Newly discovered lava cave enhances Dak Nong on world heritage map

A newly discovered lava cave in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong has firmly demonstrated the province's position on the world geological heritage map, say experts.

The Center for Investment Promotion, Enterprise Support and Management of Dak Nong Geopark said a group of experts discovered the completely new cave in the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark Site, after comparing with records of previously known caves.

The group included La The Phuc, PhD, deputy director of the Institute of Applied Geology and Minerals Research, and volcanic cave expert Luong Thi Tuat, according to the center.

The new cave discovery was announced late last month by the center, following a ceremony held by the province to celebrate the second time Dak Nng had received UNESCO global geopark recognition.

It has thrown an 'important spotlight' in research and discovery works of the local experts.

The cave, located, about 1,800m from the Nam Blang crater, is quite wide with a flat floor and a sturdy ceiling.

Preliminary tests have shown that the structure of the cave is quite stable and solid, opening it to become part of local tourism development, the experts said.

This discovery not only affirms the continuous research efforts of scientists, but also motivates Dak Nong to continue promoting its tourism potential, attracting domestic and international investors and tourists.

This is a clear demonstration of the province's position on the world geological heritage map, contributing to promoting sustainable socio-economic development associated with the brand "Dak Nông UNESCO Global Geopark - Land of Melodies", authority has said.

Dak Nong celebrated the second conferment of the UNESCO Global Geopark title for its geopark at a ceremony organised by the provincial People’s Committee [provincial administration] on December 26.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ho Van Muoi said the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark holds a critical role in the province’s socio-economic development strategy.

He said that local authorities prioritize tourism development by promoting the park’s natural advantages, cultural values and unique ecosystems. The work has been identified as one of the three key pillars of the provincial economy.

In a congratulatory video sent to the event, Guy Martini, general secretary of the Global Geopark Network and chairman of the UNESCO Global Geopark Council, lauded Dak Nong's efforts, and affirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting the province in leveraging the title’s values, turning the heritage into a significant resource for sustainable development.

In July last year, the UNESCO Global Geopark designation of the Dak Nong Geopark was validated for another four years from 2024 to 2027.

The designation recognized the province’s efforts to protect and promote the values of the geopark and offers an opportunity to attract resources for sustainable development.

The Dak Nong Geopark was recognized by UNESCO as a global geopark in July 2020, becoming the third geopark in Vietnam, after Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in Ha Giang, and the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in Cao Bao province.

Covering an area of over 4,700 sq.km, spanning six districts and towns, an equivalent to two-fifths of Dak Nong’s total area, the geopark is known for its biodiversity, rich tropical forest ecosystem and traces of prehistoric humans.

It boasts approximately 65 geological and geomorphological heritage sites, including nearly 50 caves with a total length exceeding 10,000 meters, volcanic craters, waterfalls and other natural features. Among these, seven sites have been recognized for their international significance.