UNESCO Office in Windhoek 38-44 Stein Street, Klein Windhoek, P.O. Box 24519, Windhoek, Namibia
Earth Sciences
UNESCO provides a multinational platform for scientists from all disciplines related to earth sciences to exchange knowledge and methodology on a multitude of geological problems of global importance.
The Global Network of National Geoparks assisted by UNESCO provides a platform of active cooperation between experts and practitioners in geological heritage. Under the umbrella of UNESCO, and through exchange between the global network partners, important national geological sites gain worldwide recognition and profit through the exchange of knowledge, expertise, experience and staff with other Geoparks.
In order to support the improvement of the livelihoods of local communities, while promoting the right to cultural identity and expression, the process to establish the Gondwanaland Geopark has been initiated in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Namibia, in the framework of the Joint Programme (JP) on “Cultural Tourism Development as a Vehicle for Poverty Reduction”, funded by the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund (MDG-F).
This first Geopark in Africa will be an important tool to improve and enhance earth sciences education in Namibia. The Gondwanaland Geopark possesses a significant geological heritage, and will contribute to sustainable development, based notably on sustainable tourism, by not only ensuring the appropriate recognition, preservation and promotion of Namibia’s important geological heritage, but also improving the living conditions of local communities.
