April 22 marks the 57th Earth Day. On this occasion, Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark officially launched a series of events under the theme “Cherish Natural Resources, Guard a Beautiful China”, in conjunction with the Sister Parks Mutual Exhibition & Interaction for the 7th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Week. A rich variety of activities were organized, including: Short Video Contest: “I Speak for UNESCO Global Geoparks”, Graphic & Text Contest: “I Speak for UNESCO Global Geoparks”, Interactive Game: “Geopark Science Challenge”, Live Streaming: “Geopark Connection”, Photo Exhibition: “The Most Beautiful Imprint of Earth”, Earth Day Stamp-collecting Campaign, Field Study Tours, Science Popularization on Campus. These immersive activities brought geo-science and ecological protection concepts to schools and the public, safeguarding hundreds of millions of years of geological heritage and promoting green development.

In the morning, nearly 200 teachers and students from Guanzhai Middle School visited Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark for a special geological study tour. They visited the “The Most Beautiful Imprint of Earth” photo exhibition, appreciating magnificent geological landscapes and witnessing the grandeur of Earth’s evolution. 

In the geological knowledge class, interpreters explained karst landforms and cave formation in plain language, turning abstract geography into vivid knowledge. During the biological observation session, students examined local vegetation and specimens to experience ecological diversity. Later, they entered Zhijindong Cave to explore hundreds of millions of years of karst wonders, connecting textbook knowledge with real‑world experience.

In the afternoon, staff from the geopark visited Tuoluo Primary School—the Science Popularization School of Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark—for a special “Science Popularization on Campus” activity.

Through lively lectures and vivid pictures, students learned about the geological wonders and protection value of Zhijindong Cave UGGp, gaining a better understanding of karst landforms and UNESCO Global Geoparks. The staff also presented popular science books and cultural creative products to the children, encouraging them to love nature, learn science, and protect their homeland, planting a seed of geological heritage awareness in young hearts.

This series of Earth Day activities is an important practice for Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark to promote public science education. By offering diverse, interactive, and experiential activities, geological science has stepped out of textbooks, reached campuses, and connected with the public, raising awareness of geoheritage protection among people of all ages, especially young people.

Adhering to the principles of scientific protection and sustainable development, Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark will continue to carry out science popularization, ecological promotion, and study tours. Taking Earth Day as an opportunity, the park will further improve science services, innovate activity forms, and integrate geological culture communication with ecological protection, ensuring that hundreds of millions of years of geological wonders shine forever under scientific guardianship.