China continues to lead the world in the number of UNESCO Global Geoparks, adding two new locations to its list and strengthening its top position globally.
During the 221st session of UNESCO’s Executive Board held in Paris on Thursday night, Kanbula in Qinghai province and Yunyang in Chongqing were officially designated as Global Geoparks, according to a statement released Friday by China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
With the inclusion of these two sites, China now boasts 49 UNESCO Global Geoparks—more than any other country. Among its other geoparks are Dali-Cangshan in Yunnan, Huangshan in Anhui, and Mount Changbaishan in Jilin.
Kanbula, located in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture at the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, spans roughly 315,000 hectares and features significant geological formations showcasing the transition from ocean to continent.
Known for its striking Danxia landforms and scenic Yellow River views, Kanbula also stands out for its rich cultural heritage and balance between environmental conservation and human development.
The region is a cultural mosaic where Tibetan and Qiang traditions thrive. A notable example is Regong art, which vividly illustrates Tibetan Buddhism through diverse forms like painting, embroidery, and sculpture.
Yunyang in Chongqing lies in the core of the Three Gorges reservoir area, covering about 112,400 hectares. It is home to well-preserved dinosaur fossils, unique karst landscapes, and rare wildlife, along with strong cultural preservation of the Tu ethnic group.
According to UNESCO, a Global Geopark is a designated area with internationally significant geological features, managed through integrated approaches that promote protection, education, and sustainable development, ensuring harmony between nature and communities.
UNESCO initiated the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme in 2015 to conserve vital geological and natural heritage. As of July this year, 213 Global Geoparks had been recognized in 48 countries, a number that has now grown to 229 sites across 50 countries.
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