On tourism geoscience and geoparks are milestones in the history of China’s geoscience development

Chen Anze

(Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences)

1. The meaning of tourism geoscience

In summary, tourism geoscience is an earth science An applied discipline in tourism services. Its meaning has become increasingly complete with the continuous development of the discipline. When the Tourism Geosciences Research Society was established in 1985, its meaning was included in Article 2 of the Association’s Constitution: “Tourism geosciences is the use of geoscience theories and methods to investigate and research tourism resources. , an emerging edge discipline serving planning, development and protection work." In the 1991 "Introduction to Tourism Geosciences" by Chen Anze, Lu Yunting and others, a deeper definition was proposed: "Tourism Geosciences is an emerging branch of earth science. It is the study of human travel, leisure and recreation, and the earth's surface materials. A discipline that examines the relationship between composition, structure, and energy migration and change. It includes two tourism environments: geology and geography. Therefore, tourism geoscience is the general term for the two marginal disciplines of tourism geology and tourism geography." In the soon-to-be-published "Dictionary of Tourism Geosciences", the definition of tourism geosciences has been expanded and refined, that is, "Tourism geosciences is an emerging interdisciplinary discipline resulting from the combination of earth science and tourism. It mainly includes tourism geology. Tourism geography is based on the theories and methods of earth science, and absorbs knowledge and methods from other disciplines (aesthetics, environmental science, landscape science, tourism, etc.) to study various aspects of tourism. Type questions: ① Mainly study the object elements that constitute the tourism industry - tourism resources. Focus on natural tourism resources and explore the formation causes, distribution rules, aesthetic value, scientific value, scientific popularization education value, tourism development value and protection of natural tourism resources. Methods, regional and scenic spot tourism planning and utilization, etc.; study geological issues involved in human landscape resources, such as geological conditions and environmental factors of ancient buildings, ancient cultural sites, grottoes, gardens, etc. ② Also study the main elements of tourism - tourism. Source markets, such as the geographical distribution of tourists and changes caused by geographical and climatic factors, etc. ③ Study the media elements of the tourism industry - geological issues involved in tourism reception facilities, such as tourist roads, location and selection of buildings. Lines, foundation stability evaluation, various geological background fields of the resort (radioactivity, magnetism, electricity, trace elements, negative oxygen ions...) ④ It also focuses on the construction of geological parks, the creation of scientific tourism products, and the scientific tourism interpretation system. Establishment, etc. Tourism geoscience is a discipline that comprehensively serves China in the era of scientific tourism."

2. The background of the emergence of tourism geosciences

From the experience gained from studying the development history of the discipline, the birth of a discipline mainly depends on two major factors: ① The needs of society are the emergence of new disciplines The driving force is the engine that promotes the establishment of new disciplines and is an objective factor, or external factor; ② The need for the discipline itself to expand outward is the basis for the emergence of new disciplines and the internal factor that promotes the development of new disciplines. These two factors can only appear when society develops to a specific historical stage, and are related to the development level of social productive forces. Tourism geosciences emerged under specific historical conditions. The introduction of China's reform and opening up policy in 1978 greatly liberated productivity and people's creativity, followed by great economic development and unprecedented prosperity in the tourism industry. The tourism industry is an industry that requires the support of various disciplines to develop healthily. The development of the tourism industry urgently needs resource support, especially the support of natural aesthetic resources of landscapes. Earth science has an absolute advantage in providing natural landscape resources, meeting the needs of society. Promote geoscience to serve tourism and promote the birth of tourism geoscience. It was the reform and opening up that prompted a large number of geoscientists to move towards the trend of serving tourism. In serving tourism, geoscientists realized that the ancient earth science contained unlimited vitality for outward expansion, and the tourism industry made it useful. The rich theories and working methods she has accumulated over a long period of time, once combined with the needs of tourism, create new sparks, and "tourism geosciences", a discipline that intersects geosciences and tourism, emerges at the historic moment. It is worth mentioning that geoscience theories and methods have laid a solid theoretical foundation for the creation of tourism geosciences. Without the support of geoscience theory, it is absolutely impossible to create a new discipline out of thin air. It is also worth mentioning that in order to rejuvenate the ancient earth sciences, they must vigorously expand to the margins and hybridize with other sciences. The relatively mature and complete theories and methods of geosciences are the basis for the creation of a new discipline of tourism geosciences. and internal factors. As we all know, before 1978, my country did not have the economic foundation and political environment to develop the tourism industry, and there were no social conditions for the emergence of tourism geoscience. In the final analysis, the arrival of a new stage of reform and opening up has brought these two factors together organically. Tourism geoscience is the product of a new stage of historical development.

