Sunset in Koktokay National Geopark in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Global Geoparks Network was established in 1998 with support from the UNESCO, aiming at encouraging sustainable research and development, as well as international cooperation in geology.

It also seeks to raise public awareness of geological disasters and climate change. The organization also approved the application of expansion submitted by China's Zigong Geopark in Sichuan province, and Leiqiong Geopark in Hainan province.