UNESCO Global Geoparks
List of UNESCO Global Geoparks and Regional Networks
What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.
A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural disasters-related risks.
By raising awareness of the importance of the area’s geological heritage in history and society today, UNESCO Global Geoparks give local people a sense of pride in their region and strengthen their identification with the area.
The creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs and high-quality training courses is stimulated as new sources of revenue are generated through geotourism, while the geological resources of the area are protected.
At present, there are 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries.
All the UNESCO Global Geoparks are institutional members of the Global Geoparks Network.
UNESCO Global Geoparks
UNESCO’s work with Geoparks began in 2001, when a collaboration agreement was signed between UNESCO Division of Earth Sciences and the European Geoparks Network.
In 2004, 17 European and 8 Chinese geoparks came together at UNESCO headquarters in Paris to form the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) where national geological heritage initiatives contribute to and benefit from their membership of a global network of exchange and cooperation.
On 17 November 2015, the 195 Member States of UNESCO ratified the creation of a new label, the UNESCO Global Geoparks, during the 38th General Conference of the Organization. This expresses governmental recognition of the importance of managing outstanding geological sites and landscapes in a holistic manner.
UNESCO supports efforts in all countries to establish UNESCO Global Geoparks all around the world, in close collaboration with the Global Geoparks Network.
Global Geoparks Network
The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is a non-profit and a non-governmental organization. It was initially founded in 2004 as an international partnership developed under the umbrella of UNESCO, and was officially registered as an association in 2014 subjecting to French law. The Global Geoparks Network is the official partner of UNESCO for the operation of the UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Networking and collaboration among Global Geoparks are important components of the Global Geoparks Network. The Global Geoparks Network also promotes networking on a regional basis.
The four GGN Regional Geoparks Networks are the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN), the European Geoparks Network (EGN), the Latin America and Caribbean Geoparks Network (GeoLAC) and the African UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (AUGGN).
The objectives of the Global Geoparks Network are:
• to promote the equitable geographical establishment, development and professional management of Global Geoparks,
• to advance knowledge and understanding of the nature, function and role of Global Geoparks,
• to assist local communities to value their natural and cultural heritage,
• to preserve Earth heritage for present and future generations,
• to educate and teach the broad public about issues in geo-sciences and their relation with environmental matters and natural
hazards,
• to ensure sustainable socio-economic and cultural development based on the natural (or earth) system,
• to foster multi-cultural links between heritage and conservation and the maintenance of geological and cultural diversity,
using participatory schemes of partnership and management,
• to stimulate research when appropriate,
• to promote joint initiatives between Global Geoparks
(e.g. communication, publications, exchange of information, twinning).
The Global Geoparks Network establishes ethical standards which must be adopted and respected by Global Geoparks and Global Geopark professionals.
The Global Geoparks Network organizes co-operation and mutual assistance between Global Geoparks and between Global Geopark professionals.
The Global Geoparks Network initiates and co-ordinates thematic Working Groups which will foster international co-operation in a variety of issues related with Geopark operation and activities.
The Global Geoparks Network represents, advances, and disseminates knowledge in Geodiversity management and other disciplines related to studies in Geo-conservation, Geo-tourism, Geo-education and/or the management and activities of Global Geoparks.