From November 2 to 4, 2026, the Council of UNESCO Global Geoparks convened at the Headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, France. The meeting focused on the systematic review of re-evaluation documents for UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide, to examine the development quality, standardized management and international compliance capacity of each geopark. The Jingpohu UNESCO Global Geopark was unanimously approved by the Council and awarded a Green Card.

UNESCO Global Geoparks undergo a comprehensive re-evaluation by UNESCO every four years, with results classified as Green Card, Yellow Card and Red Card. A Green Card signifies that the geopark has fully met all requirements in geological heritage conservation, scientific research, popular science outreach, community engagement and sustainable tourism development, complies with the standards for UNESCO Global Geoparks, retains its designation and maintains its membership for another four years.

This re-evaluation carried out high-standard verification across six dimensions: in-situ conservation of geological heritage, scientific research and monitoring, science popularization and education, community engagement, ecotourism, and international compliance. From July 20 to 24, the UNESCO evaluation expert team conducted an on-site re-evaluation mission to the Jingpohu UNESCO Global Geopark. Through briefings, dossier reviews and site visits, the team comprehensively assessed the park’s development and management performance. Since mid-July, the Jingpohu Basin was hit by a once-in-a-millennium flood. The Administration Committee of Jingpohu UNESCO Global Geopark responded promptly, making every effort to repair flood-damaged infrastructure and reasonably adjusting the inspection routes to ensure the smooth delivery of the on-site re-evaluation with high quality. Following the field assessment and panel discussions, the experts highly commended the park’s approach and tangible outcomes in the coordinated advancement of geological heritage conservation, ecological governance, disaster prevention and mitigation, science education and rural revitalization.

This remarkable achievement stems from the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. Under the careful guidance of the National Geopark Network Center and higher-level forestry and grassland authorities, and with overall coordination by the CPC Mudanjiang Municipal Committee and Mudanjiang Municipal People’s Government, the Administration Committee of Jingpohu UNESCO Global Geopark has strictly aligned its work with the Operational Guidelines for UNESCO Global Geoparks. It has effectively advanced the conservation and sustainable use of geological heritage, improved the science interpretation system, organized regular science popularization and study tour activities, steadily promoted community engagement, continuously deepened exchanges with sister geoparks, and fully embraced the development philosophy of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

This Green Card certification represents not only full recognition, but also a brand-new starting point. Taking this opportunity, the Jingpohu UNESCO Global Geopark will act in accordance with the official feedback from the Council of UNESCO Global Geoparks to continuously improve its capacity in resource conservation, science popularization and study tours, and international exchanges. It will contribute Jingpohu’s strength to burnishing the city’s world-class gold-lettered signboard of the UNESCO Global Geopark.