In addition to heritage areas, to honor and protect areas of particularly important geological value, which mark geological traces during the formation of the earth, UNESCO also recognizes the title of geoparks. global quality. A global geopark is defined as a protected area containing some geological heritage of special importance, rarity or aesthetic value that can be developed as an integrated concept. including conservation, education and local socio-economic development (UNESCO, 2014).

Ma Pi Leng Pass – Author Haithanh

Conservation of geological heritage arises from the need to protect the intrinsic, heritage and ecological values ​​of geological resources. Although geoheritage conservation includes the conservation of both natural (biological and geological) and cultural heritage, in reality three main components of conservation are developed and operational. individual. World cultural and natural heritage sites have the highest level of protection and are protected by law in many countries. Meanwhile, the global geopark initiative has just been recognized by UNESCO and is mainly at the incentive level (Koomo & Patzak, 2008).

Regulations on Global Geoparks – GEOPARK

The Global Geopark Network, established in 2004, requires every member to achieve UNESCO World Geopark status.

According to the guidance document and criteria for geoparks to seek UNESCO’s support in participating in the global geopark network (UNESCO, 2014), the establishment of a Geopark should be based on Strong community support and local government engagement, with a commitment to develop and implement a management plan that meets the economic needs of local people while protecting the landscape. An extensive local consultation process must involve local people to create support for the planned Geopark. Regulators need to have effective management infrastructure, sufficient qualified personnel and sustainable financial resources.

The agency responsible for managing the Geopark must ensure the protection of geological heritage in accordance with local traditions and laws. Trading in geological materials may only be acceptable in exceptional circumstances, if clearly and publicly demonstrated to be the most appropriate option for local circumstances, and monitored. GGN will evaluate and approve each specific case. Geological materials are only allowed to be exploited for scientific and educational purposes. To be considered objective in geoheritage management, management agencies must not be directly involved in the purchase and sale of geological materials within the Geopark (regardless of origin) and must actively prevent Prevent all trade in unsustainable geological materials.

Geoparks must have activities, tools and support measures to raise environmental awareness and geological values ​​for the public. Parks must also facilitate scientific research and collaboration. Tourism activities must be specifically developed to suit local conditions, natural and cultural features of the area and must fully respect the traditions of the local community. The status of each Geopark will be periodically assessed every 4 years.

The concept of geoparks recognizes the relationship between humans and geology and the ability of geological resources to serve socio-economic development (Zouros, 2017). Unlike a National Park that focuses on nature conservation that is protected and managed completely separately, a geopark aims at balanced development between conservation and economics for local people. A geopark needs to have a comprehensive integrated approach to both natural and cultural heritage conservation and the appropriate use of these resources for the socio-economic development of local communities, especially through through geotourism.