Jump to content

Download GPX file for this article
From Wikivoyage

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.

Background

[edit]

дггнндо are definitely not just about geology, but they want to protect and show the link between the geological heritage (geoheritage) of our Planet and related natural heritage (biosphere) and cultural heritage (tangible elements as monuments and intangible too, as traditions). This way, they are in close connection and coordination with other national and international projects (like national parks), and they are especially related to fellow UNESCO programmes:

Zhangye National Geopark)

As of 2020, there are 147 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 41 countries; they are members of the Global Geoparks Network. Several geoparks worldwide are applying for the label, they are the so-called aspiring geoparks. In some countries like China[dead link], Japan or Germany, there is an extensive network of national geoparks too, that follow similar guidelines, but without UNESCO labeling (so far). The UNESCO Global Geopark title is given for 4 years and then re-evaluated to ensure the quality of protection, education and development objectives in the area.

Geoheritage and its connection to biodiversity and cultural heritage appears in many forms. The so-called geosites are the exact “physical location” where important elements of geology can be found: landforms, caves, mines, quarries that illustrate well certain geological processes. They have or they are in coordination with museums, interpretation centers where people can learn about the geology of the geopark. Finally, they offer numerous activities and products, such as tours, or even food inspired by geology!

Their mission is to:

  • inform people about the sustainable use and need for natural resources
  • raise the awareness on geological hazards, like volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides
  • show visitors how climate change can affect our environment, as geoheritage often hold records of past climate changes
  • through education (both for children and adults!), spread awareness of our geological heritage and its links to natural, cultural and intangible heritage
  • promoting active scientific research in the Earth Sciences in their territory
  • conserve the geoheritage with necessary protection measures, monitoring, discouraging sale of geological products (minerals, fossils, etc.)
  • celebrating the links between our communities and the Earth, like building materials, landforms in mythology
  • involve and promote local and indigenous knowledge
  • sustainable development and forms of green tourism (e.g. walking paths, local-focus in products, employees)

Africa

[edit]
Map
'"`UNIQ--maplink-00000005-QINU`"'
Geoparks in Africa

Canary Islands (Spain)

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
27.725556-18.0241671 El Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark Web linkCanary Islands5952014
29.05-13.62 Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands UNESCO Global Geopark Web linkCanary Islands25002015

Morocco

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
31.5-6.451 M'Goun UNESCO Global GeoparkHigh Atlas, Drâa-Tafilalet57302014

Tanzania

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
-1.67861136.6094442 Ngorongoro-Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark Web linkNortheast Tanzania118862018

