UNESCO recognizes Lang Son Geopark as a Global Geopark

UNESCO's recognition of Lang Son Geopark as a Global Geopark is of great significance for the sustainable tourism development of Lang Son province in particular and the Northern mountainous region in general.

This is also an opportunity to create more motivation and focus more resources for Lang Son province to strengthen and promote the management, conservation and promotion of the values of geological heritage, cultural heritage, history, archeology, biodiversity, as well as unique scenic spots of Lang Son province.

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Caves in Lang Son Geopark system.

In addition, Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark possesses unique, typical and outstanding values that will also contribute and supplement importantly to the program of preserving and promoting the values of the Global Geopark system.

The UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, brings together territories recognised for their rich geological heritage – rock formations, mountains or volcanoes, caves, canyons, fossil sites or ancient desert landscapes – that bear witness to the history and evolution of the Earth.

These sites are also places for environmental conservation and education, where local and indigenous communities can promote their unique cultures.

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UNESCO experts assess archaeological values in the Na Duong depression, Loc Binh district, Lang Son province.

“Over the past ten years, UNESCO Geoparks have become a model for the conservation of geological heritage. Furthermore, their role has become increasingly important in supporting educational projects, promoting sustainable tourism and preserving and conserving the cultures and traditional knowledge of territories with the active participation of local communities,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.

In 2025, 16 new Geoparks will be recognized in: China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea - marking its first Geopark, Ecuador, Indonesia, Italy, Norway, South Korea, Saudi Arabia - with its first two Geoparks, Spain, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

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Sea turtle fossils dating back millions of years were discovered in Na Duong valley, Loc Binh district, Lang Son province.

Nestled among the limestone peaks of northern Vietnam, Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark tells the story of changing seas, volcanic eruptions and evolving ecosystems millions of years ago.

According to scientists, Lang Son Geopark holds a natural archive, preserving evidence of the evolution of life through many eras.

Lang Son Geopark is also home to many different ethnic groups including Kinh, Nung, Tay and Dao, with many unique languages, crafts and cultural traditions.

In addition, the center of spiritual life in the Lang Son Geopark area is Dao Mau, the Mother Goddess worship belief, combining music, spirit mediumship and storytelling to honor the deities believed to govern the realms of heaven, earth, mountains, forests and water.

Currently, the worship of the Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms and Then singing are both listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. These cultural practices, passed down through generations, remain central to the identity of local communities in the Lang Son Geopark area.