China names 33 new national geological parks

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 ◆ China names 33 new national geological parks

Thirty-three geological relics and sights were named as national geological parks by the Ministry of Land and Resources (MLR) recently, adding the number of national geological parks to 44.

The ministry established an evaluation committee to select national geological parks and awarded 11 sites with the title in 2001.

Experts say that the establishment of national geological parks played a critical role in protecting geological resources that can not be reproduced.

China is a country with abundant geological resources such as volcano, glacier and karst as well as a pilot nation in the world geological park program, which was launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

China has attached great importance to protecting geological resources while striving to rationally use these resources in tourism and local economic development.

Sources say that more national geological parks will be nominated in five to ten years and better prepare these sites for application for the title of UNESCO geological parks.
The UNESCO plans to establish 20 world geological parks annually with the total number amounting to 300 as well as to complete a global network on geological protection.