Annual Report of Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark in 2019

1. GEOPARK IDENTITY

Geopark name, country, regional Network: Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark (CHINA, APGN)

Year of inscription / Year of the last revalidation: 2008/2016

Representative Photo (from the most important event this year)

Qinglongshan Dinosaur Fossil Site Conservation Program

2. GEOPARK FIGURES

Number of Geopark staffs: 254 staffs including 6 geoscientist(s)

Number of Visitors: 1.5743 million

Number of Geopark events: 65

Holding popular science activities in Qishu, "Classes of Zigong Salt Industry History Museum", the 50th World Earth Day series activities, the research activity of "exploring the history of salt capital and pursuing the city memory", the special lecture of "staff courses", promotional activities for Zigong Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, "Children Docents for Salt History" training activities, the public class for primary Guqin, the research activity of exploring the history of salt capital, the theme activities of "the wonderful trip for the exploration of the Jurassic", and popular science activities of "Dragon Palace Bemas".

Number school classes realize Geopark educational programmes:20+

Number of Geopark press release: 68 news, 12 papers.

3. GEOPARK ACTIVITIES

Major achievements in 2019:

1. After the expansion of Zigong Global Geopark, its area increased to 1630.46 square kilometers from 56.62 square kilometers. We have conducted resources survey on the expanded part and verified the original basic data.

2. We have completed the Qinglongshan Dinosaur Fossil Site exposure and protection projects, and built fossil protection facilities.

3. We have maintained the protection facilities of Silicified Wood at Changshan Range, and contributed to the fossil conservation.

4. We have completed the database platform construction and data input of the Geopark.

5. We have updated and improved the sign interpretation system of the Geopark.

Contribution towards GGN - Networking and Participation:

1. In July, we attended the Geopark Popular Science Exchange Meeting held in Danxiashan.

2. In September, we participated in the 6th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium held in Indonesia.

3. In September, we participated in the Chinese Geoparks Themed Publicity Activities held in Beijing.

4. In October, we participated in the Annual Conference of China UNESCO Global Geopark.

5. In November, we participated in the 5th UNESCO Global Geoparks International Training Courses held in Beijing.

In addition, Zhijindong Cave Global Geopark, Shennongjia Global Geopark and Arxan Global Geopark visited Zigong Global Geopark successively for exchanges and learning from each other. In turn, the Geopark sent staff to Danxiashan Global Geopark, Arxan Global Geopark and Dunhuang Global Geopark.

Management and Financial status:

Administrator Office of Zigong Global Geopark was renamed Administrator Center of Zigong Global Geopark, and its staffs were restructured.

The Geopark received grants of RMB 8.5771 million from governments at all levels, with tourism revenue of RMB 117.8788 million and total expenditure of RMB 96.0338 million. The revenue and expenditure are generally balanced with a small surplus.

Geoconservation:

1. Rescuing conservation work of Qinglongshan Dinosaur Fossil Site and Silicified Wood at Changshan Range of Lianggaoshan.

2. Disclosure and protection handling project of Qinglongshan Dinosaur Fossil Site.

3. Conservation project of Silicified Wood at Changshan Range.

4. Fossil Protection Station in Zhujiamiao Village.

Sustainable tourism (Geotourism):

1. Completing electronic guide systems, with functions of panoramic display and audio guide in the main scenic spots and geological sites.

2. Designing and installing a sign interpretation system of the Geopark.

3. Finishing compiling the popular science picture album of the Geopark and the map of geological sites.

New Education programmes on geoconservation, sustainable development and disaster risk reduction:

1. Compiling GEOPARK HOME, the popular science periodical of the Zigong Global Geopark, and completing 2 issues.

2. Re-making the science popularization film of the Geopark.

Strategic Partnership:

The Geopark has established partnerships with Department of Mineral Resources of Thailand, Sichuan Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources, Sichuan Normal University, Sichuan University of Science & Technology, Sichuan Lituo Landscape Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Zigong Gengulongteng Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Sichuan Lumingchun Tea Co., Ltd. and Zigong Branch of Sichuan Comfort International Travel Agency Co., Ltd. In addition, the Geopark has cooperated with many hotels, homestay inns, restaurants, media groups and advertising companies in Zigong.

Promotional activities:

At the 2019 Heritage Preservation International, Shanghai, the Geopark displayed cultural and creative products to promote itself.

4. Contacts:

Manager: Tao Hong, ziggeopark@foxmail.com

Geologist: Peng Guangzhao, ziggeopark@foxmail.com