The “world natural heritage status” is the recognition the international community holds for the excellent natural heritages in a region. Authoritative, inimitable, and yet recognised globally, it is a worldwide honour and utmost brand for the natural resources and their values in a region.
Many facts have shown that all the world heritages are famous tourist resorts in the world. Only by applying for world natural heritage status, can the excellent natural resources of the Stone Forest be permanently conserved in accordance with the international criteria, and can the reputation of Shilin County, and even Kunming Municipality and Yunnan Province be escalated.
Meanwhile, the Shilin tourism industrial status and reputation can be maintained and consolidated in China and the world. And the success of such application will generate substantial economic benefits, laying firm foundation for the sustainable development.