UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme in the UK

UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.

UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) use their geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural hazard-related risks.

All UGGps are part of the Global Geoparks Network that includes 213 UGGps in 48 countries all of which operate from the bottom-up combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities. UGGps work together through regional networks including the European Geoparks Network.

UK Global Geoparks Committee

The UK Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks coordinates activity and shares expertise on UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK, its Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies.
The committee includes a range of groups interested in geoparks, such as representatives from all of the UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK, government agencies, and professional bodies.
The UK Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks is independent from, but works closely with, the UK National Commission for UNESCO.
The UK Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks’ tasks include:
- Providing a mentoring and supporting role for aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks within the UK.
- Ensuring that applications are complete and meet the strict UNESCO requirements before being submitted into the UNESCO Global Geoparks application system.
- Sharing good practice and learning between existing UNESCO Global Geoparks within the UK.
- Co-ordinating the promotion of UGGps across the UK
- Co-ordinating views of UKCUGG Members and providing a National response on strategic issues raised at the European Geopark Network, Global Geoparks Network or UNESCO level.
Research is a key part of UNESCO Global Geoparks working with academic institutions and individuals to conduct research into a broad range of topics that help to increase the understanding and increase the awareness of key issues facing society, such as sustainable resource use, climate change, and natural hazards.
All of the UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK work with academic institutions to engage in active scientific research in the Earth Sciences, and other disciplines as appropriate, to advance our knowledge about the Earth and its processes. UNESCO Global Geoparks are active laboratories where people can become engaged in science from the highest academic research level to the level of the curious visitor, all of which help to preserve, protect, and
celebrate these unique areas.
Contact the UK UNESCO Global Geoparks or the UK Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks to explore research opportunities with, for, and in, UK UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Chair: Dr Kirstin Lemon, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland / British Geological Survey
Contact Kirstin
Vice-Chair: Chris Woodley-Stewart, North Pennines UNESCO Global Geopark
Contact Chris