UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK
UNESCO’s Executive board has proposed to add 18 new sites to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
ABOUT UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK
- The UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) network is a group of 213 unified geographical areas that are managed with a holistic approach of protection, education, and sustainable development.
- The UGGp network is a bottom-up approach that combines conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities.
- The UGGp network uses its geological heritage to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change, and reducing natural hazard-related risks.
- The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) grouping all UGGp’s in the world.
- It was established in
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- The GGN works for the development of UGGp’s in the world by getting specifically involved in the development of UGGp’s in developing countries with a high priority towards Africa and Latin America.
- The GGN also organizes cooperation and mutual assistance between UGGp’s and between UGGp’s professionals.
- The GGN represents, advances, and disseminates knowledge in geodiversity management and other disciplines related to studies in geo-conservation, geo-tourism, geo-education, and/or the management and activities of UGGp’s.
HOW MANY UGGPS ARE THERE?
As of April 2024, there are 213 UGGp’s in 48 countries, with GGN member sites situated in five of seven continents.
WHICH COUNTRY HAS THE HIGHEST NO. OF SITES?
China is the country with the largest number of global geoparks.
HOW MANY SITES DOES INDIA HAVE?
ZERO. India as of now does not have any site. But India has proposed the following sites till date:
- Lonar Lake (2018)
- Mary’s Island & Malpe beach. (2019)
- Erra Matti Dibbalu, Visakhapatnam. (2020)
- Dinosaur fossil national park, MP (2024)
