To deliver high-quality science outreach for World Earth Day 2023, boost promotional coordination and educational exchanges between sister geoparks, and showcase conservation and development achievements of UNESCO Global Geoparks, Sanqingshan UNESCO Global Geopark initiated the Sister Geopark Interactive Exhibition & Exchange Campaign for the 54th World Earth Day together with 29 Chinese geoparks and Yifu Museum of China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), alongside events marking the 4th Asia Pacific Geoparks Week.
All 29 participating domestic geoparks and Yifu Museum of China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) jointly promoted the campaign across multiple platforms. The initiative aims to raise geoparks’ public science influence, earth science education knowledge, encourage public care for the planet, and advance the sustainable development of protected areas including global geoparks.
Event Theme
Cherish the Earth Harmonious Coexistence between Humanity and Nature
Duration
April 22 – 28, 2023
Organizers
Alxa Desert UGGp, Changshan National Geopark, Danxiashan UGGp, Dunhuang UGGp, Guangwushan-Nuoshuihe UGGp, Huangshan UGGp, Funiu Mountain UGGp, Fangshan UGGp, Hexigten UGGp, Kunlunshan UGGp, Leye-Fengshan UGGp, Leiqiong UGGp, Longyan Geopark, Lushan UGGp, Ningde UGGp, Qinling Zhongnanshan UGGp, Sanqingshan UGGp, Shennongjia UGGp, Shilin UGGp, Taishan UGGp, Wudalianchi UGGp, Xiangxi UGGp, Yanqing UGGp, Yandangshan UGGp, Yimengshan UGGp, Yifu Museum of China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Zhangjiajie UGGp, Zhijin Cave UGGp, Zhangye UGGp
(UGGP = UNESCO Global Geopark)
Guiding Institutions
Global Geoparks Network (GGN), Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN), National Geopark Network Center of China
Co-organizers
Geo-Travel Popular Science Center, National Nature Education Network of China
Supporting Institutions
Editorial Department of Earth Magazine, Editorial Department of China Scenic Spots & Historic Sites, Official WeChat Platform of China Association of Scenic Spots
A UNESCO Global Geopark is a natural park featuring outstanding geological significance, rare spectacular and unique geological landforms, integrated with natural and cultural landscapes.
Selected by UNESCO, the Global Geoparks Programme was formally launched after 2000, with an objective to designate over 500 valuable geological sites for enhanced conservation.
To date, there are 177 UNESCO Global Geoparks across 46 countries and territories worldwide. China is home to 41 such geoparks, ranking first globally for the time being.
The 4th Asia Pacific Geoparks Week and Sister Geopark Interactive Exchange Campaign consists of a wide range of initiatives: the opening ceremony for World Earth Day, promotion of geopark-based science study tour curricula and routes, a special photo exhibition titled Scenery of China’s UNESCO Global Geoparks, a five-blessing-themed geoscience quiz for World Earth Day, the launch of the Global Geopark Study Tour Passport, and special feature publications covering science education activities in Earth Magazine and China Scenic Spots & Historic Sites. Combining diversified online and offline new media channels for joint publicity, the campaign extends outreach coverage to draw broader public participation and elevate its overall visibility and influence.
The campaign will join hands with the 7th Most Beautiful Marks of the Earth Popular Science Photography Competition to solicit photographic works from geoparks, showcasing a beautiful China featuring harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
During the World Earth Day period, geopark specialists will deliver campus lectures under the program Famous Mountains Enter Prestigious Schools. The sessions introduce the annual World Earth Day theme, elaborate on the scientific value, conservation and sustainable utilization of geoheritage, and present magnificent geological features, abundant biodiversity and diverse cultural heritage across geoparks. Lectures also raise public awareness of climate change, advocate low-carbon eco-friendly lifestyles, and encourage collective efforts to protect the Earth.
