Sixteen sites poised to join Global Geopark Network

The Bureau of the Global Geopark Network, meeting from 16 to 18 September in Norway’s Gea Norwegica Geopark on the occasion of the 10th European Geoparks Conference, will examine applications from 16 sites wishing to join the Global Network.

The candidats are: Carnic Alps (Austria), Bodoquena-Pantanal (Brazil), Quadrilatero Ferrifero (Brazil), Hong Kong park (China), Tianzhushan (China), the parks of Bauges (France), Chablais park (France), Katla (Iceland), Batur (Indonesia), Pacitan (Indonesia), Aras (Iran), Burren and Cliffs of Moher (Ireland), Alpi Apuane (Italy), Muroto (Japan), Sierra Norte di Sevilla Geopark (Spain), Villuercas Ibores Jara (Spain).

The Global Geoparks Network was created in 2004 under the auspices of UNESCO. It currently numbers 78 sites in 26 countries*. To qualify for the Geopark label, sites must present important geological heritage, and benefit from a sound management structure and economic development strategy with particular emphasis on sustainable tourism. Each application is examined by a team of experts appointed by UNESCO. They visit the site to determine if it meets the required criteria.

The Network includes very diverse sites, such as for example, the island of Langkawi (Malaysia), which features the country’s most ancient rock formation; the petrified forest of the Island of Lesvos (Greece) and Vulkaneifel (Germany), with its remarkable volcanic craters.



*Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary/Slovakia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, Viet Nam.