Global Network of National Geoparks

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The Global Network of National Geoparks (GGN) is a UNESCO Geoparks programme established in 1998. According to UNESCO, for a Geopark to qualify in the GGN it needs to have:

• A management plan designed to foster socio-economic development that is sustainable (most likely to be based on agritourism and geotourism).
• Demonstrate methods for conserving and enhancing geological heritage and provide means for teaching geoscientific disciplines and broader environmental issues.
• Joint-proposals submitted by public authorities, local communities and private interests acting together, which demonstrate the best practices with respect to Earth heritage conservation and its integration into sustainable development strategies.

As of June 2008, 57 Geoparks are listed by UNESCO ^[1] , and it is hoped that over 500 Geoparks will eventually attain GGN status.

[edit] Participants

The distribution of geoparks as of 2007: red (18 geoparks), orange (7), yellow (5-6), green (3-4), blue (2) and violet (1).

• Asia (*)
  • Malaysia (1)
    • Langkawi Island (Kedah) Geopark
  • People's Republic of China (18)
    • Lushan GeoPark
    • Wudalianchi Geopark
    • Mount Song (Songshan) Geopark
    • Mount Yuntai (Yuntaishan) Geopark
    • Mount Danxia (Danxiashan) Geopark
    • Shilin (Stone Forest) Geopark
    • Zhangjiajie Sandstone Peak Forest Geopark
    • Mount Huang (Huangshan) Geopark
    • Yandangshan Geopark
    • Taining Geopark
    • Hexigten Global Geopark
    • Xingwen Geopark
    • Fangshan Geopark
    • Leiqiong Geopark
    • Funiushan Geopark
    • Wangwushan-Daimeishan Geopark
    • Jingpohu Geopark
    • Mount Tai Geopark
  • Iran (1)
    • Qeshm Island
• Australasia (1)
  • Australia (1)
    • Kanawinka
• Europe (32)
  • Austria (1)
    • Nature Park Eisenwurzen
  • Bulgaria (1)
    • Iskar-panega Geopark
  • Croatia (1)
    • Papuk Geopark
  • Czech Republic (1)
    • Bohemian Paradise Geopark
  • France (2)
    • Geological Reserve of Haute Provence
    • Regional Nature Park of Luberon
  • Germany (6)
    • European Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald
    • Nature Park Terra Vita European Geopark
    • Vulkaneifel European Geopark
    • Schwabian Alb
    • Harz Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen
    • Mecklenburg Ice Age Landscape Park
  • Greece (2)
    • Petrified Forest of Lesvos
    • Psiloritis Natural Park
  • Ireland (2)
    • Copper Coast
    • Marble Arch Caves (also UK)
  • Italy (4)
    • Adamello-Brenta
    • Madonie Natural Park
    • Rocca di Cerere Cultural Park
    • Parco naturale regionale del Beigua
  • Norway (1)
    • Gea-Norvegica
  • Portugal (2)
    • Arouca Geopark
    • Naturtejo Geopark
  • Romania (1)
    • Hateg Country Dinosaur Geopark
  • Spain (4)
    • Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park
    • Maestrazgo Cultural Park
    • Subeticas Geopark
    • Sobrarbe Geopark
  • United Kingdom (7)
    • Marble Arch Caves and Cuilcagh Mountain Park (also Ireland)
    • North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    • Lochaber Geopark, Scotland
    • North West Highlands Geopark, Scotland
    • Fforest Fawr in Brecon Beacons, Wales
    • English Riviera
    • Geo Mon (Isle of Anglesey), Wales
• South America
  • Brazil (2)
    • Araripe Geopark
    • Paleorrota (Rio Grande do Sul) Geopark

[edit] See also

• United Nations Environment Programme
• World Heritage Site
• National park
• Geological Survey of India (GSI) also maintains 2 fossil parks currently.
• Fossil park

[edit] References

1. ^ http://www.unesco.org/science/earth/geoparks.shtml Members of the Global Network of National Geoparks

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Geoparks

• Searchable list of Geoparks
• International Union of Geological Sciences — Minutes of the 46th Executive Committee Meeting, Cairo, Egypt, January 26–30, 2000.
• International Union of Geological Sciences — 45th Executive Committee Meeting, Vienna, Austria, January 26–30, 1998.