UNESCOGlobalGeoparks
United Nations and
Cultural Organization
Celebrating Earth Heritage, Sustaining Local CommunitiesUNESCO Global Geoparks
AUSTRIA
1 Styrian Eisenwurzen UNESCO Global Geopark
2 Carnic Alps UNESCO Global Geopark
3 Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark
BRAZIL
4 Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark
CANADA
5 Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark
6 Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark
CHINA
7 Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark
8 Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark
9 Yuntaishan UNESCO Global Geopark
10 Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark
11 Songshan UNESCO Global Geopark
12 Shilin UNESCO Global Geopark
13 Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
14 Lushan UNESCO Global Geopark
15 Hexigten UNESCO Global Geopark
16 Taining UNESCO Global Geopark
17 Xingwen UNESCO Global Geopark
18 Yandangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
19 Jingpohu UNESCO Global Geopark
20 Leiqiong UNESCO Global Geopark
21 Taishan UNESCO Global Geopark
22 Wangwushan-Daimeishan UNESCO Global Geopark
23 Fangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
24 Funiushan UNESCO Global Geopark
25 Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark
26 Longhushan UNESCO Global Geopark
27 Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark
28 Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark
29 Ningde UNESCO Global Geopark
30 Leye Fengshan UNESCO Global Geopark
31 Tianzhushan UNESCO Global Geopark
32 Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
33 Sanqingshan UNESCO Global Geopark
34 Shennongjia UNESCO Global Geopark
35 Yanqing UNESCO Global Geopark
36 Mount Kunlun UNESCO Global Geopark
37 Dali-Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
38 Dunhuang UNESCO Global Geopark
39 Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark
CROATIA
40 Papuk UNESCO Global Geopark
CYPRUS
41 Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark
CZECHIA
42 Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark
DENMARK
43 Odsherred UNESCO Global Geopark
FINLAND
44 Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark
FRANCE
45 Haute-Provence UNESCO Global Geopark
46 Luberon UNESCO Global Geopark
47 Massif des Bauges UNESCO Global Geopark
48 Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark
49 Monts d'Ardèche UNESCO Global Geopark
GERMANY
50 Vulkaneifel UNESCO Global Geopark
51 TERRA. vita UNESCO Global Geopark
52 Bergstraße-Odenwald UNESCO Global Geopark
53 Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark
54 Harz, Braunschweiger Land UNESCO Global Geopark
GREECE
55 Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark
56 Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark
57 Chelmos Vouraikos UNESCO Global Geopark
58 Vikos - Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark
59 Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark
HUNGARY
60 Bakony-Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark
ICELAND
61 Katla UNESCO Global Geopark
62 Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark
INDONESIA
63 Batur UNESCO Global Geopark
64 Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global Geopark
IRELAND
65 Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark
66 Burren and Cliff s of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark
ITALY
67 Madonie UNESCO Global Geopark
68 Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark
69 Parco Geominerario della Sardegna UNESCO Global Geopark
70 Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark
71 Adamello Brenta UNESCO Global Geopark
72 Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni UNESCO Global Geopark
73 Tuscan Mining Park UNESCO Global Geopark
74 Alpi Apuane UNESCO Global Geopark
75 Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark
76 Pollino UNESCO Global Geopark
JAPAN
77 Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark
78 Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark
79 Toya - Usu UNESCO Global Geopark
80 San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark
81 Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark
82 Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark
83 Aso UNESCO Global Geopark
84 Mt. Apoi UNESCO Global Geopark
MALAYSIA
85 Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark
