Geoparks
Geology for Development: Conservation, Education, Geotourism.
How can we conserve geological heritage and share methods of excellence in conservation?
How can we communicate geoscientific knowledge and environmental concepts to the public in an engaging way?
How can we stimulate economic activity and sustainable development through geotourism?
Geoparks are nationally protected areas with outstanding geological heritage. There is considerable effort to conserve this heritage and encourage its enjoyment and understanding by the public, with the aim of supporting sustainable development.
Marble Arch Caves Geopark was voted as the Number One tourist attraction in Northern Ireland in 2006
The Geopark concept adopts a three-pronged approach combining conservation, education and geotourism. Through exchange between Geoparks around the world, these important national geological sites gain worldwide recognition and profit from the exchange of knowledge, expertise and experience.
Geoparks aim to involve the local community. Examples of activities in Geoparks include geological walking trails, education tours and resources, information centres, museums, school outreach, and the creation of local enterprises and cottage industries related to geotourism and geoproducts.
Geoparks are not just about rocks-they are about people. It is crucial that they get involved. We want to see as many people as possible getting out and enjoying the geology of the area. Our aim is to maximise geotourism (...) for the benefit of the local economy and to help people to understand the evolution of their local landscape."
Chris Woodley-Stewart, Geopark Manager, North Pennines AONB, United Kingdom.
The Global Network of Geoparks assisted by UNESCO
The Global Network of National Geoparks assisted by UNESCO provides a worldwide platform of active cooperation between experts and practitioners in geological heritage. It was formed in 2004 and currently comprises 58 national Geoparks in 18 Member States, including the UK, Australia, Austria, Brazil, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Iran, Malaysia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and Spain. For further information on the Global Network of National Geoparks assisted by UNESCO visit the Geoparks pages on UNESCO’s website.
The mineral strontianite was first identified in lead mines near Strontian in 1790, now part of the Lochabar Geopark.
The European Geoparks Network, formed in 2000, provides a regional membership and grouping of Geoparks in Europe. It currently consists of 35 European Geoparks members from 13 European countries. Since 2004 all the members of the European Geoparks Network are also members of the Global Network of Geoparks assisted by UNESCO. For further information on the European Geoparks Network visit the EGN website.
Geoparks in the UK
There are currently eight Geoparks in the UK, all of which are members of the European Geoparks Network and the Global Network of Geoparks assisted by UNESCO.
These are:
- English Riviera Geopark (Torbay, South West England)
- Fforest Fawr Geopark (South Wales)
- GeoMôn Geopark (Anglesey, Wales)
- Lochaber Geopark (Highlands of Scotland)
- Marble Arch Caves Geopark (Northern Ireland)
- North Pennines A.O.N.B. Geopark (Northern England)
- North West Highlands Geopark (Highlands of Scotland)
- Shetland Geopark (Shetland Islands, Scotland)
For further information on each of the Geoparks in the UK, visit the individual geopark websites.
