Nominations will be finalized by a meeting of international experts every two years.

More than just criteria

Under the guidelines of the criteria, Jiang outlined work assignments for each of the applicants.

"The application material submitted should be practical and realistic and each applicant park is supposed to display substantial achievements in park construction," Jiang said.

Based on the experience of two previous rounds of application and appraisal, the director-general required these geoparks to make full preparations for the upcoming UNESCO examination in autumn.

They are expected to prepare at least two language (Chinese and English) versions of self-promotion movies as well as other multi-media introduction material.

As to field study by experts, the study route is supposed to highlight the popularization of science, local culture and species, showcasing the relationship between geography and local life style and production mode.

Furthermore, at the MLR's request, each candidate park should set up a work team to take charge of the whole application process.

With regard to infrastructure construction, the applicant park is expected to establish or rebuild a geological museum, considered vital for attracting visitors, especially those with a scientific bent of mind.

"The park construction should pay more attention to the combination between geological protection and tourism and economic development, making local culture a prominent feature," Jiang stressed.

According to Li Minglu, an official with the MLR's Department of Geological Environment, mid-May could be the deadline for application preparation.

MLR sources said the application and assessment for "national geopark" listing will be suspended in China this year so that authorities concerned will focus on strengthening supervision and management of the present national geoparks, helping them develop healthily and fulfil their expected functions.

(China Daily March 3, 2006)