In order to find out the status quo of geoheritage protection in the Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark and discover new geoheritage sites, the leading group and staff of the Geopark Administration, in cooperation with the team led by Professor TIAN Mingzhong of China University of Geosciences (Beijing), successfully completed the field survey of Tengger in a month, and achieved preliminary results: they found out 165 field sites and finally determined 172 geoheritage sites. The survey route was 3,056 kilometers long.
Recently, the Geopark Administration organized the review meeting of the geoheritage survey in Tengger. This review invited four professionals from the Inner Mongolia Natural Resources Department, the Inner Mongolia Geological Survey and Research Institute, and the League Natural Resources Comprehensive Service Center as the review experts. The relevant leaders of the Forestry and Grassland Bureau of the League, as well as more than 50 cadres and employees from all departments and secondary units, also participated in the review meeting.
At the meeting, Professor CHENG Jie of China University of Geosciences (Beijing) elaborated the types, scope, characteristics, values and protection status of geological relics in Tengger. The new findings of this field survey were illustrated with pictures and words. The new findings include Helan Mountain Glacier Landform, Basalt Landform in Yingen (Taolai Basalt Arch) and Yardang Landform, which vividly explains the rich geoheritage values and cultural charm of the Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark.
WANG Xiaodong, member of the Party Leadership Group and deputy director of the League Forestry and Grassland Bureau, praised the team for the results of this geoheritage survey at the meeting. He stressed that the construction of geoparks is an important part of the construction of ecological civilization and an important measure to promote green development. The Alxa Desert UGGp covers a wide range of areas. It is both an opportunity and a challenge for the Geopark Administration to carry out the survey of geoheritage in the whole league with heavy tasks, great pressure and tight schedule. Through this review, the participants should continuously improve their thoughts on environmental protection, further enhance their understanding of the world's geoparks. They should also be familiar with the types of local geoheritages and relevant knowledge, thus form a working synergy. Moreover, they should strive to be the protectors, advocates and builders of the geoparks, and take practical actions to promote the construction of the geoparks to a new level.
