A UNESCO Global Geopark is a geopark recognized by UNESCO as having international geoscientific significance. It promotes the protection of geological features, environmental education, and sustainable economic development, particularly through geotourism initiatives and local participation.
Chronology of Geopark Programs
1. Background in Europe (1990s)
- The concept of geoparks was developed in Europe in the 1990s, particularly in connection with the protection of geological sites, sustainable tourism, and education.
- In 2000, four regions from France, Germany, Greece, and Spain founded the “European Geoparks Network” (EGN)
. Its goal is to preserve geologically significant areas, promote them for tourism, and anchor them in the local community.
2. Initial Global Coordination (2004)
- In 2004, the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was founded with the support of UNESCO. The GGN was an informal network supported by UNESCO.
- It served to coordinate geopark-related projects worldwide—but without official UNESCO status. Participating institutions:
- UNESCO Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences
- International geoscience organizations:
- IUGS (International Union of Geological Sciences)
- National Geological Surveys
- UNESCO National Commissions
3. Official UNESCO Recognition (2015)
- On November 17, 2015 The member states of UNESCO, including Switzerland, have "UNESCO Global Geoparks" adopted as an official program. This made geoparks UNESCO's third official category of protected areas. These include:
- World Heritage Sites
- Biosphere Reserves
- Global Geoparks
Support for the program is based on:
- Promotion of Geological Heritage:
- Recognition of the importance of geological sites for education and research.
- Sustainable Development:
- Strengthening local communities through geotourism initiatives and economic development.
- International Cooperation:
- Establishment of a global network to share best practices and promote peace through education and culture.
The establishment of UNESCO Global Geoparks is seen as a step toward promoting awareness of the geosciences and supporting sustainable development goals.
Global Geoparks Network
The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is a worldwide network of areas with geological heritage of international significance. It is coordinated by UNESCO.
As of 2026, Switzerland does not yet have a geopark recognized by UNESCO.