Vietnam has the potential to build a geopark

Vietnam has many convenient areas to build a global geopark, and by the end of next year there may be more recognized landmarks for this title.

According to the evaluation of experts at the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Conference, taking place in Hanoi, Vietnam has great potential for geopark. Vietnam is the intersection of two large tectonic zones so there is a unique geological layer.

"Only in the north, there are about 15 prospective areas such as Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site, Cat Ba Garden Biosphere Reserve World ", Mr. Nguyen Linh Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and The environment said.

On October 3, 2010, Dong Van Stone Plateau, Ha Giang Province was recognized as a Global Geopark. This plateau covers an area of ​​2,350 km ² , consisting of 4 districts: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, an average height of 1,400-1,600 m, where many types of heritage are concentrated, prominently local substance and cultural heritage.

Dr. Tran Tan Van, Director of the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources said that Vietnam has about 6 areas with the potential to become a global geopark in the near future such as: the world natural heritage site Ha Long Bay, Biosphere Reserve World Cat Ba Garden, National Park Hoang Lien - Lao Cai, Thac Ba of Yen Bai, Cuc Phuong National Park, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

"Among these, if convenient, by the end of 2012, Vietnam will have more Cat Ba, Ha Long Bay will be recognized as a global geopark , " Van said.

" In particular, in the near future, we will aim to build a geological park right in the capital of Hanoi. It is Ba Vi National Park and the surrounding areas. Because this place has many heritage sites. nature, ancient volcanic activity and many cultural values ​​associated with many legends like Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh ".

According to Mr. Van, the title of global geopark will create favorable conditions to promote the image of Vietnam to the world, develop the economy, and especially preserve the values ​​of geology, geomorphology and both local rich culture.

However, Patrick Mc Keever, the Office of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) warns, according to regulations, geoparks will be reviewed and re-evaluated once every 4 years.

Vietnam only has the Dong Van Stone Plateau as a global geopark, but wants to protect this title, according to Van, the plateau needs a clear division plan, exploitation strategy and Preserve reasonable geopark.

" In the past a German world heritage was withdrawn the title when deliberately building a bridge in the heritage area ," Van noted.

Global Geopark International Conference takes place in a week, starting from yesterday. About 150 scientists from Asia-Pacific, Europe attended. Within the framework of the conference there are field trips to some localities of Vietnam.