Promoting a long-term vision for the development of the Global Geoparks Network

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son proposed promoting a long-term vision for the development of the Global Geoparks Network - a strong international cooperation network to preserve and promote the value of geological heritage not only for our benefit but also for future generations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son delivered a speech at the opening session of the Conference.

On September 12, at the Cao Bang Provincial Conference Center, the Opening Session of the 8th International Conference of the Asia- Pacific Global Geoparks Network (APGN 8) took place with the theme "Local communities and sustainable development in geoparks".

Attending the opening session were comrades: Bui Thanh Son, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam; Tran Hong Minh, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Cao Bang province; representatives of UNESCO, representatives of leaders of ministries, central agencies and some localities, and more than 800 domestic and international delegates.

At the opening session, Chairman of Cao Bang Provincial People's Committee Hoang Xuan Anh shared: Non Nuoc Cao Bang is honored to be the second locality in Vietnam to officially become a member of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network and the Asia-Pacific Regional Network since April 2018. Since then, Cao Bang has always actively responded to and participated in the activities of the Network. In September 2022, at the 7th APGN Conference of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network in the Asia-Pacific region held in Satun, Thailand, Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark was honored to be selected as the locality to host the 8th APGN Conference. Hosting the Conference affirms the active and responsible participation of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in particular, and the Vietnam Geopark Network in general, in the activities of the regional and global Geopark Network; At the same time, it affirms the locality's determination in developing the UNESCO Global Geopark title, towards the goal of sustainable development.

Chairman of Cao Bang Provincial People's Committee Hoang Xuan Anh spoke at the opening session of the Conference.

Cao Bang is known for its many scenic spots and rich tangible and intangible cultural treasures, unique and valuable geological heritages, of which 102 relics have been ranked (03 special national relics, 26 national relics, 73 provincial relics), 02 national treasures, more than 2,000 documented intangible cultural heritages, of which 07 intangible cultural heritages have been included in the List of national intangible cultural heritages.

Cao Bang Non Nuoc Geopark is a place that preserves wonderful evidence of the evolution and change of the earth over 500 million years. Geological activities over hundreds of millions of years have created extremely unique and diverse limestone terrain and landscapes, along with a rich system of caves and rivers, of which the most prominent are Ban Gioc waterfall; Nguom Ngao cave; Thang Hen lake complex with an underground cave system of important value in scientific research, ... In addition, this place also contains outstanding values of the ecosystem with the presence of many rare species such as: Phja Oac - Phja Den National Park with mossy forests and biodiversity with over 90 species of plants, 58 rare species of animals....

Coming to Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, visitors can learn about the geological history and the rich cultural identity through four "experience routes" with unique and distinctive values. Cao Bang province always adheres to the goal of developing Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark in association with preserving heritage values, environmental resources, preserving traditional crafts, developing sustainable tourism and educating future generations, developing a network of partners, joining hands for a strong community development.

Speaking at the opening session, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, Chairman of the Vietnam UNESCO Commission, emphasized: Global Geopark Heritage is a priceless asset of mankind, the activities of the Global Geopark Network have actively contributed to protecting the Earth and humanity for the planet. The conference is a forum for researchers, managers, and scholars from the countries of the Geopark to meet, connect, exchange information, and share experiences to continuously improve the construction, operation, and promote the role of UNESCO Global Geoparks in association with sustainable development goals, especially building and connecting Geopark tourism between countries to become unique tourism products with the participation of many ethnic communities in the world; associated with environmental protection, protection of natural resources and indigenous cultures is an inevitable requirement of the tourism industry towards sustainable development.

Ms. Lidia Brito, Assistant Director General of UNESCO for Natural Sciences, said: The conference took place at a time when Cao Bang and many provinces and cities in Northern Vietnam are suffering heavy damage from natural disasters due to the tropical depression from storm No. 3 causing landslides and flash floods affecting property and human lives.

The Assistant Director-General of UNESCO highly appreciated the efforts of Cao Bang province in carefully preparing conditions for organizing the Conference and making great efforts in overcoming serious damage from super typhoon Yagi.

Delegates take souvenir photos at the Conference.

Ms. Lidia Brito said: The task for members of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network coming to the conference is not only to participate in the forum to discuss, exchange, share, and learn from "Local communities and sustainable development in the Geopark area", but also to implement the goal of sustainable development associated with building action programs to combat climate change, reduce natural disaster risks, and protect the Earth - the common home of humanity. Emphasizing that combating climate change and reducing natural disaster risks is an urgent task for each country's Geopark. Because combating climate change is a long journey, requiring the joint efforts of countries around the world, including countries with the title of UNESCO Global Geopark; there must be a common plan towards reducing emissions globally, protecting natural resources, protecting the living environment and cultural environment for today's and future generations. UNESCO Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark is a Geopark model with many positive and effective activities and just 2 days ago, Lang Son Provincial Geopark (Vietnam) was voted by the International Council of Experts to join the Network.

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son emphasized: The UNESCO Global Geopark Network is the only organization of the United Nations in the field of earth sciences; actively implementing UNESCO's recommendations on raising awareness and taking action to harmoniously and sustainably handle the relationship between humans and nature. In particular, the Global Geopark Network is also a community that strengthens the connection to preserve and promote special heritage values - geological heritage associated with biodiversity, environmental protection, cultural preservation, for the development of the community, people's livelihoods and sustainable development in the region. Right before the conference, Vietnam suffered a lot of damage caused by storm No. 3. The natural disaster raised the urgent issue of having solutions and action programs to combat climate change.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also said: There are only 10 days left until the Future Summit in New York to turn words and commitments into concrete actions to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future. This is the time for Asia - Pacific, with its important driving force, dynamic and self-reliant development center of the world, to join hands to contribute to responding to the challenges of the times, realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, bringing practical benefits to all members and people, leaving no one behind. In that spirit, it is suggested that the Conference needs to identify a comprehensive approach to unify in perception and action on the conservation and promotion of the value of geoparks for sustainable development; increase the exchange of good experiences and good examples, and make appropriate policy recommendations on the management, conservation and sustainable development of global geoparks; promote multi-stakeholder partnerships and international cooperation to develop global geoparks associated with sustainable development; promote a 5-year and 10-year long-term vision for the development of the Global Geopark Network - a strong international cooperation network to preserve and promote the value of geological heritage not only for our benefit but also for future generations.

After the Opening Session, there will be thematic workshops; Exchange activities and signing of cooperation memorandums between the Geoparks in the UNESCO Global Geopark Network in the Asia-Pacific region./.

Source: http://caobangtv.vn/tin-tuc-n77667/thuc-day-tam-nhin-dai-han-cho-phat-trien-mang-luoi-cong-vien-dia-chat-toan-cau.html