UNESCO Global Geoparks
Experiencing Earth’s History UP CLOSE
UNESCO Global Geoparks are regions with important fossil sites, caves, mines or rock formations. They invite people to trace the past to better understand Planet Earth and the conditions of life.
Of the 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries worldwide, eight are located in Germany (as of May 2023). Their tasks are diverse: They preserve geoscientific heritage of international significance for the future. Through education, conservation, and facilitating sustainable regional development, UNESCO Geoparks make the heritage of their landscapes an experience for both visitors and the local population. They work closely together worldwide to also make Earth’s history accessible in other countries and to promote sustainable development there.
UNESCO Geoparks have existed since 2015. In this short time, the UNESCO Geoparks in Germany have already made great strides and established themselves as a framework for regional development. The eight German UNESCO Geoparks cover about seven percent of Germany's land area.
Networking
A UNESCO Global Geopark not only collaborates with the local people who live within the Geopark area but also works with other UNESCO Global Geoparks through the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) and the European Geoparks Network (EGN). Cooperating with international partners is the main reason for UNESCO Global Geoparks to be part of an international network like the GGN. Membership in the GGN is mandatory for UNESCO Global Geoparks. Through cooperation across borders, UNESCO Global Geoparks contribute to improved understanding between different communities, thus supporting processes that build peace.