GEOHERITAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF NYENCHENTHANGLHA MOUNTAINS AND FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

The eastern section of Nyenchenthanglha Mountains, located in Dangxiong County of northwestern Lhasa City, the hinterland of, is rich in typical and diverse geoheritage resources represented by Namtso Lake, Yambajan geothermal field and glacier landform of Nyenchenthanglha Mountains. The geoheritages can be divided into 3 categories, 7 class and 11 subclasses based on systematic field survey. Clustered and distributed along the basin-mountain tectonic system in the area, the geoheritages are of high scientific, aesthetic and development values, with typicality, rarity, integrity and international comparison significance globally. These rich geological relics complement each other with the cultural heritage of Buddhist architecture and ecosystem in the hinterland of Qinghai- Plateau, comprehensively demonstrating the most mysterious system of harmony between man and nature on the plateau. It is concluded that the establishment of Nyenchenthanglha Global Geopark is feasible and of great significance with obvious advantages in terms of natural culture, scope boundary, management organization, sustainable economic policy and stakeholder needs. The construction plan of geothermal field-themed Nyenchenthanglha Global Geopark is further proposed with multidimensional countermeasures such as government support, others' experiences, concept popularization, scientific research protection, tourism and community development, which provides theoretical and practical basis for utilization of regional green geoheritages and promotion of local eco-civilization construction and economic sustainable development.