Lang Son Geopark recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark

On June 2, a special ceremony was held at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France, to present Certificates of Recognition to countries with newly designated UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Vietnam’s Lang Son Geopark, along with 15 other geoparks from around the world, was honored on this occasion.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO, emphasized that UNESCO’s official recognition of Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark holds great significance. She noted that this milestone opens up many new opportunities for the sustainable tourism development of Lang Son province. At the same time, it enables the province to deepen its integration into the UNESCO Global Geoparks network, fostering cooperation and the exchange of experiences in the management, preservation, and promotion of the world's natural heritage for sustainable development.

Mr. Antonio De Sousa Abreu, Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, stated that the inclusion of Lang Son Geopark in the Global Geopark Network is of great importance, as the Geopark Programme’s primary goal is sustainable development. This is achieved through the integration and connection of natural resource conservation with the development of local communities.

The inclusion of Lang Son into the UNESCO Global Geopark Network will enhance the region's unique identity and promote dialogue among scientists, policymakers, managers, local communities, and especially young people, who can discover new opportunities for development through this recognition.

Lang Son Geopark is the fourth geopark in Vietnam to be designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Previously, Dong Van Karst Plateau was recognized in 2010, Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in 2018, and Dak Nong Geopark in 2020.

This marks the first time UNESCO has held a Certificate Awarding Ceremony for geoparks at its headquarters, in a hybrid format combining in-person and online participation. The event reflects the growing international attention toward this prestigious designation.

Earlier, on April 17, UNESCO officially announced the list of 16 new UNESCO Global Geoparks, including Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark, raising the total number of UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide to 229 across 50 countries.