A meeting to highlight the unique role that National Commissions can play for aspiring and current UNESCO Global Geoparks, the most recent UNESCO site designation.
The Montserrat mountain range, Central Catalonia UNESCO Global Geopark © Bages Turisme - Author: Carles Fortuny
The UNESCO Global Geoparks label is the most recent UNESCO site designation, ratified by member states in 2015. UNESCO Global Geoparks, together with Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites, form a network of UNESCO designated sites that are committed to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The unique concept of UNESCO Global Geoparks is to combine the protection and promotion of geological, natural, cultural and intangible heritage through sustainable development while fostering cooperation between local communities, scientists and government. - 1 pm -3:30 pm Central European Time (CET)
- Thursday, 11 January 2024 (Online)
- Permanent Delegations to UNESCO, National Commissions for UNESCO, National Geopark Committees and national and regional experts are strongly encouraged to attend.
- Please email iggp@unesco.org to register and receive the Zoom link.
National Commissions represent a unique and strategically positioned resource for the establishment and advancement of UNESCO Global Geoparks. Equipped with scientific advisory capabilities and strong connections with relevant government entities, they can play a pivotal role in supporting the nomination of national geoparks to UNESCO. Additionally, National Commissions can facilitate the formation of National Geopark Committees which are essential for creating governance structures for both new and established UNESCO Global Geoparks.
This information session will bring together National Commissions, Permanent Delegations, National Geopark Committees and other interested partners, to introduce them to the concept of UNESCO Global Geoparks and to raise awareness about the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), a pioneering initiative that supports the sustainable development of local communities through the holistic management of geological sites.
Key takeaways of the session will include: - Guidance to Member states on the creation of new UNESCO Global Geoparks in their countries, with concrete guidelines on the application process.
- Highlighting the importance of UNESCO National Commissions to facilitate the creation of National Geopark Committees for the establishment of new UNESCO Global Geoparks
- Showcasing successful examples of where National Commissions have facilitated the establishment of National Geopark Committees.
- Discussion around how National Commissions can be engaged in the Geopark nomination and revalidation processes.
- Discussion around the collaboration between existing UNESCO Global geoparks and their National Commission.
