On the morning of May 8, Changshan UNESCO Global Geopark was officially inaugurated at the Changshan Cultural and Expo Center in Quzhou, Zhejiang, marking its induction into the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. Over 200 participants attended, including CAS Members, UNESCO Geopark experts, and global geopark representatives worldwide.
Spanning 1,043.10 square kilometers, the park features a nearly 1-billion-year-old stratigraphic sequence and China’s first "Golden Spike" (GSSP) at Huangnitang, the global standard for Middle Ordovician research. This unique heritage establishes it as a key site for international geological research and sustainable geotourism.
Distinguished guests included CAS Academicians Rong Jiayu,CHEN Xu and ZHU Maoyan; LIU Xiaolong, Deputy Director of CAS Shanghai Branch; and ZHAO Fangchen, Party Secretary and Deputy Director of Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology (NIGPAS).
During the ceremony, AcademicianCHEN Xu joined China’s geopark representatives in unveiling the plaque. LIU Xiaolong highlighted that Academician Chen’s team established the "Golden Spike" in 1997, elevating China’s stratigraphic research from a follower to a rule-setter.
He further emphasized that the "Golden Spike" underscores the pivotal role of basic research, stating the CAS Shanghai Branch will support NIGPAS in cooperating with local authorities to advance scientific achievements in Zhejiang and Changshan.
A standout feature of the event was the launch of Academician CHEN Xu Geological Research Achievement Database, offering data support for research, science communication and the park’s sustainable development, aligning with UNESCO principles.
Since launching its bid for UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2023, NIGPAS has provided critical scientific and technical support throughout the process. Local authorities also adopted innovative collaboration models for standardized construction.
Wang Yongming, Secretary of the CPC Changshan County Committee, presented the "Key to Changshan Global Geopark" to Academician CHEN Xu and Research Professor ZHANG Yuandong of NIGPAS — a symbolic gesture reflecting the deepening collaboration between the local government and scientific research institutions. Meanwhile, the on-site signing of the Sanqushan Carbonate Research Project ushered in a new phase of cooperation between NIGPAS and Changshan County.
As one of the newly designated UNESCO Geoparks, Changshan will focus on geotourism, cultural integration and community engagement. NIGPAS will further leverage its strengths to support the park’s quality-focused development, serving as a model for balancing conservation, research and socio-economic progress.
Fig.2 Wang Yongming presented the "Key to Changshan Global Geopark" to Chen Xu and Zhang Yuandong.
Fig.3 Zhao Fangchen signed a research project with the Changshan Global Geopark on behalf of the institute.
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