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A growing network: 16 New UNESCO Global Geoparks welcomed at UNESCO Headquarters

A landmark ceremony at UNESCO HQ celebrated the growing network of Global Geoparks and the communities behind them.

Italian geopark stakeholders meet with the Italian Delegation at the Awards Ceremony

3 June 2025

Last update:4 June 2025

On 2 June 2025, UNESCO hosted a welcome event for 16 newly designated UNESCO Global Geoparks. The new designations extend across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and include two new countries—Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia—who join the UNESCO Global Geoparks network for the first time. The gathering brought together managers and partners from the new geoparks, along with Delegations, National Commissions and partners from across the world—many meeting in person for the first time.

Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, welcomed participants, reflecting on the role of geoparks as sites “that really change livelihoods—not only at the local level, but regionally and even globally.”

Indonesian participants at celebration of new Global Geoparks

Participants from Indonesia’s Meratus and Kebumen Geoparks, together with representatives from the Indonesian delegation.

16 new UNESCO Global Geoparks

“This is not just a ceremony—it’s a family gathering,” remarked Antonio Abreu, Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences at UNESCO, capturing the tone of the day.

Each new geopark shared a short presentation—delivered in person or online—introducing their site and outlining their hopes for the future as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network. From the volcanic formations of Kebumen in Indonesia, to the glacier-sculpted coast of Arran in Scotland, to fossil sites in Yunyang, China and coastal cliffs in Costa Quebrada, Spain, the presentations reflected diverse landscapes and cultures united by a shared commitment to sustainability.

Now, as part of UNESCO’s global network, we gain not just recognition, but shared knowledge and united strength. Together, we can turn local resilience into global impact.

Malcolm Wilkinson, Geopark Operations Manager, Arran UNESCO Global Geopark

Several speakers emphasised the role of geoparks in education, local employment, conservation, and disaster risk reduction. Representatives from Ecuador’s Tungurahua Volcano and Napo Sumaco geoparks noted the importance of Indigenous communities in their management. Meanwhile, the Lang Son Geopark in Vietnam shared its ambition to link geoheritage with traditional song, storytelling, and ancestral practices.

Our vision is to make the local community proud of the area they live in.

Espen Braastein, Geologist and Project leader, The Fjord Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Norway

The Tungurahua Volcano Geopark is the clear example of the how geological and cultural heritage can contribute to sustainable development and the well-being of local communities.

Myriam Piray Quezada, Coordinator, Tungurahua Volcano UNESCO Global Geopark, Ecuador

Presentation by coordinator at Napo Sumaco UNESCO Global Geopark, Ecuador

José Luis Sánchez, Napo Sumaco UNESCO Global Geopark, Ecuador

Strengthening the network

Kristof Vandenberghe, Chief of the Earth Sciences and Geoparks Section, offered an overview of current UNESCO initiatives to strengthen and expand the network. With 229 geoparks now recognised across 50 countries, he highlighted ongoing efforts to build capacity in underrepresented regions—such as sub-Saharan Africa, the Arab States, and Central Asia, as well as in Small Island Developing States.

Training efforts in India, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Latin America were cited, alongside initiatives to strengthen national coordination, provide expert support, and assist new sites with the UNESCO Global Geopark application process.

Kristof Vandenberghe presenting the UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme

Kristof Vandenberghe, Chief of the Earth Sciences and Geoparks section, presenting capacity-building activities coordinated by UNESCO secretariat.

The event concluded with a group photo and a reception featuring local foods from geopark regions, coordinated by the GEOfood initiative.

“There’s no better way to start the week,” said Antonio Abreu, thanking the communities, scientists, and policymakers who make the programme possible. He closed saying “Let these new geoparks inspire us — through their stories, their landscapes, and the communities that make them what they are — as powerful models for sustainable development.”

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Participants at the ceremony for new UNESCO Global Geoparks in conversation

Anna Nsubuga, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Thi Van Anh Nguyen Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the UNESCO with Özlem Adiyaman Lopes, Programme Specialist Earth Sciences and Geoparks section, Sophie Justice, Coordinator of the European Network of UNESCO Global Geoparks, Malcolm Wilkinson, Arran UNESCO Global Geopark.

Stakeholders from Meratus UNESCO Global Geopark, Indonesia.

Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Eisa, lifelong resident of North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark, Saudi Arabia, with Kristof Vandenberghe, Chief of UNESCO’s Earth Sciences and Geoparks section, and Hussam Turki, Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative.

Delegates and geopark representatives try products from UNESCO Global Geoparks and GEOfood specialities during the closing reception at UNESCO Headquarters.

Local products from UNESCO Global Geoparks featured along with the GEOfood initiative led by Ms Sarah Gentilini who organised the reception.

Antonio Abreu, Director of Ecological and Earth Sciences, UNESCO, shares a moment with H.E Dr Abdulelah Ali S Altokhais, Permanent Delegate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO, following the country’s first geopark designations.