From October 8 to 13, 2023, the 7th International Training Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks Management and Development was held at the Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark in Gansu Province. The Mt. Siguniang Geopark Administration and the application team, Sichuan Geophysical Survey and Research Institute, were invited to participate.
The training course was jointly hosted by China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Zhangye Unesco Global Geopark, with technical support provided by the University of the Aegean, Greece. It also received strong support from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Secretariat, the Global Geoparks Network, the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network, the Natural Protection Area Management Department of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. About 150 experts, scholars, and geopark colleagues participated in the course.
Since 2016, the training course has been successfully held for six times, exerting a significant impact on Unesco Global Geoparks and the international community, and has become an important part of capacity building for Unesco Global Geoparks.
Professor Zhang Jianping from China University of Geosciences (Beijing) presided over the opening ceremony
Professor Nikolaos Zouros, the chairman of the Global Geoparks Network, attended and gave lectures
This training course, focusing on the current status of UNESCO Global Geoparks, aims to explore the connections between geological heritages, nature, biodiversity, and cultural heritages. It invites members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, executives of the Global Geoparks Network, and experts from outstanding UNESCO Global Geoparks and other institutions to serve as lecturers. The content includes lectures and group discussions, on-site learning and exchanges, and case studies. The lecturers vividly explain the concept, standards, application, evaluation and reassessment, challenges and opportunities, and brand building of UNESCO Global Geoparks to the participants through theoretical explanations, structural analysis, and case studies, helping geopark managers and technical teams better understand UNESCO Global Geoparks and find solutions to the challenges faced by all.
The application team for Mt. Siguniang Geopark conducted on-site consultation with experts
Through training and learning, Mt. Siguniang Geopark has gained a better understanding of the concept of UNESCO Global Geopark, learned the latest requirements for the application, standards, and construction of UNESCO Global Geoparks, as well as excellent geopark management experience, effectively strengthening its friendship with other geoparks.
The application team for Mt. Siguniang Geopark consulted experts from geoparks both domestically and internationally
After the meeting, the Sichuan Geophysical Survey and Research Institute, as the technical team of Mt. Siguniang Geopark, actively communicated and exchanged ideas with domestic and foreign experts, seeking advice on the current issues faced in the application process. Through albums, videos, reports, and other materials, they showcased the unique features of the geopark, promoted Mt. Siguniang Geopark, and invited experts to conduct on-site assessments and guidance at the geopark. While receiving valuable expert opinions and suggestions, they further enhanced the popularity of Mt. Siguniang Geopark, which is of great significance for its application to become a UNESCO Global Geopark.