"Due to its unusual volcanic landscape and unique scientific research value, I believe Leiqiong Geopark will grab the attention of the world," said Chen Anze, member of the appraisal committee of national geoparks.

On May 12, Chen joined experts from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in a field study of the geopark.

In May 2005, Haikou Shishan Volcano Group National Geopark, together with Zhanjiang Huguangyan National Geopark, applied for a world geopark title in the name of Leiqiong Geopark.

The Shishan Volcano Group Geopark, located in Haikou, the capital of south China's Hainan Province, has more than 40 volcanoes of various types and 30-plus volcanic caves, with a total area of 108 square kilometers. The Huguangyan National Geopark, situated in Zhanjiang in the south of Guangdong Province, has similar vegetation and ecology to Haikou geopark, as they are both related to the volcanic rock landscape formed by Leiqiong rift valley. Related authorities hope the perfect combination of the magnificent volcanic group and beautiful lake scenery will fully present the evolution of varied geomorphological structures of epicontinental rift valleys in the southern tip of the Chinese mainland, the diversiform ecology in the south subtropical zone, and the rich cultural heritage.

During this investigation tour, UNESCO experts took pictures of the basalt, ring-like rock corridors, coulee, a volcanic exhibition hall, ancient banyan forests, and pineapple colonies.

They also took pictures of local folk art and information boards from the Shishan Volcanic Group Geopark.

They felt shocked at the uncanny workmanship of nature when the saddle-shaped volcano and the quiet and mystical "Immortal Cave" in Shishan came into view.

After the field study, experts gave some pieces of good advice on park construction, especially stressing that efforts should be made to keep the volcanic landscape in its original state.

According to Jiang Jianjun, director of the Geological Environment Department of the Ministry of Land and Resources, whether Leiqiong Geopark could be promoted to world geopark status will be determined by six aspects: geoscience popularization; protection of geological heritage; contribution to the local economy; scientific research achievements; protection of ecological environment; and development of natural resources and culture.

Jiang said, despite a good job in general, Leiqiong Geopark would have to pay more attention to the protection of geological relics, do more work on scientific promotion, and acquaint tour guides and management staff with more geological knowledge in the future.

Six national geoparks in China are now applying to be listed as world geoparks by UNESCO, with the other five being Beijing Fangshan National Geopark, Shandong Taishan Mountain National Geopark, Heilongjiang Jingbo Lake National Geopark, Henan Wangwu-Daimei Mountains National Geopark, and Nanyang Funiu Mountain National Geopark.

Chen Yaojing, board chairman of Haikou Shishan Volcanic Group National Geopark, said he is confident that the Leiqiong Geopark can win a world-class title because its geological remains are characterized by typical causes, diversified types, exquisite configuration, complete structures, peculiar volcanic caves, high-quality mineral springs, luxuriant ecological landscapes and ample humanistic heritage.

Chen Anze recognized the advantages of Leiqiong Geopark while at the same time indicating that the competition among the six Chinese candidates will be fierce. He predicted by August or September, when a UNESCO conference is held to vote for a new batch of world geoparks, two to three Chinese candidates will appear in the final list.

UNESCO decided to set up a world geopark network in February 2003, and announced the first world geopark list through a strict appraisal process in 2004. To date, UNESCO has approved 33 world geoparks based on two rounds of evaluation, with 12 of them located in China.

(China Daily May 26, 2006)