On April 17, 2025, UNESCO designated 16 new Global Geoparks, expanding its network to a total of 229 geoparks across 50 countries. This brings the total area covered by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network to almost 855,000 km², equivalent to the size of Namibia. These new geoparks, spread across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America, are recognized for their outstanding geological heritage, which includes features such as volcanic ranges, rock formations, mountain ranges, fossil sites, ancient desert landscapes, and more. In addition to preserving geological wonders, these sites promote environmental education, the conservation of local ecosystems, and the cultural knowledge of indigenous communities.
Key Highlights
UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGPs) – Key Facts
10th Anniversary Update (2025)
- 16 new sites across 11 countries were added to the Global Geoparks Network (GGN).
- Total UGGPs: 229 in 50 countries.
- India: No UNESCO Global Geoparks as of now.
16 New UNESCO Global Geoparks
1. Geoparks Across Asia
China: Kanbula UNESCO Global Geopark
- Located on the northeast margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known for ancient volcanoes and the Yellow River.
China: Yunyang UNESCO Global Geopark
- Displays landscapes from 250 million years ago, showcasing the transition from an inland sea to a terrestrial environment.
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: Mt Paektu UNESCO Global Geopark
- Characterized by volcanic eruptions and glacial erosion, marking the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the country.
Indonesia: Kebumen UNESCO Global Geopark
- Preserves ancient rock formations, including the Karangsambung site, a natural laboratory of oceanic and continental margin rocks.
Indonesia: Meratus UNESCO Global Geopark
- Features geological history dating back to the Jurassic period, with significant diamond deposits and a unique tectonic record.
Republic of Korea: Danyang UNESCO Global Geopark
- Located along the Baekdu Daegan mountain range, it includes 1.9-billion-year-old granite gneiss formations.
Republic of Korea: Gyeongbuk Donghaean UNESCO Global Geopark
- Famous for Deokgu Valley and ancient granitic rocks, combined with hot springs.
2. Geoparks Across Europe
Italy: MurGEopark UNESCO Global Geopark
- Located in the Murges Highlands, known for its stable Adriatic Plate and ancient geological features.
Norway: The Fjord Coast UNESCO Global Geopark
- Features fjords, cascading waterfalls, and glaciers in the westernmost part of Norway.
Spain: Costa Quebrada UNESCO Global Geopark
- Offers a rare look at the Cantabrian coast, revealing tectonic movements over the past 120 million years.
United Kingdom: Arran UNESCO Global Geopark
- This Scottish island offers a geological history of 600 million years, with evidence of tectonic plate collisions.
3. Geoparks Across the Middle East and Latin America
Saudi Arabia: North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark
- Situated at the foothills of Tuwaiq Mountain, this geopark is known for its Tabletop Mountains and cultural landmarks.
Saudi Arabia: Salma UNESCO Global Geopark
- This geopark features volcanic and magmatic rocks over 740 million years old, providing insight into deep Earth processes.
Viet Nam: Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark
- Located in the rugged limestone peaks of northern Viet Nam, it presents evidence of volcanic eruptions and evolving ecosystems.
Ecuador: Napo Sumaco UNESCO Global Geopark
- Situated in the Amazon Basin, it includes Sumaco Volcano and geological activity from the Jurassic period to the present.
Ecuador: Tungurahua Volcano UNESCO Global Geopark
- Known for its volcanic and glacial history spanning over 417 million years in the Ecuadorian Andes.
UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGPs): Overview
- Launched: In 2015 as part of the International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme (IGGP).
- Definition: A UGGP is a single, unified geographical area of international geological significance.
- Management: Must be managed by a legally recognized body under national laws.
- Reassessment: Every 4 years.
- Networking: Membership in the GGN is mandatory.
Focus Areas
- Protection
- Education
- Sustainable Development
Global Geoparks Network (GGN)
- Type: Non-profit International Association under UNESCO.
Purpose
- Establishes ethical standards.
- Promotes networking and best practices among Global Geoparks.