Vietnamese, Japanese geoparks sign MoU on cooperation
A ceremony was held in the northern province of Ha Giang on November 10 to sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between UNESCO Global Geopark Dong Van Karst Plateau and aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark Mine-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau of Japan.
Ha Giang (VNA) – A ceremony was held in thenorthern province of Ha Giang on November 10 to sign a memorandum of understandingon cooperation between UNESCO Global Geopark Dong Van Karst Plateauand aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark Mine-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau of Japan.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’sCommittee Tran Duc Quy said through the cooperation programme, both sideswill assist each other in all aspects, thereby promoting the sustainability ofboth geoparks. He suggested that they should cooperate in investment andsustainable economic development, such as tourism and production of traditionalhandicraft products in which both sides have strengths.
Takahiro Koda, Director of the Mine -Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau, described Japan as one of the top destinations forVietnamese tourists and Vietnam as a preferred destination for Japanese travellers.
Via the programme, the two geoparks will facilitatetourism cooperation activities, exchange of delegations, and promote marketingefforts to attract tourists.
At the signing ceremony, both sides discussedeffective measures to tap the potential advantages and support each other indeveloping sustainable tourism.
They will step up tourism training activitiesaimed at improving the quality of products and services. Dialogues involving universitystudents, interns and student exchanges will be organised. Various culturalexchanges, festivals, events, investment promotion activities, market surveys,and tourist exchanges between the two destinations are also planned.
Dong Van Karst Plateau was recognised byUNESCO as a Global Geopark in 2010, boasting unique cultural, historical,geological values, and majestic landscapes.
The number of visitors to Ha Giang, which wasonly 2,000 in 2010, has increased rapidly, reaching 2.2 million in 2022, and isexpected to exceed 3 million this year.
At the 10th InternationalConference on UNESCO Global Geopark held in Morocco in early September, theDong Van Karst Plateau was continued to be recognised as a UNESCO GlobalGeopark for the third time by the UNESCOGlobal Geopark Council.
ꦫ On September 6, Ha Giang was honoured to benamed the top emerging destination in Asia at the World Travel Awards./.
The Central Highlands province of Dak Nong has become popular to both domestic and foreign visitors after Dak Nong Geopark was recognised as a global geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
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The conservation and promotion of values of geoheritage, especially geoparks, in Vietnam have advanced, contributing to socioeconomic development, enhancing international integration and improving the position of localities in multilateral cooperation mechanisms, according to insiders.
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The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
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As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
At the signing ceremony (Photo: VNA) 
