Recently, Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark respectively signed friendly cooperation agreements with Mudeungsan UNESCO Global Geopark in South Korea and Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark in Indonesia, officially establishing international sister park relationships.

The signing ceremony of the friendly cooperation agreement between Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark and Mudeungsan UNESCO Global Geopark in South Korea.

Gao Xiangwen, deputy head of the People's Government of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, introduced the construction and development of Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark at the signing ceremony. He carried out in-depth exchanges and consultations with representatives from South Korea and Indonesia on topics such as geoscience and cultural tourism development, science popularization and research exchanges, and geological heritage protection. Representatives from all parties witnessed the signing together.

Mudeungsan UNESCO Global Geopark in South Korea is located at the junction of Gwangju, Damyang, and Hwasun. Its core geological heritage is the columnar joints such as the Gyubong (Gwangseokdae) colonnade formed by volcanic activity in the late Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era (87 million years ago). It also preserves geological landscapes such as dinosaur footprint fossils and Chuwolsan Mountain. The park has mature experience in geoscience study tours, smart management and protection, and joint construction of cultural tourism communities. It was included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks list in 2018.

Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark in Indonesia is located on the island of Java, in the western Sukabumi Regency of Indonesia. The park is famous for its unique geological structures, waterfall clusters, and coastal landscapes. It was included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks list in 2018.

The signing ceremony of the friendly cooperation agreement between Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark and Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark in Indonesia.

The establishment of sister parks this time is an important achievement of Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark in deepening international exchanges and collaboration relying on the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network. It also builds a new external channel for Xiangxi to construct the Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area. Next, the two sides will take the establishment of sister parks as an opportunity to actively build a regular communication and collaboration mechanism. They will carry out practical cooperation in the promotion of cultural and tourism resources, geological heritage protection, joint scientific research and science popularization, and empowerment of rural industries. Both sides will work together to practice the core mission of UNESCO Global Geoparks of "protection, science popularization, and sustainable development." They will help Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark further prepare for the 2027 UNESCO reassessment, boosting its high-quality development.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Yu Jiangjiang

Chinese source: hunantoday