The Yuntai Mountain has edged onto the China National Natural Heritage Candidate List due to its unique geological landforms, rich natural resources and cultural relics, the Ministry of Construction (MOC) said at a recent press release.

MOC established a three-level application and protection mechanism for world heritage candidates in 2004: Those aiming to gain a "world heritage" title must first appear on the national heritage candidate list and the world heritage candidate list in succession.

Seventeen scenic and cultural interest areas nationwide have been added to the national natural heritage candidate list.

"Yuntai Mountain has realized a beneficial cycle and balanced development, injecting dynamic momentum into the local economy," Zhang Hongren, chairman of the International Geological Science Association, said at the first International Symposium on Development within Geoparks in May.

"The mountain is also a successful demonstration of geopark construction," Zhang added.

About 200 experts and delegates from 15 countries and regions participated in the symposium in Henan's Jiaozuo, where the Yuntai Mountain is located, and delved into the unique physiognomy of the mountain and its scientific value.

According to the local government, the Yuntai Mountain Geopark's advanced experience in energizing the local economy has been incorporated into a compulsory geological textbook for high schools.

(China Daily July 21, 2006)