An expert team organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conducted a field study of Taishan Mountain, a world geopark candidate in East China's Shandong Province, from August 4 to 5, remarking on the quality of the scientific research value of the mountain's geology and landforms.

The team was composed of Dr Hartmut Escher and Dr Andreas Schueller, both members of the assessment committee for world geoparks, accompanied by Jiang Jianjun, director of the Geological Environment Department of the Ministry of Land and Resources, famous Chinese geologists Zhao Xun and Chen Anze, and local government officials.

"As the world's first cultural and natural heritage approved by UNESCO and one of the first batch of national key scenic and historic interest areas, Taishan Mountain has its unique advantages to apply for a world geopark status," said the two visiting experts.

Taishan Mountain's geological evolution can be traced from the Archaean to Cenozoic eras, with rich, important and typical heritages of diastrophism.

A long-established geological resource treasure house, Taishan Mountain is of great geological research, aesthetic and scientific value.

The experts were impressed by the mountain's long geological evolutionary history, complicated geological structure and typical geological heritages. "These geological heritages are rare. Taishan Mountain belongs to China, as well as to the world at large," they said.

The effective organization and guidance of the local government and a complete set of infrastructural facilities represent the high-level protection and management of the mountain, which is a necessary condition for a world geopark applicant.

The experts said they had great admiration for the excellent protective measures being put in place by the government of Tai'an, where the mountain is situated.

Dr Andreas Schueller said: "Through the two-day investigation, we found that the management of Taishan Mountain geopark and the staff here are standardized." He also gave a positive comment on the supportive efforts given by the local, provincial governments and the Ministry of Land and Resources.

He added that the biggest feature of Taishan Mountain geopark is the close relationship between its cultural heritage and geo-science. The geology, culture and natural scenery are perfectly combined.

"We can see a lot of visitors, who are very interested in the mountain. I must say that geoparks should be established in places that are crowded with visitors just like Taishan Mountain, so that more people will acquaint themselves with geological science." said Schueller.

(China Daily August 18, 2006)