Local communities have an important role to play in the management anddevelopment of geoparks, said experts at the second Asia-PacificGeoparks Network Symposium held in Hanoi on July 18.
The symposium's theme revolved around sustainable development in theregion through the promotion of geoparks, which are defined by UNESCO asa territory encompassing one or more sites of scientific importance,not only for geographic reasons, but also by virtue of archaeological,ecological or cultural value.
Dong Van Karst PlateauGeopark, located in the northernmost province of Ha Giang , is thefirst geopark recognised by the Global Geoparks Network in Vietnam ,and the second geopark in Southeast Asia .
According toDr Pham Khoi Nguyen, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment,concepts such as geoparks, geoheritage and geotourism, though relativelynew, have already taken shape and are a strong trend in many societies.
According to Katherine Muller Marin, Representative ofthe Hanoi-based UNESCO Office in Vietnam , geoparks such as Dong Vanpromote the concept of conservation while stimulating educationalopportunities and socio-economic activities.
Marin saidthe geopark model is particularly valuable for Asian countries such asVietnam , which has vulnerable and disadvantaged populations thatinhabite mountainous and remote areas.
"It is necessary toensure that ethnic minorities and local communities can participate inthe management of geoparks as well as continue to benefit from thenatural and cultural resources found there."
She alsoadded that it is important to ensure the intangible heritage, includingcustoms, traditions, knowledge, lifestyles and other local practices,are taken into consideration and respected by government officials andeveryone else who comes into contact with the local people.
Patrick McKeever, representative of the Global Geoparks Network cumCo-Chairperson of European Geoparks Network said local people should beempowered to take care of their own natural resources in a way thatrespects their traditions.
McKeever also urged everyone torespect the "philosophy of geoparks" that takes into account animalrights and other ethical issues, in particular, he said shops sellingwildlife or gemstones are forbidden in geoparks, warning that those whodo not respect the principles would be excluded from the geoparksnetwork.
Sen Chin Ly, Vice Chairman of the People'sCommittee of Ha Giang province, said the province is determined todevelop Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in line with internationalstandards set by the Global Geoparks Network and hope to receive moresupport from international organisations and investors to develop thegeopark in a sustainable way.
The symposium drew over 150 delegates from 16 Asia-Pacific and European countries./.
The symposium's theme revolved around sustainable development in theregion through the promotion of geoparks, which are defined by UNESCO asa territory encompassing one or more sites of scientific importance,not only for geographic reasons, but also by virtue of archaeological,ecological or cultural value.
Dong Van Karst PlateauGeopark, located in the northernmost province of Ha Giang , is thefirst geopark recognised by the Global Geoparks Network in Vietnam ,and the second geopark in Southeast Asia .
According toDr Pham Khoi Nguyen, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment,concepts such as geoparks, geoheritage and geotourism, though relativelynew, have already taken shape and are a strong trend in many societies.
According to Katherine Muller Marin, Representative ofthe Hanoi-based UNESCO Office in Vietnam , geoparks such as Dong Vanpromote the concept of conservation while stimulating educationalopportunities and socio-economic activities.
Marin saidthe geopark model is particularly valuable for Asian countries such asVietnam , which has vulnerable and disadvantaged populations thatinhabite mountainous and remote areas.
"It is necessary toensure that ethnic minorities and local communities can participate inthe management of geoparks as well as continue to benefit from thenatural and cultural resources found there."
She alsoadded that it is important to ensure the intangible heritage, includingcustoms, traditions, knowledge, lifestyles and other local practices,are taken into consideration and respected by government officials andeveryone else who comes into contact with the local people.
Patrick McKeever, representative of the Global Geoparks Network cumCo-Chairperson of European Geoparks Network said local people should beempowered to take care of their own natural resources in a way thatrespects their traditions.
McKeever also urged everyone torespect the "philosophy of geoparks" that takes into account animalrights and other ethical issues, in particular, he said shops sellingwildlife or gemstones are forbidden in geoparks, warning that those whodo not respect the principles would be excluded from the geoparksnetwork.
Sen Chin Ly, Vice Chairman of the People'sCommittee of Ha Giang province, said the province is determined todevelop Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in line with internationalstandards set by the Global Geoparks Network and hope to receive moresupport from international organisations and investors to develop thegeopark in a sustainable way.
The symposium drew over 150 delegates from 16 Asia-Pacific and European countries./.
