IGCP 731. IUGS GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE SITES. THE GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE RECOGNITION OF GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE WORLDWIDE

In the 1990s, the Global Geosites Working Group of IUGS started the development of a database of geological sites of international relevance. The project had the support of ProGEO, IUCN and UNESCO and was implemented in several European countries, but it did not manage to get the global acceptance that was initially expected.

This new IUGS Global Geosites project opens a new opportunity, to accomplish a worldwide inventory of geological heritage of scientific international relevance in a new context where UNESCO Global Geoparks can play an important role. Geological surveys, research institutions and geoparks from around the world will cooperate and contribute towards a new IUGS Global Geosite inventory that will be driven and coordinated by the International Commission on Geoheritage (IUGS). This project is defining a new methodology and criteria towards an effective procedure where the acquired know-how and experience will be shared and put to work.

IUGS - Geological Heritage Sites are a long demanded initiative that will serve as a reference for national or regional initiatives related to geoheritage, geoconservation or geotourism. Geoheritage initiatives from EEUU can have a great opportunity to be internationally recognized and play a major role on the development of this international and interdisciplinary scientific programme.