Address by Nikolas Zouros, Secretary-General of the Global Geoparks Network
From October 9 to 15, 2025, the 9th UNESCO International Training Course for Global Geoparks was held in Yunyang County, Chongqing.
This training course focused on “Management, Activity Planning, and Network Collaboration of UNESCO Global Geoparks,” aiming to enhance the professional competence and operational capabilities of geopark managers. It provided a high-level platform for learning and interaction among managers and developers of global geoparks. Hundreds of experts, scholars, and geopark representatives from countries including China, Greece, France, Portugal, Brazil, Malaysia, and Mongolia gathered together. They engaged in in-depth dialogue and shared experiences regarding the operational practices and sustainable development pathways of UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Qinling Zhongnanshan Global Geopark and Danxiashan Global Geopark Sign Cooperation Agreement
At the closing ceremony held on October 15, Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark and Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark signed a cooperation agreement, officially establishing a sister-park relationship. Both parties agreed to engage in extensive and in-depth cooperation across various levels, including innovation in geopark management models, ecological environmental protection, scientific geopark planning, promotion of science education, joint talent training, and shared brand development. They reached a preliminary cooperation intention on the “Zhongnan-Danxia Cultural Heritage Exploration and Integration Project,” joining hands to promote the high-quality and sustainable development of UNESCO Global Geoparks.
International experts, scholars, and geopark representatives exchange insights
This significant moment was witnessed by authoritative experts including Professor Artur Sá, President of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN); Professor Noritaka Nada, President of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council; Professor Zhang Jianping, Vice President of the GGN and Member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council; Researcher Jin Xiaochi, Member of the GGN Bureau; Professor-level Senior Engineer Zheng Yuan, Member of the GGN Advisory Committee; as well as Professor Wu Fadong, a senior expert in the field of geoparks.
During the training course, the delegation from the Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark actively participated in multiple thematic seminars. These sessions covered crucial areas such as strategies for geoheritage protection and sustainable utilization, innovation in geoscience education and building public engagement mechanisms, exploring pathways for integrating natural resources and cultural heritage, and key points regarding the evaluation and revalidation of UNESCO Global Geoparks. The delegation also held in-depth exchanges with GGN Council members, international experts, and representatives from several domestic and international UNESCO Global Geoparks. These discussions allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges facing the geopark’s development, further clarifying the goals and implementation pathways for the next phase of its construction and management work.
