What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?

A Geopark is about more than rocks. Jersey is a strong contender for this special designation because of our Island’s exceptional geology and our important cultural heritage which forms the outstanding surroundings we enjoy every day. Whether exploring Jersey’s diverse landscapes or seascapes there is lots to discover and inspire you.

Every Geopark is unique. There are 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries around the world. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture.

“UNESCO Global Geoparks 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.

A UNESCO Global Geopark comprises a number of geological heritage sites of special scientific importance, rarity or beauty. These features are representative of a region’s geological history and the events and processes that formed it. It must also include important natural, historic, cultural tangible and intangible heritage sites.

A UNESCO global Geopark must have geological heritage of international significance which is, during the evaluation process, assessed by geo-scientific experts, from the International Union of Geosciences (IUGS). It is based on the international peer-reviewed, published research conducted on the geological sites within the area. The experts make a globally comparative assessment to determine whether the geological sites constitute international value following a fix set of criteria and questions.”

The UNESCO global Geoparks celebrate the links between people and the Earth. Jersey hopes to be recognised as a unique place by being awarded Geopark status.

Visit the UNESCO Global Geoparks website.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture.

There are 213 UNESCO global Geoparks in 48 countries around the world. One of the main objectives of the global Geopark Network is to increase the connectivity between different local communities to encourage people to value their heritage.

A vital measure of the wider value of UNESCO designations is their contribution to the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The internationally agreed SDGs are a core priority for UNESCO and are integral to the organisation’s strategic delivery and reporting.

Through their ethos, strategy and programmes, Global Geoparks contribute towards achieving the 17 SDGs.

The main SDGs that Geoparks contribute towards are:

1 – No Poverty

4 – Quality Education

5 – Gender Equality

8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

13 – Climate Action

17 – Partnerships for the goals

Find out more about the SDGs here: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

There are 9 UNESCO Global Geoparks in the United Kingdom.

Other UNESCO sites in the British Isles include 29 World Heritage Sites, 13 Creative Cities and 7 Biosphere Reserves.

Discover the UK’s UNESCO Sites interactive map (2023), here: https://unesco.org.uk/our-sites