From October 10 to 15, the 10th International Training Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks was successfully held at Yandangshan UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp). Centered on the theme “Challenges, Opportunities and Sustainable Development”, the event was co‑hosted by China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Yandangshan UGGp. It brought together over 100 representatives from 13 countries, including management staff of the Global Geoparks Network, experts, geopark operators and administrators, as well as key researchers from scientific and educational institutions. A representative from Tianzhushan UGGp took part in the full training course to exchange insights and draw on advanced experience with domestic and international peers.

The training combined special lectures, group discussions, case studies and field investigations. It focused on core concepts of UNESCO Global Geoparks, evaluation criteria, revalidation procedures, operation and management, international network cooperation, geological hazard prevention and control, and practical approaches to sustainable development. During the training course, Tianzhushan participant attended thematic courses and workshops on international disaster‑reduction cases. They also actively joined and delivered remarks at the inaugural Women’s Salon. Site visits were made to the Fangdong Scenic Area, Lingfeng Scenic Area and the Yandangshan Geopark Museum, where delegates learned proven best practices for global geoparks development.

This training has provided a high‑end platform for Tianzhushan UGGp to engage in international dialogue and exchanges. It has broadened the global vision of front‑line personnel and improved their standardised management capacity, further strengthening ties for international collaboration. Moving forward, Tianzhushan UGGp will benchmark itself against UNESCO’s criteria and effectively translate training outcomes into practical actions. Focused on the critical revalidation preparation work, it will coordinate efforts in geoheritage conservation, science popularization brand building, geotourism upgrading and international exchange and cooperation. Through high‑quality ecological conservation, the geopark will contribute to the green and sustainable development of the local communities.