Event
10th anniversary of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme
About
Ten years ago, UNESCO Member States ratified the creation of a unique designation—UNESCO Global Geoparks—recognizing territories of exceptional geological significance. Geoparks are first and foremost described as living laboratories in the sense that they showcase some of Earth’s most phenomenal geological processes happening in real time, as well as to recognize the unique role that local people, cultures and communities play at the heart of these sites.
The unique UNESCO Global Geopark designation is paired with the International Geoscience Programme, which has brought together thousands of Earth scientists since its inception in 1972. Through these two complementary branches, UNESCO supports pioneering research in Earth sciences while promoting a unique Earth heritage preservation model for sustainable development.
Registration
The open session will take place in Room 2, at UNESCO HQ, from 2:00–5:30 p.m. It will be followed by a cocktail reception on the 7th floor.
Anniversary programme
UNESCO is delighted to celebrate this important anniversary through a full programme, including interactive discussions between Member State representatives, UNESCO Global Geoparks, and programme partners, concluding with a celebratory cocktail reception with products from the European UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Keep checking this page for updates on the event details as they are developed in collaboration with our partners, and find out how you can be involved.
This event is held back-to-back with the 51st meeting of the European Geoparks Network, who will meet for the occasion at UNESCO’s headquarters, an event graciously sponsored by the French National Commission.
Contact: iggp@unesco.org
Agenda
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 14.00 | Opening address Audrey Azoulay, Director-General (video message) Ms Lidia Arthur Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences H.E. Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the General Conference |
| 14.15 | Welcome statement Dr. Nickolas Zouros, President of Global Geopark Network (GGN) |
| 14.20 | Welcome statement Dr. Ludwig Stroink, Secretary General of International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) |
| 14.25 | Welcome statement Ms Michèle Ramis, President of the French National Commission for UNESCO |
| 14.30 | Presentation of the results of IGCP & announcement of the new UNESCO Global Geopark candidates by Prof. YoungHee Kim, Vice-Chair, IGCP Council |
| 14.45 | Keynote Address Ms. Sophie Justice, European Geopark Network Coordinator: “Shaping Tomorrow: UNESCO Global Geoparks for Peace and Sustainability” |
| 15.10 | Panel 1: Geodiversity for Sustainable Development Chair: H.E. Ms Rosa Batoréu, Ambassador Permanent Delegate of the Portuguese Republic to UNESCO Panel: Mr. Asier Hilario, IUGS commission and Basque Coast UGGp (Spain) Ms. Kristin Rangnes, Gea Norvegica UGGp (Norway), GGN Treasurer Mr. Marco Giardino, Sesia Val Grande UGGp (Italy) Mr. Xiaochi Jin, Chinese Geopark Network, Chinese Institute of Geology, GGN Vice-President |
| 15.50 | Coffee break |
| 16.10 | Panel 2: Local to global – The impact of UNESCO Global Geoparks Chair: H.E. Mr Miquel Iceta i Llorens, Ambassador Permanent Delegate of the Kingdom of Spain to UNESCO Panel: Ms. Salomé Meneses, Azores UGGp (Portugal) Ms. Carol Gleeson, Cliffs of Moher UGGp (Ireland) Ms. Emmaline Rosado, Latin American and Caribbean Geoparks Network (GeoLAC) Mr. Driss Achbal, African Geoparks Network |
| 16.50 | Panel 3: Extending the network and strengthening UNESCO Global Geoparks Chair: H.E. Ms Xinyu Yang Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of the People's Republic of China to UNESCO Panel: Mr. Guy Martini, General Secretary of the Global Geopark Network Ms. Agness Gidna, Ngorongoro UGGp (Tanzania) and member of the UNESCO Global Geoparkp Council Mr. Hussam Turki, Director of Saudi Geopark initiatives (Saudi Arabia) Mr. Sergio Benevides, Counsellor in charge of Natural Sciences, Permanent Delegation of the Federative Republic of Brazil to UNESCO |
| 17.30 | Closing |
| 17.30 – 20.00 | IGGP 10th Anniversary Reception (7th floor) Ms. Lidia Arthur Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO Ms. Isabelle Desvignes, Deputy Permanent Delegate of France to UNESCO Mr. Nickolas Zouros, GGN President Displays of local products from Geoparks. |
What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed under a holistic concept that integrates protection, education and sustainable development. These geoparks adopt a bottom-up approach, combining conservation efforts with sustainable development, informal education and the active involvement of local communities. At present, there are 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries.
