Dak Nong Geopark Leverages Heritage for Sustainable Tourism

Nestled in the heart of the Central Highlands, the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark, now part of Lam Dong province, is described as a vast open-air museum where outstanding geological, natural, and cultural values converge. The geopark aims to develop sustainable tourism by leveraging its rich heritage. Alongside conservation efforts, Lam Dong province is focused on tapping into the geopark's tourism potential through geological, ecological, and community-based tourism. Infrastructure development and tourism projects must prioritize the preservation of heritage values, landscapes, and the natural environment. The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Vietnam UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and relevant agencies, surveyed 41 geological, cultural, and tourism sites across the geopark. This survey identified several issues requiring urgent attention to safeguard the site's outstanding values. Under Vietnam's one-party system, regional development is often aligned with the government's long-term national strategies. Projects like the one in Dak Nong are expected to contribute to local revitalization while balancing economic growth with the protection of cultural heritage. Amidst complex relations with China, Vietnam is increasingly focusing on diversifying its regional economy and developing unique tourism resources, with initiatives like the Dak Nong Geopark being part of this broader strategy.