The
Inner
Mongolia Autonomous Region, where geological remains are rather
abundant, is making efforts to reinforce their protection through a
proper combination of protection and exploitation.
The remains created during the Earth's evolution are un-regenerated
geological natural heritage. They are the precious "file of the
earth" for human beings to get to know and research the Earth's
origins.
Abundant geological remains in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
involve world-renowned typical stratigraphic sections,
different-shaped fossils of ancient extinct life, stone forests,
volcanic geomorphology, ice mortars, and lakes of both scientific
and ornamental value, and widely-distributed hot springs and
mineral springs with special functions in medical treatment and
health protection.
The land and resources department of Inner Mongolia has injected
special funds for sifting the "file of the earth" in recent years.
Investigations have been conducted at 87 sites in some 80 banners
(counties) of 12 leagues (prefectures), in order to acquire various
firsthand materials that may fill gaps in geological information. A
total of 14 nature reserves highlighting geological remains of
different categories and levels have been built up in Inner
Mongolia.
Additionally, Inner Mongolia has actively exploited the resources.
A batch of museums have been founded to tap the scientific,
cultural and economic value of geological remains besides
protecting them. The only geological park at the national level --
Hexigten Geological Park -- has received visitors in an endless
stream since its opening in 2001. The Xilingol Dinosaur Museum,
opened to the public this year, is the largest professional
dinosaur museum in northern China. The mineral spring resources
distributed in 11 leagues are now being exploited.
Related experts estimate that, as long as the protection and
administration of the geological remains are standardized and
subject to the rule of law, geological remains and mineral spring
resources will become new stimuli for the economic growth of the
Inner Mongolia.
(china.org.cn by Zhang Tingting, September 4, 2002 )