MOROCCO
86 M'Goun UNESCO Global Geopark
NETHERLANDS
87 De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark
NORWAY
88 Gea Norvegica UNESCO Global Geopark
89 Magma UNESCO Global Geopark
PORTUGAL
90 Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional UNESCO Global Geopark
91 Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark
92 Açores UNESCO Global Geopark
93 Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
94 Jeju UNESCO Global Geopark
ROMANIA
95 Haţeg UNESCO Global Geopark
SLOVENIA
96 Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark
SPAIN
97 Cabo de Gata-Níjar UNESCO Global Geopark
98 Sierras Subbéticas UNESCO Global Geopark
99 Sobrarbe-Pirineos UNESCO Global Geoparkss
100 Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark
101 Sierra Norte de Sevilla UNESCO Global Geopark
102 Villuercas Ibores Jara UNESCO Global Geopark
103 Central Catalonia UNESCO Global Geopark
104 Molina & Alto Tajo UNESCO Global Geopark
105 El Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark
106 Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands UNESCO Global Geopark
TURKEY
107 Kula Volcanic UNESCO Global Geopark
UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
108 North Pennines AONB UNESCO Global Geopark
109 North-West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark
110 Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark
111 English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
112 GeoMôn UNESCO Global Geopark
113 Shetland UNESCO Global Geopark
URUGUAY
114 Grutas del Palacio UNESCO Global Geopark
VIET NAM
115 Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark
AUSTRIA & SLOVENIA
116 Karawanken/Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark
GERMANY & POLAND
117Muskauer Faltenbogen / Łuk Mużakowa UNESCO Global Geopark
HUNGARY & SLOVAKIA
118 Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark
IRELAND & UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
119 Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark
UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
UNESCO Global GeoparksDivision of Ecological and Earth Sciences
UNESCO7, place de Fontenoy75352 Paris 07 SPFrance
unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/[email protected]
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© L
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SC-2017/WS/7
UNESCO Global Geoparks include sites and landscapes of international geological significance which are managed in a way that promotes sustainable tourism which respects both local people and the traveller, geological, natural, cultural and intangible heritage and the environment.
UNESCO Global Geoparks
showcase the beauty and
diversity of planet Earth in 119
extraordinary places spread out
across the world. Explore the
magnificent cliffs of the Basque
Coast, Spain; admire dinosaur
fossils millions of years old in
Zigong, China; or hike around one
of the largest volcanic calderas in
Indonesia. Go beyond the usual
tourist experience!
All UNESCO Global Geoparks
combine geology with the
empowerment of local
communities and create
opportunities for sustainable
tourism. By declaring 2017
International Year of Sustainable
Tourism for Development,
implemented under the
guidance of the World Tourism
Organization, the United Nations
recognized the importance
of tourism and sustainable
development for the wellbeing
of people.
By creating greater awareness
of the rich natural, cultural and
intangible heritage of people
around the world, UNESCO Global
Geoparks contribute to a better
understanding of the inherent
values of different cultures.
They work together under the
umbrella of UNESCO, and as
such contribute to global peace-
building.
2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its 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 Earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of
climate change and reducing the impact of natural disasters. By raising awareness of the importance of the area’s geological heritage in history and society today, UNESCO Global Geoparks give local people a sense of pride in their region and strengthen their identification with the area. The creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs and high quality training courses is stimulated as new sources of revenue are generated through geotourism, while the geological resources of the area are protected.
© Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark
90°N
60°N
30°N
30°S
60°S
90°S
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Micronesia (Federated States of)Central African Republic
D e m o c r a t i c R e p u b l i c
o f t h e C o n g o
U n i t e d S t a t e s o f A m e r i c a
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Syrian Arab Republic
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Trinidad and Tobago
R u s s i a n F e d e r a t i o n
Brunei Darussalam
Republic of Korea
Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands
Turkmenistan
Guinea-Bissau
South Sudan
S o u t h A f r i c a
Burkina Faso
Sierra Leone
Montenegro
Switzerland
Cook Islands
Côte d'Ivoire
New Zealand
A f g h a n i s t a n
Madagascar
S a u d i A r a b i a
El Salvador
Puerto RicoDominican Republic
Bangladesh
Kyrgyzstan
Timor-Leste
Mozambique
K a z a k h s t a n
Seychelles
Cabo Verde
Sao Tome and Principe
Uzbekistan
Greenland
Azerbaijan
M a u r i t a n i a
Guatemala
Saint LuciaBarbados
Philippines
Costa Rica
Singapore
A r g e n t i n a
Nicaragua
B o t s w a n a
Swaziland
Honduras
Cameroon
Equatorial Guinea
United Arab Emirates
Democratic People’s Republic
of KoreaTajikistan
Paraguay
A u s t r a l i a
Mauritius
I n d o n e s i a
Suriname
Z i m b a b w e
Lithuania
M o n g o l i a
Cambodia
Morocco
Comoros
Myanmar
Germany
Sri Lanka
Uruguay
C o l o m b i a
Bolivia
(Plurinational State of)
Ecuador
Grenada
Lao P.D.R.
Thailand
Tanzania
Denmark
Maldives
Bulgaria
Pa k i s t a n
Bahamas
M a l a y s i a
Vanuatu
DominicaAntigua and Barbuda
Lebanon
Lesotho
Slovakia
Viet Nam
Belarus
Senegal
Burundi
Romania
E t h i o p i a
Georgia
Djibouti
Rwanda
Sweden FinlandNorway
Bahrain
Ukraine
Cyprus
PalestineIsrael
Armenia
Eritrea
Estonia
BelgiumNetherlands
CroatiaSlovenia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Luxembourg
Uganda
SomaliaGuyana
Venezuela
(Bolivarian Republic of)
Bhutan
Iceland
United Kingdomof Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Ireland
Portugal
AndorraMonaco
San Marino
CzechiaAustria
Hungary
A l g e r i a
Panama
Jamaica
Albania
Jordan
C a n a d a
Greece
F.Y.R.O.M.
Republic of Moldova
Turkey
A n g o l a
France
Poland
Kiribati
N a m i b i a
N i g e r i a
Tunisia
Malawi
Kuwait
Gambia
Guinea
Liberia
M e x i c o
Serbia
Z a m b i a
CongoGabon
Ghana
S u d a n Yemen
QatarE g y p t
Latvia
B r a z i l
Belize
Kenya
Malta
Palau
Japan
Nepal
N i g e r
C h i n a
Benin
Spain
Oman
Togo
Chile
Pe r u
C h a d
Cuba
Italy
L i b y a
I n d i a
Haiti
I r a q
e
M a l i
111
119
102
109
108
101
110
104
112
118
107
113
100
115
117
106
103
105
116
114
42
40
89
95
60
49
54
88
67
43
70
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45
50
48
44
65
57
20
87
32
16
18
63
17
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64
30
29
55
26
58
56
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75
86
3890
98
91
92
36
93
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28
97
73
62
47
39
52
74
66
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81
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See country index on back side of map for site listings.Number indicates site order by year of inscription within each country.
Only Member States of UNESCO are labelled on this map.United Nations country boundaries shown as of August 2016.
Th e reduced scale of the map and the cartographic projection have resulted in approximate locations of some sites
Land cover data: Tom Patterson, US National Park ServicesMap editing and lay-out: Th omas DoesselaereText: Th omas Doesselaere & Katrien HeirmanComposed and printed in the workshops of UNESCO© UNESCO Printed December 2016
Map projection: World Winkler IScale: 1 : 70 000 000
Th e designations employed and the presentation of material on this map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. Th e fi nal status of Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been agreed upon by the parties. Final boundary between the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan has not yet been determined.
Th e best way to visit the BURREN AND CLIFFS OF MOHER UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK in Ireland is by bicycle. To promote the Geopark as a bicycle friendly destination, several businesses off er a free cup of tea to anyone who arrives to their business by bicycle. Stimulating visitors to explore the Geopark on a bicycle, this initiative encourages sustainable development of tourism in harmony with nature and local people.
