The originality of Dong Van Karst Plateau, Northern Vietnam: From the perspecitve of geoheritage

Abstract

Dong Van Karst Plateau (DVKP) is a deep and remote area in the north of Vietnam which has numerous notable geoheritage characteristics. Karst coverage in the DVKP is among the largest compared to other regions in the country: up to 60% of the DVKP. However, to now, the relevant geoheritage information remains incomplete. The terrigenous rock cover of the remaining part is also underlaid by limestone. The aim of this paper is to identify territorial geoheritage with palaeontological, geomorphologic, structural-tectonic, stratigraphical, and lithology characteristics. Our research results have enabled the DVKP to be recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Studying geology to identify unique natural features and transform impoverished and underdeveloped areas into a tourism destinations, like DVKP, is a common aspiration among people. Before 2000, DVKP was an underdeveloped economic region. With the efforts of geologists, the unique geoheritage of the DVKP have been discovered. Currently, DVKP has become a famous destination, known as the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark, which was recognized in 2010. In this paper, the author introduces new geomorphosites of the DVKP. At the same time, it shows how Vietnam seeks to increase the quality of geotourism to draw more tourists and encourage socioeconomic growth by adding geomorphosites and creating awareness in society.

Keywords

• UNESCO Global Geopark
• geoheritage
• Ma Pi Leng Pass
• Nho que
• Quan Ba