The representative the tourism service businesses in Huu Lung district

spoke at the meeting

"On the afternoon of April 19th, the leader of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism chaired a meeting to review, assess progress, and implement preparations welcome the mission of UNESCO experts to Lang Son Geopark"

According to the report, currently, the relevant agencies and units have been making efforts to implement nine key tasks outlined in the Plan No. 39/KH-BCĐ dated March 8, 2024, issued by the Steering Committee for the Construction of Lang Son Geopark, regarding the preparation of conditions to serve the evaluation work of UNESCO experts on the dossier proposing the recognition of Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Among them, two tasks have been carried out according to the schedule, including propaganda and promotion activities; and preparation of the working program with the UNESCO assessment expert delegation. Additionally, there are four tasks that have achieved 60-70% progress, including building a team of tour guides; community awareness-raising activities; establishing a network of Geopark partners; and coordinating with the advisory team. Furthermore, three tasks have achieved 50% progress, including mproving infrastructure at tourist routes and sites within the Geopark area; zoning and protection of geological heritage; and environmental sanitation work.

At the meeting, delegates discussed and clarified the results achieved during the past period. They also analyzed the difficulties and challenges, proposing solutions for the implementation of tasks in the upcoming period. These include: accelerating the construction and completion of infrastructure at several points along four ourist routes of Lang Son Geopark; progressing with related project implementations; conducting propaganda and preparation of tour guide teams; organizing activities to enhance community awareness about the Geopark corner; environmental sanitation work; developing landscape infrastructure and installing signage systems to identify the Geopark area; and establishing procedures for assessment, approval, and bidding for the implementation of tasks.

 Mr. Nguyen Dang An, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, delivered concluding remarks at the meeting.

Concluding remarks at the meeting, the leader of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism expressed the desire for relevant departments, sectors, agencies, and units to continue enhancing coordination in implementing the assigned key tasks according to the established plan. Particularly, the People's Committees of eight districts and cities within the Geopark area (Van Quan, Binh Gia, Bac Son, Chi Lang, Huu Lung, Cao Loc, Loc Binh, and Lang Son City) are urged to urgently coordinate to complete infrastructure at tourist routes and sites within the Geopark area during April-May 2024.

The current survey conducted by the UNESCO expert delegation holds immense significance in the evaluation and recognition of Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Therefore, the contributions made at the meeting will be compiled, adjusted, and advised upon by the Management Board of Lang Son Geopark and the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. These inputs will then be reported to the provincial People's Committee in the near future.

Tuyet Mai