To strengthen exchanges and cooperation among UNESCO Global Geoparks, a delegation from Funiushan UNESCO Global Geopark conducted a field inspection of Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark on September 14 and signed an agreement formally establishing sister park relations. Guo Chongkuo, Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of the Wudalianchi Scenic Area, attended the signing ceremony.

At the signing ceremony, representatives of both sides jointly watched promotional films on the scenery of the two geoparks, gaining an intuitive impression of their distinctive geological landscapes, ecological resources and cultural heritage.

During the discussion, the two sides held in-depth deliberations on key areas including geoheritage protection policies, stewardship and management measures, the establishment of law-enforcement bodies and frontline enforcement practice, learning from each other's advanced experience in park development and management. Witnessed by all those present, the representatives of the two sides signed the friendly agreement establishing sister park relations, formally bringing the friendly cooperative relationship between the two places into effect.

Going forward, the two sides will gradually broaden the areas of exchange and cooperation in line with practical needs, strengthening the exchange of views and mutual cooperation in jointly protecting geoheritage, jointly advancing scientific research and geoscience popularization, and jointly promoting the integration of culture and tourism. Drawing on their respective distinctive resources, they will explore cross-regional tourism routes, so that the beauty of geology may benefit more people and the friendship between the two peoples may grow through such exchanges.

It is understood that Funiushan UNESCO Global Geopark is located in Nanyang, Henan Province. Rich in biological resources, it serves as an important "gene pool" of species and a "breeding ground" for biological genetic succession in Henan Province. The area in which the park lies has a long history and a splendid culture, and has left behind a wealth of cultural heritage; it is an ideal area for research on the formation and evolution of the Qinling orogenic belt, for studies related to dinosaurs and dinosaur eggs, for geoscience tourism, and for leisure and vacation. It was inscribed on the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in 2006.