The 2022 UNESCO Global Geoparks Annual Conference in China opened recently in Xiangxi Prefecture, Hunan Province. Guided by the Department of Protected Natural Lands of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Hunan Forestry Administration, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture People's Government, and co-sponsored by Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, National Geopark Network Center, World Geopark Network Office, and Xiangxi UNESCO World Geopark, the annual conference will be held for the first time in online + offline format.

Representatives from 41 Chinese UNESCO Global Geoparks and 7 candidate Geoparks, forestry and grassland departments of relevant provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government) gathered online to hold a grand meeting, share experience and seek sustainable development of global geoparks.

On behalf of Ma Yan, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Jin Xiaochi, Vice President of the Executive Board of the Global Geopark Network, and Li Linshan, member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Director of the Forestry Bureau of Hunan Province, Yuan Xiaohong, second-level Inspector of the Department of Protected Areas Management of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Wang Min, Deputy Director of the Department of Geological Relics of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, delivered speeches on behalf of Ma Yan, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences.

At the closing ceremony, Ma Yan, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, announced that Yimeng Mountain Geopark will be the organizer of the 2023 UNESCO World Geopark Conference in China. Long Xiaohua, governor of Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture, handed over the conference flag to Yimeng Mountain Geopark.