UNESCO Global Geoparks applications

Last update: 15 March 2023

Each year, a summary of newly submitted applications is shared with Member States, in order to enable them to exercise their oversight responsibility, as set out in Article 5.4 of the Application Procedure of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

According to the Article 5.4 iv of “The Operational Guidelines of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme”, adopted by the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO, Member States that have concerns regarding a new application are eligible to send a written objection within a three-month grace period following the publication of the geological and geographical summary of the new applications.

New applications to be considered in 2023

End of the grace period: 05 June 2023, 12pm CET

Thirteen new applications were received for review in 2023 and have entered the official process of evaluation by UNESCO. In addition, two existing UNESCO Global Geoparks submitted a request for size alteration by more than 10% and two have submitted size modification request of less than 10% of their current area.

The sites that have submitted an application for designation are:

Belgium/The Netherlands

  • Schelde Delta-Transnational Geopark

Brazil

  • Chapada dos Guimarães
  • Uberaba

China

  • Enshi Grand Canyon Tenglongdong Cave

Denmark

  • The South Fyn Archipelago

Finland

  • Impact Crater Lake Geopark Lappajärvi

Greece

  • Meteora-Pyli

Ireland

  • Joyce Country and Western Lakes

Portugal

  • Oeste

Spain

  • Volcanes de Calatrava

Tanzania

  • Arusha-Meru

Thailand

  • Khon Kaen

Türkiye

  • Zonguldak Coal Geopark

Area modification requests to be considered in 2023

End of the grace period: 05 June 2023, 12pm CET

Two existing UNESCO Global Geopark submitted a size modification request of more than 10% of the current area. They are: 

Greece

  • Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark (extension > 10%)

Ireland/United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

  • Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark (reduction > 10%)

Two existing UNESCO Global Geopark submitted a size modification request of less than 10% of the current area. They are: 

Brazil

  • Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark (extension less than 10%)

Austria

  • Styrian Eisenwurzen UNESCO Global Geopark (extension less than 10%)
Summary of new UNESCO Global Geopark Applications, 2023
2023

Geological and geographical summary of the 15 new applications and 4 requests for area modifications to be evaluated in 2023. 

0000384423

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