The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has re-recognised the
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geo-Park in the
northernmost mountainous province of Ha Giang as a member of the Global
Network of National Geoparks for the 2015-2018 period.
Representatives from UNESCO Vietnam handed over the recognition decision to
the locality’ leaders at a conference in Dong Van district on November 12,
which was to review the development process of the park over the last four
years.
Dam Van Bong, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee said it is a
great honour for the locality and
Vietnam in general to be received the
re-cognition, adding that this is the responsibility for the province to
preserve and promote outstanding values of the heritage and introduce them
to the world.
The park is one of the most attractive tourist sites in Ha Giang,
contributing to luring more holiday-makers to the province and benefiting
local people.
The local authorities have run communication campaigns in all the hamlets
and communes in the locality in a bid to raise public awareness of
conserving and promoting values of the heritage.
Dong Van plateau was recognised as a member of the Global Network of
National Geoparks in 2010, becoming Vietnam’s first geological park and the
second in Southeast Asia.
Covering a total area of 2,356 km2, it is 80 percent limestone and contains
the fossils of thousands of species of prehistoric creatures from 400-600
million years ago.
It is also home to over 250,000 people from 17 different ethnic groups, who
boast unique cultures that have been fostered over the centuries.
Recently, 14 archaeological sites were excavated in Dong Van,
Meo Vac, and
Yen Minh districts, in Dong Van plateau, revealing hundreds of relics
believed to appear in the prehistoric and protohistoric times.
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