March 11 to 16, 2023, the Lang Son Geopark Construction and Development Advisory Team surveyed Lang Son Geopark tourist routes, working with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and related agencies.

 At the meeting with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and related agencies and units, Dr. Guy Martini presented a report on the results of an overview survey of the current status of geological heritage and biodiversity, archaeological sites, cultural heritage, building tourist routes in five districts in Lang Son Geopark, Cao Loc district, Loc Binh district and Lang Son city; assessed the potential strengths as well as point out the roadmap, challenges and opportunities of Lang Son in the construction and development of Lang Son Geopark, complete the Dossier to submit to UNESCO for recognition of Lang Son Geopark as a Global Geopark. The report initially identified and basically framed four main sightseeing routes: Route 1: Hanoi - Huu Lung district - Lang Son city; Route 2: Lang Son city - Van Quan district - Binh Gia district - Bac Son district; Route 3: Bac Son district - Van Quan district - Chi Lang district - Lang Son city; Route 4: Lang Son city - Mau Son - Na Duong - Lang Son city.

According to consultants, in order to meet the criteria of UNESCO, there must be 3 to 4 routes to visit the panorama of the Geopark for domestic and international tourists. With the expected four sightseeing routes as above, Lang Son Geopark will meet a number of criteria in terms of heritage diversity, geology, geomorphology, culture, history, archeology, micro-material values, typical local traditions.

Mr. Guy Martini – International Senior Expert, Chairman of

UNESCO Global Geoparks Council spoke at the working session

The Advisory Team also raised some specific proposals and solutions to develop Lang Son Geopark, such as redefining the scope and boundaries of Lang Son Geopark in the direction of expanding Lang Son city, some communes in Cao Loc district and narrowing the scope of Binh Gia district in the Geopark area… Besides, the Advisory Team also proposed some minimum conditions that the province needs to improve in the future in the coming time, such as building information centers; develop a master plan for the Geopark area associated with sustainable socio-economic development in the locality…

At the meeting, the delegates discussed and clarified a number of potentials and strengths in the districts of Lang Son Geopark and some areas in Cao Loc district, Lang Son city, it was proposed to add some additional typical places to the planned sightseeing routes.

At the end of the working session, the Advisory Team recommended that Lang Son Geopark Management Board should soon report to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People's Committee of Lang Son province and the Standing Committee of Lang Son Provincial Party Committee for policy on expanding the scope and boundaries of Lang Son Geopark. Thereby, it will help Lang Son province have a suitable direction, meeting the conditions of UNESCO for Lang Son Geopark to become a global geopark.

Dinh Khanh