Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark's 54th Earth Day Event Successfully Concludes

22 April 2023, marks the 54th Earth Day. Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark carried out various Earth Day activities on science popularisation and education from 17 to 24 April.

I. Targeted Publicity

On 21 April, in celebration of Earth Day, science popularisation booths were established at the entrance of the Zigong Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Planning, as well as in Zigong's secondary government office zone. To raise awareness, over 1,200 brochures were handed out to the public, government employees, and members of public institutions. Additionally, more than 100 individuals engaged with science education specialists for further inquiries.

Distribution of publicity materials (Entrance of the Zigong Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Planning)

Distribution of publicity materials (Zigong Second Government Office Zone)

II. Geological Education in Schools

The '54th Earth Day and Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark Public Welfare Study Tour Launch Ceremony' took place at Shuguang Lvsheng Experimental School's Nanhu Campus on 17 April. Students championed environmental protection and Earth stewardship by presenting the 2023 Zigong Earth Day Proposal via representative and performing poetry that echoed these themes. Additionally, a popular science lecture, titled 'Gifts from Mother Earth', was conducted on 21 April at the same location. This event, which drew over 500 teachers and students, was centred on instilling an appreciation for the origins of all things, valuing Earth's natural resources, and recognizing the importance of humans living in harmony with nature. On the same day, an event titled 'Exploring Mysteries of the Dinosaur Kingdom in the Jurassic Era' took place. Over 250 teachers and pupils from Zhengzi Town Primary School in Rongxian County were welcomed to explore the Jurassic World exhibition at the Zigong Dinosaur Museum within the Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark. They had the opportunity to engage with actual dinosaur fossils, gain insights into dinosaur history and geological science, participate in hands-on fossil repair activities, and discover the unique natural features of their hometown.

54th Earth Day and Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark Public Welfare Study Tour Launch Ceremony

Popular science lecture titled 'Gifts from Mother Earth'

'Exploring Mysteries of the Dinosaur Kingdom in the Jurassic Era' themed activity

III. Geological Education in Communities

On 19 April, together with the Xihu Community in Hongqi Sub-district, Ziliujing District, Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark hosted an educational event titled "Protecting Nature, Dinosaurs and Me". The event aimed to educate children on dinosaurs and the importance of conserving the natural world.

'Protecting Nature, Dinosaurs and Me' Themed Science Popularisation Activity in Xihu Community, Hongqi Sub-district, Ziliujing District

IV. Online Competition

From 17 to 23 April, the 'Adventures with Dinosaurs in Zigong — Earth Day Science Quiz' took place. This quiz aimed to spread awareness about Earth Day, the Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark, and how to prepare for and avoid natural disasters, as well as to promote environmental protection. A total of 461 individuals participated in the quiz, with 45 of them winning awards.

Adventures with Dinosaurs in Zigong — Earth Day Science Quiz

V. Science Popularisation Live Streaming

On 24 April, the 'Adventures with Dinosaurs in Zigong — Exploring the Dinosaur World and Science Popularisation Live Streaming of the 54th Earth Day' took place, drawing crowds of popular science fans to virtually explore the Zigong Dinosaur Museum and the Qinglongshan Dinosaur Fossil Site. Enthusiasts were treated to an online showcase of Zigong's rich dinosaur heritage. Streamed simultaneously across multiple platforms: Geoparker's official Douyin and Weibo accounts, and Zigong Dinosaur Museum's official Bilibili channel, the live streaming reached a substantial audience. Preliminary figures indicate that over 128,000 viewers tuned in live. The live streaming on Douyin alone had a simultaneous viewership peaking at 7,376 and garnered upwards of 900,000 likes.

Screenshot of live streaming on Douyin

VI. Mobile Science Popularisation Exhibition

From 17 to 24 April, coinciding with Earth Day Publicity Week, exhibitions entitled 'Into Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark' and 'A World of Dinosaurs' were held four times. These exhibitions were organized across various venues including schools, communities, governmental departments, and other public institutions throughout the city.

Science Popularisation Exhibition

VII. Ticket Discount

On Earth Day, 22 April, Zigong Dinosaur Museum offered a 25% discount for adult tickets.

Earth Day Ticket Discount Announcement

The year 2023 has seen the Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark leverage Earth Day activities to enhance awareness of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. The goal is to encourage the widespread adoption of an eco-friendly mindset that respects, adapts to, and protects nature. This approach is part of an effort to facilitate the development of a Beautiful China and to build a homeland of harmonious coexistence between man and Nature.