UNESCO Expands Global Geoparks Network with Eight New Designations
The UNESCO Executive Board has approved the designation of eight new UNESCO Global Geoparks, bringing the total number of sites in the Global Geoparks Network to 177 across 46 countries. With this expansion, Luxembourg and Sweden join the Network for the first time, marking their entry into the global community of geoparks.
The UNESCO Global Geopark label, unanimously ratified by Member States in 2015, recognizes geological heritage of international significance. These sites showcase extraordinary geological diversity that underpins the biological and cultural richness of their regions. By combining the conservation of unique geological heritage with public education and sustainable development, geoparks serve as catalysts for local community empowerment and global knowledge exchange.
With the latest designations, the Network now spans a surface area of 370,662 km², comparable to the size of Japan, reinforcing its role as a truly global initiative.
This year’s new designations include two geoparks in Latin America and six in Europe. While COVID‑19 restrictions prevented the evaluation of new applications from Asia, Africa, and the Arab region, several projects are currently underway to expand the Network into these regions in the near future.
