Hanoi (VNA) - The northern mountainous province of Lang Son is taking measures to preserve and promote the ecotourism value and potential of the Lang Son Global Geopark, recognised by UNESCO in September 2024.
Spanning eight districts and cities, including Bac Son, Chi Lang, Huu Lung, Loc Binh, Van Quan, and Lang Son city (as well as parts of Binh Gia and Cao Loc districts), the Lang Son Global Geopark covers an area of over 4,840 square kilometres, with a population of nearly 627,000 people. This represents around 58% of the province’s area and 78% of its population.
The karstification process, combined with topographical, climactic, hydrological, and other conditions have created a stunning system of massive limestone caves in the Lang Son Global Geopark. These caves contain numerous stalactites in various forms, most of which remain well-preserved.
Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Dang An said that these resources are important potential assets for developing tourism in geopark areas, such as cave exploration, sport climbing, paragliding, and trekking.
To fully tap its potential, the province has built four routes aimed at showcasing its natural and cultural treasures, with 38 attractive tourist sites.
Notably, to date, the province has invested over 84 billion VND (3.3 million USD) in restoring 58 relic sites, including archaeological sites and scenic spots. This has created a diverse and integrated complex, initially meeting the needs of tourists for sightseeing as well as the spiritual and religious activities of people from all walks of life.
Hoang Vu, owner of Son Thuy Homestay in Bac Son district, shared that since 2023, the homestay has partnered with the Management Board of the Lang Son Geopark, resulting in a 50% increase in tourist numbers compared to the previous period.
Not only Son Thuy Homestay but also other partner establishments have benefited as the board has actively supported all partner units in promoting themselves through publications and electronic platforms of domestic and international geoparks.
Duong Xuan Huyen, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee and head of the Steering Committee for the Establishment of the Lang Son Global Geopark, affirmed that with the goal of turning tourism into a key economic sector, and using cultural heritage as a foundation and driving force for development, the province is actively implementing the project on establishing, building and developing the Lang Son Geopark for the 2021–2025 period.
This effort is being undertaken with determination and careful steps to promote sustainable and comprehensive economic growth, ensure livelihoods, generate jobs, and improve the incomes of local residents while protecting, preserving, and honouring the cultural and natural heritage values of the province, said Huyen.
The conservation and promotion of heritage value, including geological heritage, in association with sustainable tourism development within the Lang Son Geopark area, are among the key tasks to turn tourism into a significant economic driver for the province.
This initiative presents an opportunity for Lang Son and other provinces within the Vietnam Geopark Network to strengthen connections, share experiences, and build a common vision for the management, conservation, and promotion of the tourism value of the nation's geoparks, thereby amplifying and advancing the value of cultural heritage, he added./.
