UNESCO Geoparks are natural treasures that stand out for their geological, landscape and cultural value. These exceptional sites are recognized for their importance in conservation, education and sustainable development. Currently, there are 213 that are spread across 48 countries. Recently, UNESCO designated a list of new Geoparks.
What are UNESCO Geoparks?
They are geographical areas that stand out for their unique geological heritage and cultural relevance. In these places, geology played a fundamental role in shaping the landscape and the life of local communities. The Geoparks category was created in 2015 by UNESCO and the choice is based on the geology of the place, its scientific, educational and tourist value, as well as its contribution to sustainable development.
They play a crucial role in the conservation and protection of geological and natural heritage. Additionally, they promote environmental and geo-scientific education, offering unique opportunities to learn about the history of the Earth and its evolution. They also encourage sustainable development by promoting responsible tourism and generating economic opportunities for local communities.
UNESCO added new Geoparks to the existing list
In November 2023, UNESCO designated 18 new Geoparks. The following four make up this new list:
- Fourth Colony in Brazil: The area is notable for its rich diversity of fossil fauna and flora, dating back 230 million years. It stands out for containing the oldest dinosaur fossils in the world, dating back to the Triassic period.
- Ijen in Indonesia: This is one of several that were named in Indonesia. It is located in Banyuwangi and Bondowoso regencies, East Java. It is a meeting point for human migration and trade. It is part of a volcanic caldera system and is one of the most active volcanoes in the region, with 22 post-caldera volcanic cones. Its crater lake is the most acidic in the world and the largest of its kind.
- Aras in Iran: The Geopark is in northwest Iran, near the Aras River. This mountain range creates different climates and geological and biological diversity. Its most important characteristic is the presence of traces of a mass extinction 252 million years ago, marking the change between the Permian and the Triassic.
- Hakusan Tedorigawa in Japan: It is in the center of Japan and covers about 300 million years of history. Here, rocks show the collision of continents and contain dinosaur fossils deposited in ancient rivers and lakes when Japan was still united with Eurasia. About 15 million years ago, during the tectonic separation of Japan from Eurasia, volcanic deposits formed due to plate subduction.
UNESCO designations
UNESCO designates three types of sites: UNESCO World Geoparks, biosphere reserves and World Heritage sites. Together, they represent and celebrate our heritage, preserving cultural, biological and geological diversity while promoting sustainable development. Just as biosphere reserves focus on the management of biological and cultural diversity, and World Heritage sites promote the conservation of places of great universal value, UNESCO Global Geoparks internationally recognize sites that highlight the importance of protecting the geodiversity from the earth.
