13 Jan 2009

On 9-11 January, two evaluators of GGN of UNESCO, conducted the revalidation mission in the Shilin Global Geopark. The revalidation covered different fields, including contributions to GGN, management of the geopark, conservation of geoheritage, scientific research and science popularization, geotourism, sustainable development of local economy and society. The revalidation was carried out by reviewing materials, listening to reports, field investigations and in-depth discussions.

On January 10th, the work progress report meeting of the revalidation of Shilin Global Geopark was held in the Shilin Grand Hotel, chaired by section chief of Geological Environment Department of Ministry of Land and Resources of Yunnan province. Leaders from provincial and municipal departments of land and resources, and relevant geologists attended the meeting. During the report meeting, professor Liang Yongning, on behalf of Shilin Global Geopark, extended his warm welcome and heartfelt gratitude to the evaluators, and introduced the progress on the conservation, building and management the geopark had made in the past four years. After listening to the report, the evaluators thought highly of the achievements and discussed with geopark staff members on  popular science education, geoheritage protection, geotourism development, etc, and reviewed related materials.

On January 10-11, the evaluators made field investigations in the Major Stone Forest Scenic Area, the Minor Stone Forest Scenic Area, and the Naigu Stone Forest Scenic Area, fully affirmed the work about the interpretation system, science popularization panels, geotourism, and they also put forward suggestions for building and management of Shilin.