The only geopark with volcanic landscapes

Unlike the two Geoparks in the North with limestone mountain landscapes, Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark is the only Geopark in Vietnam that has volcanic landscapes and caves. Dak Nong also owns 5 young volcanoes which are quite clear and typical craters, along with a cave system that has been recognized as the longest in Southeast Asia with a total length of up to 10 km. 

Foreign scientists explore caves in Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark

Additionally, there are some volcanic caves that have international scientific value such as C7 cave with a newly recorded length of up to 1,240m. Especially, some caves in this area were home to prehistoric people 6,000-10,000 years ago.

The discoveries of prehistoric archaeological sites inhabiting the volcanic cave area of the geopark have attracted the attention of many researchers and domestic and foreign tourists. Initial research results show that these are cultural vestiges of the Late Neolithic and Early Metal Age residents, dating from 6,000 to 3,000 years ago. 

Cave C6-1 is not only a geological heritage but also an extremely valuable archaeological site. Scientists have discovered and excavated prehistoric human remains with many cultural layers dating back 6,000-7,000 years. This is the first time that Vietnamese and Southeast Asian archaeologists have known about a type of volcanic cave archaeological site.

Cultural diversity of 40 ethnic groups

Culture is one of the three core elements that make up the title of Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark. With Dak Nong, the cultural diversity of 40 ethnic groups (including the 3 oldest ethnic groups residing there: Ma, M'nong, Ede) is the difference, contributing to positioning the brand of Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark – The Land of Sounds.

In fact, a destination that can hold tourists cannot ignore the element of “local culture”. Therefore, preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of the ethnic groups in Dak Nong province is extremely important. Moreover, this is also an area with a rich culture and history, with unique tangible and intangible cultural values.

In the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark, there are 18 recognized heritages at all levels, specifically:

And many tangible and intangible cultural heritages of 40 ethnic groups living in Dak Nong Geopark. It can be said that Dak Nong Geopark is an ideal destination to help visitors experience the diverse spiritual life of ethnic groups, which is shown through folk beliefs, rituals, festivals, folk literature, performing arts, folk games…

3 unique tourist routes

To promote the potentials and strengths of the area, Dak Nong Geopark has built 3 main tourist routes including “Rhapsody of Fire and Water”, “Wind of change concerto” and “Sounds of the Earth” with 41 sites.

Being re-recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for the 2024-2027 period not only brings pride to the province but also plays an important role for the nation. First of all, this affirms Dak Nong’s position on the global geological and tourism map. This recognition is a prestigious certificate, helping the province attract many international tourists as well as promoting the development of the tourism industry. Dak Nong will become an attractive destination, not only for its natural beauty but also for its special cultural, historical and geological values.

Turn potential into development advantage

To maintain this designation, the Resolution of the Dak Nong Provincial Party Congress, term 2020-2025, clearly identified Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark as one of the three pillars of the local economy. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on synchronously implementing the strategic solutions.

Firstly, it is necessary to promote propaganda and education to raise public awareness of the values of Dak Nong Geopark in association with local socio-economic development. Specially, promoting the role of Party committees, authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, sectors and organizations from the province to the grassroots in propagating and promoting, making Dak Nong Geopark “closer” to all members and residents in the province.

Secondly, it is necessary to pull up zoning and promote heritage values in the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark area. In particular, focusing on restoring, embellishing, ranking and reviving the values of geological heritage, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, biodiversity that have been lost; Restoring some traditional crafts, customs, rituals, historical relics; Improving and restoring the environmental landscape. Similarly, promoting cooperation with universities, organizations, individuals with in-depth expertise, scientists in the country and abroad to research and add scientific values to the dossier of Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark.

Promoting heritage values in the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark with restoring some traditional crafts, customs, rituals, historical relics

Thirdly, prioritize planning and converting land use purposes to meet the needs of tourism development associated with the heritages of the Geopark, community tourism development points. Call for investment, upgrading infrastructure to serve tourism development in areas which have potential for tourism development in the Geopark area.

Fourthly, constructing a brand development strategy for “Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark – The Land of Sounds” to position Dak Nong tourism brand in the region and the world; Develop a marketing, promotion and connection tourism of province with other in the country and abroad; Apply information technology and digital technology to propaganda, promotion and association activities in the construction and development of Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark.

Finally, focus on training and developing tourism human resources. Specially, it is necessary to pay attention to training and improving the capacity of the Management Board, management personnel of tourist areas, historical sites, and community tourism in localities.

By synchronously implementing the above solutions, Dak Nong province will create solid steps in preserving and developing the global brand “Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark – The Land of Sounds”.

These above solutions will help Dak Nong not only maintain its designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark but also develop sustainably, creating many new opportunities for the province and contributing to the preservation and promotion of precious heritage values.

H.C