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What are UNESCO Global Geoparks

UNESCO Global Geoparks is the third, and last, added UNESCO´s official Programme from 2015: it is  the results of the International Geoscience Programme and the Global Geoparks Network merging together for sustainable development within the valorisation of geological and cultural heritage supporting local communities.

The International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme

The International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) consists of two pillars:

1. International Geoscience Programme (IGCP), since 1972, has harnessed the intellectual capacity of a worldwide network of geoscientists to lay the foundation for our planet’s future, focusing on responsible and environmental resource extraction, natural hazard resiliency and preparedness, and adaptability in the era of a changing climate.

2. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are laboratories for sustainable development which promote the recognition and management of Earth heritage, and the sustainability of local communities. As of April 2020, there are more than 145 UNESCO Global Geoparks within more than 4o Member States, covering a total area of 288,000 km². 

The UNESCO Global Geoparks are actively working on several fields, like: education, culture, increasing awareness about geo hazard and climate change, sustainable development.  Main objective is improving sustainable development through bottom-up local approach valorising geological and cultural -natural heritage. 

The GEOfood brand aims at supporting the UNESCO Global Geopark territories in developing local active and successful environmental friendly strategies for straightening the networking activities within communities and food enterprises.

More at: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/unesco-global-geoparks/