27 Sep 2016

UNESCO Global Geoparks Council had its first Session at Torquay, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, during 24th to 25th September 2016.

On the basis of the revalidation report, the Council considers that Shilin UNESCO Global Geopark continues to fulfil the criteria of the UNESCO Global Geopark guidelines, and the quality and management of the Shilin UGGp have improved or at least continues to be satisfactory since last revalidation, so they decide that the Shilin UGGp will continue as a UNESCO Global Geopark for a further four-year period (so-called "green card") with the following recommendations:

1. Increase the size of the Geopark to extend outside of the World Heritage Site buffer zone to allow for less restricted sustainable development.  

2.Further improve the Stone Forest karst museum to make it more visitor friendly and increase the visibility of the Geopark. It is also recommended to include more information on the fossils of the Geopark.  

3.Provide information on the prohibition of touching fossils on relevant information panels and use protective measures at all fossil sites to prevent damage.  

4.Produce a unified map for the entire Geopark area for the general visitor.  

5.Produce a simplified geological map for the entire Geopark to help visitors understand the diverse features and landscape.  

6.Better visibility should be provided outside of the main scenic areas as well as the identification of key sites that could have interpretation and information.  

7.The use of technical language on all interpretation should be reduced and easy to understand material should be developed for the general public.  

8.A clear partnership strategy should be developed with partners to include a coherent methodology on the criteria required to become a partner and a formal agreement with the Geopark. This is applicable to but not restricted to accommodation and catering providers, transport providers, activity providers and producers of local products. Recognition of Geopark partners should be obtained by providing Geopark plaques.

9.Strengthen the networking with other UNESCO Global Geoparks at a regional, national and global level, and actively contribute to international conferences and meetings on UNESCO Global Geoparks.

10.Strengthen the role of women in senior management positions within the Geopark staff, in accordance with UNESCO principles.