It was stated in a master plan on the preservation and upgrading of Dong Van Stone Plateau in 2012-2020 with a vision to 2030, recently approved by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan.

Accordingly, four theme tourism centres will be established in the districts of Dong Van, Meo Vac, Yen Minh and Quan Ba, which cover a total land area of over 2,350 sq. km and see the involvement of local people.

Dong Van will focus on cultural and historical values and Meo Vac will serve scientific, adventurous and border-gate trade tours. Eco-tours will be provided at Yen Minh and entertainment activities will be organised at Quan Ba.

Dong Van Stone Plateau was recognised as the first geopark in Vietnam and the second in Southeast Asia by the Global Network of National Geoparks (GGN) in October last year.

Limestone covers up to 80 percent of the plateau, where fossils of thousands of species of ancient creatures believed to live there 400-600 million years ago were uncovered.

The 574-sq.km plateau now is home to 250,000 people belonging to 17 ethnic groups with cultures that sprung up over the centuries.

Source: VNA