UNESCO Global Geoparks

In 1997, the Division of Earth Sciences at UNESCO introduced the idea of creating a UNESCO Geoparks Programme to protect heritage of international geological significance. In 2000, the European Geoparks Network (EGN) was established. Following a meeting in Paris, this was expanded to a Global Geoparks Network (GGN) in 2004, which was placed under the auspices of UNESCO.

According to Article 2.2 of the Operational Guidelines for UNESCO Global Geoparks,

“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… UNESCO Global Geoparks use geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of that area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society in the context of the dynamic planet we all live on.”

For more information visit: http://www.unesco.org/geoparks/.

Source(s): http://www.unesco.org/geoparks/