UNESCO Global Geoparks Network

Geopark status is a UNESCO endorsed award which acknowledges the high quality of local geological heritage. It is not a designation and has no planning implications. Unlike National Parks there is no legislative basis to Geopark status in terms of development control. Nor are there any additional land use or policy implications in terms of the day to day management of local land. In practice, Geopark designation has been a powerful promotional tool to encourage geotourism.

A UNESCO Geopark:

  • Must encompass one or more sites of scientific importance, not only for geological reasons but also by virtue of its archaeological, ecological or cultural value.
  • Has a management plan designed to foster sustainable socio-economic development.
  • Demonstrates methods for conserving and enhancing geological heritage and provides means for teaching geoscientific disciplines and broader environmental issues.
  • Must be proposed by public authorities, local communities and private interests acting together.
  • Will act as part of a global network to demonstrate and share best practice with respect to Earth heritage conservation and its integration into sustainable development strategies.

Members of the UNESCO Global Network of Geoparks

There are currently (Autumn 2009) 64 global members in 19 member states across the world.

‘Geoparks are not just about rocks – they are about people. It is crucial that they get involved. We want to see as many people as possible getting out and enjoying the geology of the area. Our aim is to maximise geotourism […] for the benefit of the local economy and to help people understand the evolution of their local landscape.’

Chris Woodley-Stewart
Geopark Manager, North Pennines AONB, United Kingdom

Global Geoparks Network

AUSTRALIA

  1. Kanawinka - 2008

AUSTRIA

  1. Eisenwurzen -2004

BRAZIL

  1. Araripe 2006

CHINA

  1. Danxiashan - 2004
  2. Huangshan - 2004
  3. Lushan - 2004
  4. Shilin (Stone Forest) - 2004
  5. Songshan - 2004
  6. Wudalianchi - 2004
  7. Yuntaishan (Mount Taishan) - 2004
  8. Zhangjiajie - 2004
  9. Hexigten - 2005
  10. Taining - 2005
  11. Xingwen - 2005
  12. Yandangshan - 2005
  13. Fangshan - 2006
  14. Funiushan - 2006
  15. Jingpohu - 2006
  16. Leiqiong - 2006
  17. Taishan - 2006
  18. Wangwushan-Daimeishan - 2006
  19. Longhushan - 2008
  20. Zigong - 2008
  21. Mount Lushan 2009
  22. Zangjiajie Sandstone Peak Forest - 2009
  23. Alashan - 2009

CROATIA

  1. Papuk Geopark - 2007

CZECH REPUBLIC

  1. Bohemian Paradise - 2005

FRANCE

  1. Haute Provence - 2004
  2. Luberon - 2005

GERMANY

  1. Bergstrasse-Odenwald - 2004
  2. Terra Vita - 2004
  3. Vulkaneifel - 2004
  4. Harz Braunschweiger - 2005
  5. Swabian Albs - 2005

GREECE

  1. Lesvos - 2004
  2. Psiloritis - 2004
  3. Chelmos-Vouraikos - 2009

IRAN

  1. Qeshm Island - 2006

IRELAND

  1. Copper Coast - 2004

ITALY

  1. Madonie - 2004
  2. Parco del Beigua - 2005
  3. Geological and Mining Park of Sardinia - 2007
  4. Adamello-Brenta - 2008
  5. Rocca di Cerere - 2008

JAPAN

  1. Lake Toya and Mt. Usuzan - 2009
  2. Itoigawa - 2009
  3. Shimabara Peninsula - 2009

MALAYSIA

  1. Langkawi Geopark - 2007

NORWAY

  1. Gea-Norvegica - 2006

PORTUGAL

  1. Naturtejo - 2006
  2. Arouca - 2008

ROMANIA

  1. Hateg Country - 2005

SPAIN

  1. Maestrazgo - 2004
  2. Cabo de Gata - 2006
  3. Sobrarbe - 2006
  4. Subbeticas - 2006

UNITED KINGDOM

  1. Marble Arch & Cuilcagh - 2004
  2. North Pennines - 2004
  3. Forest Fawr - 2005
  4. North West Highlands - 2005
  5. Lochaber Geopark - 2007
  6. English Riviera - 2007
  7. Geo Mon - 2009
  8. Shetland - 2009

For more information on the work of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, go to
www.unesco.org/science/earth/geoparks.shtml

© North West Highlands Geopark 2010. Web Design + CMS by Pelican Design Consultants.
Photography courtesy of Inver Lodge Hotel, Scottish Natural Heritage, Highland Council, British Geological Survey, Sutherland Partnership, Mackay Country Archive and Iain Sarjeant.