Zigong Global Geopark to clearly define boundaries

The 56.62-square-kilometer Zigong Global Geopark is set to receive an evaluation before August from the Global Geoparks Networks (GGN), a network managed by the UNESCO's Ecological and Earth Sciences Division.

Zigong Global Geopark, which became a GGN member in 2008, plans to expand its area to 1630.46 square kilometers under an application to the organization for boundary adjustment.

The geopark, best-known for boasting the world's largest collection of dinosaur fossils from the mid-Jurassic period and its well salt historical museum, currently has three scenic areas scattered in the four administrative areas under Zigong City--Da'an District, Ziliujing District, Gongjing District and Rong County. The geopark was urged to clearly define its boundaries to ensure sustainable development and boost local economy.

After the expansion, the geopark will extend from Fuxing Township in the north to Jinhua Township in the south in Rong County, stretch westward to the boundary between Zigong City and Leshan City, and reach Sanduozhai Town in Da'an District in the east. It will cover 450 administrative villages in 42 townships and towns under four districts and counties.

Apart from the former major geological attractions, 11 new sites and landscapes of geological significance are included to help form clear boundaries. Some of them are Aiye Ancient Town,?Red Soil in Lede Town and Shisun Village in Tiechang Town.

The geopark is the first global geopark on the Chinese mainland named after a city.