International Training Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks – 2025, Lesvos Island, Greece

The International Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks is a vital academic and practical forum, offering in-depth and up-to-date knowledge on the role of UNESCO Global Geoparks in improving local quality of life and advancing the global Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s course gathers representatives from UNESCO Global Geoparks, UNESCO experts, researchers, and scientists working in geology, landscape, geotourism, and sustainable development, along with development partners from countries and regions across the world.

 In the program, participants joined a series of in-depth lectures delivered by leading experts, covering key topics such as: the concept and evaluation criteria of UNESCO Global Geoparks; operational organization and mangament models; and the roles of regional networks like the Asia–Pacific Geoparks Network, the European Geoparks Network, and national networks in supporting the development of the Global Geoparks system.
In parallel, participants actively engaged in discussions on practical topics such as: managing and conserving geoheritage for sustainable development; Geoparks and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); inter-Geopark collaboration; the role of universities, intangible heritage, gender equality, and the inclusion of women and indigenous communities in conservation efforts; local product development, sustainable livelihood models, the use of 3D mapping in geoheritage management, and strategies to boost local economies through geotourism; at the same time, roundtable sessions emphasized the importance of building a professional management team, strengthening human resources, and promoting grassroots initiatives linked to heritage preservation and sustainable development

The course serves as a key opportunity for Geopark management teams to enhance professional capacity, engage in knowledge exchange, and promote the image and values of UNESCO Global Geoparks. As a high-level annual event, it fosters conservation initiatives, supports sustainable development, and strengthens collaboration across the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.