SISTERSHIP Merangin Jambi UGGp Khorat UGGp

Thursday, 12 September 2024.  
Cao Bang Province, Vietnam.  

At the Cao Bang Provincial Government Convention Center, the Merangin Jambi UNESCO Global Geopark (MJUGGp) Management Body participated in the grand event of the 8th APGN Symposium and exhibition, which showcased information and geoproducts from Geoparks across the Asia-Pacific region. MJUGGp collaborated with Khorat UGGp from Thailand, sharing a booth to present various information about Geodiversity, Biodiversity, Cultural Diversity, and various leading Geoproducts.  

The enthusiasm of visitors was palpable on the first day of the exhibition. Despite the alternating weather—hot, then rainy, then hot again—visitors came in waves. Young people dominated the crowd, and many of them were eager to ask questions, all while being treated to local Merangin delicacies like gelamai and chocolate. We hope the information we shared opened new insights for the Vietnamese youth and Geopark administrators from other countries about the uniqueness of Merangin Jambi Geopark. We hope they will be inspired to visit and experience the many wonders of MJUGGp.  

After the opening ceremony, UGGp Council members visited each exhibition booth, including the MJUGGp and Khorat UGGp booth. Positive feedback was received from the President of the GGN Council, Prof. Nicholas Zouros, who commented, “The tangible cooperation between UGGps in various forms is a positive step toward promoting information sharing and enhancing UGGp management. Collaboration should not be limited to just signing papers; there must be joint activities. One example is student exchanges between UGGps, which can offer new insights and foster a generation that understands the importance of preserving geological heritage and the environment.”