Lang Son Geopark

Recently, based on decades of research, investigation, and field surveys, both domestic and international scientists have confirmed that Lang Son Province possesses all the global values necessary to establish and develop a geopark, aiming towards its recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

In recent years, under the leadership and direction of the Lang Son Provincial Party Committee and the People's Committee of Lang Son Province, along with the efforts of various departments, agencies, and localities, as well as the active participation of the communities within the eight districts and cities encompassed by Lang Son Geopark, the process of establishing, building, and developing Lang Son Geopark has been progressively implemented.

The 8th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposlum

Following these efforts, on November 30, 2023, the People's Committee of Lang Son Province, in collaboration with the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO (under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), completed the dossier proposing Lạng Sơn Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark and subsequently submitted it to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

As a result, on September 8, 2024, the UNESCO Global Geopark Council convened, evaluated, and officially recognized Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The recognition of Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark will provide Lang Son Province with additional motivation and opportunities to further concentrate resources on enhancing the management, conservation, and promotion of its geological, cultural, historical, archaeological, and biodiversity heritage, as well as its unique natural landscapes.

Lang Son Geopark is expected to receive its UNESCO Global Geopark certificate in 2025 in Chile. Lang Son Geopark encompasses eight districts and cities: Bac Son, Chi Lang, Huu Lung, Loc Binh, Van Quan, and Lang Son City, with a total area of 4,842.58 square kilometers and a population of nearly 627,000 people, accounting for approximately 58% of the province's area and 78% of its population.

Lang Son Geopark was officially established by the People's Committee of Lang Son Province in 2021. The geopark's theme is ‘The current of life in the holy land’, and it includes 38 tourist attractions across four routes: Route 1, "Exploring the upper world"; Route 2, "Journey to the heavenly realm"; Route 3, "Rustic life on Earth"; and Route 4, "The path to the water palace."

A UNESCO Global Geopark leverages its geological heritage, along with the area's natural and cultural heritage, to raise awareness and foster understanding of critical societal challenges. These include the sustainable use of Earth's resources, the mitigation of climate change impacts, and the reduction of risks associated with natural hazards. Currently, there are 213 geoparks across 48 countries.

Vietnam is home to four UNESCO Global Geoparks: Dak Nong Geopark, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, and Lạng Sơn Geopark.

Ngoc Huyen