The Yuntai Mountain has edged onto the China National Natural
Heritage Candidate List due to its unique geological landforms,
rich natural resources and cultural relics, the Ministry of
Construction (MOC) said at a recent press release.
MOC established a three-level application and protection
mechanism for world heritage candidates in 2004: Those aiming to
gain a "world heritage" title must first appear on the national
heritage candidate list and the world heritage candidate list in
succession.
Seventeen scenic and cultural interest areas nationwide have
been added to the national natural heritage candidate list.
"Yuntai Mountain has realized a beneficial cycle and balanced
development, injecting dynamic momentum into the local economy,"
Zhang Hongren, chairman of the International Geological Science
Association, said at the first International Symposium on
Development within Geoparks in May.
"The mountain is also a successful demonstration of geopark
construction," Zhang added.
About 200 experts and delegates from 15 countries and regions
participated in the symposium in Henan's Jiaozuo, where the Yuntai Mountain is
located, and delved into the unique physiognomy of the mountain and
its scientific value.
According to the local government, the Yuntai Mountain Geopark's
advanced experience in energizing the local economy has been
incorporated into a compulsory geological textbook for high
schools.
(China Daily July 21, 2006)
