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Introduction

UNESCO Global Geoparks

UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are geographical areas designated by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council. These sites are unified in their management approach, focusing on protecting Earth's geological heritage, promoting education, and fostering sustainable development through local community engagement. The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) serves as the international framework for these sites.

Historical Context

The concept of geoparks gained international recognition with the establishment of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) in 1998, supported by UNESCO's Ecological and Earth Sciences Division. The network officially adopted the term "geopark" to describe areas with significant geological heritage managed holistically. In 2015, the designation was formally updated to "UNESCO Global Geopark" (UGGp).

Global Reach

As of April 2023, the network comprises 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks spread across 48 countries, spanning five continents. While efforts are ongoing to expand representation, there are currently no UGGps in Antarctica or Australasia, and the United States has yet to designate any official UGGps.

The Geopark Concept

Holistic Management

A geopark is defined as a single, unified geographical area where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept encompassing protection, education, and sustainable development. This approach integrates geological conservation with local culture, heritage, and economic activities.

Community Partnership

The establishment and operation of geoparks rely on collaborative efforts. Proposals must demonstrate joint initiatives between public authorities, local communities, and private stakeholders, ensuring that conservation efforts are supported by sustainable socio-economic practices, often involving agritourism and geotourism.

Sustainable Development

Geoparks aim to promote sustainable development by leveraging their unique geological assets. This includes supporting local economies through geotourism, promoting local produce (e.g., through the GEOfood initiative), and providing educational opportunities that raise awareness about Earth sciences and environmental issues.

The Global Network

GGN Formation

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was established in 1998 to conserve the planet's geological heritage and promote sustainable research and development. It functions as a network of geoparks and is administered by UNESCO. The first members were designated in 2004.

Conferences

The network convenes the International Conference on Geoparks biennially (every even year). These conferences serve as a platform for reviewing projects, discussing best practices, and admitting new members to the network, ensuring the continued evolution and adherence to standards.

Revalidation

UNESCO Global Geoparks are designated for a four-year period. Following this, their functioning and quality are rigorously re-examined through a revalidation process to ensure continued compliance with the network's standards and objectives.

Admission Criteria

Management Plan

A critical requirement is the existence of a robust management plan designed to foster socio-economic development that is sustainable. This typically involves leveraging agritourism and geotourism, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit local communities.

Conservation & Education

Geoparks must demonstrate effective methods for conserving and enhancing their geological heritage. Furthermore, they must provide means for teaching geoscientific disciplines and broader environmental issues to the public.

Collaborative Proposals

Applications must be submitted as joint proposals, reflecting a collaborative effort between public authorities, local communities, and private interests. This ensures a unified approach to conservation and development, embodying the spirit of partnership.

Continental Structure

Regional Networks

The Global Geoparks Network is complemented by regional networks that coordinate activities and promote collaboration within specific geographical areas. These include the African Geoparks Network (AUGGN), Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN), Canadian Geoparks Network (CGN), European Geoparks Network (EGN), and the Global Geoparks Network of Latin America and the Caribbean (GeoLAC).

Distribution Overview

Europe has the highest number of UNESCO Global Geoparks, reflecting its early adoption of the geopark concept. Asia and the Pacific region also host a significant number of sites, with ongoing development in other continents to expand the network's global representation.

Geopark Directory

Global Listing

The following table provides a comprehensive list of UNESCO Global Geoparks, detailing their country/territory, continent, name, and the year they were included in the network. This directory highlights the global distribution and diversity of these significant geological sites.

Geoparks No Longer in GGN

Departures from the Network

While the network has grown significantly, some sites have ceased their membership over time. This can occur either by choice or due to failing to meet the revalidation criteria during periodic reviews. Notable examples include Lochaber (UK), Mecklenburg Ice Age Landscape (Germany), Kanawinka (Australia), and Carnic Alps Geopark (Austria).

Country/Territory Continent Geopark Year included Ceased
United Kingdom Europe Lochaber 2007 2011
Germany Europe Mecklenburg Ice Age Landscape 2005 ?
Australia Australasia Kanawinka 2008
Austria Europe Carnic Alps Geopark 2012

Further Resources

Official UNESCO Site

Access detailed information directly from UNESCO regarding the Global Geoparks Programme, including official documents, news, and the complete list of designated sites.

Visit UNESCO Geoparks ➡️

Global Geoparks Network

Explore the official website of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) to learn more about the network's activities, member geoparks, and ongoing initiatives worldwide.

Visit GGN ➡️

Wikimedia Commons

View a collection of media files, including photographs and logos, related to UNESCO Global Geoparks, providing visual context for these remarkable locations.

View Media ➡️

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References

References

  1.  The list of geoparks in this article presents the members of the European Geoparks Network. Some members, like in the Canary Islands or in Turkey are situated outside Europe from a physical geographical viewpoint.
  2.  Mexico is member of the Latin American and the Caribbean Geoparks Network, therefore treated there. Greenland, although a territory of Denmark is treated under North America.
  3.  UNESCO Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences
  4.  Global Geoparks Network
  5.  Application Guidelines and Self-Evaluation form for Membership in the Global Geoparks Network
  6.  UNESCO Media Services 17 April 2018
  7.  UN News Centre, 21 September 2012
  8.  UNESCO Media Services 19 September 2011
  9.  Lochaber loses Unesco geopark status, BBC News, 17 November 2011
A full list of references for this article are available at the UNESCO Global Geoparks Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional geological, environmental, or tourism consultation. Always refer to official UNESCO documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.