Syllabus 

GS 1: Geographical features and their location

GS 2: Important International institutions

Context: 

Recently, UNESCO has added 16 additional sites from 11 nations to its Global Geoparks Network..

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The new geoparks are in China, North Korea, Ecuador, Indonesia, Italy, Norway, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

At present, there are 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries.

North Korea marked a historic milestone with the inclusion of its first site in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, while Saudi Arabia made its debut on the list with the designation of two new geoparks.

As of April 30, 2025, India does not have any UNESCO Global Geoparks as. India is still exploring the idea of developing geoparks.

On 5 March 2025, UNESCO celebrated the 10th anniversary of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, UNESCO’s flagship programme in the Earth Sciences.

The list of the 16 new Global Geoparks and their respective countries:

• China: Kanbula and Yunyang. 
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Mt Paektu. 
• Ecuador: Napo Sumaco and Tungurahua Volcano. 
• Indonesia: Kebumen and Meratus. 
• Italy: Murgeopark. 
• Norway: The Fjord Coast. 
• Republic of Korea: Danyang and Gyeongbuk Donghaean. 
• Saudi Arabia: North Riyadh and Salma. 
• Spain: Costa Quebrada. 
• United Kingdom: Arran. 
• Viet Nam: Lang Son. 

What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?

UNESCO Global Geoparks established in 2015, are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. 

According to UNESCO, a Global Geopark uses its geological heritage along with the area's natural and cultural features to raise awareness about important issues like sustainable resource use, climate change and natural hazard risk reduction.

The establishment of a UNESCO Global Geopark is a bottom-up process involving a strong local multiple partnership with long-term public and political support.

There are four fundamental features to a UNESCO Global Geopark.

• Geological heritage of international value: The area must have geological heritage of international value.
• Effective management structure: UNESCO Global Geoparks are managed by a body having legal existence recognised under national legislation.
• Visibility: UNESCO Global Geoparks promote sustainable local economic development mainly through geotourism. To stimulate the geotourism in the area, it is crucial that a UNESCO Global Geopark has visibility.
• Networking: Membership of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is obligatory for UNESCO Global Geoparks.
• The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is a legally constituted not-for-profit organisation with an annual membership fee, which was founded in 2004. UNESCO Global Geoparks must be member of the GGN

UNESCO Global Geopark Designation and Review Process

Sites are designated as UNESCO Global Geoparks for a period of four years. After this period, their functioning and quality are thoroughly re-examined through a revalidation process.

• Revalidation Outcome: Green Card
• If, based on the field evaluation report, the Geopark continues to meet the required criteria, its designation is renewed for another four years. 
• Warning Stage: Yellow Card
• If the Geopark no longer meets the criteria, the management body is notified and given two years to make the necessary improvements. This stage is known as receiving a “yellow card.”
• Revocation of Status: Red Card

If the Geopark fails to meet the required criteria within the two-year correction period after receiving a yellow card, it loses its UNESCO Global Geopark status. This is referred to as a “red card.”

UNESCO

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization was established on 16 November 1945. 

UNESCO has 195 members and 8 member associates and is constituted by the General Conference and the Executive Board.

India is a founding member of UNESCO.

UNESCO is governed by two main bodies: the General Conference and the Executive Board.

The organization has more than 50 regional offices around the world.

and its hHeadquarters:ed in Paris.

The objectives of UNESCO are as follows:

• Full Education for all recipients and students
• Working on knowledge and policy for sustainable development
• Promoting Cultural Diversity and a Culture of Peace
• Playing an important role in maintaining peace in the world
• Taking Social and Moral Resolutions
• Focusing more on Global Regions
• Building a good society through Information and Communication.