Dong Van Limestone Plateau Honored by UNESCO for the Third Time
The Dong Van Limestone Plateau, located in the Ha Giang province of Vietnam, has been honored by UNESCO for the third time as a Global Geopark. This recognition was celebrated on Saturday, October 28, during the opening of the Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Festival 2023.
Initially acknowledged as a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2010, the limestone plateau has become a popular tourist destination, attracting an increasing number of visitors each year. The development of sustainable tourism has contributed to the economic growth of the region, improved the living conditions of the residents, and transformed the landscape of the Dong Van Plateau.
In September 2023, during the 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in Morocco, the Dong Van Limestone Plateau had its status as a Global Geopark renewed. The Ha Giang province also received the title of Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination at the World Travel Awards in September.
During the ceremony, Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, encouraged Ha Giang to focus on tourism development by showcasing the cultural diversity of the local ethnicities. He also emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the geological, cultural, and natural values of the Dong Van Limestone Plateau.
Source: The Courier of Vietnam.