Threading heritage across western Lam Dong

From heritage space to the need of connecting

After being recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark in 2020, the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark became one of the Central Highlands region's internationally significant heritage sites. Following the recent restructuring of administrative units, the geopark now spans an area of about 4,760 square kilometers across 22 communes and wards in western Lam Dong province.

Within this space, geological, natural, historical and cultural assets are distributed across a wide area, linked to numerous heritage routes and sites. Alongside the task of conservation, the process of promoting the geopark's value continues to call for stronger connections between destinations, a more complete information system and improved accessibility for visitors, particularly as the region works to position itself as a cohesive destination rather than a collection of scattered sites.

A range of review, assessment and improvement activities have been carried out within the geopark to support management and conservation work. This is also part of the local effort to prepare for the geopark's re-evaluation, expected to take place in 2027.

During a working session with experts from the Vietnam UNESCO Global Geoparks Network this past June, a review was conducted covering infrastructure, landscape, signage and interpretive panel systems, and connectivity between heritage sites. The review covered three tourism routes comprising 41 heritage and visitor sites, while additional heritage sites and potential destinations were also surveyed.

The results of the review will serve as a basis for the locality to continue improving the conditions needed for managing, conserving and promoting the value of the heritage area going forward.

Spreading value from conservation to development

Alongside maintaining UNESCO's criteria, communication and promotion are increasingly seen as an important part of the geopark's work. Bringing heritage values closer to communities, visitors and international organizations is also a requirement in preparing for the re-evaluation.

Tran Tan Van, chairman of the Vietnam UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, said management of the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark still has certain shortcomings that need to be addressed urgently. With limited time remaining before the re-evaluation, he said the locality needs to roll out solutions in a coordinated way, from strengthening the management apparatus and assigning dedicated staff to improving infrastructure, information centers and visitor sites, and stepping up communication efforts.

"Promotion of the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark across the entire province following the merger needs to be strengthened to leave a clear impression on visitors and international expert delegations. The locality also needs to promptly issue an appropriate management and operating mechanism to enable businesses to take part in promoting heritage value alongside conservation," Van said.

Drawing on the expert delegation's recommendations, Lam Dong's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism continues to advise on solutions for improving infrastructure, enhancing management effectiveness and strengthening connections between heritage sites.

According to Le Thi Truc Linh, deputy director of the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the department has fully taken on board the expert delegation's recommendations and will report to the provincial People's Committee to implement key solutions. The department is advising the provincial People's Committee to prioritize resources for addressing UNESCO's recommendations and for improving infrastructure and heritage sites in order to meet the re-evaluation criteria.

"Lam Dong will strengthen decentralization to commune and ward authorities in managing and protecting heritage sites, alongside stronger efforts to connect and promote the region's tourism and cultural image," Linh said.

From reviewing infrastructure and connecting heritage sites to stepping up promotion of the geopark's image, Lam Dong continues to incorporate these UNESCO-recognized values into the ongoing conservation and management of the heritage area.