From November 4 to 5, 2025, the Annual Conference of China UNESCO Global Geoparks and the 10th Anniversary Symposium of UNESCO Global Geoparks were grandly held at the Jiangxi Wugongshan UNESCO Global Geopark. Under the theme “A Decade of Pursuing Dreams in Geoparks, Now Uniting for a New Chapter in Wugong,” the conference reviewed the ten-year development journey of China’s UNESCO Global Geoparks and explored future directions. The event was attended by over 200 participants, including leaders from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, the National Geopark Network Center, the Jiangxi Provincial Forestry Bureau, the Sichuan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau, and the Pingxiang Municipal People’s Government, as well as representatives from UNESCO Global Geoparks across China, heads of competent authorities, and experts from research institutions.
During the conference, the representative of the Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark delivered a speech on the 2025 revalidation process, sharing insights and reflections from four aspects: an overview of the evaluation, expert recommendations, experience sharing, and future prospects. The presentation summarized five key takeaways: “Experts focus on different priorities, clear and prominent boundary markers are essential, sustainable development remains a core concern, geological professionals play a critical role, and a sincere attitude adds significant value.” These points were highly recognized and commended by the attending experts, leaders, and representatives from other geoparks.
Additionally, the Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark delegation engaged in in-depth exchanges with experts and leaders from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences and the National Geopark Network Center, as well as representatives from multiple geoparks. They discussed and deliberated on future construction and management plans. The proposed ideas and strategies received affirmation and support from experts and leaders, providing valuable guidance for the high-quality development of the geopark.
Through active participation and sharing at the conference, the Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark effectively highlighted the significance of the Qinling Mountains as the “Central Water Tower and Ancestral Pulse of Chinese Civilization.” It also promoted Shaanxi’s practices in ecological civilization, enhanced the geopark’s visibility and influence, and contributed the “Zhongnanshan Strength” to the global efforts in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development.
