Your current location:HOME >world >Geopark listed in UNESCO network 正文
TIME:2024-05-21 17:16:51 Source: Internet compilationEdit:world
People visit snow-covered Changbai Mountain in northeast China's Jilin Province, March 7, 2021.
People visit snow-covered Changbai Mountain in northeast China's Jilin Province, March 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Yan Linyun)
Changbaishan Global Geopark is poised to present its priceless geological wonders to a global audience, following its listing in the Global Geoparks Network by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The park, along with five other Chinese geoparks, received the prestigious listing by UNESCO's executive board on Wednesday. Covering 2,723 square kilometers in southeastern Jilin, the geopark became the first one in the province to join the network.
Renowned for its quaternary volcanic landforms, the park boasts a wealth of geological remnants including giant compound volcanic cones, millennium-old eruptions and their deposits, debris canyons, and giant crater lakes such as Tianchi. With over 380 craters, it holds the distinction of being the region with the biggest number, greatest density and widest distribution of volcanic rocks in East Asia.
"Volcanoes are mysterious natural phenomena and a fascination for young students," said Pan Bo, a researcher from the Institute of Geology of the China Earthquake Administration.
"The park is well-positioned to leverage this opportunity to enhance research-based study and popular science education."
Serving as an important ecological barrier in Northeast China, Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve was established in 1960. In 2009, it was approved by the then ministry of land and resources as the fifth batch of national geoparks.
Zhang Rongjie, director of the park's science and education department, emphasized the unique qualities of Changbai Mountain.
"There are 1,586 species of wild animals and 2,639 species of wild plants, including 50 nationally protected wild animal species and 11 protected wild plant species," he said. "The significance and value of its ecosystem's protection is important worldwide," Zhang said.
In 2020, the park started applying for membership in UNESCO Global Geoparks. A team was set up to carry out field surveys of geological resources, construction of the database and preparation of the application materials.
"With a total investment of over 33 million yuan ($4.5 million), the committee made full efforts in key tasks of infrastructure construction, enhancement of management capabilities and preparation of planning materials," said Zhao Yueming, director of the park's external cooperation department.
They upgraded the Changbaishan Museum of Natural History, adding geological-themed elements, ore specimens and folk exhibits to highlight the unique geological and cultural characteristics.
"When parents take their children, they seek no longer simple leisure activities but also knowledge enrichment," Pan said.
The upgrade is a testament to the park's focus on educational tourism.
Moreover, the park launched promotional activities focused on geological science among local schools, drawing the participation of over 710 students and further solidifying its commitment to educational outreach.
Founded in 2004, the Global Geoparks Network is devoted to developing models of best practice and setting high-quality standards for territories that integrate the preservation of geological heritage with strategies for regionally sustainable economic development.
The other five Chinese geoparks announced on Wednesday are Enshi Grand Canyon-Tenglongdong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark in Hubei province, Linxia UNESCO Global Geopark in Gansu province, Longyan Geopark in Fujian province, Wugongshan Geopark in Jiangxi province and Xingyi Geopark in Guizhou province.
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £4002024-05-21 17:12
China's proactive opening up expands mutual dividends2024-05-21 16:57
Exploring ancient charms of Guizhou: A journey to Hongyang village2024-05-21 16:47
China adopts law on customs duties2024-05-21 16:25
Dodgers acquire pitcher Yohan Ramírez from Mets for cash2024-05-21 16:23
Beijing water town to roll out immersive autumn experience2024-05-21 15:41
Scaloni: Messi key in decision to remain Argentina boss2024-05-21 15:25
Police in Tennessee fatally shot man after he shot a woman in the face. She is expected to survive2024-05-21 14:46
Medics remove 150 MAGGOTS from a woman's mouth after dental procedure left her with rotting tissue2024-05-21 14:44
More Chinese people hit road for Dragon Boat Festival2024-05-21 14:39
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored2024-05-21 17:12
Climate change blamed for heavy rain in the south2024-05-21 17:02
Beijing eyeing more foreign travelers2024-05-21 16:31
Beijing eyeing more foreign travelers2024-05-21 16:27
Young Boys seals 6th Swiss soccer league title in 7 years after rallying from firing coach Wicky2024-05-21 16:22
China opens 829 sites providing free pneumoconiosis treatment2024-05-21 16:19
Benitez sacked by relegation2024-05-21 15:52
Dubai plans to move its busy international airport to a $35 billion new facility within 10 years2024-05-21 15:09
Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift2024-05-21 14:44
British troops may be tasked with delivering Gaza aid, BBC report says2024-05-21 14:35