VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam has many areas, where there are favorable conditions to build global geoparks. It is expected that by the end of the next year, Vietnam will have more landscapes to be recognized by GGN (Global Geoparks Network) as geoparks.
“Geopark” has been defined as a territory encompassing one or more sites of scientific importance, not only for geological reasons but also by virtue of its archaeological, ecological or cultural value.

The participants, who attended the workshop on geoparks in Asia Pacific held in Hanoi several days ago, agreed that Vietnam has great potentials to develop geoparks. Vietnam is located in the intersection of two major tectonic zones; therefore it has original geological layers.

The international workshop on geoparks lasted one week in mid July, which gathered 150 scientists from Asia Pacific and Europe. Within the framework of the workshop, some fact-finding trips to some localities in Vietnam were organized.

“In the north alone, there are about 15 areas potential for building geoparks, including the world’s natural heritage Ha Long Bay, and the Cat Ba world’s biosphere reserve,” said Nguyen Linh Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment.

According to Dr Tran Van Tan, Director of the Institute of Geosciences and Minerals, six areas in Vietnam could become global geoparks in the time to come, including the Ha Long Bay, the Cat Ba biosphere reserve, the Hoang Lien National Park in Lao Cai province, Thac Ba in Yen Bai province, the Cuc Phuong National Park, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

“Of the six areas, if everything goes smoothly, Cat Ba and Ha Long Bay would be recognized as global geoparks by the end of 2012,” Van said.

“Especially, we have thought of building geoparks right in the capital city of Hanoi in the near future. These could be the Ba Vi national park and neighboring areas,” he continued. “Here on the areas, natural heritages still have been preserved, with the vestige of ancient volcanic activities and many cultural values associated with the legends of Son Tinh - the mountain genie and Thuy Tinh - the water genie.

According to Van, the title of global geopark would create more favorable conditions for Vietnam to popularize its images in the international community and develop economy. Especially, it helps protect the value of geology, geomorphology and rich local culture.

However, Patrick Mc Keever from GGN Office has warned that under the current regulations, geoparks will be reviewed and evaluated once again in every four years.

To date, Vietnam has had only one global geopark – the Dong Van Stone Plateau. In order to protect the title of global geopark, according to Van, it is necessary to draw up an overall development plan, a strategy to exploit and preserve the geopark in a reasonable way.

Van warned that a world heritage in Germany had the title revoked in the past, when people deliberately built a bridge in the heritage area.

On October 3, 2010, the Dong Van Stone Plateau in Ha Giang province was officially recognized as a global geopark. This is the first geopark in Vietnam and the second in South East Asia which has been recognized as a global geopark.

The park has the total area of 2350 kilometers, covering four districts in the province, including Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac, located on the average height of 1400-1600 meters. Scientists have discovered 45 geomorphologic heritages, 33 tectonic heritages and a lot of fossils on sedimentary rock layers.

The joining of Dong Van into the GGN has rejoiced Vietnamese people, because they well know that this is the good opportunity for Ha Giang province to attract more tourists. The plateau, together with other heritages, like Ha Long Bay, will help develop Vietnam’s tourism, and bring the opportunity to turn stones into the main source of income for local people.

To date, Vietnam has 12 world’s heritages, 8 biosphere reserves, 30 national marks and hundreds of nature reserves.

VNE