Xinhua News Agency, Paris, April 23 (Reporter Luo Yu) — UNESCO issued a press release on the approval of a new batch of Global Geoparks on the 23rd. Christophe Vandenberghe, Head of the Earth Sciences and Geoparks Section of UNESCO, said in an interview with Xinhua that China is a major player in the Global Geoparks Network. It has formed a relatively mature geopark network, and many countries are learning from China’s relevant experience.
According to the UNESCO press release issued that day, 12 geoparks were approved to join its Global Geoparks Network, including Changshan UNESCO Global Geopark in Zhejiang Province, China, and Mount Siguniang UNESCO Global Geopark in Sichuan Province. As a result, China now has 51 UNESCO Global Geoparks, continuing to rank first in the world.
Vandenberghe introduced that the UNESCO Global Geoparks programme began in 2015 and brings together areas recognized as having significant geological heritage value. After the approval of the new batch of geoparks, there are now 241 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 51 countries worldwide. China is undoubtedly a heavyweight country in this network.
He said that China attaches importance to the concept of UNESCO Global Geoparks and the protection of geological heritage. “China has also combined it with rural development to promote tourism in remote areas. Today, this model not only brings local people a sense of pride and mission, but also delivers tangible benefits,” he said. This, he added, is exactly the goal for which the Global Geoparks concept was originally designed.
Vandenberghe said that China’s geoparks have generally developed well, and China is also sharing its experience with the world. “Many countries are learning from Chinese experts. UNESCO regularly sends experts to revalidate Global Geoparks around the world, and many of these experts are Chinese. They promote China’s relevant models and concepts in Latin America, Europe, and Asia, while also sharing their professional expertise.”