Asia

[edit]
Map
'"`UNIQ--maplink-0000001D-QINU`"'
Geoparks in Asia

China

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
38.856944105.7297221NOT EXISTING IMAGE Alxa Desert UNESCO Global GeoparkInner Mongolia630.372009
47.174167119.9388892 Arxan UNESCO Global GeoparkInner Mongolia3653.212017
25.78100.73 Dali-Cangshan UNESCO Global GeoparkYunnan9332014
25.040278113.7377784 Danxiashan UNESCO Global GeoparkYunnan9332014
40.23305692.8833335 Dunhuang UNESCO Global GeoparkGansu20672015
39.73305115.9172226 Fangshan UNESCO Global GeoparkBeijing, Hebei9542006
33.435112.1813897 Funiushan UNESCO Global GeoparkHenan15222006
32.311667106.6363898 Guangwushan-Nuoshuihe UNESCO Global GeoparkSichuan18182018
43.24694117.5033339 Hexigten UNESCO Global GeoparkInner Mongolia17502005
22.363889114.37510 Hong Kong UNESCO Global GeoparkHong Kong1502011
30.729444115.05361111 Huanggang Dabieshan UNESCO Global GeoparkHubei2625.542018
29.69055118.32611112 Huangshan UNESCO Global GeoparkAnhui160.62004
43.973056129.03444413 Jingpohu UNESCO Global GeoparkShandong14002006
30.433255117.8329714 Jiuhuashan UNESCO Global GeoparkAnhui139.72019
47.31805690.02638915 Keketuohai UNESCO Global GeoparkXinjiang2337.92017
19.943611110.21083316 Leiqiong UNESCO Global GeoparkHainan30502006
24.569722106.74055617 Leye Fengshan UNESCO Global GeoparkGuangxi9302010
28.101111116.96583318 Longhushuan UNESCO Global GeoparkJiangxi996.632008
29.558333115.98583319 Lushan UNESCO Global GeoparkJiangxi5002004
35.8294.8820 Mount Kunlun UNESCO Global GeoparkQinghai70332014
26.661389119.52638921 Ningde UNESCO Global GeoparkFujian2660.342010
33.851389108.78361122 Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global GeoparkShaanxi1074.852009
28.806111117.97222223 Sanqingshan UNESCO Global GeoparkHubei229.52012
31.745278110.68111124 Shennongjia UNESCO Global GeoparkQinghai1022.722013
24.755556103.27972225 Shilin UNESCO Global GeoparkYunnan3502004
34.489444112.92083326 Songshan UNESCO Global GeoparkHenan4642004
26.898611117.17666727 Taining UNESCO Global GeoparkFujian3502004
36.266944117.07111128 Taishan UNESCO Global GeoparkShandong158.632006
30.524444117.05861129 Tianzhusan UNESCO Global GeoparkAnhui413.42011
35.265833112.57138930 Wangwushan-Daimeishan UNESCO Global GeoparkHenan9862006
48.481944126.20277831 Wudalianchi UNESCO Global GeoparkHeilongjiang7202004
28.309722105.05527832 Xingwen UNESCO Global GeoparkSichuan1562005
28.351944121.09444433 Yandangshan UNESCO Global GeoparkZhejiang298.82005
40.714722116.434 Yanqing UNESCO Global GeoparkBeijing620.382013
35.516103117.81766535 Yimengshan UNESCO Global GeoparkShandong1804.762009
35.294722113.24944436 Yuntaishan UNESCO Global GeoparkHenan5562004
29.313889110.4437 Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global GeoparkHunan3982004
26.75105.93305638 Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global GeoparkGuizhou1742015
29.324722104.76555639 Zigong UNESCO Global GeoparkSichuan1630.462008

Indonesia

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
-8.409444115.37540 Batur UNESCO Global GeoparkBali370.52012
-7.181641106.46213441NOT EXISTING IMAGE Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global GeoparkPelabuhan Ratu12602018
-8.043889110.77611142 Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global GeoparkGunung Kidul, Wonogiri, Tulungagung18022015
-8.576926116.08294343 Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global GeoparkLombok28002018
-2.861438107.91006244 Belitong UNESCO Global GeoparkBelitung228862021
2.57431398.80906245 Toba Caldera UNESCO Global GeoparkLake Toba--

Iran

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
26.81694455.91055646 Qeshm Island UNESCO Global Geopark Web linkHormozgan20632017

Japan

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
3213147 Aso UNESCO Global GeoparkKumamoto11982014
37.831944139.23388948 Itoigawa UNESCO Global GeoparkNiigata7502009
34.855776138.92190549 Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global GeoparkShizuoka20272018
42.107778143.02527850 Mt. Apoi UNESCO Global GeoparkHidaka364.32015
33.246111134.17722251 Muroto UNESCO Global GeoparkKōchi248.22011
36.145833133.17194452 Oki Islands UNESCO Global GeoparkShimane673.52013
35.6425134.68055653 San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global GeoparkKyoto, Shin'onsen, Tottori24582010
42.591389140.83722254 Toya-Usu UNESCO Global GeoparkDate and others11812009
32.768333130.34472255 Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global GeoparkNagasaki459.522009

Malaysia

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
6.32972299.81555656 Langkawi UNESCO Global GeoparkWest Coast, Langkawi4782015

South Korea

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
36.436111129.05694457 Cheongsong UNESCO Global GeoparkGyeongbuk845.712017
33.505518126.52595858 Jeju Island UNESCO Global GeoparkJeollanam-do18472010
35.134167126.95555659 Mudeungsan UNESCO Global GeoparkJeollanam-do10512018

Thailand

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
7.09086199.76839760 Satun UNESCO Global GeoparkSouthern Thailand, Satun25972018

Vietnam

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
23.192222105.19694461 Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark Web linkNorthern Vietnam, Hà Giang23562015
22.708611106.33194462 Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global GeoparkNorthern Vietnam, Cao Bằng30002018

Europe

[edit]
Map
'"`UNIQ--maplink-00000122-QINU`"'
Geoparks in Europe

Austria

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
47.0715.4908333 Steirische Eisenwurzen UNESCO Global GeoparkStyria5862004
46.50416714.77254 Karavanke/Karawanken UNESCO Global GeoparkStyria, Upper Carniola10672013
47.3713.25 Erz der Alpen UNESCO Global GeoparkSalzburg2112014

