Context: Recently, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has called for greater protection of various sites in Visakhapatnam which includes Mangamaripeta beach and Erra Matti Dibbalu under the UNESCO Global Geopark.
Background

• In July 2019, INTACH organised a campaign along with the Department of Tourism, Archaeology and Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority to create public awareness on geo heritage spots in the region.
• The INTACH is pushing to get recognition of a geo park for Visakhapatnam consisting of Erra Matti Dibbalu (red sand dunes), natural rock formations at Mangamaripeta, million-years-old Borra Caves and volcanic ash deposits.
• Among the 34 notified National Geological Heritage Monument Sites of India by the Geological Survey of India, is the Erra Matti Dibbalu or coastal red sediment mounds located between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam.

About UNESCO Global Geopark

• UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.
• A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues.
• A UNESCO Global Geopark is given this designation for a period of four years after which the functioning and quality of each UNESCO Global Geopark is thoroughly re-examined during a revalidation process.
• UNESCO Global Geopark status does not imply restrictions on any economic activity inside a UNESCO Global Geopark where that activity complies with indigenous, local, regional and/or national legislation.

Significance of UNESCO Global Geopark

• UNESCO Global Geoparks give local people a sense of pride in their region and strengthen their identification with the area.
• The creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs and high quality training courses is stimulated as new sources of revenue are generated through sustainable geo-tourism.
• UNESCO Global Geoparks are established through a bottom-up process involving all relevant local and regional stakeholders and authorities in the area.

Difference between UNESCO's Global Geoparks, Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites

• UNESCO Global Geoparks, together with the other two UNESCO site designations Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites, give a complete picture of celebrating our heritage.
• The Biosphere Reserves focus on the harmonised management of biological and cultural diversity and World Heritage Sites promote the conservation of natural and cultural sites of outstanding universal value.
• UNESCO Global Geoparks give international recognition for sites that promote the importance and significance of protecting the Earth’s geodiversity through actively engaging with the local communities.

Additional Information
Global Geoparks Network (GGN)

• The membership of GGN is obligatory for UNESCO Global Geoparks.
• It is a legally constituted not-for-profit organisation with an annual membership fee.
• It was founded in 2004.
• It is a dynamic network where members are committed to work together, exchange ideas of best practise and join in common projects to raise the quality standards of all products and practices of a UNESCO Global Geopark.

UNESCO's designation of sites in India

• India has 18 biosphere reserves out of which 12 are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, recorgnised globally as important areas of biodiversity.
• There are 38 World Heritage Sites located in India which includes 30 cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed-criteria site.
• India does not have any UNESCO Global geopark.