3. Tourism geosciences have made great contributions to promoting the cause of geological parks in China

The concept of establishing geoscience parks came about when geoscientists provided tourism services, and in 1985, China Geology When the Institute of Tourism Geoscience Research was established, it formally proposed to the State Council “Several Suggestions on Strengthening Geoscience Investigation and Research in the Development of Tourism”. After that, tourism geoscientists repeatedly proposed the establishment of a geological park to the leaders of the Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources, but they were shelved because the time was not ripe.

It was not until 1999 that the Ministry of Land and Resources held the "National Geological and Landform Landscape Protection Work Conference" in Weihai, Shandong Province. As a specially invited expert, Chen Anze once again raised the issue of establishing geological parks during his report at the meeting, and recounted the recommendations of UNESCO and European cities. Plans have been proposed to establish a geopark. Since the situation of establishing geological parks at home and abroad has matured, the conference accepted the proposal. This conference played a key role in establishing China's national geopark system. In the spring of 2000, the Ministry of Land and Resources officially decided to launch the application process of geoparks across the country, and in that year, 11 national geoparks in China, including the Stone Forest National Geopark, were reviewed and approved. The Tourism Geoscience Research Association organized experts to provide a series of draft documents for the application, review, opening conditions, planning management, etc. of the geopark, and organized and led the planning work of the country's first national geopark planning "Fujian Zhangzhou Binhai Volcanoes National Geopark" , setting an example for scientific planning, construction and management of geoparks. After that, tourism geoscientists also divided the geological heritage types, evaluation criteria, and protection methods of the geopark, and provided scientific explanations of the geopark (including the main and auxiliary monuments of the park, the geological museum, the geological science film museum, and the geological scenic spots and scenery explanatory boards). , Geopark scientific research, Geopark science popularization activities, Geopark scientific guide maps, Geopark book series, etc.), information network construction, management system, tourism facilities, fund raising, etc. have proposed a complete set of regulations, methods, technical requirements, etc. In short, tourism geoscience has advocated the establishment of China’s geopark system, prepared a theoretical foundation for it, and prepared a complete set of working methods. In particular, it has trained and prepared a large number of geopark talents, thus ensuring the development of the geopark industry. In 2009, the research committee also put forward suggestions for reforming the application and approval methods for national geoparks, which were approved and implemented by the Ministry of Land and Resources. In the future, the application time for national geoparks will be changed from once a year to once every two years, and the application and approval will be completed in one go: ① Pass the application review to obtain construction qualifications; ② Construction will be carried out in accordance with the national geopark construction standards (a period of three years); ③ After Only after the on-site assessment meets the acceptance standards can it be approved to become a national geopark, a three-step approach. Since then, the construction and management of geoparks in China has entered a new stage of standardization, standardization, institutionalization and scientificization. So far, my country has established 22 world geoparks and 139 national geoparks (including the Hong Kong National Geopark, China). Another 44 geoparks have obtained the qualifications to build national geoparks and more than 100 provincial geoparks have been established. Taiwan, our country, has also established village-level geoparks. A Chinese geopark system with complete geological categories, orderly management levels, and wide distribution has been initially established. Tourism geoscience has made great contributions to the creation of China's geoparks, and will continue to make new contributions to strengthening the management, improving quality, and steadily marching toward the "four modernizations" (scale, standardization, institutionalization, and scientificization) of China's geoparks.

4. Tourism geosciences have made great contributions to the development of China’s tourism industry

Tourism geosciences and China’s tourism industry grew up almost at the same time, and have played a vital role in promoting the growth of China’s tourism industry. Among the service disciplines, tourism geoscience is at the forefront. Tourism geoscience theory, tourism geoscience organizations, and tourism geoscientists have made universally recognized contributions to the establishment and development of China's tourism industry.

1. Contribution of tourism geoscience organizations

Tourism geoscience organizations are the link that unites tourism geoscientists and the bridge that communicates with government tourism management agencies and other tourism groups. It is also the exchange and research platform for tourism geoscientists. Work results and a solid platform to serve the tourism industry. The greatest contribution of the China Tourism Geosciences Organization is to unite the entire tourism geosciences community, and even unite the backbone forces in other sectors in China that serve tourism, to use academic exchanges to explore major theoretical issues encountered in various development stages of China's tourism industry It summarizes a set of theories and methods to guide the development of China's tourism industry and provides consultation for governments at all levels to develop, manage and plan tourism development. The creation, development and growth of China's tourism industry are inseparable from the hard work of tourism geoscience organizations. The Tourism Geosciences Research Society of the Geological Society of China implements the policy of combining theory with practice. In the 25 years since its establishment, it has held 24 annual academic conferences and several special seminars. Each conference has insisted on holding a meeting to promote tourism in the host province, city, and county. Industry development strategy seminar, organizing participating experts to put forward systematic opinions and suggestions on the industry type positioning, market positioning, tourism product positioning, tourism resource evaluation, marketing strategy, tourism talent training, tourism science popularization, etc. of the local tourism industry. The tourism industry of each host county and city has been consulted by national tourism geoscience experts. After each annual meeting, its tourism industry can achieve rapid development, such as Yuntai Mountain in Henan, Zhangpu in Fujian, Dajin Lake in Taining in Fujian, Anhui Tianzhu Mountain...the great transformation and development of the tourism industry is the best example.

2. Tourism geoscience theory and the contribution of tourism geoscientists

As the great revolutionary said, without revolutionary theory, there will be no revolutionary action. Tourism geoscience theory is guiding the development of the tourism industry. Indispensable credit. The discipline of "Tourism Geosciences" was founded by the Chinese. It was jointly created by colleagues in China's tourism geosciences and tourism circles. It is not the personal behavior of an individual person.

In the establishment of the discipline of tourism geosciences in China, colleagues in the geography field are at the forefront. The pioneers include Wu Chuanjun, Chen Chuankang, Guo Laixi, Lu Yunting, Yang Guanxiong, Xie Ninggao, Su Wencai, Song Lifu, Yin Zesheng, Guo Kang, Wang Qinglian, and Zhou Jinjin , Wu Shengming, Xin Jianrong, etc.; the geological world started at the same time, and its pioneers include Yin Weihan, Chen Anze, Li Weixin, Zhang Erkuang, Chen Maoxun, Ma Hengwei, Fu Zhongping, Tao Kuiyuan, Yin Jicheng, Wang Gongqia, Chen Shicai, Wu Chengji, etc.; and those who support the development of tourism geosciences Leaders and scientists include Sun Daguang, Xia Guozhi, Sun Wensheng, Shou Jiahua, Du Yili, Zhao Xun, Jiang Jianjun, Huang Jiqing, Hou Renzhi, Gao Zhenxi, Li Chunyu, Li Tingdong, Chen Mengxiong, Shen Qihan, Zhai Yusheng, Zhang Zonghu, Lu Yaoru, Zhao Pengda, Xiao Xuchang, Rong Jiayu, Liu Jiaqi, etc. It is worth mentioning that a large number of young and middle-aged tourism geoscientists have grown up in the development of tourism geosciences. They are Bao Jigang, Peng Decheng, Wu Bihu, Tian Mingzhong, Peng Hua, Yu Kongjian, Yang Yingyu, Liu Feng, Yan Guotai , Xu Xuegong, Yan Zhiwu, Yang Zhenzhi, Guo Fusheng, Fan Xiao, He Yinwu, Wang Yanyong, Wang Leiting, Zhang Zhonghui, etc. With their joint efforts, a relatively complete theory of tourism geosciences and a series of regulations, standards, guidelines, methods, etc. were established to guide tourism development, geopark construction and scenic area construction, etc., which are of great significance to the health of China's tourism industry. played an important role in the development of the order.

In addition to making significant contributions to China's tourism industry in terms of theory, policy, and strategy, tourism geoscientists have also made significant contributions to tourism practice. As far as the author knows, the first national tourism plan, most provincial tourism plans, most regional tourism plans, numerous special tourism plans, scenic spot plans, national geopark declarations, comprehensive research reports, and park plans are all It was compiled under the leadership of a tourism geoscientist. Until now, tourism geoscientists are still the backbone of tourism planning, landscape design, and various tourism product planning. Half of the sky of China's tourism industry is supported by tourism geoscientists.

5. Tourism geoscience and geoparks are milestones in the history of Chinese geoscience

The definition of "milestone" in Cihai is as follows: a sign placed on the roadside to record mileage. It is often used as a metaphor for major events that can serve as markers in the course of history. Based on this, the author puts forward the judgment that the establishment of tourism geosciences and geoparks is a milestone in the history of Chinese geosciences for discussion.

1. Proposed a new concept of geological resources in theory

In the past, geological resources referred to mineral resources, which included metals, non-metals, oil and gas and other fuel minerals, and were mainly used for Meet people's material life needs. Minerals have economic development value. When utilizing them, they must be dug out of the ground, refined, or specially processed. Since mining and refining minerals often leave behind a lot of waste residue, waste gas and waste water, causing environmental pollution, it requires huge costs to treat the abandoned mine environment and eliminate mining pollution. Tourism geoscience theoretically and systematically demonstrates a new view of geological resources, namely geological landscape resources. It is believed that most of the strange peaks, strange caves, beautiful waters, special stone landscapes, structural traces, paleontological remains, and even geological disaster remains formed during the geological process have the nature of resources and economic development value. Geological landscapes are extremely important tourism resources and the basis for establishing geological parks. Systematically classifying geological landscape resources, establishing an evaluation system, formulating plans, and using scientific interpretation plans and protection measures have become the core content of tourism geoscience research. As a result, many so-called "barren mountains and rivers" that were previously considered to have no mineralization value have become precious resources for people to enjoy, enjoy, and seek knowledge and beauty. When utilizing geological landscape resources, there is no need to move their location or change their original physical and chemical properties. It is only necessary to set up necessary tourist facilities to become a tourist attraction, and it can be used sustainably. It is described as "forever open". Endless gold mine." The new view of landscape resources is a major contribution to tourism geoscience.

