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UNESCO Global Geoparks

© Kevin Sharman
Hikers in Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark, Canada

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. Their bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming increasingly popular. At present, there are 147 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 41 countries. A webpage of each UNESCO Global Geopark is available, with detailed information on each site.

UNESCO’s work with geoparks began in 2001. 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 Organisation. This expresses governmental recognition of the importance of managing outstanding geological sites and landscapes in a holistic manner.

The Organization supports Member States’ efforts to establish UNESCO Global Geoparks all around the world, in close collaboration with the Global Geoparks Network.

Aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks - Call for Mentor and Trainee Applications

The IGGP of UNESCO is currently proceeding with a call for applications to sponsor Mentorship and Knowledge Exchange for qualifying representatives of aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark sites.

  

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