Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in Hagiang, Vietnam

Geo-heritages date from the Cambrian (about 550 million years ago) to the present and include palaeobiology, stratigraphy, geomophology, tectonics, karst, caves, etc. Diverse fossils were identified such as brachiopods (eurispirifer tonkinesis), trilobites, ancient fishes, crinoidea... and fossilized paths of molluscs. One can also observe rocks that provide evidence of two large biological crises in the past: the 360 million years ago late Devonian Frasnian – Famennian crisis; and the Permo – Trias mass extension 250 million years ago. The geopark has two natural conservation areas rich in fauna and flora species such as conifers, Asian black bear, Southern serow (a solitary mountain goat) and many species of bird. Moreover, the unusual and mysterious Tonkin snub-nosed monkey is one of the 25 most endangered species of primate in the world. It is only found in Ha Giang province and was believed extinct until its rediscovery in the early 1990s.

Dong Van Geopark is home to 17 ethnic groups which creates the unique and rich cultural heritage of this area. The socio - economic life of the geopark should be improved to achieve the Millennium Development Goals that Vietnam committed. Thus, the management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark has associated with its partners in seeking support from organizations to develop sustainable tourism, conservation of heritage values and Earth science research.

Dong Van karst plateau Geopark consists of four districts, namely, Meo Vac, Dong Van, Yen Minh, Quan Ba. Located in the North of Ha Giang province - Viet Nam. It shares border with china in the north, total area of over 2.346 km² . The karst plateau is created by at least 80 percent limestone and many fossils of ancient creatures species from 400 - 600 million years ago. Its average elevation is 1400 -1600 meters above sea level. Dong Van karst plateau Geopark is situated in a temperate climate and divided into two seasons: Rainy and dry seasons. The annual mean temperature is 24 -28 degree celcius, while the winter temperatures may be down to 5 degree celcius.

Dong Van rocky highland Geopark was official 77th member of the Global Geopark Network on 3/10/2010. It became the first global Geopark in Viet Nam, the second in Southeast Asia. This event is a hall-mark in the process of regional and international integration. Contributing to improve Viet Nam's position in the international arena. Besides, it is also an opportunity for Ha Giang province in particular and Viet Nam in general can exchange, learn, contact. Especially, promotion and introduction the human lands of Ha Giang, the value of Geoheritage and culture in these area.

Currently, the scientists have preliminarily made statistics of 45 geomorphic heritages, 33 tectonic heritages and numerous fossils in the sediment stone stratums on Dong Van karst plateau Geopark. Of which, there are 26 breed and species in the world, the first time which has been found in here and named Geographical after Ha Giang. Many Geoheritages have been ranked in National level and International level such as, the system of fault valleys in Nho Que river, Tu San canon - Ma Pi Leng pass under the type of tectonic and geomorphic heritage. Folds in calcareous karst in Ma Pi Leng, Quan Ba and many other places, etc.

Dong Van rocky plateau not only is sculpture product, a historical rocky page of the nature present to human people but also contain a lot of potential values such as, Geoheritages, bilogical diversity, tourism, fossils...Especially, the cultural of community 17 ethnic groups on Dong Van karst plateau Geopark, traditional beauty need preserving and promoting. Dong Van Karst Plateau is unique combination between Geoheritages and cutural heritages. Which has created great potential for tourism and attracted many visitor within and outside country. To get there, please visit us at www.ethnicvoyage.com for more info