Ten years of UNESCO Global Geoparks: Shaping the future of our planet

Ten years ago, UNESCO Member States ratified the creation of a unique designation—UNESCO Global Geoparks—recognising territories of exceptional geological significance. The network has since grown from 120 to 213 geoparks in 48 countries and is increasingly recognised for its role in empowering communities through sustainable, community-led stewardship. The unique geopark designation is paired with the International Geoscience Programme, two complementary branches through which UNESCO supports pioneering research in Earth sciences while promoting a unique Earth heritage preservation model. 
To mark this joint milestone, Ambassadors, Delegations, and key partners—including the International Union for Geological Sciences (IUGS) and the Global Geoparks Network (GGN)—gathered on 5 March 2025 to celebrate the successes of the Programme. Through three panels, participants reflected on a decade of progress, ongoing challenges and the future of UNESCO Global Geoparks. 
Geodiversity for sustainable development

Geodiversity—the Earth's non-living natural elements—underpins biodiversity, climate adaptation, and sustainable-resource management, yet it remains overlooked in sustainability discussions. Chairing the first panel, H.E. Ambassador Rosa Batoréu (Portugal) stated "There is a before and an after a UNESCO Global Geopark designation," describing a shift in increased local participation, scientific research and educational opportunities tied to geodiversity. Panellists highlighted the key role of geodiversity in improved land-use planning, disaster preparedness and infrastructure development, and others stressed the importance of connecting geodiversity with cultural heritage and sustainable tourism. 
The impact of geoparks: Local to global

Geoparks start with local engagement—but their impact extends far beyond. H.E. Ambassador Miguel Lorenz (Spain), chair of the second panel, emphasised the community-driven nature of geoparks, growing from local efforts to international recognition, noting their role in revitalising rural areas by fostering scientific research, tourism and entrepreneurship. Panellists discussed how knowledge-sharing between geoparks mean that frameworks developed locally are influencing global approaches to sustainability. Examples included education approaches that are providing models for disaster risk reduction worldwide and insights from Indigenous communities and women cooperatives that are inspiring global practices in sustainability and conservation. 
Extending and strengthening the network
The final panel examined how to expand and support the geopark network, particularly in underrepresented regions. H.E. Ambassador Yang Jin (China) explained why China adopted the concept early on and emphasised that geoparks need to be integrated into national policies, with financial and administrative support, while ensuring local communities play an active role in their management. Panellists reinforced that education, governance and international cooperation are crucial for ensuring geoparks’ longevity. Early engagement with the global network of geoparks, capacity-building, and multidisciplinary collaboration were highlighted as other essential steps. 
The 10th anniversary of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme was a momentous celebration that highlighted how geoparks have become a vital tool for sustainability, education and community resilience, contributing to international Earth science cooperation. From local initiatives to global impact, the discussions reaffirmed the role of geoparks in shaping a more sustainable future. UNESCO recognises the European Geoparks Network (EGN) for their dynamic participation, and the contributions of the French National Commission to UNESCO in making this celebration a success.