The UNESCO Global Geopark label was created in 2015. It recognizes geological heritage of international significance. Geoparks serve local communities by combining the conservation of their significant geological heritage with public outreach and a sustainable approach to development. The 18 new designations have brought the network up to 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks, covering a total surface area of 486,709 km2, equivalent to twice the size of the United Kingdom.
The new geoparks are:
- Brazil: Caçapava UNESCO Global Geopark
- Brazil: Quarta Colônia UNESCO Global Geopark
- Greece: Lavreotiki UNESCO Global Geopark
- Indonesia: Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark
- Indonesia: Maros Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark
- Indonesia: Merangin Jambi UNESCO Global Geopark
- Indonesia: Raja Ampat UNESCO Global Geopark
- Iran: Aras UNESCO Global Geopark
- Iran: Tabas UNESCO Global Geopark
- Japan: Hakusan Tedorigawa UNESCO Global Geopark
- Malaysia: Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark
- New Zealand: Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark
- Norway: Sunnhordland UNESCO Global Geopark
- Philippines: Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark
- Republic of Korea: Jeonbuk West Coast UNESCO Global Geopark
- Spain: Cabo Ortegal UNESCO Global Geopark
- Thailand: Khorat UNESCO Global Geopark
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark