Nine new sites were added to the UNESCO-supported Global Geoparks Network during the 4th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium that took place in the San’in Kaigan Geopark, Japan, from 15 to 20 September.

    Global Geoparks are territories, which promote their geo-diversity through community-led initiatives to enhance regional sustainable development. They promote awareness of geological hazards and many help local communities prepare disaster mitigation strategies. They celebrate the 4.6-billion-year history of our Planet and the geo-diversity that has shaped every aspect of our lives societies. 

    The Global Network now numbers 120 Geoparks in 33 countries. The sites newly inscribed are: 

Dunhuang (China)

    Located east of the Tarim plate, in the westernmost part of China, Dunhuang Global Geopark is rich in geoheritage of great scientific value that is of interest for both education and tourism. The site features yardangs, rock protuberance shaped by wind erosion, typical of this extremely arid part of China. The Geopark also encompasses the Mogao Caves, a World Heritage site, which were excavated in the Quaternary strata (2.6 to 1.5 million years ago).The caves are of combined geological and cultural value as they house statues and wall paintings, which span 1,000 years of Buddhist art. 

Zhijindong Cave (China)

    Zhijindong Cave Global Geopark is located in the west of the Guizhou Plateau in southern China. It is composed of three geological land formations: Zhijindong Cave Scenic Area, Qijiehe River and Dongfenghu Lake. The Global Geopark features many beautiful and precious karst landforms of various shapes and types, among them caves, gorges, natural bridges and sinkholes.