The 2nd International Training Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks was successfully held in China University of Geosciences, Beijing, with 16 professional experts and more than 140 course-takers from both home and abroad in attendance. This event, running from November 7 to 12, 2016, was co-sponsored by China University of Geosciences, Beijing and Yanqing UNESCO Global Geopark, Beijing.

        The theme of this training course is Geopark Management and Geoconservation. Addressing the opening ceremony, the chief of the Department of Geoenvironment of the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources reaffirmed China’s commitment to promoting the development of global geoparks. Distinguished attendees & invited lecturers included Nickolas Zouros, President of GGN, Guy Martini, Secretary General of GGN, Mustapha Ouabbas, Executive Board Member of GGN, Prof. Luis Alcala from Maestrazgo Global Geopark of Spain, Ilias Valiakos, Vice Curator of the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest of Greece, Prof. Jin Xiaochi from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Prof. Zhang Jianping from China University of Geosciences, et cetera. They shared their respective wisdom and expertise on a wide spectrum of issues including park management, the concept of geoconservation and the conservation methods adopted by different geoparks, the significance of goeconservation, et cetera. Besides, case studies regarding geosite protection and geoconservation were also conducted to better inform and empower the course-takers in fulfilling their geoconservation duties. In addition, representatives of several UNESCO Global Geoparks also shared their experiences and expertise in protecting geological sites and relics. They included Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark, Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, Alashan UNESCO Global Geopark, Arxan UNESCO Global Geopark, et cetera.

        Nanyang Municipal Bureau of Land and Resources and Mt. Funiushan UNESCO Global Geopark Administration Office also dispatched relevant personnel to participate in the training, who were also given a chance to address the closing ceremony before being awarded the Certificate of Completion. Regarding this training as an opportunity to fulfill their responsibilities and obligations, representatives from Mt. Funiushan UNESCO Global Geopark said that this training helps strengthen their communication and cooperation with domestic and foreign experts as well as with their counterparts from other geoparks and deepen their understanding and knowledge of geopark management and geoconservation, which will further promote the sound development of Mt. Funiushan UNESCO Global Geopark in the years ahead.