Context
The Global Geoparks network of UNESCO has expanded with the inclusion of 18 new sites, elevating the total count to 213 spread across 48 nations.
About Newly Added Geoparks
● These newly designated geoparks are situated in Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain.
● Each geopark highlights distinctive geological attributes and cultural legacies, fostering sustainable development and bolstering local communities.
About Global Geoparks network
● The concept of UNESCO’s Global Geoparks (UGGPs) emerged in 2015, building upon the foundation laid by the geopark concept established in the mid-1990s.
● UGGPs represent unified geographical areas acknowledged for their international geological significance and managed with a comprehensive approach covering conservation, education, and sustainable development.
● They are governed by an entity with legal recognition according to national legislation. The designation as a UGGP is subject to review every four years.
● Furthermore, UGGPs are required to be members of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), fostering collaboration and networking among geoparks globally.
