Authorities in the central province of Quang Ngai has just approved an investment of VND48 billion (USD2.12 million) to recognise Ly Son into a global geopark.

Basalt rocks along the coast of Binh Chau Commune, the central province of Quang Ngai.

The province is also completing the dossier to seek UNESCO recognition as a global geopark for the site.

According to the project, Ly Son Geopark would include Ly Son Island and the surrounding 40 km including Binh Chau Commune of Binh Son District and their vicinity.

At a recent meeting on the compilation of a dossier for the areas, experts from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and Vietnamese scientists said the geological conditions in the areas had significant values, making them suitable to be recognised as a geopark. 

A group of five foreign experts from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and 13 Vietnamese scientists carried out field trips to the eastern commune of Binh Chau and Ly Son Island from March 31 to April 3, where they found several sites of geological value. 

Experts also said the nearby mainland area also boasts diverse geological features and should also be part of the area. They stressed, however, that alongside special geological values, Quang Ngai must meet other standards regarding conservation, community education and tourism development in order to have the areas listed as a global geopark.

Speaking at the meeting with the experts last year, Le Quang Thich, vice chairman of Quang Ngai, agreed to take the scientists’ advice and turn Binh Chau and Ly Son into tourist attractions and raise local people's awareness about the need to protect them before submitting the applications to UNESCO.

So far, Dong Van District in the northern province of Ha Giang is Vietnam’s only UNESCO ­recognised global geopark.

Dtinews