UNESCO names 18 new Global Geoparks

  • 2023-05-25
  • Admin Admin
UNESCO’s Executive Board has endorsed the addition of 18 sites to the UNESCO Global Geoparks network. This brings the total number of geoparks to 195 in 48 countries. Two UNESCO Member States join the network: New Zealand and the Philippines.

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:
  1. Brazil: Caçapava UNESCO Global Geopark
  2. Brazil: Quarta Colônia UNESCO Global Geopark
  3. Greece: Lavreotiki UNESCO Global Geopark
  4. Indonesia: Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark
  5. Indonesia: Maros Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark
  6. Indonesia: Merangin Jambi UNESCO Global Geopark
  7. Indonesia: Raja Ampat UNESCO Global Geopark
  8. Iran: Aras UNESCO Global Geopark
  9. Iran: Tabas UNESCO Global Geopark
  10. Japan: Hakusan Tedorigawa UNESCO Global Geopark
  11. Malaysia: Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark
  12. New Zealand: Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark
  13. Norway: Sunnhordland UNESCO Global Geopark
  14. Philippines: Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark
  15. Republic of Korea: Jeonbuk West Coast UNESCO Global Geopark
  16. Spain: Cabo Ortegal UNESCO Global Geopark
  17. Thailand: Khorat UNESCO Global Geopark
  18. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark