Ha Giang: A significant step in international geological cooperation was taken in the northern province of Ha Giang on November 10, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between UNESCO Global Geopark Dong Van Karst Plateau of Vietnam and the aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark Mine-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau of Japan.
According to Vietnam News Agency, During the ceremony, Tran Duc Quy, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, outlined the cooperative program’s objectives. According to Quy, the partnership will offer mutual assistance in various aspects, aiming to promote the sustainability of both geoparks. He proposed collaboration in investment and sustainable economic development areas, including tourism and the production of traditional handicraft products, where both regions hold significant expertise.
Takahiro Koda, Director of the Mine – Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau, highlighted the mutual popularity of Japan and Vietnam as tourist destinations for each other’s citizens. The new program is set to boost tourism cooperation, delegate exchanges, and marketing initiatives to attract more visitors to both geoparks.
The signing ceremony was also an opportunity for both parties to discuss effective strategies to leverage their potential advantages and support each other in developing sustainable tourism. Plans include enhancing tourism training to improve product and service quality, organizing dialogues involving university students, internships, student exchanges, cultural events, festivals, investment promotions, market surveys, and tourist exchanges.
Dong Van Karst Plateau, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2010, is celebrated for its unique cultural, historical, and geological values, along with its majestic landscapes. The region has seen a remarkable increase in tourism, with visitor numbers growing from 2,000 in 2010 to 2.2 million in 2022, and projections exceeding 3 million for the current year.
At the 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in Morocco in early September, Dong Van Karst Plateau was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for the third time. Additionally, on September 6, Ha Giang received the accolade of being the top emerging destination in Asia at the World Travel Awards.