8 July 2012

Two evaluators of GGN of UNESCO, Wesley Hill, Henning Zellmer, conducted the revalidation mission in the Shilin Global Geopark on July 5-7. The revalidation covered different fields, including contributions to GGN, geopark management, geoheritage conservation, scientific research and popular science education, geotourism, sustainable development of local economy and society, and improvement made on the basis of the recommendations put forward in 2009. The revalidation was carried out by reviewing materials, listening to reports, field investigations and in-depth discussions.

On 5 July, the work progress report meeting of the revalidation was held in the Shilin Grand Hotel, chaired by section chief of Geological Environment Department of Ministry of Land and Resources of China. Leaders from provincial and municipal departments, relevant geologists, and local officials of Shilin county government attended the meeting. During the report meeting, staff member of Shilin introduced the progress on geopark conservation, building and management made in the past four years. After listening to the report, the evaluators thought highly of the achievements and discussed with relevant staff members on the composition of tourists, volunteers and cooperation of science popularization, etc, and reviewed related materials.

On July 6-7, the evaluators made field investigations in the Major Stone Forest Scenic Area, the Minor Stone Forest Scenic Area, the Naigu Stone Forest Scenic Area, the Qingshuitang Stone Forest area, fully affirmed the work concerning interpretation system, science education, sanitation and geotourism, and they also put forward many constructive suggestions on geopark building and management of Shilin in the future.