SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING ON KARST AREAS IN VIỆT NAM
NGUYỄN
XUÂN KHIỂN
Việt Nam Institute of Geosciences and
Mineral Resources (VIGMR), Thanh Xuân,
Hà Nội.
Abstract:
In Việt
Nam,
karst areas formed by carbonate rocks date mainly from Cambrian to Triassic
times. They are distributed mostly in the north of the country. The karst areas
of Việt Nam possess many scientific values concerning this group of
landforms, and are significant with respect to other heritage components such
as: a) Heritage of ‘miraculous landform’ and landscape; b) Paleontological,
stratigraphical and paleoenvironmental heritage; c) Valuable archaeological
relics in karst caves; d) Biodiversity hotspots and e) Historical and cultural
identity of ethnic communities. Sustainable development planning on karst areas
is necessary to conserve these values in growing tourism economy, as well as to
serve in development activities as demanded objectively and imperatively in
national socio-economic development.