SNAPSHOTS OF LY SON-SA HUYNH GEOPARK
- Monday - 27/04/2020 14:52
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Located along 130 km of coast in central Vietnam, Quang Ngai is bestowed with many beautiful beaches. Its complicated terrain has typical features of the highlands, coastal lowlands and islands on an area of 5,000km2. Initial research and studies by national and international scientists indicate that the province is home to diverse valuable heritages of geology, geomorphology, culture, biodiversity and landscapes.
In order to properly preserve and promote those heritages, Quang Ngai has determined to establish a UNESCO Global Geopark in the province. By the end of 2019, the application dossier has been submitted to UNESCO for consideration and recognition of a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Ly Son – Sa Huynh Geopark encompasses an area of 2,537 km2 with a population of one million persons, covering ten districts. In addition, the geopark also covers 2,617 km2 of wetland including internal water as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
The geopark presents a wealth of geological heritages with 14 geological units over a long evolution history, representing major complexes in the region. It offers a diverse geological collection, including metamorphic rocks formed about 2 billion years ago to volcanic activities a few thousand years ago.
Spreading on different terrains, the geopark is shaped by the gifts bestowed – breathtaking landscapes, sandy beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, rapids, cliffs, caves, hot springs, lakes, among others.
The geopark also presents numerous cultural monuments which testify to the lengthy presence of humans in the place as well as intangible values attesting to the interactions of the inhabitants with nature. It is home to Sa Huynh Culture dated 3,000 years ago, then followed by Champa and Dai Viet Cultures.
Currently, it has four discovery routes, including one to the East named Voyage to the sacred volcanic island, to the West named Continent’s dances through time, to the South named Journey back to the ancient cultures and to the North named Waves of sea’s echoes and war stories. Each thematic route presents its own specific features, which generates The Land of Motions.
The designation by UNESCO is the matter of future and there are a long way to go, with determination of local government and support from local communities, the province is entitled to dream that the UGGp designation would serve as an impetus for local sustainable development.