UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK

Recently, UNESCO added 18 new sites to the UGGP network, bringing the total to 213 across 48 countries.

1. New geoparks are located in Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain.
2. Each geopark showcases unique geological features and cultural heritage, contributing to sustainable development and promoting local communities.

UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGPs):

1. In 2015, UNESCO introduced the Global Geoparks (UGGPs) program, which builds on the geopark concept from the mid-1990s.
2. UGGPs are unified geographical areas of international geological importance, managed with a comprehensive approach that includes protection, education and sustainable development. They are governed by a legal recognition under national legislation.
3. Designation as a UGGP is not permanent. UGGPs are reassessed every four years to maintain their designation, and membership in the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is mandatory for UGGPs.
4. The GGN facilitates collaboration and networking among geoparks worldwide.

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