UGGp Networks and Committees
At present, there are 169 UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) in 44 countries, with 88, including Ireland’s 3 UGGps, in Europe. Frameworks to support these UGGps include networks across different regional scales, and committees including representatives from the geoparks, representatives from UNESCO, and more specialised experts.
What is UNESCO?
’Building peace in the minds of men and women.’
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific, & Cultural Organisation. It has supported Geoparks since their early development and on 17 November 2015, the 195 Member States of UNESCO ratified the creation of a new label, the UNESCO Global Geoparks, during the 38th General Conference of the Organisation. This expresses governmental recognition of the importance of managing outstanding geological sites and landscapes in a holistic manner.
Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Committee
The Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Committee (IUGGC) was formerly known as the All-Ireland Geoparks Forum. This was set up in 2007 to help support Ireland’s Geoparks and Geopark projects. It is Co-chaired by the Geological Surveys of Ireland and Northern Ireland and has representatives from each of Ireland’s three UGGs.
It was re-formed as the IUGGC in 2015, following UNESCO’s ratification of Global Geoparks as UNESCO Global Geoparks, which required a new committee to oversee the new geopark application process. The Committee now works closely with Ireland’s National Commission to UNESCO and allows for representatives from environmental, tourism and conservation bodies to attend meetings.
The IUGGC meets twice a year and holds an Annual Forum to showcase Ireland’s UNESCO Global Geoparks and other Geopark and geotourism projects.
Annual Irish Geoparks Forum 2019
European Geoparks Network
The European Geoparks Network (EGN) was established in June 2000 by four Geoparks in France, Greece, Germany and Spain. The main objective of their cooperation was the protection of geological heritage and the promotion of sustainable development of their territories in Europe. In 2001 the EGN signed an official agreement of collaboration with UNESCO (Division of Earth Sciences) placing the Network under their auspices.
The EGN has a Coordination Committee that coordinates joint programmes and activities between members. It meets twice a year in a different Geopark and comprises two official nominated representatives of each Geopark, GGN Individual members from Europe and representatives of UNESCO, IUGS and IUCN.
The EGN’s Advisory Committee is made up of specialists in sustainable development and the promotion of geological heritage. These specialists include representatives from the 4 original zones of the EGN plus elected members and representatives from UNESCO, IUGS and IUCN. The Advisory Committee provides advice on all issues concerning strategy, external relations and the nomination and integration of new zones within the network. As of April 2021, 88 of the 169 UNESCO Global Geoparks are located in Europe, including Ireland’s 3 Geoparks.
Global Geoparks Network
In 2004 the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was founded under the umbrella of UNESCO and saw the first of the Chinese Geoparks joining the Network. The European and Asia-Pacific regional networks have now been augmented by the Latin America and the Caribbean Geopark Network, and the African Geopark Network.
The Global Geoparks Network (GGN), of which membership is obligatory for UNESCO Global Geoparks, is a not-for-profit organisation with an annual membership fee. The GGN is a dynamic network where members are committed to work together in common projects and exchange ideas of best practise to raise the quality standards of all products and practises of a UNESCO Global Geopark. The GGN comes together every two years, but functions through the operation of the regional networks, such as the European Geoparks Network that meets twice a year to develop and promote joint activities.
As of April 2021, 169 UGGs in 44 countries are members of the Global UNESCO Geoparks Network.