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UNESCO Global Geoparks are special places recognized for their important geological features and natural beauty. They are part of a global initiative by UNESCO, which aims to protect significant geological sites while promoting sustainable development and community involvement. Currently, there are 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries around the world.
These parks highlight the Earth’s geological history, showcasing unique rock formations, fossils, and landscapes. They not only preserve these natural treasures but also connect them with local culture and history. By doing so, they help people understand the importance of taking care of our planet. UNESCO Global Geoparks comes in various competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, RPSC RAS preliminary exams, and more.
Table of Contents
What is Unesco Global Geopark?
UNESCO Global Geoparks are special areas recognized for their important geological features and landscapes. These parks are designed to protect greenery and also promote education and sustainable development in local communities. They help people understand the Earth’s history.
- UNESCO Global Geoparks are areas with geological features that are considered important on an international level.
- These places are protected and used to teach people about the Earth’s history.
- Geoparks also help local communities grow in a way that protects the environment.
- Countries around the world work together to manage these special places.
- UNESCO gives special recognition to Geoparks and helps them succeed.
- Geoparks allow for economic activities but make sure to protect the environment.
- There are regular meetings to check on Geoparks and set new standards.
List of Unesco Global Geopark
There are over 200 Unesco Global Geopark amazing places spread across almost 50 countries. These areas have unique geological features that are important for understanding our planet. But they’re not just about rocks and fossils. UNESCO Global Geoparks also focuses on how people live in harmony with nature. Explore the list of the same in the given section of the article.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Nicaragua
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Korea
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Turkiye
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Uruguay
- Vietnam
Significance of UNESCO Global Geopark
To keep special places around the world looking beautiful and interesting for a long time, we need to protect their history and culture. That’s why creating a special group of people to watch over these places is really important. There are various features associated with the UESCO global geopark, which you can find below.
- UNESCO places no restrictions on the economic activities that can be undertaken within a Geopark. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for generating income and supporting local communities. From developing eco-tourism ventures to establishing sustainable businesses, Geoparks can serve as economic drivers for their regions.
- Geo-tourism, which includes activities such as guides, tours, and educational visits, plays a important role in the funding of Geoparks. Revenue generated from these activities is invested in preserving the park’s geological heritage, improving visitor experiences, and supporting local communities.
- Geopark management focuses on the active participation of local communities in conservation and development efforts. By involving residents in decision-making processes and benefit-sharing, Geoparks can have a sense of ownership and responsibility among local people.
- The UNESCO Global Geopark status is given for a four-year period. To maintain this important designation, Geoparks go through a evaluation process. This assessment looks at the park’s achievements in terms of geological heritage conservation, education, tourism, and community involvement. Based on the evaluation findings, UNESCO determines whether to renew the Geopark status.
Know About Global Geoparks Network (GNN)
The Global Geoparks Network (GNN) was formed for countries to maintain and preserve their geographical heritage sites.
- In 2004, a group of 17 special places from Europe and 8 from China decided to work together. They wanted to protect and take care of the amazing geological features in their areas.
- This group of special places formed a club called the Global Geoparks Network (GGN).
- The United Nations group that studies the Earth and nature helped to run this club.
- From 2015 onwards, all the members of this club got a special title: UNESCO Global Geoparks.
India is one of those countries which do not have a single geopark registered and acknowledged under UNESCO Global Geopark list. Indian authorities and organisations have approached UNESCO with 2 such heritage sites till date. These include:
- Lonar Lake, Maharashtra – India’s candidate in 2019 for UNESCO Global Geopark is an ancient lake created by a meteorite strike. St. Mary’s Island and Malpe beach, Karnatak – The second bid for India in 2018 for Global Geopark was St. Mary’s island. It is a set of four small islands that are formed of columnar rhyolitic lava, which gives it a distinctive geological stature
- Erra Matti Dibbalu, Visakhapatnam – For 2020, Erra Matti Dibbalu or the coastal red sediment mounds, which are sand dunes located between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam, have been chosen as India’s representation for UNESCO Geopark. This geological heritage site is also notified in the National Geological Heritage Monument Sites of India
FAQs
A UNESCO Global Geopark is a special place where amazing rocks, landscapes, and natural history are protected and used to help people understand our planet and its future. It’s like a big outdoor classroom where you can learn about the Earth’s history while enjoying nature and supporting local communities.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are important because they help us understand how our planet has changed over millions of years. They also help protect special places and support local economies through tourism and education. By learning about the Earth’s history, we can better protect it for future generations.
You can do lots of fun things in a UNESCO Global Geopark! You can hike, bike, or explore caves. You can learn about geology, wildlife, and local culture. You can also support local businesses by eating at local restaurants or buying souvenirs. It’s a great way to have fun and learn at the same time!
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