GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK BEST PRACTICES AWARD 2016

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) Best Practices Award aims to promote, enhance and encourage the development of innovative initiatives in UNESCO Global Geoparks around the globe. The award recognises pioneering practices and initiatives that contribute to a more effective and dynamic network, set fantastic exemplars for others to follow and emulate, and create greater public recognition of the UNESCO Global Geoparks. The prize honours the management and / or a partner of a UNESCO Global Geopark for the pioneering nature and quality of the initiative, encouraging all the GGN members to work in the same line. The 2016 GGN Best Practices Awards are selected from the 2014-2015 evaluation / revalidation missions. The GGN Executive Board in its 21st session, held on September 14, 2016 decided to adopt the proposal of the GGN Best Practice Award Committee for the nomination of the winners of the GGN Best Practice Award 2016. The 2016 GGN Best Practices Awards include three awards, granted by the GGN in partnership with the Organizing Committee of the 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in the English Riviera Global Geopark, United Kingdom, 27-30 September 2016.

GGN Best Practice Award 2016 Winners

The winners among the 8 proposed candidates are the following: 1st GGN Best Practice Award 2016: Lanzarote y Archipiélago Chinijo UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain 2nd GGN Best Practice Award 2016: Fangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, P.R. China 3rd GGN Best Practice Award 2016: Dali Mount Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, P.R. China Lanzarote y Archipiélago Chinijo UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain is awarded as Best Practice for its geotourism initiatives. Through the Geopark Centers volcanism and volcanic landscapes are presented as the core issue for the island, conditioning the landscapes, the cultural heritage, the lives and the activities of local inhabitants. Geotourism activities include a variety of terrestrial and submarine high quality experiences. 1st GGN Best Practice Award 2016 Lanzarote y Archipiélago Chinijo UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Fangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, P.R. China is awarded as Best Practice for its initiatives of interpreting natural environment using modern and interactive tools and improving the safety of visitors and inhabitants. These efforts are apparent in two distinctive facilities: the New Fangshan Global Geopark Museum and the Bailixian Gorge. 2nd GGN Best Practice Award 2016 - Fangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, P.R. China Dali Mount Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, P.R. China is awarded as Best Practice for integrating in Geopark important intangible heritage. 3rd GGN Best Practice Award 2016 - Dali Mount Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, P.R. China. The announcement of the winners and giving of certificate and local artisan piece took place during a splendid ceremony at the Gala dinner of the 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks on September 29 2016, in English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. During the plenary session of the Conference on Friday September 30 2016 the winners of the awards shared their experiences/project/particular element that has been recognised.

GGN BEST PRACTICES AWARDS AWARD COMMITEE 2016-2017

1. Ibrahim KOMOO (Malaysia)

2. Changxing LONG (China)

3. Guy MARTINI (France)

4. Kristin RANGNES (Norway)

5. Artur SA (Portugal)