September 7， 2013
On September 8-13, 2013, the 3rd Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium was held in Jeju Island UGGp, South Korea, and the delegation of Sanqingshan UGGp attended the opening ceremony.
The 3rd APGN Symposium and General Assembly on Jeju Island officially opened. Mr. Kyung Sik WOO, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Keun-min Woo, Honorary Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Komoo, expert of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, and Mr. Nickolas Zouros, founder of the European Geoparks Network, attended the meeting and delivered speeches.
Upon deliberation, the representatives unanimously and fully affirmed that geoscience plays a decisive role in advancing the protection of geological heritage, geotourism, and the global initiative of geoparks. Close cooperation among local residents, scientists, tourism practitioners, government agencies and other stakeholders is essential for strengthening and promoting geopark management, geological heritage conservation, science popularization education and tourism development. Therefore, to facilitate the achievement of sustainable economic and social development of geoparks and local communities, the meeting encouraged member institutions to enhance activities of the APGN, strengthen scientific research cooperation, and vigorously promote research projects of common interest as well as related human activities.
During the conference, the representatives of Sanqingshan UGGp delivered an on-site speech to share and discuss geopark management experience. They held discussions with other participants on the exchange and cooperation in geopark management, geological heritage protection and interpretation, as well as other topics. They also conducted a field visit to the unique geological and geomorphological landscapes of Jeju Island UGGp, as well as its scientific interpretation systems including signboards and exhibition halls. In addition, at a specially arranged booth during the event, the stunning granite peak forest landscapes of Sanqingshan UGGp were fully displayed, attracting the attention of participants and visitors alike.
