Picture perfect: A view of Lý Sơn Island from the top of Thới Lới Mountain. — VNA/VNS Photo Phước Ngọc

QUẢNG NGÃI — Lý Sơn and Bình Châu islands and the vicinity in this central province might become global geoparks.

This conclusion was reached at a recent meeting between the local Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and domestic and international specialists.

The meeting aimed to report the results of a recent study conducted by five international specialists, who are also members of UNESCO Heritage Council, and 13 domestic cultural and geological specialists. The study lasted from March 31 to April 3.

Based on the study, the specialists all agreed that the geological areas in Bình Châu and Lý Sơn islands and the vicinity were of high value and needed special attention.

However, besides their geological conditions, recognition of the areas as a global geopark needs other factors including plans for preservation, community education and tourism development.

The mainland of Quảng Ngãi Province was also evaluated and found to be geologically diverse by the specialists, so it should also be considered a subsidiary of the future global geopark.

According to the specialists, the province is just taking its first steps in planning the global geopark, which has had considerable influence on local tourism development. For now, the province needs to manage the local ecology efficiently, which will serve as a start in getting the area officially recognised as a global geopark in the future.

Quảng Ngãi Province therefore has to define its border and total area for the dossier that will be submitted to the National Heritage Committee and later to UNESCO. At the same time, the province should establish a department to be in charge of implementing neccessary legal procedures for completing the dossier.

“After being recognised as a global geopark, Đồng Văn Karst Plateau in the northern province of Hà Giang has seen an increase in the number of tourists by three to four times. If recognised, Bình Châu and Lý Sơn islands will become ideal destinations for both domestic and international visitors, creating great tourism opportunities for Quảng Ngãi Province,” said Nguyễn Đăng Vũ, director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.— VNS