International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme

International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme
Name	International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme
Formation	2015 (merger)
Headquarters	Paris, France
Parent organization	United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme is a UNESCO initiative coordinating international geology-related research and site-based conservation through the Global Geoparks Network, linking geological heritage to sustainable development, education, and disaster risk reduction. The programme unites initiatives from the former International Geoscience Programme and the UNESCO Global Geoparks initiative, engaging Member States, scientific committees, and regional networks to promote earth science outreach, geoconservation, and local economic benefits through geotourism.

History and Development

The programme was established following deliberations among United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the International Union of Geological Sciences, and national science bodies including National Research Council (Italy), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Geological Survey of India, and the United States Geological Survey, building on precedents such as the International Geoscience Programme and the UNESCO Global Geoparks label. Early milestones involved collaboration with International Geographical Union, International Association for Promoting Geoheritage, European Geoparks Network, Latin American Geoparks Network, and regional bodies in meetings held in Paris, Beijing, Ottawa, and Nairobi. Key actors included figures from Royal Society (United Kingdom), Académie des sciences (France), Max Planck Society, and representatives from European Commission, who shaped the merger and mandate during consultations at forums like the World Heritage Committee sessions and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission assemblies.

Objectives and Scope

The programme advances objectives aligned with Sustainable Development Goals through priorities such as inventorying geological heritage sites, promoting geoscience education in partnership with institutions like University of Cambridge, Harvard University, Peking University, and University of Cape Town, and supporting integrated management models used by networks including the European Geoparks Network and the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network. It addresses sectors from natural disaster preparedness in cooperation with International Seismological Centre and Global Seismographic Network to resource stewardship engaging United Nations Environment Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization. The scope encompasses liaison with organizations such as International Union for Conservation of Nature, World Tourism Organization, and International Union of Geological Sciences to align conservation, tourism, and education outcomes.

Structure and Governance

Governance combines UNESCO oversight with advisory bodies drawn from the International Union of Geological Sciences, regional geopark networks, and elected representatives from Member States including delegations from France, China, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Canada, and Australia. Operational guidance is provided by expert panels modeled on committees like the Scientific Advisory Board (UNESCO) and linked to national agencies such as Geological Survey of Brazil and British Geological Survey. Decision-making occurs within sessions resembling those of the UNESCO Executive Board and involves coordination with bodies including the World Heritage Committee, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, and regional centers such as the UNESCO Venice Office.

Global Geopark Network

The Global Geopark Network consolidates geoparks recognized for values comparable to World Heritage Site designation and collaborates with continental networks including the European Geoparks Network, Asia Pacific Geoparks Network, Latin American and Caribbean Geoparks Network, and African Geoparks Network. Designated geoparks are drawn from places such as Island of Arran, Zhangjiajie, Vredefort Dome, Cuenca de Pamplona, and Jeju Island and are expected to implement management strategies comparable to practices in Doñana National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. The network organizes periodic conferences akin to International Geological Congress gatherings and capacity-building workshops in partnership with institutions like IUGS and regional universities.

Activities and Programs

Programmatic activities include site designation and periodic revalidation modeled on systems used by the World Heritage Convention, capacity-building workshops with partners such as Erasmus+, research grants in collaboration with the International Science Council, and public engagement campaigns similar to International Year of Planet Earth. Educational curricula developed with universities and museums such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Natural History Museum, London support school outreach, while initiatives in geotourism coordinate with the World Tourism Organization and national tourism boards like VisitBritain and China National Tourism Administration. Scientific cooperation involves projects with the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program, Committee on Earth Observation Satellites, and the Global Earthquake Model.

Impact and Criticism

Impacts cited by proponents include enhanced local economies through geotourism in sites comparable to UNESCO World Heritage Site boosts in Machu Picchu and Galápagos Islands, strengthened science–policy interfaces like those pursued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and improved disaster risk awareness analogous to programs by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Criticisms mirror debates in conservation and development arenas involving entities such as Greenpeace, WWF, and Friends of the Earth about potential over-commercialization, governance transparency raised by watchdogs like Transparency International, and tensions described in cases involving local indigenous communities and legal frameworks like those seen in disputes over land rights and territorial autonomy.

Member Countries and Partnerships

Membership spans Member States across continents including national participants such as France, China, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, South Africa, Morocco, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Canada, and United States. Partnerships extend to intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme, World Tourism Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, scientific unions like the International Union of Geological Sciences and the International Science Council, and non-governmental partners including the International Union for Conservation of Nature, National Geographic Society, Smithsonian Institution, and regional networks like the European Geoparks Network and the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network.

Category:UNESCO programs