54th Earth Day and Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark Public Welfare Study Tour Kicks off

On 22 April 2023, the 54th Earth Day was celebrated. The theme for this year is 'Cherish the Earth: Harmonious Coexistence of Humans and Nature'. Aimed at instilling a mindset of ecological civilization — one that respects, adapts to, and protects nature— efforts to foster a Beautiful China have been initiated. These commenced on the morning of 17 April with the launch of the 54th Earth Day and Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark Public Welfare Study Tour at the Nanhu Campus of Shuguang Lvsheng Experimental School. This event is hosted by the Zigong Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Planning and executed through the collaborative efforts of the Administrator Center of Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark, the Zigong Dinosaur Museum, Nanhu Campus of the Shuguang Lvsheng Experimental School, the Yiqu Nature Conservation Centre in Ziliujing District, and Wuhan Geoscience Travel Information Technology Co., Ltd.

During the launch event, Wang Wenwei, Director of the Administrator Center of Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark, delivered a speech. He meticulously explained the origin and significance of Earth Day, along with the progress achieved in recent times. He fervently voiced his desire for the youth to value and safeguard our planet and to strive towards a world where humanity and nature coexist peacefully. A student representative presented the 54th Earth Day Proposal to all teachers and students, and passionately delivered a speech entitled 'Earth, Our Shared Home'. Following the launch event and running through 24 April, the Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark organized various activities including promotional events themed around Earth Day, science popularisation live streaming, quiz competitions with prizes, and informational lectures.

For the 2023 Zigong Global Geopark Public Welfare Study Tour, themed 'Museum Tours for Kids in Zigong', Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark is set to leverage its unique natural and cultural offerings. The program plans to select approximately 600 outstanding students from well-known primary and secondary schools as well as students from impoverished households in local townships to engage in natural history investigations at attractions like Qinglongshan Dinosaur Fossil Site, Shisun Valley, and Jianshan Scenic Area. Additionally, the tour involves proactive efforts to organize natural history workshops in the geopark's communities and schools. This initiative aims to deepen the local young students' comprehension of the Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark, nurture their interest in natural history and scientific inquiry, and encourage them to develop a relationship with nature that is close, informed, thoughtful, respectful and protective.