China strengthened its position as a leader in geological conservation this week as UNESCO added two new sites to its Global Geoparks list. The Changshan Geopark in Zhejiang Province and Mount Siguniang Geopark in Sichuan Province received official designation during the 224th UNESCO Executive Board session in Paris.
The newly recognized sites showcase China's diverse landscapes: Changshan features ancient limestone formations dating back 450 million years, while Mount Siguniang's glacial peaks and alpine ecosystems attract mountaineers worldwide. With these additions, China now accounts for nearly 10% of all UNESCO Global Geoparks across 24 provincial-level regions, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
"These designations reflect China's commitment to balancing ecological preservation with sustainable tourism," stated a representative from the Ministry of Natural Resources. The recognition is expected to boost regional economies through geotourism while implementing stricter environmental protections.
UNESCO's program, established in 2015, now includes 195 geoparks worldwide. China's network spans from the volcanic terrain of Zhangye Danxia to the karst landscapes of Guangxi, offering researchers and travelers unique insights into Earth's geological history.
