The Global Network of National Geoparks assisted by UNESCO provides a platform of active cooperation between experts and practitioners in geological heritage. Under the umbrella of UNESCO, and through exchange between the global network partners, important national geological sites gain worldwide recognition and profit through the exchange of knowledge, expertise, experience and staff with other Geoparks.

A Geopark is an area with a geological heritage of significance, with a coherent and strong management structure and where a sustainable economic development strategy is in place. A Geopark creates enhanced employment opportunities for the people who live there bringing sustainable and real economic benefit, usually through the development of sustainable tourism. In the framework of a Geopark, geological heritage and geological knowledge is shared with the broad public and linked with broader aspects of the natural and cultural environment, which are often closely related or determined to geology and landscape.

Since the launching of the Network in 2004, 57 selected high quality National Geoparks from 18 countries are currently members (Australia, Austria, Brazil, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Iran, Malaysia, Norway, Portugal, Rumania, Spain, United Kingdom).

Members of the Global Network of National Geoparks (June 2008) - 57 National Geoparks in 18 Member States are currently members of the Global Network of National Geoparks assisted by UNESCO.

Related links:

• Application Guidelines for Membership of the Global Geoparks Network
  These Guidelines provide detailed information on criteria for the establishment of a Geopark and were amended by the 3rd International Geoparks Conference, in Osnabrueck, Germany, June 2008. (pdf).

Other UNESCO Initiatives for the Protection of Natural Heritage
Within UNESCO exist two initiatives, which also focus on the protection of the natural heritage of the Earth.

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves: focus only on biological diversity conservation (fauna and flora) and not on the diversity of geology.

The World Heritage List: deals with the protection of cultural and natural sites only of outstanding universal value. Its mandate is different to the planned Geoparks initiative, respecting also the small sites of only local or national importance which can not be included in the World Heritage List.