Paris, The UNESCO Executive Board has officially incorporated 18 new sites into the UNESCO Global Geoparks network, marking a significant expansion that brings the total to 213 geoparks across 48 countries. This latest addition highlights a diverse range of geological heritage sites spanning Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain, including a unique transboundary geopark between Belgium and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the newly designated geoparks encompass a rich tapestry of geological wonders, from the sediment-starved lowlands of the Schelde Delta spanning Belgium and the Netherlands to the prehistoric landscapes of the Uberaba geopark in Brazil. These sites not only showcase significant geological phenomena but also embody the intertwined narratives of geological and human histories, emphasizing their vulnerability to climate change and the importance of sustainable development.
In China, the Enshi Grand Canyon-Tenglongdong Cave and several other geoparks unveil erosion landscapes, karst formations, and rich cultural heritages of ethnic minorities. Meanwhile, the Linxia geopark in Gansu Province displays colorful rock formations and ancient fossils, illustrating the area’s dynamic geological and cultural past.
Europe’s additions include Croatia’s Biokovo-Imotski Lakes, Denmark’s South Fyn Archipelago, and Finland’s Impact Crater Lake – Lappajärvi, each highlighting unique geological formations and the relationship between the geological environment and human development. France’s Armorique and Normandy-Maine geoparks showcase diverse geological histories, from ancient seas to mountain ranges that have shaped the local landscape and culture.
Greece’s Meteora Pyli geopark stands out for its sandstone columns topped with Byzantine monasteries, while Hungary’s Bükk Region geopark offers a glimpse into a sedimentary sequence spanning over 300 million years. Poland’s Land of Extinct Volcanoes geopark and Portugal’s Oeste geopark illustrate the geological diversity and rich paleontological heritage that characterizes the European continent.
The Calatrava Volcanoes in Ciudad Real, Spain, reveal a landscape defined by volcanic activity, offering insights into the planet’s geological history and the socio-economic development influenced by volcanic environments.
This expansion of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network in 2015 underscores UNESCO’s commitment to recognizing sites of international geological significance and fostering sustainable development through conservation, education, and community engagement. The initiative aims to promote geodiversity and support local economies while contributing to the broader goals of environmental preservation and awareness.