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UNESCO Adds 16 New Global Geoparks

UNESCO Adds 16 New Global Geoparks

PWOnlyIAS

April 21, 2025

UNESCO Adds 16 New Global Geoparks

Recently, UNESCO added 16 new Global Geoparks across 11 countries, marking the 10th anniversary of the Global Geoparks Network.

Key Highlights

  • North Korea and Saudi Arabia have made historic entries for the first time.
    • Mt Paektu (North Korea): Millennium Eruption around 1000 CE.
    • Obaitharan Valley/Wadi (Saudi Arabia): located at the base of Tuwaiq Mountain, is a lush reserve that supports the region’s water supply.
      • The valley is also home to ancient coral reef systems. 
  • Kanbula (China): On the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau; home to Maixiu volcanoes and the Yellow River
  • Other countries with new sites: Ecuador, Indonesia, Italy, Norway, South Korea, Spain, UK, Vietnam.
  • Total Global Geoparks after 2024 update: 229 sites in 50 countries.
  • Total area covered: ~855,000 sq. km (comparable to Namibia).

About UNESCO Global Geoparks

Feature Details
Established Introduced in 2015 by UNESCO, key component of the International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme (IGGP)
Purpose Recognize geological heritage of international significance
Functions Heritage conservation, education, community engagement, sustainable tourism
Governing Body United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Reassessment Period UGGP status is not permanent; it is reassessed every four years.
Not the same as UNESCO World Heritage Sites (focuses on broader cultural/natural heritage)
Mandatory Networking: Membership of the GGN is obligatory for UGGPs

India’s Status

  • As of July 2024, India has no site listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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