About Us
The Global Geoparks Network (GGN), is a non-profit International Association officially established in 2014 subject to French legislation. The Global Geoparks Network is the official partner of UNESCO for the operation of the UNESCO Global Geoparks.
The GGN was initially founded in 2004 as an international partnership developed under the umbrella of UNESCO and serves to develop models of best practice and set quality-standards for territories that integrate the protection preservation of Earth heritage sites in a strategy for regional sustainable economic development.
Networking and collaboration among Global Geoparks is an important component of the Global Geoparks Network.
The Global Geoparks Network promotes networking through Regional and National Geopark Networks.
There are 5 Regional Geopark Networks:
- The Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN).
- The European Geoparks Network (EGN).
- The Latin America and Caribbean Geoparks Network (GeoLAC).
- The African UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (AUGGN).
- The North America Geoparks Network (NAGN).
National Geopark Networks/Fora include all the GGN members in each country and are responsible to represent GGN to the National Authorities and local communities as well as to organize national events on Geoparks.
The objectives of the Global Geoparks Network
- To promote the equitable geographical establishment, development and professional management of Global Geoparks
- to advance knowledge and understanding of the nature, function and role of Global Geoparks
- to assist local communities to value their natural and cultural heritage
- to preserve Earth heritage for present and future generations
- to educate and teach the broad public about issues in geo-sciences and their relation with environmental matters and natural hazards
- to ensure sustainable socio-economic and cultural development based on the natural (or geological) system
- to foster multi-cultural links between heritage and conservation and the maintenance of geological and cultural diversity, using participatory schemes of partnership and management
- to stimulate research when appropriate
- to promote joint initiatives between Global Geoparks (e.g. communication, publications, exchange of information, twinning)
Our Mission
We are committed to the conservation, management and communication to society of the Earth heritage as an integral part of the world’s natural and cultural heritage
GGN Structure
The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is a democratic international organization and its operation is based on the decision of its members. The structure of the Global Geoparks Network includes the following bodies
The Global Geoparks Network establishes ethical standards which must be adopted and respected by Global Geoparks and Global Geopark professionals.
The Global Geoparks Network organizes co-operation and mutual assistance between Global Geoparks and between Global Geopark professionals.
The Global Geoparks Network initiates and co-ordinates thematic Working Groups which will foster international co-operation is a variety of issues related with Geopark operation and activities.
The Global Geoparks Network represents, advances, and disseminates knowledge in Geodiversity management and other disciplines related to studies in Geo-conservation, Geo-tourism, Geo-education and/or the management and activities of Global Geoparks.
