On the morning of August 22, 2024, the Lang Son Geopark Management Board participated in an online meeting with the Management Boards of Geoparks in the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting was attended by representatives more than 15 Geoparks in the Asia-Pacific region. During the online session, representatives the Lang Son Geopark Management Board and members of the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network shared some notable projects that have been implemented to address climate change and manage natural disasters in geoparks.

          The UNESCO Global Geopark Management Board of Batur, Indonesia, shared their experiences in implementing projects to address climate change within the geopark through mobilizing resources local government, community residents, tourists, and geopark partners. Notable projects include tourists, travel agencies, or partners adopting green spaces for one to two years to reforest areas affected by climate change-induced fires. The UNESCO Global Geopark Management Board of Batur also collaborated with local colleges and universities to produce a biological enzyme that helps clean Lake Batur's water.

Tree Adoption Programme for tourists and tourism agencies.

The production of a biological enzyme to clean Lake Batur's water.

          The Sakurajima Kinkowan Geopark Management Board of Japan shared disaster prevention measures for volcanic eruptions within the geopark by raising public awareness about methods to handle volcanic ash to minimize its impact on community health.

Solutions for handling volcanic ash in the Sakurajima Kinkowan Geopark area, Japan.

          The UNESCO Global Geopark Management Board of Muroto, Japan, shared ways to raise community awareness through educational programs for students, residents, and communities about disaster prevention and climate change. Additionally, the UNESCO Global Geopark Management Board of Muroto carried out a project integrating information on the impacts of climate change on the local specialty fish species, the Haru Buri.

Community awareness-raising educational program of The UNESCO Global Geopark Management Board of Muroto, Japan.

The migration habits of the Haru Buri fish species are altered due to the impacts of climate change.

          The working session with the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Management Boards concluded successfully. Following the meeting, the Lang Son Geopark Management Board will continue to study suitable project models for practical and effective application. Actively participating in the activities of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network, and the Vietnam Global Geoparks Network aims to meet the criteria for recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark and contributes to affirming Lang Son Geopark as a potential geopark with international relations development with UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Thanh Tam