April 22, 2024 is the 55th World Earth Day, and the theme of this year's Earth Day is "Planet vs. Plastics". In order to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, publicize Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, guide the whole society to establish the concept of ecological civilization of "respecting nature, conforming to nature, and protecting nature", promote the construction of beautiful Qianshan, and jointly build an earth home where man and nature coexist in harmony, Tianzhushan Global Geopark, Anqing Qianshan Ecological Environment Branch and Qianshan Pailou Central Primary School jointly carried out the 55th "World Earth Day" and the 5th Asia-Pacific Geopark Week Science Popularization Campaign. In the form of museum-school cooperation and joint construction and common benefit, Tianzhushan Geopark will give full play to the social education function of the museum and jointly build a "second classroom" for popular science education.
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To commemorate the 56th World Earth Day under the theme “Cherish the Earth, Harmonize Humanity and Nature,” Tianzhushan UNESCO Global Geopark collaborated with the Anhui Geological Exploration Institute and Huangpu Central Primary School on April 22 to organize an array of interactive educational programs. The event engaged nearly 200 students and educators, emphasizing the urgency of ecological conservation and sustainable development.
Strengthening Partnerships for Science Education
During the opening ceremony, the Anhui Geological Exploration Institute and Tianzhushan Geopark Museum jointly inaugurated a “Science Education Collaboration Platform” to advance geological literacy. Huangpu Central Primary School further appointed a museum docent as “Science Education Advisor,” solidifying a partnership to enrich students’ learning experiences beyond classrooms.
Exploring Earth’s Wonders
Students embarked on an educational journey through the geopark museum, where exhibits detailing Earth’s 4.6-billion-year geological history captivated young minds. A field expedition to the geopark’s Xudawu Fossil Site, guided by renowned geologist Professor Wu Weiping, allowed students to examine paleontological fossils firsthand, unraveling the story of life’s evolution on our planet.
Unlocking Sustainable Energy Solutions
The event featured a keynote lecture by Ms. Xu Juan, a researcher from the Anhui Geological Exploration Institute, titled “Decoding Earth’s Hidden Treasure: Geothermal Energy.” Through dynamic demonstrations, mineral specimens, and multimedia aids, Ms. Xu demystified geothermal energy as a renewable resource, sparking lively discussions on combating climate change through innovation.
Global Collaboration for Planetary Health
Simultaneously, Tianzhushan UGGp joined the “6th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Week” Activity and common exhibitions, showcasing China’s strides in geological preservation alongside 40 global counterparts. This initiative highlighted cross-border knowledge exchange and public engagement to promote UNESCO’s vision of balancing conservation, education, and sustainable tourism.
Inspiring Future Guardians of the Planet
The activities not only deepened participants’ understanding of Earth sciences but also ignited a sense of responsibility to protect natural ecosystems. Moving forward, Tianzhushan Geopark pledges to expand its role as an educational hub, designing immersive programs to empower youth as ambassadors for ecological stewardship.
