UNESCO Global Geoparks Network

GS Paper III Biodiversity & Environment

Context

UNESCO’s Executive Board recently approved the inclusion of 18 new sites into the UNESCO Global Geoparks network.

The recently designated geoparks are located in Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain.
- Additionally, there is a new transboundary geopark stretching across Belgium and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The recent addition of 18 new sites has increased the total number of geoparks to 213.
- These geoparks are spread across 48 countries worldwide.

These sites are the geographical regions that manage landscapes of global geological importance.
- Geopark follows a holistic approach to manage geological heritage.
  - These approaches are protection, education, and sustainable development.
UNESCO Association with Geoparks
- In 2001, UNESCO started working with geoparks.
  - They together support the operation of UNESCO Global Geoparks.
- It plays a vital role in coordinating activities and promoting the objectives of geoparks globally.
UNESCO Global Geopark Designation
- The UNESCO Global Geopark designation was established in 2015.
  - It acknowledges the geological heritage with global importance.
UNESCO’s Efforts in Promoting Geoparks

- Promotion of geopark in less common areas: UNESCO actively promotes the geopark concept in regions where they are less common, such as Africa, the Arab States, and Small Island Developing States.
  - This promotion includes facilitating expert missions, providing tailored training sessions, and offering individual consultations at both national and local levels.
- Objective: These efforts aim to assist in the preparation of applications for UNESCO Global Geopark status, thereby promoting geological conservation and sustainable development worldwide.

GGN is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, established in 2004.
Initially, it was part of UNESCO, an international organization, but in 2014, it became its own group under French law.
GGN is the official partner of UNESCO for managing UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Purpose and Focus
- Networking and collaboration: GGN facilitates networking and collaboration among Global Geoparks worldwide.
  - It promotes regional networking to enhance cooperation and exchange of knowledge.
- Establishment of geopark: Ensure fair establishment and management of Global Geoparks worldwide.
- Purpose and function GG: Enhance understanding of the purpose and function of Geoparks.
- Education and awareness: Educate the public on geological sciences and their environmental impact.
- Promote sustainable development: Preserve Earth’s treasures for present and future generations in harmony with nature.
  - Help local communities appreciate their natural and cultural heritage.
  - Foster connections between different cultures and heritage conservation.
- Increase in R&D: Encourage research to deepen knowledge about geological features.
Regional Networks
- GGN operates four regional geopark networks:
  - Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN)
  - European Geoparks Network (EGN)
  - Latin America and Caribbean Geoparks Network (GeoLAC)
  - African UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (AUGGN)

Also Read: UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles Awards

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