**Lang Son Geopark: A UNESCO-Aspiring Geopark in Vietnam**
Encompassing 4,842 square kilometers across eight district-level regions, Lang Son Geopark stands as one of Vietnam’s largest geoparks. Its unique geological, geomorphological, and cultural significance set it apart as a prime candidate for UNESCO recognition.
**Geological and Geomorphological Significance:**
Lang Son Geopark is a treasure trove of paleobiological fossils, dating back 500 million years. These fossils provide evidence of the province’s once submerged past. The park’s diverse landscape includes low mountain ranges enveloping serene valleys and villages, as well as caves like Tham Khuyen, which sheltered prehistoric human populations.
**Cultural Values:**
The geopark is home to numerous temples dedicated to Mother Goddesses, a practice recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Bac Le Temple is a particularly renowned example. Villages of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups, with their distinct cultures, add to the geopark’s cultural richness.
**UNESCO Recognition:**
Lang Son Geopark’s management board is actively seeking UNESCO recognition to safeguard and sustainably harness its geological, geomorphological, and cultural values. Local authorities are implementing initiatives to raise public awareness and promote the responsible use of the park’s resources for tourism development.
**Vietnam’s Geoparks:**
Lang Son Geopark joins the ranks of three other global geoparks in Vietnam: Dong Van Karst Plateau (2010), Non Nuoc Cao Bang (2018), and Dak Nong (2020). UNESCO’s verification trip is scheduled for July, further solidifying Vietnam’s commitment to preserving its geological heritage.
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