Global Geoparks Network: Driving Action for Sustainable Development Goals

The Global Geoparks Network has been making significant contributions to the realization of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, particularly in key areas such as quality education, sustainable economic growth, global partnerships, and environmental protection.

Not only preserving unique geological values, UNESCO Global Geoparks also play a vital role in environmental protection, promoting sustainable tourism, and improving the quality of life for local communities. Through concrete actions, the Global Geoparks Network is progressively translating the Sustainable Development Goals into reality. Notable initiatives include organizing educational programs on geology, nature conservation, culture, and climate change; collaborating with universities on scientific research and raising community awareness of geoheritage; promoting sustainable geotourism and creating job opportunities for local residents; and supporting the training of women in tourism-related businesses, handicrafts, and local product development.

In addition, the Global Geoparks Network has established a platform that connects countries, research institutions, and local communities to share knowledge, enhance capacity, and improve the effectiveness of conservation and sustainable development initiatives. It also promotes environmentally friendly production methods, encourages the use of sustainable materials, proper waste classification and treatment, protection of natural landscapes, and raises public awareness of environmental protection.

At the online seminar on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held on February 14, 2025, organized by the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), Mr. Nickolas Zouros, Chair of the GGN Executive Board, congratulated the global geoparks on their efforts to achieve the SDGs. He emphasized that the network's activities over the past year have increasingly contributed effectively to promoting the implementation of sustainable development goals through concrete actions. Mr. Zouros expressed confidence that in the coming years, global geoparks will continue to make even more practical contributions toward realizing the SDGs.

 At the same conference, experts discussed the role of global geoparks in promoting sustainable development goals, shared successful models, and proposed future directions. These geoparks not only serve to preserve geological heritage but also generate positive economic, social, and environmental impacts.
In the future, with close cooperation between countries, organizations and local communities, the Global Geoparks Network will continue to affirm its role as a typical model in preserving geological heritage, while promoting sustainable socio-economic development and environmental protection. These joint efforts not only contribute significantly to the implementation of sustainable development goals but also build a model of global cooperation, where understanding, creativity and community responsibility blend to create a prosperous and sustainable future for future generations.