© Th e Burren and Cliff s of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark / Arthur Ellis
Situated in the northern Italian Alps, the ADAMELLO BRENTA UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK encourages low impact tourism activities and tries to enhance climate change awareness. Th e total area of the 41 glaciers on the Geoparks’ territory has decreased by at least a third in the last 40 years. Guided glacier-tours allows you to witness the impact of climate change on the glaciers.
© Giuliana Pincelli
People living in the Shimabara Peninsula in Japan have coped repeatedly with the volcanic eruptions of Mount Unzen. Th e UNZEN VOLCANIC AREA UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK features this active volcano along with the natural blessings of a volcanic active region which include a natural environment rich in spring water, fertile soil and hot springs which all help to encourage local people to live in coexistence with nature.
© Unzen Volcanic Area Geopark Promotion Offi ce
ITOIGAWA UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK is surrounded by the Sea of Japan and the towering Japanese Alps. Th e elevation ranges from 0 to nearly 3000 meters, creating a beautiful landscape treasured by hikers, campers and other eco-tourists.
© Itoigawa Geopark Council / Th eodore Brown
One of the essentials of all UNESCO Global Geoparks is to educate the community, students and visitors about the Earth in a fun and engaging manner. You can explore, discover and enjoy Earth’s history in the STONEHAMMER UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK of Canada. Here, two children are being taught about diff erent lifeforms that lived during the Earth’s past.
© Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark
Striking red sandstones and conglomerates make up the landforms which characterise the landscape of the DANXIASHAN UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK in China. Th e Geopark is named for the resemblance of its rocks to rosy red clouds. You can admire the shapes of the mountains which seem to have been created by master sculptors, but in fact this has been crafted by sublime geological processes.
© Liu Jiaqing
For thousands of years, the South Wutai, located in the QINLING ZHONGNANSHAN UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK in China, has been known for the monastery of Avalokiteshvara. Th ese magical granite mountains have been considered sacred since ancient times. Mountain formation and landslides created this outdoor “geological museum” where you can discover this old temple, which refl ects the profound essence of Buddhist culture.
© Qinling Zhongnanshan Geopark / Yinsheng Wei
Th e local Jomon-Ainu tribe in the TOYAUSU UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK in Japan has always lived with the philosophy of “living together with an ever-changing Mother Earth”. Th eir records and memories of past disasters actively teach us about ways to reduce disaster risks for future generations.
© Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark
You can discover breath-taking landscapes from a diff erent perspective on horseback and enjoy a morning reconnection to nature in the MASSIF DES BAUGES UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK in France. You can enjoy an open-air lunch made up from the local breads, cheeses, hams and honey for which the area is renowned.
© Patrick Mc Keever
Prehistoric artists painted geometric shapes on the rocks of the GRUTAS DEL PALACIO UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK in Uruguay thousands of years ago. Now you can taste history! Th e cave paintings inspired local cheese producers and instead of painting rocks, they now draw these pictographs on the locally produced cheese.
© Grutas del Palacio UNESCO Global Geopark / César Goso
UNESCO Global Geoparks are living laboratories and open classrooms. Visitors and local school children can learn about the natural, cultural and intangible heritage of LANGKAWI UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK in Malaysia through the Geopark School and the Geopark Community Programme. Also you can become one of Earth’s best ambassadors by discovering the stories behind all wonders of the Geopark.
© Patrick Mc Keever
Women actively contribute to the life of Geoparks communities and obtain an additional income on their own terms by selling, for example, handicrafts. AROUCA UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK in Portugal, in particular, has a special connection between women and geology. A special type of rock which spontaneously “gives birth”, pops out of a granitic outcrop and has been attributed magical properties in terms of fertility.
© Arouca Geopark Association / Avelino Vieira
U N E S CO G LO BA L G EO PA R K S
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UNESCOGlobalGeoparks
United Nations and
Cultural Organization