Hundreds of experts, scholars and government officials gathered in Beijing recently to participate in the recommendation and appreciation conference for the fourth batch of global geological park candidates.

The conference, organized by the Ministry of Land and Resources (MLR), was a prelude to the formal evaluation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in June.

Twenty-two geological specialists from the National Geopark Professional Appraisement Committee evaluated the parks that were in the running and voted Zigong Dinosaur National Geopark in Sichuan Province to the top position, followed by Longhu Mountain National Geopark, Qinling- Zhongnan Mountains Geopark and Sanqing Mountain National Geopark.

Representatives of each geopark in contention prepared extensively for the appraisal process, going all out to present a strong application by showcasing the parks' unique advantages and geological significance through multimedia presentations and on-the-spot discussions at the conference.

"Every applicant is supposed to adopt the suggestions made by the experts panel, improve its construction and management, and revise application materials, so as to best face the final field studies and appraisement by UNESCO members," said Jiang Jianjun, director of the Department of Geological Environment of MLR.

Many other geoparks that were not qualified to apply this time but hoped to gain some useful insights from their leading counterparts, also sent representatives to the conference.

"The appreciation conference actually provides a platform for geoparks to communicate and exchange ideas. It will help us improve geopark construction and management, to bring this industry to a new high," said Jiang.

UNESCO's latest regulation stipulates that a particular country may recommend a maximum of two candidates each year at the UNESCO's geopark appreciation conference.

(China Daily April 27, 2007)