UNESCO'S GEOPARKS INITIATIVE – EDUCATION, CONSERVATION, GEOTOURISM
The overall goal of a Geopark is to integrate the preservation of significant examples of geological heritage within a strategy for regional sustainable and cultural development, while safeguarding the environment.
To be eligible for Geopark designation, geographical areas must include nationally or globally significant geological heritage elements consisting of: (a) scientifically important, or especially striking, scenic, or unusual geologic phenomena; (b) historically important sites where particular geologic features, rock types, landforms or type specimens of fossils were first recognized and described; (c) outstanding examples of geologic features, structures, fossils, processes, and landforms; and/or (d) historical sites where cultural events were tied to an area’s geologic features, such as those in the history of geology, mining, and geology in early exploration and settlement.
The Global Geoparks Network is coordinated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which brings together the ‘family’ of Geoparks under one global umbrella. More and more Geoparks are being designated in Europe and beyond each year and the network is growing around the world. The United States (US) has not yet signed on to participate in the Global Geoparks Network but is considering the option. The Geological Society of America (GSA), together with the National Park Service (NPS), US Geological Survey (USGS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is taking the lead to evaluate the UNESCO Geoparks initiative in order help make recommendations regarding US participation. In this session, we will discuss how the Geoparks concept may be applied within the American community of protected areas and is seeking input from the geologic community.