Representatives from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organized a conference on Sept 19 to introduce the Public Use Planning (PUP) kit to the Management Board of Dong Van Plateau Global Geopark. The PUP kit was introduced to heritage and conservation sites in Vietnam earlier this March by UNESCO and the Vietnamese General Department of Tourism after its successful application in Quang Nam province from 2009 to 2011, said a UNESCO official. The PUP kit will help provinces manage and protect heritage as well as provide tourists with updated information. It also enables the management boards to actively co-ordinate with managers of related agencies and the local community in building plans, identifying prioritized tourist products and cultural strengths of the Geopark and in combining the local landscapes with the diverse cultures of local ethnic minority groups. After the conference, experts from UNESCO will open a five-day training course for the Management Board’s staff, said the official. Earlier this May, the UNESCO Hanoi Office also launched a project on “Promoting World Heritage sites in Vietnam’s Central Region.” The move aims to connect three World Heritage sites in the region including the Hue Monuments Complex in Hue city, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam province, to promote the regional tourism development and to benefit the local communities. Vietnam is now home to seven world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO. They are Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang, Hue Complex of Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Ho Dynasty Citadel. (www.vietnamtourism.gov.vn [1] Sept 21, Quan Doi Nhan Dan Sept 20)
