Veteran geo-conservationist Ms. Cindy Choi shares the sustainable development and challenges of UNESCO Global Geoparks and Geotourism in China

The Division of Applied Science invited distinguished speaker Ms. Cindy Choi, Chairman of the Association for Geconservation, Hong Kong, to share with the students of Geography and Resources Management (GRMG) Concentration Studies the sustainable development and challenges faced by UNESCO global geoparks and geotourism in China.

Ms. Choi began by highlighting that China had 41 out of the 195 UNESCO global geoparks as of 21 Mar 2024, making it the country with the highest number of geoparks in the world. She emphasised the significance of geotourism and geoparks in supporting sustainable development, noting that different geoparks in China exhibit a diverse range of geological, ecological and cultural characteristics, including granite, karst, sandstone, volcano, glacier, desert, paleontology, humanities, minerals, and ecology.

Ms. Choi used Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark which is known for its well-preserved volcanic landforms, including various types of volcanoes, craters, lava tunnel and lava formations as an example. The geopark also features a string of five lakes known as Wudalianchi, earning it the nickname of "Natural Volcano Museum." Ms. Choi highlighted the importance of geopark laws, environmentally friendly practices, and effective management in Wudalianchi Geopark. Notable initiatives included using e-vehicles, constructing wooden trails for block lava flow observation, and implementing diligent monitoring and review processes.

In addition to sharing success stories, Ms. Choi discussed the challenges faced by Wudalianchi Geopark. These challenges included the closure of the geopark during the cold season (November to March), the potential strain on carrying capacity during peak tourist periods, natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and changes in management units.

GRMG students found Ms. Choi's talk both interesting and enlightening, as it deepened their understanding of China's global geoparks. They came to appreciate the vital role that geoparks play in environmental conservation, sustainable development, and their broader impact on the economy and society.