A Geopark is defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in its UNESCO Geoparks International Network of Geoparks programme as follows:

• A territory encompassing one or more sites of scientific importance, not only for geological reasons but also by virtue of its archaeological, ecological or cultural value.

The Geoparks initiative was launched by UNESCO in response to the perceived need for an international initiative that recognizes sites representing an interest for the earth science.^[1]Global Geoparks Network program aims at enhancing the value of such sites while at the same time creating employment and promoting regional economic development.^[1] For the purposes of the program the organization developed new internationally recognized label 'UNESCO Geopark'. The idea of UNESCO is to label up to 500 Geoparks worldwide. The UNESCO Geopark Program works in synergy with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre and Man and the Biosphere (MAB) World Network of Biosphere Reserves.^[1]

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Geoparks

• Global Geoparks Network
• List of National Geoparks

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• International Network of Geoparks (UNESCO)
• European Geoparks Network

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