Belgium

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
50.1597225.2222226 Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global GeoparkWallonia9152018

Croatia

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
45.45702717.6606917 Papuk UNESCO Global GeoparkPožega-Slavonia5242007
43.04563316.0918398 Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global GeoparkSplit-Dalmatia66612019

Cyprus

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
34.98027832.8461119 Troodos UNESCO Global GeoparkLimassol11472015

Czechia

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
50.59722215.11722210 Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global GeoparkHradec Králové7422005

Denmark

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
55.8311.5811 Odsherred UNESCO Global GeoparkSjælland3552014

Finland

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
64.57861126.50166712 Rokua UNESCO Global GeoparkVaala13262010

France

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
44.1086116.28694413 Haute-Provence UNESCO Global GeoparkProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur23002000
43.8752785.43555614 Luberon UNESCO Global GeoparkProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur19532004
45.68756.10583315 Massif des Bauges UNESCO Global GeoparkAuvergne-Rhone-Alpes8562011
46.3480956.59066716 Chablais UNESCO Global GeoparkAuvergne-Rhone-Alpes8722012
44.6354.25944417 Monts d’Ardèche UNESCO Global GeoparkAuvergne-Rhone-Alpes22802014
44.5719441.68638918 Causses du Quercy UNESCO Global GeoparkOccitanie18552017
45.9834.7166619 Beaujolais UNESCO Global GeoparkAuvergne-Rhone-Alpes15502018

Germany

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
50.2066676.83611120 Vulkaneifel UNESCO Global GeoparkRhineland-Palatinate12202000
52.2666678.0521 TERRA.Vita UNESCO Global GeoparkLower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphaila15602001
49.5363898.56861122 Bergstrasse-Odenwald UNESCO Global GeoparkBavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse35002004
48.5166679.40416723 Swabian Alps UNESCO Global GeoparkBaden-Württemberg66882004
52.26805610.832524 Harz - Braunschweiger Land - Ostfalen UNESCO Global GeoparkLower Saxony, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt115002004
51.57027814.72638925 Muskau Arch UNESCO Global GeoparkBrandenburg, Saxony, Lubusz578.82011

Greece

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
39.21166725.85526 Lesvos Island UNESCO Global GeoparkNorth Aegean16362000
35.29222224.88138927 Psiloritis UNESCO Global GeoparkCrete11592001
38.14638922.17166728 Chelmos – Vouraikos UNESCO Global Geopark Achaea6472009
35.16694426.11666729 Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark Crete5172015
40.01722220.71194430 Vikos-Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark Western Macedonia, Epirus12002010

Hungary

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
46.97638917.92861131 Bakony-Balaton UNESCO Global GeoparkVeszprém32442012
48.16611119.81527832 Novohrad – Nograd UNESCO Global GeoparkNógrád, Banská Bystrica Region15872010

Iceland

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
63.630556-19.62111133 Katla UNESCO Global GeoparkSouth Constituency95422011
63.973056-22.51666734 Reykjanes UNESCO Global GeoparkSouthern Peninsula8252015

Ireland

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
52.138611-7.34222235 Copper Coast UNESCO Global GeoparkWaterford502001
54.258611-7.51472236 Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global GeoparkUlster1802001
52.996389-9.38916737 Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global GeoparkUlster5302011

Italy

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
37.86666714.07888938 Madonie UNESCO Global GeoparkSicily4002004
37.5147214.37805639 Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global GeoparkSicily12982008
44.4277788.58666740 Beigua UNESCO Global GeoparkLiguria3922005
46.11916710.75222241 Adamello-Brenta UNESCO Global GeoparkTrentino11882008
40.28055615.372542 Cilento e Vallo di Diano UNESCO Global GeoparkCampania18412010
42.95472210.84222243 Tuscan Mining Park UNESCO Global GeoparkTuscany10872010
44.04111110.367544 Apuan Alps UNESCO Global GeoparkTuscany4942011
45.9911118.34333345 Sesia - Val Grande UNESCO Global GeoparkPiedmont20232013
39.93111116.12611146 Pollino UNESCO Global GeoparkBasilicata, Calabria19252015

Netherlands

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
52.9305566.82527847 Hondsrug UNESCO Global GeoparkDrenthe10002013

Norway

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
59.1366679.997548 Gea Norvegica UNESCO Global GeoparkTelemark, Vestfold30002006
58.4472226.05222249 Magma UNESCO Global GeoparkVestlandet, Sørlandet30002006
65.47257212.20839450 Trollfjell UNESCO Global GeoparkTrøndelag100822019

