Call for hosts of the 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2022

  • 2020-09-17
  • Admin Admin

Call for hosts of the 10th International
Conference on UNESCO Global
Geoparks in 2022


This call to host the 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2022 is open to countries or regions that already have functional UNESCO Global Geoparks, whose contribution will be essential for the success of the event. If your organization or country is interested in hosting the 2022 Conference, you are kindly invited to submit a well-developed technical proposal specifying the offer.

The deadline for submissions is 30 April 2020.

UNESCO Global Geoparks are places of international geological significance, managed using a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. UNESCO Global Geopark use their geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural disasters-related risks. 

Organized every two years, the International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks bring people together from across the world to share the latest findings and experiences on a wide variety of topics, from geological research to sustainable tourism, education or participative management for sustainable development. It is the most important meeting for the managers of UNESCO Global Geoparks and members of the Global Geoparks Network meet and exchange knowledge and experiences on Geopark building and operation.

To apply, please follow the instructions of the full call for hosts of the 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2022 (pdf) and send your applications by 30 April 2020.

Some of the aspects that must be covered by the proposal include:

Technical aspects

For example, the conference must be hosted and organized by an efficient and experienced team, including UNESCO Global Geopark specialists and geoscientists, communication experts, administration support team and tourism specialists. The venue of the meeting should be big enough to accommodate 800 – 1000 delegates and should provide easy access for international participants.

Financial aspects

The conference and the preparations must be financed by the organizers who should seek private and public funding if needed. The budget should include the cost of hosting the meeting of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council (UGGpC – 16p) and GGN Executive Board (13p), including travel, hotel and subsistence allowance for three days.

Organization

The past conferences had strong local, governmental and ministerial support and extensive media coverage. The organization team is advised to include governmental entities as well as a broad spectrum of other groups like Tourism Boards, Councils of towns, counties, Geological Surveys, Universities, etc. 
The bid should foresee logistic arrangements for several other open and closed business meetings, workshops and events will run both in advance and during the conference.

Content 

The Conference theme must be closely related to the core topics of the UNESCO Global Geoparks. Each organizer will put the focus on specific themes of their interest, which are not preliminarily fixed but will be discussed in more detail with UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network during the preparation and planning phase.

Carbon Footprint Mitigation Initiative

Since UGGps are propagating environmentally friendly tourism, the conference organizer may want to propose ways/projects to reduce the carbon footprint of such a big gathering.

Timing

Please ensure that your full bid is submitted electronically by April 30, 2020, following the instructions of the full call for hosts of the 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2022 (pdf). The candidates will then have an opportunity to reply to comments on their application by the UNESCO Secretariat and GGN Executive Board until 20 June 2020. The candidates will have the opportunity to present a final version of their bid (10-15 min) before the GGN Executive Board at its meeting on 16 September 2020.

Please note that we strive to rotate the hosting of the International Conference to different regions of the world.

The above list is not exhaustive and aims only to provide some first guidance.

More information: