GGN Working Group on Tourism

ITB 2027 - Call for contribution

The GGN Working Group on Tourism invites all UNESCO Global Geoparks to express their interest in participating in the ITB Global Fair 2027, one of the world’s leading international tourism exhibitions.

In preparation for the event, geoparks are requested to complete the attached Expression of Interest form, which will help the Working Group coordinate participation, promotional activities, and collaborative opportunities for the Global Geoparks Network at the fair.

Participation in ITB 2027 represents an important opportunity to promote sustainable geotourism, showcase local products and experiences, strengthen international visibility, and enhance cooperation among geoparks and tourism stakeholders worldwide.

All interested geoparks are kindly requested to complete the form [right click--> save link as] or in pdf format here, and send it to secretariat@globalgeoparksnetwork.org and info@globalgeoparksnetwork.org, no later than 20 June 2026.

Geohazards GGN Working Group Book

Call for Contributions

The Geohazards GGN Working Group is preparing a new publication dedicated to natural hazards and risk management practices across Global Geoparks. The initiative aims to collect valuable experiences, case studies, and practical approaches used by geoparks to prevent, monitor, and respond to natural disasters.

Members are invited to contribute examples from their territories, including strategies related to earthquakes, landslides, floods, wildfires, coastal erosion, volcanic activity, and other geo-related hazards. The Working Group is especially interested in innovative solutions, community engagement practices, educational initiatives, and successful mitigation measures that can inspire and support other geoparks worldwide.

This collaborative book will serve as a shared knowledge resource, highlighting the important role of geoparks in disaster awareness, resilience, and sustainable territorial management.

All members are encouraged to submit their contributions and help strengthen international cooperation and knowledge exchange within the GGN community.

Please use the following template and send us your contributions until 30th of June at

aamorfini@parcapuane.it and xmir@geoparcorigens.cat

9th APGN Symposium 2026 | 4-12 SEPTEMBER 2026 | Langkawi, Malaysia

The 9th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium 2026 will take place from 4–12 September 2026 at the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark in Malaysia, bringing together geopark professionals, researchers, educators, policymakers, and tourism experts from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The symposium will be hosted at the Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC) under the inspiring theme: “Celebrating Networking in Geotourism.” 

Organized by the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN), the event aims to strengthen cooperation among UNESCO Global Geoparks while promoting sustainable geotourism, education, conservation, and community development. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches to geopark management and regional collaboration. 

The symposium program will feature plenary sessions, thematic workshops, poster presentations, networking events, a geopark fair, and field trips to some of Langkawi’s most remarkable geosites.

APGN 2026 also invites participants to submit abstracts and case studies related to heritage conservation, geotourism, public education, geopark governance, social and community development, and aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks.

As Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi offers a unique setting that combines geological heritage, biodiversity, cultural richness, and sustainable tourism practices, making it an ideal destination for this important international gathering. 

Please visit the official website for more information and registration:
https://apgn2026.lada.gov.my/

18th European Geoparks Conference, Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark – Finland

The 18th International European Geoparks Conference will be hosted by the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark in Finland from 16–18 September 2026, bringing together geopark representatives, researchers, educators, tourism professionals, and policymakers from across Europe and beyond. 

Held in the breathtaking lake region of Eastern Finland, the conference will focus on the theme “Lifelong Learning, Shared Innovations, Sustainable Development and Co-operation as a Basis for Developing Geoparks.” The event will provide an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration within the European and Global Geoparks communities. 

The three-day conference program will include keynote speeches, oral presentations, workshops, poster sessions, field excursions, and the GeoFair exhibition, where participating countries and geoparks will showcase their cultural heritage, geotourism initiatives, and Geoparks gastronomy products. Field trips across the Saimaa region will explore Ice Age formations, Stone Age heritage, and the unique geological landscapes shaped by glacial history. 

Participants are invited to submit abstracts and workshop proposals related to major conference themes, including climate change and disaster risk mitigation, innovation and cooperation, sustainable tourism, research, education, and community development in UNESCO Global Geoparks. 

Recognized by UNESCO in 2021, the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark is known for its extraordinary geological heritage, pristine lake landscapes, and rich cultural traditions. The region offers a unique setting where nature, science, sustainability, and local communities come together, making it an ideal destination for the 2026 European Geoparks Conference. 

Please visit the official website for more information and registration:
https://saimaageopark.fi/en/egn2026/

GeoLAC 2026 – 8th Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Geoparks Network

The 8th Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Geoparks Network (GeoLAC 2026) and the VI Mexican Symposium on Geoheritage and Geoparks will take place from 21–23 October 2026 in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico. The event will be hosted by the Mixteca Alta UNESCO Global Geopark in collaboration with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Government of the State of Oaxaca, and the Latin American and Caribbean Geoparks Network. 

A pre-conference course entitled “Introduction to UNESCO Global Geoparks” will also be organized on 19–20 October 2026, offering participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of geopark management, sustainable development, and UNESCO Global Geopark principles. 

The conference will bring together geopark managers, researchers, educators, students, tourism professionals, and local development stakeholders from across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the international geopark community. Discussions and presentations will focus on geoheritage conservation, geotourism, education, sustainable territorial development, science communication, biodiversity and cultural diversity, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing UNESCO Global Geoparks in the region. 

GeoLAC 2026 will also serve as a platform for aspiring geoparks to present their initiatives and strengthen regional cooperation through knowledge exchange and networking. Participants are invited to submit abstracts and case studies related to geopark management, community engagement, educational programs, and sustainable economic activities connected to geological heritage. 

Located in northwestern Oaxaca, the Mixteca Alta UNESCO Global Geopark is internationally recognized for its extraordinary geological formations, rich biodiversity, strong Mixtec cultural traditions, and innovative soil conservation practices. The geopark represents a unique example of the integration of nature, culture, history, and sustainable local development under the principles of UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network. 

