About Us
For the future of geoparks and their communities.
Summary
“The security, prosperity and health of billions of people rely on thriving lands supporting lives, livelihoods and ecosystems, but we’re vandalising the Earth that sustains us.”
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General
What is a geopark?
A geopark is a designated area that protects and promotes geological heritage through sustainable tourism and education. It is recognized for its significant geological features, such as unique rock formations, fossils, or volcanic activity, which help tell the story of the Earth's geological history. Geoparks aim to conserve these features while also fostering local development through responsible tourism and scientific research.
In addition to geological importance, geoparks focus on community involvement and raising awareness about the environment. They offer educational programs, guided tours, and other activities to help visitors understand the significance of the area's natural history. Geoparks are often part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network, ensuring international recognition and collaboration for the protection of Earth’s heritage.
The Three Pillars of Geoparks
There are three pillars when it comes to geopark development. The first pillar of a geopark is conservation, which focuses on preserving the area’s geological heritage and natural resources. This involves protecting significant geological sites, such as rock formations, fossils, and volcanic landscapes, ensuring they are maintained for future generations. Conservation efforts also help safeguard the overall biodiversity of the region and promote the protection of the environment.
The second pillar is education, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of geology and the environment. Geoparks provide educational programs, visitor centers, and interpretive materials to help the public understand the Earth's geological history. These efforts not only educate visitors but also foster a deeper appreciation of the natural world and its significance to human life.
The third pillar is sustainable development, which focuses on balancing environmental preservation with the well-being of local communities. Geoparks promote eco-friendly tourism and create economic opportunities for residents, allowing them to benefit from the area's natural resources without exploiting them. This approach ensures that tourism and other economic activities support long-term conservation goals while also providing a livelihood for local populations.
Geopark Heritages
The first type of heritage in geoparks is geological heritage, which refers to the significant geological features that define the park. These include rock formations, fossils, mineral deposits, volcanic landscapes, and other geological phenomena that showcase the Earth’s history. Geological heritage is the core focus of geoparks, as it helps tell the story of the planet’s development over millions of years and serves as an educational tool for understanding Earth processes.
The second type of heritage is biological heritage, which encompasses the flora, fauna, and ecosystems found within the geopark. Geoparks often protect areas of rich biodiversity, including rare and endangered species of plants and animals. This type of heritage highlights the interconnectedness of geological features with the natural environment, demonstrating how ecosystems evolve and adapt in relation to the landscape and geological history.
The third type of heritage is cultural heritage, which includes the traditions, customs, and historical aspects of the human populations that have lived in or around the geopark. This can involve archaeological sites, historical buildings, local craftsmanship, and traditional knowledge passed down through generations. Cultural heritage is important in geoparks as it connects human history with the natural environment, showing how local communities have interacted with and been shaped by the landscape over time.
UNESCO and Geoparks
UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) plays a crucial role in the development and management of geoparks, which are designated areas that promote the protection and sustainable use of geological heritage. These areas are recognized for their exceptional geological significance and are managed with the goal of conservation, education, and sustainable development. UNESCO’s involvement with geoparks primarily comes through the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) initiative, which was launched in 2004. This network of geoparks is designed to raise awareness about the importance of geological heritage and to support local communities in using this heritage as a tool for sustainable development, fostering tourism, education, and environmental conservation.
The relationship between UNESCO and geoparks is based on a shared vision of promoting the conservation of natural heritage, but also enhancing local economic growth and community engagement. UNESCO helps these parks by providing technical support, resources, and an international platform for collaboration. By being part of the UGGp network, geoparks gain global recognition and can attract visitors, researchers, and potential investors. Furthermore, UNESCO ensures that geoparks meet specific criteria, including the involvement of local communities, sustainable tourism practices, and educational programs that focus on geosciences and environmental protection. Through this partnership, UNESCO supports a balance between preserving the natural environment and contributing to local socio-economic development.
Global Geoparks
Global Geoparks are designated areas that are recognized by UNESCO for their exceptional geological significance and their efforts in promoting the sustainable management of natural heritage. These parks are sites where geology, culture, and local communities are interconnected in a way that helps preserve and highlight the Earth's geological history. They are not only protected areas but also places where geological features are used to educate the public about the importance of geodiversity, while also fostering sustainable development.
A Global Geopark typically showcases unique geological formations, such as fossil sites, volcanic landscapes, caves, or mountain ranges, which have scientific, cultural, and educational value. In addition to conserving these natural resources, Global Geoparks also aim to engage local communities by promoting sustainable tourism, local businesses, and educational programs. To be recognized as a Global Geopark, a site must meet specific criteria set by UNESCO, including effective management, community involvement, and a focus on geotourism and environmental education. These parks are part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, which encourages international cooperation and knowledge sharing between geoparks around the world.
