Dong Van Ha Giang

Archaeologists from the Viet nam Institute of Archaeology are now studying the significance of the carvings and odd patterns on the stone, to try to come up with ways of preserving them from the ravages of time and weather.

Vietnamese scientists and specialists from Belgium, Germany, Japan, Poland, Russia and elsewhere have conducted geological and environmental research in the local karst areas.

Since 2003, the Geology and Mineral Resources Research Institute of Viet Nam has collaborated with Belgian grotto researchers in studying caves in the Dong Van Karst Plateau. A Vietnamese-Belgian geopark project is being carried out from 2007 to 2012 to preserve rare and precious geological heritage.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines a geopark as a territory encompassing one or more sites of scientific importance, not only for geological reasons but also by virtue of its archaeological, ecological or cultural value.

But Viet Nam is still at least a year away from declaring its first geopark, says Mr. Tran Tan Van, deputy director of the institute. “A geopark can’t be declared before 2009,” he says, adding that Vietnamese geologists have advised ministries and industries about the importance of establishing a geopark.

The institute is now working on a plan to focus on establishing geoparks at various sites including Dong Van, Ha long bay Phong Nha-Ke Bang Cave, Cat ba Island, Ba Be Lake and Cuc Phuong National Park.

Mr. Van suggests Viet Nam follow China in establishing a national committee on geoparks. China began the establishment of geoparks in 2001 and it now has 85 national geoparks and eight world geoparks approved by UNESCO. The committee would coordinate with cities and provinces to establish geoparks in their localities, the geologist explains.

Ha Giang Province’s administration is of the view that Dong Van Plateau should be recognized as a UNESCO geopark. Studies by the local administration, the Viet Nam Science Institute and the Nature Museum have found valuable characteristics of the area, which is covered in fossil sediment of thousands of ancient species.

Dong Van Plateau is more than 1,000 meters above sea level, and the karst mounts there take on various shapes with different characteristics. Caves and rocky gardens attract many visitors to Ha Giang.

Source: SGGP