The 195 Member States of UNESCO have ratified this week the creation of a new label, the UNESCO Global Geoparks. This expresses governmental recognition of the importance of managing outstanding geological sites and landscapes in a holistic manner.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. At present, there are 120 Global Geoparks in 33 countries.
The Geoparks tell the story of the earth and geological events. Thereby, the show evidence of past climate changes and also inform local communities of present day challenges.
Read more about the Norwegian Global Geoparks Gea Norvegica Geopark in Vestfold and Telemark and Magma Geopark in Egersund.
The member states also triggered the new International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), aiming to closely reflect the societal challenges of Earth Science today and to provide an international status to a former network of sites of geological significance.
More information on unesco.org