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UNESCO Global Geoparks Council unveils 16 new geopark nominations
In order to be considered for the UNESCO Global Geopark label, the territory must have been in operating as a de facto geopark for at least one year. The 12 members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council examined 21 candidates at the Council’s ninth session on 8–9 September, held in Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark in Viet Nam and one candidate during an online meeting 10 December. Of these, the Council endorsed the following 16 prospective UNESCO Global Geoparks:
- China: Kanbula
- China: Yunyang
- Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Mt Paektu
- Ecuador: Napo Sumaco
- Ecuador: Tungurahua Volcano
- Indonesia: Kebumen
- Indonesia: Meratus
- Italy: MurGeopark
- Norway: Fjord Coast Regional and Geopark
- Republic of Korea: Danyang
- Republic of Korea: Gyeongbuk Donghaean
- Saudi Arabia: North Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia: Salma
- Spain: Costa Quebrada
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Arran
- Viet Nam: Lang Son
Deferred applications
In accordance with Section 5.5 of its Operational Guidelines, the Council is entitled to recommend deferring an application for up to two years to allow for improvements to be made to the application, without the need for the candidate geopark to undergo a second field evaluation. During the September meeting, the Council deferred three applications:
- Canada: Niagara
- Mexico: Múzquiz Coahuila
- Morocco: Chefchaouen
Revalidation of existing UNESCO Global Geoparks
To maintain the quality of UNESCO Global Geoparks, each one undergoes a thorough revalidation process every four years. A green card indicates a renewal of the UNESCO Global Geopark status for four years, whereas a yellow card restricts the renewal to a period of two years, allowing the geopark time to address the Council's recommendations. Of the 39 revalidations considered, the Council granted:
- 33 green cards
- 6 yellow cards
Next steps
The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council will present a report on its work and decisions to the UNESCO Executive Board for the latter’s endorsement in the first half of 2025.
Should the UNESCO Executive Board endorse the applications endorsed thus far by the Council, the total number of UNESCO Global Geoparks will increase from 213 to 229 across 50 countries, with Saudi Arabia and the People's Democratic Republic of Korea joining the network for the first time.
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.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council is tasked with assessing new geopark proposals and revalidating existing geoparks. Proposals endorsed by the Council are then submitted to UNESCO’s Executive Board for final approval.
