Are you interested in nature and stunning geological landscapes? If yes, you will be excited to know that UNESCO's Executive Board recently added 18 new sites to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. These new geoparks can be found in Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Additionally, a new transboundary geopark has been added that spans Belgium and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Each of these 18 geological sites provides a unique insight into a region's natural, cultural, and intangible heritage. From dinosaur fossils in Brazil to crystal-clear karst lakes and an archipelago formed during the last Ice Age, there is something for everyone to discover.
UNESCO Global Geoparks were established in 2015 to protect and promote the sustainable development of areas with significant geological sites and landscapes. These geoparks provide a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the geological heritage of an area while creating awareness about its historical and social significance. At present, there are 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries. You can see the full list here.
A UNESCO Global Geopark is required to showcase geological heritage that holds international significance. However, the main aim of a UNESCO Global Geopark is to investigate, cultivate, and commemorate the interconnections between this geological heritage and all other elements of the region's natural, cultural, and intangible heritages.
China has 6 geoparks among the 18 new additions. The others include the following.
Schelde Delta UNESCO Global Geopark in Belgium and the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Schelde Delta UNESCO Global Geopark is located between the sinking North Sea Basin and the rising Brabant Massif, making it a unique geological site.
Uberaba UNESCO Global Geopark in Brazil
Located in southeast Brazil's second largest biome, the Uberaba UNESCO Global Geopark offers a unique experience for visitors.
Enshi Grand Canyon-Tenglongdong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark in China
Enshi Grand Canyon-Tenglongdong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the southwest of Hubei Province. The geopark is renowned for its erosion and dissolution landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of the Tujia, Miao, and Dong ethnic minority groups.
Situated in Gansu Province, this geopark showcases a landscape defined by mid-high mountains, hills, and basins. The area played an important role in the early historical and cultural development of China.
The Oeste UNESCO Global Geopark is situated along Portugal's west-central coast and spans over 72 kilometers of the Atlantic shoreline, encompassing more than 15 kilometers of sandy beaches.
Calatrava Volcanoes. Ciudad Real UNESCO Global Geopark is situated southwest of the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain.