Xun Zhao

Xun Zhao (1942–2012) graduated from Chengdu Institute of Geology in 1966. In the early 1980s, he went to England to pursue his studies at the University of Birmingham and Cambridge University. After returning to China, he served as the chief engineer of the Guangxi Geology and Mineral Bureau and deputy director of the 13th International Geological Congress. He was the secretary-general of the Geological Society of China, president of the Chinese Academy of Tourism Earth Science and Geopark Research, Geological Society of China, president of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, and consultant expert and member of the Evaluation Committee of the UNESCO Global Geopark. His major works include ‘Theory and Practice of Conservation and Development of Natural Heritages’ and ‘National Geoparks Tours’. He made important contributions to the development of Chinese geoparks, especially the development of global geoparks in China.