Cao Bang (VNA) – The 8th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium opened in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang on September 12.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Hoang Xuan Anh, who is head of the symposium’s organising board, said that with the theme of “Local/indigenous people and sustainable development in Geoparks” the four-day symposium will find out helpful solutions to building and developing the global geopark title among APGN members, thus contributing to preserving and promoting heritage values towards sustainable development.

In recent years, the province has consistently pursued the goal of developing the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark associated with preserving heritage values, environmental resources and traditional crafts, promoting sustainable tourism and education for future generations, and expanding its network of partners, stated Anh.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son stressed the need for greater efforts and closer and more effective cooperation as the international community advances the 2030 Agenda.

According to Son, the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is slowing down and, in some cases, even regressing. He cited the June United Nations Sustainable Development Report as saying that only 17% of the goals are currently on track. In the Asia-Pacific region, if the current pace continues, it will not be until 2062 that the commitments set for 2030 will be met.

The devastating consequences of extreme natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, heatwaves, and droughts, with unprecedented frequency, scale, and impact, are impeding efforts to improve people's quality of life and achieve sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development. Without effective solutions to these challenges, humanity's development achievements are at risk of being reversed, he stressed.

Stressing that Global Geoparks are indeed a "solution" to this global issue, the official reiterated a message by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, at the 2022 International Geodiversity Day that “understanding geological processes is therefore essential to explore the past, enjoy the present and prepare for an unpredictable future”.

The Deputy PM proposed the symposium establish a comprehensive approach to unify understanding and action regarding the conservation and promotion of geopark values for sustainable development.

It is essential to integrate the principles of sustainable development into policies for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, natural environment preservation, and the cultural identity of communities, he said, adding that conservation and management of geoparks should be aligned with policies for sustainable and inclusive development at the community, local, and national levels. This requires harmonising the relationships between conservation and development, economic benefits and environmental protection, traditional and modern values; as well as internal development and international cooperation.

Son also stress🌜ed the importance of enhancing the exchange of good experience, providing appropriate policy recommendations on the management, conservation, and sustainable development of global geoparks, and promoting multilateral partnerships and international cooperation in developing global geoparks in conjunction with sustainable growth./.