News
Celebrating a Decade of UNESCO’s Global Geoparks: A Call for Sustainability and Cooperation
The UNESCO Headquarters in Paris recently hosted the 10th Anniversary of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), marking a decade of scientific collaboration and sustainable development through geoparks worldwide.
During this landmark event, H.E. Ambassador Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, delivered a compelling address, emphasizing the programme’s vital role in bridging science, culture, and local communities.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks are living laboratories of sustainability, where geology meets humanity, and where the past informs the future. In this era of unprecedented environmental challenges, these protected spaces remind us that our heritage is not only to be preserved but to be understood and shared for the well-being of future generations.
The event gathered leading geoscientists, policymakers, and geopark representatives, reflecting on the programme’s impact across 48 countries. Over the past ten years, IGGP has contributed to research, education, and geotourism, promoting the conservation of geological heritage while fostering economic resilience in local communities.
A highlight of the event was the discussion on climate resilience and the role of geoparks in climate adaptation. Ambassador Miculescu called for stronger international cooperation, emphasizing that:
Our collective responsibility is to ensure that these territories of knowledge and biodiversity thrive, reinforcing the balance between human activity and nature.
The celebration also included an interactive exhibition, showcasing the remarkable achievements of various UNESCO Global Geoparks, and a series of panel discussions addressing the future of sustainable geopark management.
With the next decade ahead, UNESCO remains committed to expanding and strengthening the IGGP, reinforcing its mission to educate, engage, and empower societies in the face of global environmental challenges.
