On this day in 2015, the unanimous decision for the establishment of the #UNESCOGlobalGeoparks  was adopted — a turning point that transformed the way we recognize, protect and value Geological heritage worldwide.

It was 17th November 2015! The 38th UNESCO General Conference officially endorsed the unanimous  proposal of the Science Commission for the establishment of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme in the frame of IGGP. 

The same day 120 territories hosting outstanding geological heritage sites were nominated UNESCO Global Geoparks!

For the last 10 years this decision has helped safeguard and celebrate humanity’s most remarkable Geological Heritage Sites sites located within UNESCO Global Geoparks!

Today there are 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries in five continents. They consist the most active and productive Network of UNESCO designated sites!

UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network are working together to support international recognition of territories hosting significant geological heritage sites – minerals and rock formations, mountain or volcanic ranges, caves, canyons, fossil sites or ancient desert landscapes – which bear witness to our planet’s history, evolution and climate changes!

These sites are also places for conservation and environmental education, where local and indigenous communities can promote their culture and know-how.

“In ten years, UNESCO Geoparks have become models for the conservation of geological heritage. But their role goes much further: they support educational projects, promote sustainable tourism and keep the knowledge and traditions of these territories alive through the active participation of local and indigenous communities. This is the case, for example, in Iceland's Katla Geopark, where local schools are actively involved in the scientific research that is carried out on this landscape, which preserves the memory of volcanic and glacial systems through its lava flows and black sand beaches,” 

said Audrey Azoulay UNESCO’s Director General during the last 8 years!