The annual International Training Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks Management and Development has been successfully operated by China University of Geosciences (Beijing) since 2016. This Course receives full support of UNESCO Global Geoparks Secretariat and Global Geoparks Network, as well as Asia Pacific Geoparks Network. With the close collaboration of Yanqing, Fangshan, Taishan, Songshan, Yimengshan, and Zhangye UGGps, the last six sessions of this Course took place successively in these geoparks, starting with just field lectures and gradually turning into both indoor and field lectures in geoparks. Such a collaboration has not only facilitated the healthy development of the course, but also significantly increased the visibility of these geoparks and strengthened the managing ability of geopark teams. This training course has become an important mechanism of capacity building for UNESCO Global Geoparks.

On the occasion of celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Global Geoparks Network, the 8th Training Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks Management and Development will be held from 9 to 15 October 2024 in the Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark, with the strong support of the Hunan Provincial Forestry Bureau and the Government of Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture.

The lecturers of this course are top international geopark experts and experienced geopark managers from UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, Global Geoparks Network Executive Board, academic institutions and several Global Geoparks. They will give in-depth and specific explanations on the philosophy and criteria of Global Geoparks, the procedures and concerns of evaluation and revalidation, as well as Geopark management, building and sustainable development.
The course also provides the opportunities for problem analysis, participant discussion, and targeted training on the concepts, criteria, application, evaluation, and revalidation of Global Geoparks.

Registration: Open until 9 October 2024

Venue: Xiangxi Crowne Plaza Hotel, Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark, Hunan Province, China
Registration Fee: 350 USD or RMB 2,500; pay on site on 9 October 2024
 

Coordinators: Prof. ZHANG Jianping, China University of Geosciences, Beijing
Prof. JIN Xiaochi, Institute of Geology, CAGS
Field Training Leaders: Prof. WU Fadong, China University of Geosciences, Beijing PENG Hua, Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark
Contact Person: Dr. WANG Lulin, China University of Geosciences, Beijing
Email: lindakitten@qq.com