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. UNESCO encourages any form of cooperation especially in the fields of education, management, tourism, sustainable development, regional planning among Network members. Up to now, 56 Geoparks in 18 Member States are currently members of the Global Geoparks Network assisted by UNESCO.