2. In practice, the service field of geological work has been greatly expanded

For the first time in the history of geological work, the general survey of geological landscape resources (geological relics) has been included in the geological survey project. For the first time, geological heritage protection and geopark management have been included in the tasks of the Ministry of Land and Resources. In addition to searching for mineral resources that meet people's material needs, geological work can also be extended to search and evaluate geological landscape tourism resources that meet people's spiritual needs, so that land geological work can more comprehensively serve the country's two civilizations. The establishment of tourism geoscience and geopark is a major event in the history of geoscience work.

3. The unprecedented popularization of earth science knowledge

Tourism geoscience takes the dissemination of earth science knowledge as its research focus, and the establishment of geoparks lists the popularization of geoscience knowledge as a must. The mission clearly stipulates that geoparks must build complete scientific interpretation facilities. Scientific research must be conducted and the research results converted into popular science books. A geopark is a base for popularizing earth science. According to incomplete statistics, since 2000, 127 geopark museums have been built, 187 geological science popularization bases have been built, 21,000 geological attractions and scenery explanatory boards have been set up, 500 kinds of geological science books have been published with more than 5 million volumes, and science popularization activities have been held. 585 academic conferences were held, popularizing geoscience knowledge to 1.1 billion tourists who entered the geopark. This is the largest organized, led, planned, largest and most widely popular earth science knowledge popularization activity in the history of Chinese geological work, and this activity will continue to be carried out. This is a milestone event in the history of geological work.

4. Found a path for sustainable development of earth science

Some people think that whether a science can develop mainly depends on scientific workers, but facts have proved that any discipline can only Only by being deeply rooted in the public can we continue to develop. The establishment of tourism geosciences, especially the emergence of geoparks, has introduced profound geoscience knowledge to the public as never before. It has gradually become an important topic for the public to explore mountains and rivers, explore the origin of landscapes, and explore the mysteries of the formation and evolution of the earth. It has become a demand for educated youth in the 21st century. Many young people are determined to report to geological colleges because of their knowledge of geological landscapes. Tourism geosciences and geoparks have opened up a golden avenue for the sustainable development of earth sciences.

5. Tourism geoscience and geoparks have become the pillars of the development of China's tourism industry

Tourism geoscience theory has become a guide for the development of China's tourism industry and has become a guide for China's tourism industry to enter the era of scientific tourism. The main factor, the emergence of geoparks has become an important symbol of China entering the era of scientific tourism. Tourism geoscientists are the backbone of China’s tourism planning, tourism product design, and tourism policy consultation. Geosciences are at the forefront of all disciplines in serving the tourism industry and have become a pillar of China’s tourism development.

To sum up, the establishment of tourism geosciences and the national geopark system is a major event in the geosciences community, a milestone in the history of geosciences, a symbol and milestone of China entering the era of scientific tourism, and a milestone in the history of Chinese garden construction. milestone. Tourism geosciences emerged in the booming tourism industry in China and grew in the sustained development of tourism. It is the product of the entire geosciences community serving tourism and the product of historical opportunities. Although it has gone through 25 years, it is still a young subject in urgent need of development and improvement. Looking back on the past 25 years, we have achieved gratifying results. Looking forward to the future, we still have a long way to go and a bright future.

References

[1] Chen Anze, Lu Yunting, et al. Introduction to Tourism Geoscience. Beijing: Peking University Press, 1991

[2] Chen Anze. Tourism The birth of geoscience and the tasks it faces. See: Tourism Journal Supplement. Tourism Journal Supplement Magazine, 1988

[3] Chen Anze. Tourism geoscience advances in the development of tourism. See: China Regional Geology Supplement. China Regional Geology Editorial Department, 1994

[4] Chen Anze. 20 years of pioneering and innovative tourism geosciences - written to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Tourism Geosciences Research Society. Journal of Tourism, 2006, 4(21 ): 71～77

[5] Chen Anze. Theory of Chinese Geological Landscape. See: Essays on Tourism Geoscience (Volume 5). Beijing: Geology Press, 1988, 110～144

< p>[6] Chen Anze. On China's National Geoparks. See: Essays on Tourism Geoscience (Volume 9). Beijing: China Forestry Press, 2003

[7] Chen Anze, Jiang Jianjun, Li Minglu. China Current status and prospects of national geoparks. See: Tourism Green Paper. Beijing: Social Sciences Literature Press, 2003