The celebration of the International Geodiversity Day is an opportunity to spread information on the value of the Geoparks as special territories hosting Geological Heritage Sites of international significance and custodians of the Memory of the Earth!

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN)  celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024 and encourages all the 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 Countries, to organize events on the International GEODIVERSITY Day 2024 and share the value of their Geological Heritage treasures with the members of their communities and the world! 

The International Geodiversity Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2021, following a grassroots campaign by geoscience organisations around the world. The Global Geoparks Network backed this initiative and actively supported it’s establishment during the UNESCO General Conference in November 2021.

Geodiversity is all around us, and includes the parts of nature that aren't alive; like minerals, fossils, soils, and landscapes. Geodiversity is the foundation of all biodiversity. It allows life to develop and thrive, and underpins all ecosystems on Earth.

The International Geodiversity Day is a worldwide celebration to bring people together in promoting the many aspects of geodiversity, and its importance to society.

This year's theme is an opportunity to provide a particular focus on several aspects of geodiversity. 

Firstly, there are many sites around the world where geodiversity of particular significance has been recognized – what is known as geoheritage. These sites, located from local protected areas, Nature reserves, National Parks  to UNESCO Global Geoparks, MAB’s and World Heritage Sites, need to be conserved otherwise these precious examples of our planet’s history will be lost. 

Secondly, geodiversity will play an increasingly important role as we plan for the future. As a record of past events it helps us better adapt to geological hazards, as a resource it provides the minerals that are vital as economies transition towards a more sustainable future, and as the foundation for our most stunning landscapes geodiversity underpins the growing geotourism industry that is supporting local communities around the world. 

The International Geodiversity Day is a special opportunity in the year to celebrate and promote all these aspects of geodiversity, and individuals and groups are encouraged to organize events on geodiversity and specifically this year’s theme ‘Conserving The Past – Sustaining The Future’.

We use GGN social media campaign to explain why Geodiversity matters for everyone!

UNESCO Global Geoparks host unique Geological Heritage Sites and outstanding Geodiversity!

We celebrate the Geodiversity of the 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks promoting emblematic geological heritage sites of their territory! 

Let’s make International Geodiversity Day a great moment for all Geoparks and our communities!