The worldwide network
The Global Geoparks Network, to which membership is compulsory for UNESCO Global Geoparks, is a non-profit organization. Founded in 2004, the GGN is a dynamic network where members are committed to working together, exchanging best practice ideas and joining in joint projects to improve the quality of all UNESCO World Geoparks products and practices. The GGN as a whole meets every two years, and operates through the activities of regional networks, such as the European Geoparks network, which meets twice a year to develop and promote joint activities.
Map of global geoparks
The European network
The European Geoparks Network (EGN) was created in June 2000 by four Geoparks:
- Haute-Provence Geopark – France
- Natural History Museum of the Petrified Forest of Lesbos – (island of Lesbos) Greece
- Geopark Gerolstein / Vulkaneifel – Germany
- Maestrazgo Cultural Park – Spain
The main aim of cooperation between Geoparks is to protect geological heritage and promote the sustainable development of its territories in Europe. The Geoparks listed above signed a convention on the island of Lesbos, Greece in June 2000, declaring the creation of the European Geoparks Network.
The aim of this general designation was to share information and expertise, as well as defining common tools.
In April 2001, the European Geoparks network signed a formal collaboration agreement with UNESCO (Division of Earth Sciences), placing the network under the auspices of the organization.
In February 2004, the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was founded in Paris as an international partnership under the aegis of UNESCO to develop models of best practice and define quality standards for territories that integrate the preservation of Earth’s heritage sites into a strategy of sustainable regional economic development.
In October 2005, as part of its existing collaboration agreement with UNESCO (Division of Earth Sciences), the EGN signed an official declaration (Madonie declaration) recognizing the EGN as the official branch of the Global Geoparks network in Europe.
With this declaration, UNESCO recognizes the EGN as a reference point for the creation of similar continental Geoparks networks worldwide.
In September 2014, the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) became a non-profit organization subject to French legislation (the 1901 law on associations) and a non-governmental organization.
The French network
The Comité National des Géoparcs de France is an association representing the nine French UNESCO Global Geoparks. Its aim is to coordinate and promote their activities by strengthening cooperation, exchanging experience and setting up national projects. The CNGF also supports the creation of new Global Geoparks by assisting them in their application to UNESCO.
