The territory of the entire Lesvos Island joined the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and the European Geoparks Network, expanding the boundaries of the existing Petrified Forest Geopark throughout Lesvos. Lesvos Geopark successfully nominated as a UNESCO Global Geopark during the 11th European Geopark Conference which took place in Arouca, Portugal on 19-21 of September.
The Global Geoparks Network of UNESCO after the inclusion of the new members now counts 195 Geoparks from 46 countries from all over the world.
UNESCO, in accordance with the program of action adopted by the General Conference at its 29th and 30th Sessions (November 1997 and November 1999) expanded its activities into the Geoparks Programme, to promote the creation of a Global Network of selected sites from around the world, integrating the preservation of the Earth’s outstanding geological heritage into a strategy for regional economic development.
On 13 February 2004, the establishment of the UNESCO Coordinating Office for the Global Geoparks Network was announced, which is based in Beijing.
Geoparks are classified by UNESCO as areas that have an outstanding and special geological heritage. A Geopark includes a significant number of geosites of particular importance in terms of their quality, rarity, scientific and educational value and aesthetic value. The majority of geosites presented in the area of a Geopark must be part of the geological heritage but may also have archaeological, ecological, historical or cultural interest. A Geopark must have clearly defined boundaries and a sufficient area so that economic activities capable of supporting real local economic development can be created within its area.
The characteristics of a UNESCO Global Geopark are:
1. It has a management plan, capable of supporting sustainable socio-economic development, most likely based on geotourism.
2. It applies and promotes methods for the preservation and enhancement of geological heritage and provides opportunities for education in a variety of geoscience disciplines as well as wider environmental issues.
3. It works with the cooperation of state authorities, local communities and private individuals.
4. It is part of a Global Network that demonstrates and shares best practices for preserving the Earth’s heritage and integrating it into sustainable development strategies.
5. Geoparks are areas where the Earth’s geological heritage is guarded and sustainably managed.
UNESCO believes that the success of political protection and conservation of geological-geomorphological heritage can only be achieved through strong local involvement. Thus, proposals for the recognition of geoparks must come from local communities and local authorities only with a strong commitment to develop and implement a management plan, which will cover the economic needs of the local population while protecting the landscape in which they live. This initiative constitutes a roadmap for international recognition of important geological sites.
More information: http://globalgeoparksnetwork.org/
