Guidelines and Criteria
for National Geoparks seeking UNESCO's
assistance to join the Global Geoparks
Network
(June 2008)

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GEOPARKS – Promoting Earth Heritage, Sustaining Local Communities
Global Network of National Geoparks - a landscape approach for geological heritage conservation, research and sustainable development

Introduction

Geology and landscape have profoundly influenced society, civilization, and the cultural diversity of our planet but until recently, no international recognition of geological heritage sites of national or regional importance, and no international convention specifically on geological heritage have existed. The initiative of UNESCO to support Geoparks responds to the strong need expressed by numerous countries for an international framework to enhance the value of the Earth’s heritage, it’s landscapes and geological formations, which are key witnesses to the history of life.

Pursuant the decision of its Executive Board in June 2001 (161 EX/Decisions, 3.3.1) UNESCO has been invited "to support ad hoc efforts with Member States as appropriate" to promote territories or natural parks having special geological features. National Geopark initiatives, which seek UNESCO's assistance should integrate the preservation of significant examples of geological heritage in a strategy for regional sustainable socio-economic and cultural development, safeguarding the environment.

The present document provides guidelines for developing National Geoparks under the assistance of UNESCO for the inclusion in a Global Network. These Guidelines are a set of criteria which the aspiring Geoparks adhere to through their voluntary participation it the Global Network of National Geoparks. In applying for membership, the applicant is asked to respect the terms of the present guidelines. An independent expert group will refer to these guidelines when assessing proposals for the Global Network.

The protection and sustainable development of geological heritage and geodiversity through Geoparks initiatives, contributes to the objectives of Agenda 21, the Agenda of Science for Environment and Development into the twenty-first century adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, Rio de Janeiro, 1992) and which was reconfirmed by the World Summit on Sustainable Development 2002 in Johannesburg. The Geoparks initiative adds a new dimension to the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage by highlighting the potential for interaction between socio-economic and cultural development and conservation of the natural environment.

The Global Network of National Geoparks operates in close synergy with UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) World Network of Biosphere Reserves, national and international undertakings and non-governmental organizations active in geological heritage conservation. For national Geoparks in Europe, UNESCO has established a privileged partnership with the European Geoparks Network (EGN) since 2001. As a result, the EGN acts as the Global Geoparks Network for Europe. UNESCO recommends the creation of similar regional Networks, reflecting local conditions, elsewhere in the world. Networking among Geoparks is an important component of the Global Network of National Geoparks. UNESCO encourages any form of cooperation especially in the fields of education, management, tourism, sustainable development, regional planning among Network members.