Week (April 22–28, 2025), the Geopark Management Board rolled out a variety of targeted initiatives focusing on preserving and promoting indigenous cultural values while improving livelihoods for population in the Geopark territory. Key activities included advising and supporting the conservation and development of traditional craft villages, community-based tourism, and organizing capacity-building workshops for local residents and stakeholders on interpretive and tour guiding skills. Another highlight was the contest of “Preserving Tay and Nung Languages for secondary and high school students in the Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark territory”. These initiatives have contributed significantly to fostering community-based tourism models that integrate education and environmental protection, towards sustainable development.

At the same time, the Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has been actively contributing to the technical work of GGN. From May 5 to 9, Director of the Geopark Management Board participated in the revalidation mission of Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark in Slovenia. As a member of the revalidation team, Director of Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp Vi Tran Thuy, shared Cao Bang’s valuable initiatives, particularly in Geopark education, sustainable tourism development, strengthening Geopark partners network, and preserving indigenous knowledge. Participating in the revalidation mission not only provided an opportunity for the member of Non nuoc Cao Bang UGGp to learn from effective management models of other GGN members but also strengthened professional capacity, improved operational quality of Cao Bang UGGp, and expanded international cooperation among UGGps, towards sustainable development and deeper integration within the Network.

In addition, capacity-building for the Management Board’s staff has been prioritized and closely linked to training activities and knowledge exchanges of the Network, contributing to enhancing the management and development of the Geopark. On the basis of strengthening capacity and broaden international cooperation, from June 20 to 29, 2025, members from the Management Board of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark participated in the International Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks “UNESCO Global Geoparks and Sustainability”” in Lesvos Island UGGp, Greece. During the course, the members of the Management Board shared the image of the Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark and experiences in the Geopark development, and gained insights into effective management models and initiaitves from other territories.

With its consistent efforts in networking, sharing expertise, and effectively implementing action programs, the Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has increasingly affirmed its role as an active and responsible member of GGN. In the coming time, the Geopark aims to further strengthen its proactive engagement and international cooperation to make significant contributions to heritage conservation and sustainable development on a global scale.

Source: Luong Thao