UNESCO Global Geopark

UNESCO Global Geopark is the geographical area that is deemed important due to the presence of geological and historic sites. These landscapes and sites, considered important from the global geological perspective, are managed by UNESCO, focusing on the sustainable development, education, and protection of the area.

The objective of these Geoparks is to combine sustainable development and conservation and involve communities across the world to create a win-win situation for all. UNESCO’ started the work with geoparks in 2011, and today, there are 177 UNESCO Global Geopark in 46 countries.

This article will explore UNESCO Global Geopark and its importance for preserving global geological heritage.

UNESCO Global Geopark - Overview

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency headquartered in Paris, France
• The agency works for world peace and strives to achieve Sustainable Development Goals in the fields of culture, education, and sciences
• As part of UNESCO’s aim to preserve and protect heritage sources, there are three main types of heritage sites - Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage Sites, and UNESCO Global Geopark
• UNESCO’s work with Geoparks began in 2001, and it was in 2004 when countries came together with an appeal to create the Global Geoparks Network (GNN) in a bid to recognize national geological heritage initiatives from a global chain of cooperation and exchange
• In 2015, the Member States of UNESCO - 195 of them - approved creating the UNESCO Global Geopark
• This official term recognizes unified geographical areas deemed important for geological protection, education, and sustainable development
• India has been a founding member of UNESCO and has constantly been re-elected to the Executive Board since 1946.
• The Indian organization under UNESCO is called the Indian National Commission for Cooperation

Features of UNESCO Global Geopark

The important features of UNESCO Global Geopark are as follows:

• Maintenance and preservation of Geoparks by involving local communities and combining conservation with sustainable development of the region
• Raising awareness about the protection and preservation of Geoparks
• Promotion of geo-tourism activities, excursions, tours, and academic visits
• Regular analysis and scrutiny of UNESCO Global Geopark through a revalidation process every four years

UNESCO Global Geopark in India

Although there is no UNESCO Global Geopark in India, the Indian Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is in discussions to receive acknowledgement for a geopark in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), which houses the Erra Matti Dibbalu (red sand dunes), volcanic ash deposits, Borra Caves, and natural rock formations.

INTACH, founded in 1984 with a vision to lead the discussion of conservation and heritage awareness in India, created a public awareness campaign on geologically and culturally important locations in India in July 2019.

Visakhapatnam and 34 National Geological Monument Sites notified by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) were featured.

Important Role of UNESCO Global Geopark

UNESCO Global Geopark plays an important role in protecting our geological and natural heritage. As UNESCO heritage recognition and resources can greatly help preserve the cultural heritage of any country, India needs to take additional steps to ensure the inclusion of heritage sites as part of this program.

The Indian Government and other agencies also need to promote and value India’s incredible cultural heritage, one of the most diverse and abundant globally.

FAQs on UNESCO Global Geopark

Q.1. What is UNESCO Global Geopark?

UNESCO Global Geopark is the geographical area that is deemed important due to the presence of geological and historic sites. These landscapes and sites, considered important from the global geological perspective, are managed by UNESCO, focusing on the sustainable development, education, and protection of the area.

Q.2. How many UNESCO Global Geopark is there?

There are a total of 177 UNESCO Global Geopark Networks in 46 countries.

Q.3. How many UNESCO Global Geopark are there in India?

India does not have any geopark registered or acknowledged in the UNESCO Global Geopark list.

Q.4. How do you become a UNESCO Global Geopark?

To be eligible for being included in the UNESCO Global Geopark list, the chosen location must have geological heritage of international value and be managed by a body of legal existence with a comprehensive management plan covering governance, development, protection, and financing of the area.

Q.5. Why is UNESCO Global Geopark important?

UNESCO Global Geopark informs and educates people to respect the environment and protect the landscape's integrity. Since this also means protecting the geographical features with support from UNESCO, the chosen heritage and area receive world-class facilities.