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

UNESCO Approves 18 New Global Geoparks

• 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.

• India – India is a signatory to the establishment of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

• However, it does not have any legislation and policy for conservation of geoheritages.

UNESCO Global Geopark

• 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.

• Geological Survey of India (GSI) identifies sites as National Geological Monuments.

• Geological Survey of India is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines with its headquarters at Kolkata.

• India is one of those countries which do not have a single geopark registered and acknowledged under UNESCO Global Geopark list.

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.

About UNESCO Global Geoparks Network

• 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)