CRITERIA FOR UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS

(i)  UNESCO Global Geoparks must be single, unified geographical areas where sites and

landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept

of protection, education, research and sustainable development. A UNESCO Global

Geopark must have a clearly defined border, be of adequate size to fulfil its functions

and contain geological heritage of international significance as independently verified

by scientific professionals.

(ii)  UNESCO Global Geoparks should use that heritage, in connection with all other

aspects of that area’s natural and cultural heritage, to promote awareness of key

issues facing society in the context of the dynamic planet we all live on, including but

not limited to increasing knowledge and understanding of: geoprocesses; geohazards;

climate change; the need for the sustainable use of Earth’s natural resources; the

evolution of life and the empowerment of indigenous peoples.

(iii)  UNESCO Global Geoparks should be areas with a management body having legal

existence recognized under national legislation. The management bodies should be

appropriately equipped to adequately address the area of the UNESCO Global

Geopark in its entirety.

(iv)  In the case where an applying area overlaps with another UNESCO designated site,

such as a World Heritage Site or Biosphere Reserve, the request must be clearly

justified and evidence must be provided for how UNESCO Global Geopark status will

add value by being both independently branded and in synergy with the other

designations.

(v)  UNESCO Global Geoparks should actively involve local communities and indigenous

peoples as key stakeholders in the Geopark. In partnership with local communities, a

co-management plan needs to be drafted and implemented that provides for the social

and economic needs of local populations, protects the landscape in which they live and

conserves their cultural identity. It is recommended that all relevant local and regional

actors and authorities be represented in the management of a UNESCO Global

Geopark. Local and indigenous knowledge, practice and management systems should

be included, alongside science, in the planning and management of the area.

(vi)  UNESCO Global Geoparks are encouraged to share their experience and advice and

to undertake joint projects within the GGN. Membership of GGN is obligatory.

(vii) A UNESCO Global Geopark must respect local and national laws relating to the

protection of geological heritage. The defining geological heritage sites within a

UNESCO Global Geopark must be legally protected in advance of any application. At

the same time, a UNESCO Global Geopark should be used as leverage for promoting

the protection of geological heritage locally and nationally. The management body must

not participate directly in the sale of geological objects such as fossils, minerals,

polished rocks and ornamental rocks of the type normally found in so-called “rock-

shops” within the UNESCO Global Geopark (regardless of their origin) and should

actively discourage unsustainable trade in geological materials as a whole. Where

clearly justified as a responsible activity and as part of delivering the most effective and

sustainable means of site management, it may permit sustainable collecting of

geological materials for scientific and educational purposes from naturally renewable

sites within the UNESCO Global Geopark. Trade of geological materials based on such

a system may be tolerated in exceptional circumstances, provided it is clearly and

publicly explained, justified and monitored as the best option for the Global Geopark in

relation to local circumstances. Such circumstances will be subject to approval by the

UNESCO Global Geoparks Council on a case by case basis.

(viii) These criteria are verified through checklists for evaluation and revalidation.