Second VN global geopark recognized by UNESCO

Non Nuoc Cao Bang

This is the second UNESCO-recognized Global Geopark in Viet Nam after Dong Van Karst Plateau, which was recognized in 2010.

Covering a total area of more than 3,270 square kilometers and spreading nine districts of Cao Bang province, Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark is home to more than 250,000 people from nine ethnic minority groups.

The Geopark occupies an exceptional territory with various classic karst landforms, subterranean and surface rivers, lake systems, pillow basalts, and ultramafic and granitic intrusions. The area’s sedimentary rocks date from 500 million years ago, with stratotype cross-sections, and fossils indicating different paleo-environments and biosphere extinction events.

Non Nuoc Cao Bang was established in 2015. Since then, the local authorities, departments, sectors, and community worked closely with the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to compile and submit a dossier to UNESCO in November 2016 for recognition.

There are currently 127 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 35 countries.

By Thuy Dung