Dong Van Stone Plateau: Lever for sustainable socio-economic development in the far North

Flowers decorate the houses on the Dong Van Stone Plateau, Ha Giang . Photo: Khanh Hoa/VNA

With more than a decade of formation and development, Vietnam's first Geopark has been affirming its role in poverty reduction and improving the quality of life of people in the rocky plateau.

Take advantage of valuable advantages to develop tourism

Dong Van Stone Plateau stretches across 4 districts: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac with an area of ​​over 2,300 km². This is also home to more than 300,000 people from 17 ethnic minorities. Once one of the poorest regions in the country, with harsh natural conditions and fragmented traffic, this land is blessed with majestic landscapes, unique terrain and rich cultural treasures - valuable advantages for sustainable tourism development.

Since being recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark (in 2010), especially after the Geopark program became an official UNESCO program in 2015, Ha Giang has gradually built methodical development strategies, focusing on balancing conservation and development, between environmental protection and improving people's lives.

After more than 10 years, the socio -economic appearance of the Stone Plateau has undergone remarkable changes. Tourism has developed at an impressive growth rate. In 2024 alone, Ha Giang welcomed about 3,286 million tourists (up 8.8% over the previous year), including 380,000 international visitors. Total tourism revenue reached more than VND 8,149 billion, reaching 102.6% of the annual plan. This result affirms the role of tourism - especially tourism associated with geological heritage - becoming a key economic sector, contributing greatly to the overall growth of Ha Giang province.

The stone plateau is located at an average altitude of 1,000 - 1,600m above sea level, covering an area of ​​nearly 2,356 km² spanning the four districts of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Meo Vac and Dong Van of Ha Giang province. Photo: Thanh Ha/VNA

The development of tourism has led to a series of new service business models such as homestay accommodation, ethnic cuisine, traditional handicraft products, etc., creating jobs and stable income for local people. The labor structure in the park area has clearly shifted to the service - tourism sector. At the same time, traditional cultural values ​​that were once at risk of being lost are now being restored and strongly promoted. Special festivals such as Khau Vai love market, Buckwheat flower festival, Mong flute festival, etc. have become highlights to attract visitors and a space for the community to practice vibrant culture.

Mr. Do Quoc Huong, Chairman of Dong Van District People's Committee said: “In recent years, thanks to the development orientation associated with the Global Geopark, the face of Dong Van district has had many positive changes. Tourism infrastructure is increasingly invested in synchronously. Heritage sites are planned and protected closely. People's lives, especially those of ethnic minorities, have improved significantly. Many households have boldly switched to community tourism, developing handicraft products, creating stable income and contributing to preserving traditional culture. From a difficult land, Dong Van is now gradually becoming the province's tourist center, an indispensable destination on the Ha Giang tourism map".

Preserve and promote heritage values

Yin-yang tiled roofs, typical of Lo Lo houses in Lo Lo Chai village, Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, Ha Giang. Photo: Khanh Hoa/VNA

Another notable achievement is the raising of public awareness in heritage conservation. Geological, biological and landscape heritage sites that were once damaged by quarrying and mineral exploitation have now been zoned for protection. Resource planning, environmental control, forest protection and conservation of rare species have all been carried out systematically, with the active participation of the community and local authorities.

Recently, on April 29, the UNESCO Global Geopark Network expert delegation, led by Mr. Guy Martin, Secretary General of the Executive Board, had a working session with the Standing Committee of Ha Giang Provincial People's Committee on preparations for the fourth re-evaluation of the Geopark in 2026.

The delegation highly appreciated the province's efforts in implementing recommendations after the 2022 assessment, especially the synchronous participation of authorities at all levels and the community in the work of preserving and promoting heritage values.

Peach blossoms in full bloom have attracted more tourists to Lo Lo Chai village, Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, Ha Giang province. Photo: Khanh Hoa/VNA

Notably, the expert group proposed adjusting the number of tourist attractions on the routes from 59 to 48 locations, divided equally among the 4 main routes, to help tourists have more time to experience, while reducing pressure on the operation and management team.

These recommendations were accepted by Ha Giang province with an open mind. Ms. Vuong Ngoc Ha, Vice Chairman of Ha Giang Provincial People's Committee, affirmed that the province will promptly review and adjust the operating regulations of the Park Management Board and develop a specific action plan to best prepare for the upcoming re-evaluation.

Orienting sustainable development in the coming period, Ha Giang continues to set the goal of developing tourism associated with conservation, considering the Geopark not only as an asset of the province, but also as a national symbol of harmony between nature and people. Ha Giang focuses on investing in tourism infrastructure, training local human resources, encouraging the community to do sustainable tourism, expanding international cooperation, gradually forming a chain of products with local identity.

With the established foundation and support from the international network, Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark will continue to be a bright spot in green economic development, contributing to raising the position of Ha Giang on the world tourism map.

Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/20/172311/cao-nguyen-da-dong-van-don-bay-phat-trien-kinh-te-xa-hoi-ben-vung-noi-cuc-bac