Please visit the official website for more information and registration:
https://geolac2026.org

Call for applications to host the 13th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks 2029

If your organization or country is interested in hosting the 13th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2029, you are kindly invited to submit a well-developed technical proposal specifying the offer. This bid is addressed to countries and regions which already have UNESCO Global Geoparks, and whose contribution will be key to the success of the event. 

How to submit a hosting bid

Your bid should contain information on the following components:

1) Technical

• The conference must be hosted and organized by an efficient and experienced team, including UNESCO Global Geopark specialists and geoscientists, communication experts, administration support team and tourism specialists.

• UNESCO Global Geoparks, Global Geopark Network (GGN) members (in the country and within the region) as well as the UNESCO Secretariat (HQ and relevant field office) should actively participate and provide their expertise. The conference is of key importance for UNESCO Global Geoparks staff, GGN members and UNESCO to meet and exchange knowledge and experiences on Geopark building and operation.

• The venue of the meeting should be big enough to accommodate 800 – 1000 delegates and should facilitate access to international participants.

• Representatives proposed by the GGN Executive Board and by UNESCO should be nominated to the Conference Organizing Committee and be actively involved in the scientific committee. 

2) Financial

• The conference and the preparations need to be financed by the organizers who, if necessary, should seek private and public funding. The financial statement should be clear and based on realistic estimates and feasible plans.

• The candidate should present a proposal for the conference budget including data on the financial resources, possible sponsor contribution, participant’s fees and grant policy.

• The budget should include the cost of hosting the meeting of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council (UGGpC – 16p) and GGN Executive Board (13p), including travel, hotel and subsistence allowance for three days.

• The participant’s registration fee should be ‘reasonable’ taking into account that UNESCO Global Geoparks are present in all regions of the globe, including the developing world, and people sometimes travel long distances.

• The organizers must provide a fee to GGN in accordance to the 2016 GGN General Assembly decision on the GGN budget (19 September 2016). This amount will be equivalent to 50 Euros per participant. 

3) Organization

• The past conferences in Beijing 2004 (China), Belfast 2006 (Northern Ireland), Osnabrűck in Terra Vita UGGp 2008 (Germany), Langkawi UGGp 2010 (Malaysia), Shimabara in Unzen Volcanic Area UGGp 2012 (Japan), Saint John, in Stonehammer UGGp 2014 (Canada), Torquay in English Riviera UGGp 2016 (UK), Madona di Campiglio in Adamello Brenta UGGp 2018 (Italy), Jeju Island UGGp 2021 (Republic of Korea), Marrakech for M’Goun UGGp 2023 (Morocco) and Kütralkura UGGp 2025 (Chile) had strong local, governmental and ministerial support and extensive media coverage. The organization team is advised to include governmental entities as well as a broad spectrum of other groups like Tourism Boards, Councils of towns, counties, Geological Surveys, Universities, etc.

• The bid should foresee logistic arrangements for several other open and closed business meetings, workshops and events will run both in advance and during the conference in addition to the earlier mentioned UGGp Council meeting (16p. + 50-100p. observers) and GGN Executive Board meeting (15p.). These include the GGN General Assembly (250p.), the GGN Advisory Board Meeting (60p.), possibly a UGGp Youth Forum Meeting (60p.), the Regional Geopark Networks Advisory Committees (APGN 15p., EGN 15p., GeoLAC 10 p. et AUGGN 5 p.) and the Coordination Committee Meetings (APGN 70 p., EGN 170 p., GeoLAC 30 p et AUGGN 10p). The bid should duly anticipate and accommodate these meetings.

• The Conference schedule should also include special sessions for GGN Working Group Workshops, Thematic workshops as well as the UNESCO Global Geoparks Evaluator’s Seminar (120p).

• It is a prerequisite that the country where the conference is proposed already hosts UNESCO Global Geoparks. 

4) Content

• The Conference theme must be closely related to the core topics of the UNESCO Global Geoparks.

• Each organizer will put the focus on specific themes of their interest, which are not preliminarily fixed, but will be discussed in more detail with UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network during the preparation and planning phase.

5) Carbon Footprint Mitigation Initiative

Since UGGps are propagating environmentally friendly tourism, the conference organizer may want to propose ways/projects to reduce the carbon footprint of such a big gathering.

6) Deadline

Please ensure that your full bid is submitted electronically by 31 May 2026 to: GGN (secretariat@globalgeoparksnetwork.org) and UNESCO (iggp@unesco.org)

• The candidates will then have an opportunity to reply to comments on their application by the UNESCO Secretariat and GGN Executive Board until 20 July 2026.

• The candidates will have the opportunity to present a final version of their bid (10-15 min) before the GGN Executive Board at its meeting during the 12th International UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference in Torres Vedras, Oeste UNESCO Global Geopark (Portugal), 2027.

The above list is not exhaustive and aims only to provide some first guidance.

Please note that we strive to rotate the hosting of the International Conference to different regions of the world.

For any further information, please contact us:

secretariat@globalgeoparksnetwork.org 

iggp@unesco.org 

GGN Calendar of Events

The GGN Calendar of Events serves as a central hub for sharing upcoming activities, meetings, conferences, workshops, and initiatives within the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. It is designed to keep all members, partners, and stakeholders informed about key dates and opportunities for collaboration at both regional and global levels.

Through this calendar, the geopark community can easily access information on important scientific, educational, and networking events that support the development of geoheritage, geotourism, sustainability, and community engagement.

For more details please visit the following link to keep up-to-date:
https://www.globalgeoparksnetwork.org/news/calendar-events-0