Rectification

The evaluation team of GGN will examine the three Chinese geoparks again before 2014. Those that do not meet requirements may be expelled.

Now the three geoparks in question are reportedly taking active measures. It is said that Zhangjiajie has already taken preliminary steps in response to the 10 problem areas pointed out by the experts, including compiling textbooks of scientific knowledge and training tour guides. Lushan is planning to build a professional team for the geopark work and use easy language to mark trails and explain geological relics. Wudalianchi responded similarly stating that it will enhance communication with global and domestic geoparks and spread geological knowledge through a variety of channels.

Zheng Xiaofan, a staff member with UNESCO, told media that the experts usually provide suggestions on how to improve programs of protection, research and education. "World Heritage Committee is not happy to see the elimination of a world heritage or intangible heritage," he said, "but it could stimulate better management and protection."

As of 2012, GGN had 90 members from 27 countries and regions, and 27 were from China. As Zhang revealed, it is getting increasingly competitive for geoparks to become members of GGN. And while GGN's original intention aims at protection of these global resources, many Chinese geoparks' first consideration is to raise their fame. Once obtaining GGN status, most slack off, ignoring their role in public education.

To Fang, the warnings for the three geoparks will serve as a wake-up call to other GGN members, though there emerged doubts over the evaluation standards of UNESCO.

"It shows that getting on the list is not the end. They need to shoulder applicable responsibilities," said Fang.

Profiteering

As a country with a huge tourism industry, China boasts hundreds of scenic spots that are crowned as either "Global Geopark" or "World Heritage." Since 1986 when China started to apply for World Heritage inclusion, the country now boasts 300 such sites.

Particularly in recent years, the competition to gain world heritage status is getting heated. Last year, the application plan of 10 important cultural pagodas as a package for world heritage aroused much controversy. Many regarded the plan as just one excuse to pursue profiteering.

It is no wonder. Many natural and cultural scenic spots scramble for international recognition because it is regarded as a "golden advertisement" and an excuse for higher ticket prices. The duty of education and protection is often immediately neglected.

Compared to the huge investment in the application effort, the lack of protection is particularly worrying. Over exploitation and lack of protection has pushed some World Heritage sites onto the list of endangered sites while some are on the verge of being expelled. More than 40 sites worldwide have been warned in past years.

Oman's antelope conservation district was the first to be expelled from UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2007 for drastically decreasing the protection zone, and in 2009, Germany's heritage site in Dresden was deleted from the list for building bridges that damaged the sight.

Some sites in China have faced similar challenges. The Wulingyuan scenic spot attracted millions of tourists every year since it became a World Natural Heritage in 1992. But by 1998, the scenic spot was rampant with rough buildings, covering 190,000 square meters. The World Heritage Committee thus sent warnings and asked it to demolish the unsightly structures before a certain time.

An expert in cultural heritage who refused to reveal her name told the Global Times that she does not advocate cultural sites applying for World Heritage under the present circumstances. "For most scenic spots, the laurel is just a tool to pursue economic profit and stimulate the local economy," she said, "In the end, what originally makes it qualified as a World Heritage will be lost. The tourism activities should not overrun the protection purpose and damage the site itself."

Source: Global Times