Core Insights - The fourth Jilin Fossil Protection Forum and Geoscience Tourism Seminar was held in Jilin County, Heilongjiang Province, China, focusing on the integration of fossil protection and geoscience tourism [1][2] - The event highlighted the latest discoveries of dinosaur fossils in the Jilin region, emphasizing its significance as a key site for dinosaur research globally [1] Group 1: Event Overview - The forum gathered nearly a hundred experts from nine countries, including China, Russia, France, Germany, and Belgium, to discuss the development of fossil protection and geoscience tourism [1] - The event commenced on August 27, with a theme centered on "Natural Heritage Protection Promoting Geoscience Popularization and Tourism" [1] Group 2: Key Discoveries - New findings of dinosaur footprints were announced, including theropod, sauropod, and hadrosaur footprints, marking the first discovery of such footprints in the Jilin region [1] - The discovery indicates a good diversity of dinosaurs in the Late Cretaceous period in the area, which is significant for paleontological research in northern China [1] Group 3: Expert Insights - Experts emphasized that the understanding of Earth's development and evolutionary history is a crucial resource for driving social and scientific progress [2] - The integration of fossil protection and tourism is seen as a "golden key" to benefit the public and support conservation efforts [2]

Group 1 - The fourth Jiamin Fossil Protection Forum and Geoscience Tourism Seminar was held, focusing on the integration of fossil protection and geoscience tourism development [1][2] - Jiamin County is known for significant dinosaur fossil discoveries, including 13 complete duck-billed dinosaur skeletons, with potential for over 100 more fossils to be unearthed [1][2] - The establishment of the Jiamin Dinosaur National Geopark in 2001 covers an area of 38.44 square kilometers and serves multiple functions including scientific research, education, and tourism [2] Group 2 - International collaboration has been crucial for fossil research and protection in Jiamin, with many foreign paleontologists considering it their "second hometown" [2] - A statue garden within the geopark honors 24 renowned paleontologists, including 12 international figures, recognizing their contributions to geological and paleontological research in Jiamin [2] - Jiamin's unique geographical position makes it not only a significant fossil discovery site but also a bridge for international exchanges in paleontology [3]