Global Geoparks Network
The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is an international collaboration that connects a series of UNESCO-designated Global Geoparks around the world. Established in 2004, the network's primary purpose is to promote and protect the geological heritage of these parks while fostering sustainable development. The Global Geoparks Network is part of the broader UNESCO Global Geoparks initiative, which helps to ensure that geological sites of exceptional importance are conserved and used as tools for education, tourism, and local development.
Members of the Global Geoparks Network collaborate to share best practices, scientific research, and experiences related to geological conservation, sustainable tourism, and community engagement. Geoparks in the network are recognized for their geological significance, and they typically feature a mix of natural landscapes, educational programs, and sustainable tourism initiatives that highlight the geological history and environmental importance of the area. The network provides a platform for these parks to exchange knowledge, raise awareness about the importance of geodiversity, and work toward the shared goal of balancing conservation efforts with socio-economic benefits for local communities.
Geoparks Investment Advisory Council
The Geoparks Investment Advisory Council (GIAC) is a global initiative aimed at supporting the sustainable development and economic growth of UNESCO Global Geoparks. As geoparks play a vital role in preserving geological heritage, promoting sustainable tourism, and supporting local communities, the GIAC focuses on facilitating investments to local businesses that align with these objectives. The council works to connect geoparks with investors, businesses, and organizations that can contribute to the parks’ long-term success while ensuring that environmental and social sustainability remains at the forefront. By fostering collaboration between local stakeholders and external investors, the GIAC helps unlock the economic potential of geoparks while preserving their natural and cultural resources.
The mission of the Geoparks Investment Advisory Council is to provide expert advice and guidance on funding opportunities, investment strategies, and business models that benefit both geoparks and local communities. By offering a platform for knowledge exchange, GIAC seeks to ensure that investments support sustainable development initiatives such as infrastructure improvement, education, research, and responsible tourism. This advisory body not only assists geoparks in attracting financial support but also works to establish best practices for investment in geotourism and related sectors, ultimately enhancing the resilience and growth of UNESCO Global Geoparks across the globe.
Advisory Committee
The GIAC Advisory Committee is a specialized unit under the Geoparks Investment Advisory Council (GIAC) that provides expert guidance and strategic advice to investors, businesses, and geopark management teams. The committee is composed of professionals with expertise in areas such as geotourism, sustainable development, environmental conservation, and investment strategies. Its role is to ensure that investments and business practices within UNESCO Global Geoparks align with the principles of sustainability, community involvement, and geological preservation. By offering tailored advice, the committee helps stakeholders navigate complex decisions and fosters partnerships that contribute to the long-term success and viability of geoparks.
As trusted advisors, the GIAC Advisory Committee assists in identifying investment opportunities that will enhance the economic, environmental, and social outcomes of geoparks. Whether it involves infrastructure development, creating educational programs, or promoting responsible tourism, the committee works closely with geopark management teams and external partners to implement best practices. By leveraging its collective knowledge, the Advisory Committee plays a pivotal role in helping geoparks maximize their potential while maintaining a balance between economic growth and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. Through its work, the committee supports the creation of sustainable, innovative solutions that benefit both local communities and the global geoconservation effort.
Geoparks Business Council
The Geoparks Business Council is another key unit under the Geoparks Investment Advisory Council (GIAC), designed to foster collaboration between the private sector and UNESCO Global Geoparks. This council brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who are interested in investing in or supporting sustainable initiatives within geoparks. The Geoparks Business Council serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, developing partnerships, and creating innovative business models that promote responsible tourism, local enterprise, and environmental stewardship within geoparks. By facilitating the growth of sustainable business ventures that benefit both local communities and geopark conservation efforts, the council plays an essential role in driving the economic development of these unique heritage sites, ensuring that growth is aligned with the values of sustainability and geodiversity preservation.
Investors Network
The Investors Network is a dynamic unit within the Geoparks Investment Advisory Council (GIAC) that connects investors with opportunities in UNESCO Global Geoparks. This network serves as a platform for private investors, financial institutions, and development agencies interested in supporting the sustainable growth of geoparks through responsible investments. By fostering collaboration between investors and geopark management teams, the Investors Network ensures that funding is directed toward projects that enhance conservation efforts, promote sustainable tourism, and strengthen local economies. Through this network, investors gain access to a range of opportunities that align with both financial objectives and social responsibility, helping to ensure that the benefits of investment are shared equitably with local communities while preserving the integrity of the geoparks’ natural and cultural heritage.