January 30, 2026 – Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark hosted a visit from Daniela-Ioana Guju, a PhD candidate and geographer from Hațeg Country UNESCO Global Geopark in Romania. The two geoparks conducted field inspections and held friendly discussions centered on geoheritage protection, geoscience education, and sustainable development.
During her visit, Ms. Guju toured the Geoheritage Monitoring Center and key geological sites such as the Cuihuashan Tianchi Ancient Landslide-dammed Lake, the Ice Cave and Wind Cave. She also visited a geotourism project – the ski resort, to observe its operations. She gained detailed insight into the geopark’s systematic approaches to monitoring and conserving geoheritage, promoting public science outreach, and integrating geotourism. The unique landslide landscapes and the comprehensive, science-based conservation management system at Qinling Zhongnanshan impressed Ms. Guju greatly.
In the exchange session, Ms. Guju shared innovative practices from Hațeg Country UNESCO Global Geopark in areas such as geodiversity conservation, refined landscape management, deep community engagement, and collaboration with universities.
Both sides found strong common ground in their commitment to “deeply integrating natural heritage protection with local sustainable development.” They reached preliminary agreement to explore future collaboration in scientific research, science education, and geotourism. On behalf of Hațeg Country UNESCO Global Geopark, Ms. Guju extended an invitation for a return visit, hoping to further deepen the friendship and promote mutual development.
As an active member of the Global Geoparks Network, Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark maintains an open and cooperative approach, actively building platforms for international exchange. This in-depth engagement with Hațeg Country UNESCO Global Geopark has opened a new window for broadening global perspectives and sharing advanced experience. Moving forward, the geopark will continue to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with similar heritage sites worldwide, focusing on the core goals of geoheritage protection and sustainable development, and jointly promoting the high-quality development of the UNESCO Global Geoparks initiative.