Poland

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
51.57027814.72638951 Muskau Arch UNESCO Global GeoparkBrandenburg, Saxony, Lubusz578.82011

Portugal

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
39.804444-7.49277852 Naturtejo UNESCO Global GeoparkCentro4624.42006
40.932222-8.24553 Arouca UNESCO Global GeoparkNorte3272009
37.741111-25.67555654 Azores UNESCO Global GeoparkAzores128842013
41.54-6.9755 Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global GeoparkNorte7002014

Romania

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
45.607523.37888956 Hateg Country Dinosaurs UNESCO Global GeoparkHunedoara10242005

Slovakia

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
48.16611119.81527857 Novohrad – Nograd UNESCO Global GeoparkNógrád, Banská Bystrica Region15872010

Slovenia

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
46.50416714.772558 Karavanke/Karawanken UNESCO Global GeoparkStyria, Upper Carniola10672013
46.00077514.02005259 Idrija UNESCO Global GeoparkGorizia2942013

Spain

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
36.789444-2.23722260 Cabo de Gata - Níjar UNESCO Global GeoparkAndalusia5002006
37.247778-4.30666761 Sierras Subbéticas UNESCO Global GeoparkAndalusia3202006
42.3686110.17027862 Sobrarbe UNESCO Global GeoparkAragon22022006
37.712222-5.63444463 Sierra Norte de Sevilla UNESCO Global GeoparkAndalusia1774.842011
43.295833-2.35444464 Basque Coast UNESCO Global GeoparkBasque Country892010
39.451944-5.327565 Villuercas-Ibores-Jara UNESCO Global GeoparkExtremadura2544.42011
42.4666671.82166766 Central Catalunya UNESCO Global GeoparkCatalonia13002012
39.279444-3.09777867 Molina and Alto Tajo UNESCO Global GeoparkCastile-La Mancha45202014
42.516244-4.01051568 Las Loras UNESCO Global GeoparkCastile - León950.762017
42.1667020.89577869 Conca de Tremp–Montsec UNESCO Global GeoparkCatalonia20502018
42.831194-7.48153570 Courel Mountain UNESCO Global GeoparkGalicia577.852019

Turkey

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
38.60944428.47527871 Kula Volcanic UNESCO Global GeoparkKula3002013

United Kingdom

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
54.258611-7.51472272 Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global GeoparkUlster1802001
54.788056-2.41694473 North Pennines UNESCO Global GeoparkNorth East England19382004
58.135833-5.25138974 North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark Web linkScottish Highlands21002004
60.56-1.09861175 Shetland UNESCO Global GeoparkShetland14682009
51.930833-3.40583376 Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global GeoparkWales7632005
53.268889-4.33416777 GeoMôn UNESCO Global GeoparkWales18002009
50.456111-3.55416778 English Riviera UNESCO Global GeoparkDevon1042007

North America

[edit]
Map
'"`UNIQ--maplink-0000026F-QINU`"'
Geoparks in North America

Canada

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
48.521642-64.2172641 Percé UNESCO Global GeoparkQuebec5552018
45.579444-65.5444442 Stonehammer UNESCO Global GeoparkNew Brunswick25002010
54.99-121.383 Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global GeoparkBritish Columbia78222014

Mexico

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
20.143611-98.6738891 Comarca Minera UNESCO Global GeoparkHidalgo18482017
17.518056-97.3422222 Mixteca Alta UNESCO Global GeoparkOaxaca415,42017


South America

[edit]
Map
'"`UNIQ--maplink-0000028A-QINU`"'
Geoparks in South America


Brazil

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
-7.229444-39.4088893 Araripe UNESCO Global GeoparkNortheast34412006

Chile

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
-38.689509-71.6802494 Kütralküra UNESCO Global GeoparkAraucanía80532019

Ecuador

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
0.258307-78.1781965 Imbabura UNESCO Global GeoparkAndean Highlands, Imbabura4794,342019

Peru

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
-15.608575-72.0914966 Colca y Volcanes de Andagua UNESCO Global GeoparkSouthern Coast, Arequipa6010.92019

Uruguay

[edit]
Official nameLocationArea
(km2)
YearGeodiversity
-33.278889-57.1455567 Grutas del Palacio UNESCO Global GeoparkCentral Interior, Flores36112013
This travel topic about UNESCO Global Geoparks Network is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!