HANOI, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam will host the eighth International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network for the Asia-Pacific Region from Sept. 5 to Sept. 17 in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday.
Themed "Local Communities and Sustainable Development in Geopark Region," the event is expected to attract the participation of about 800 to 1,000 domestic and international delegates.
The conference aims to share and exchange experiences, effective models, and useful solutions in the development and management of geoparks according to UNESCO's standard among the members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in the Asia-Pacific region.
It also seeks to raise awareness and responsibility among all levels of government, sectors and the public in preserving and promoting various types of heritage to foster sustainable tourism development.
Sessions of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, 20th anniversary celebration of the Global Geoparks Network and signing of cooperation agreements among geoparks in the global UNESCO network of the Asia-Pacific region are scheduled to take place. ■
