From September 10th to September 20th, in order to strengthen collaboration with the local communities and raise public awareness about heritage protection, Shilin Geopark Administration took part in the programme for elderly people and children in rural areas, which was held by the Communist Party of China Spiritual Civilization Construction Office in Shilin Yi Nationality Autonomous County.The staff of Shilin Geopark Administration carried out a range of propaganda activities in Leer village, Qingshan village, Xinmuao village and so on.

Shilin Geopark Administration aimed to provide the local communities with the knowledge to protect Shilin Global Geopark. So we divided the activities into two parts. On the one hand, we promoted “the Regulations on the Protection of the Shilin Karst World Heritage Site”and handed out some promotional materials of Shilin, which could spread awareness of our geological heritage and its links to other aspects of our natural, cultural and intangible heritages. On the other hand, we organized some popular science lectures for children in rural areas to explain the formation of stone forest karst and its outstanding universal value.We also brought some popular science books and school supplies for children to advance their knowledge about the earth and attract them to engage in the long-term development of the geopark and their communities.

Shilin Geopark Administration is based on this activity to give local communities the opportunity to learn about the area’s significant geological processes, features and the importance of protection as well as promote sustainable development in these remote areas. More importantly, we would like to take great care not to alienate the public from science and inspire local populations to recognize and protect Shilin Global Geopark.