Zigong's Participation in the 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks

The 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks was held in Marrakech, Morocco from 4 to 11 September. Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark dispatched representatives to attend the conference.

During the conference, representatives from Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark visited evaluation experts such as Nickolas Zouros, President of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) Executive Board, Jin Xiaochi, Vice President of the GGN Executive Board, Ibrahim Komoo, and Zhang Jianping to report on the relevant work of Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark and consult and understand the latest geopark evaluation requirements. In addition, Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark presented the GGN President Nickolas Zouros with four issues (one issue for each year from 2019 to 2022) of the science popularisation journal Geopark · Homeland edited and published by the Geopark. It showed the significant work carried out in Zigong in recent years and was highly praised and affirmed by the GGN President.

In China's exhibition area at the Global Geopark Expo, Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark showcased promotional posters, brochures, the English version of tourist maps, and its cultural and creative products to promote itself to representatives from global geoparks. It distributed more than 1,000 copies of various publicity materials and received more than 2,000 visitors.

On the morning of 8 September, a representative from Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark gave a special report to share the main practices of Zigong regarding geological site conservation, science popularisation education, online exchanges, publicity, and promotion, which received widespread attention and praise from the attendees.

The 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks was undertaken by M'Goun UNESCO Global Geopark in Morocco. With the theme of "UNESCO Global Geoparks Developing Communities", the conference brought together more than 1,500 experts, scholars, and geopark representatives from over 50 countries to discuss the sustainable development of geoparks. The conference covered a series of activities such as the Opening Ceremony, Regional Geoparks Network Symposium, Academic Symposium, Global Geopark Expo, and Closing Ceremony. Representatives from Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark actively participated in these activities.

The International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks is held every two years. It is the highest-level conference of the GGN and an important platform for global geoparks and candidate sites to share development and construction experience, boost exchanges and cooperation, and enhance international popularity. It is reported that the 11th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2025 will be held in Chile, South America.