The session was attended by Professor Setsuya Nakada, Chair of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council; Mr. Antonio De Sousa Abreu, UNESCO Director of Ecological and Earth Sciences; Mr. Nickolas Zouros, President of the Global Geoparks Network Executive Board; Mr. Asier Hilario, International Union of Geological Sciences; Mr. Robbert Casier, International Union for Conservation of Nature; along with other members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council.

During two days of working, the Council focused on examining UNESCO Global Geoparks evaluation and revalidation dossiers, bourdary extention dossiers, and considering future strategies. Based on a rigorous framework of criteria, transparent assessment forms, regulations for the development and opration of UNESCO Global Geoparks, the Council members reached consensus on assessment procedures with objectivity, while also putting forward practical solutions to further strengthen the sustainable development of Geoparks worldwide.

Regarding the revalidation dossier of the Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark, the Council acknowledged the locality’s remarkable efforts in implementing the six recommendations from the first revalidation. These included: improving geoligical heritage and biodersity conservation and promotion, reconstruction of colonial building (French Read Villa: simplicified large geological maps and rock specimens were exhibited in all Geopark information centers; biodiversity QR code set in all Geopark routes; field surveys were conducted and 3D images of the Villa were constructed for the purpose of long-term conservation in the future.

Improving visibility: a QR-based system was set up at Geopark sites and partners’ establishments to collect visitors’ feedback. This initiative has served not only as an effective evaluation tool to improve tourism services, but also as a channel for enhancing visitor engagement and enriching the promotion of the Geopark’s image. Education and capacity building: 131 “Geopark Ambassador” clubs has played the core active role in disseminating knowledge about heritage, geology, and the environment protection in the Geopark territory. Annual training programs for officials, staff, Geopark partners, and local communities have also strengthened understanding of climate change, geohazards, and disaster preparedness.

At the same time, stable management bodies with participation of local people such as Steering Committee for the Community-based tourism development in community-based villages enable effective integration between heritage conservation and community-based tourism development, thereby contributing to sustainable livelihoods. Notably, efforts to preserve and promote minority languages have achieved tangible results, exemplified by the contest “Preserving Tay and Nung languages for Secondary and High School students in Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark.”

Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark has also actively engaged in national, Asia Pacicific and Global Geopark Networks, especially successfully hosting the 8^th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium 2024, signing MoU with five other UNESCO Global Geoparks, and showcasing its twinned Geoparks at the Geopark Information Centers.

Based on these achievements, the Council put forward three specific recommendations for the further development of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark: (1) improving visibility of the Geopark at Ban Gioc Waterfall, the most iconic geological site of the Geopark, by putting the Geopark logo on the welcome panel; (2) Information and education: using simple visual maps and illustrations for explaining key geological features in museums and briefings (3) providing more tourism information such as locations of Geopark information centers, attractions and updated Geopark partners’ establishments, etc. on the Geopark website to better facilate tourists and better the promotional channel of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark.

Based on the results of implementing the 1^st revalidation recommendation, the Council proposed granting the Green Card to Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, which means the Geopark retains its UNESCO Global Geopark designation. This recognition honors the persistent efforts of Cao Bang Province in conserving and promoting geological, cultural, and natural heritage while fostering sustainable livelihoods. It also reaffirms the locality’s strong commitment to implementing UNESCO’s recommendations, advancing sustainable development, and sharing the values of its heritage with the international community.

Author: L.T