A geological park featuring the largest volcanic cavern system in Southeast Asia is expected to open in 2016 in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong.

Bui Quang Mich, Deputy Head of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said on August 26 that his department is joining with relevant agencies in Krong No district to implement the project.

Efforts are focusing on studying geological structures, bio-diversity and heritage potential in line with the criteria set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as well as proposing solutions for the management, planning and sustainable exploitation of the park.

The agencies are also compiling a dossier on the park to seek national and global standards, thus helping realise its objectives of heritage preservation, public awareness improvement and sustainable socio-economic development.

The volcanic cavern system was discovered by a group of Vietnamese and Japanese scientists in Krong No district’s Choah village in 2014 and has since been declared as beautiful as the Manjanggul Lava Cave – a UNESCO heritage site in the Republic of Korea.

The system, which resulted from a volcanic eruption process that took place millions of years ago, is the first to have been discovered in Viet Nam.

Located along the Serepok River, the system includes 12 volcanic caves, three of which have been studied and the largest measures 1,066 metres, making it the longest volcanic cave in Southeast Asia.

Krong No and the adjacent areas boast diverse and unique geological identities, magnificent landscapes, preservation areas, special-use forests and special traditional culture.

With such advantages, the park is expected to help Dak Nong attract more domestic and foreign tourists, boosting the locality’s socio-economic development.

Source: VNA