UNESCO Global Geoparks are best described as unified, single and geographical regions where landscapes and sites of significance to international geology are adequately managed, in a holistic manner of protection. It is also protected by the concept of education, as well as sustainable development.
The Geopark makes use of geological heritage, which relates to the relevant area’s cultural and natural heritage, to be able to increase awareness, as well as the understanding of all major issues that are faced in society today. These can include everything from the number of resources we use to the impact it has on the environment, sustainability, the mitigation of the effect of climate change, as well as reducing all-natural disasters that pose a threat or risk to humankind and earth itself.
The UNESCO Geopark is thus established to combat these daily problems and raise awareness about the importance of the relevant area’s geological heritage when it comes to history and society.
One of the primary goals, other than to support the earth and the area inside and to surround the Geopark, is to provide a sense of strength and pride within their region, along with their enterprises, new vacancies, along with high-quality courses.
It is all arranged to provide the locals with a feeling of pride towards their region and helps to strengthen the community’s identification within their areas. These courses and vacancy-availability also allow for increased revenue, which is generated through geo-tourism, geological resources and more.
The Fundamental Core Features of a UNESCO Global Geopark
UNESCO Global Geoparks all include features such as geological heritage of international importance, the management aspect thereof, the visibility of the park for exposure and lastly, networking to attract more individuals and communities to the park.
The Bottom-Up Approach for UNESCO Global Park
Since UNESCO Global Geopark was established to empower local communities and provide them with an opportunity to develop a cohesive partnership with a goal in mind to promote areas that have significant geological processes, all features, different periods of time, geological beauty and historical themes.
These parks were also established by use of a bottom-up process, which involved the relevant local, as well as regional stakeholders and authorities within the area. These included land organisations, tourism providers, community groups, local organisations and indigenous people.
The process also required an established commitment by all local communities, which included a multiple solid partnership, which also had a long-term public, as well as political support. It also required the development of a comprehensive strategy, which was supposed to meet the communities goals, all while showcasing and defending areas of geological areas, which were also classified as important to local citizens.