In April 2025, UNESCO designated 16 new geoparks, bringing the total number of sites in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network to 229 in 50 countries. The network now covers an area of almost 855,000 km², equivalent to the size of Namibia.

The UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary, brings together territories recognized for their rich geological heritage – rock formations, mountain or volcanic ranges, caves, canyons, fossil sites or ancient desert landscapes – which bear witness to our planet’s history, evolution and climate. These sites are also places for conservation and environmental education, where local and indigenous communities can promote their culture and know-how.
Each year, new sites are added to the network by decision of UNESCO’s Executive Board, after an evaluation of the applications by the Global Geoparks Council made up of international experts.

The 16 newly designated geoparks are in China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (marking its first geopark and contribution to the protection of the shared mountain range with China), Ecuador, Indonesia, Italy, Norway, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia (hosting its first two geoparks) Spain, United Kingdom and Viet Nam.
UNESCO continues to promote the programme in areas where geoparks are less common, notably in Africa, the Arab States and Small Island Developing States. UNESCO does this by facilitating expert missions, tailored training sessions and individual consultations on both a national and local scale, to guide the preparation of applications for UNESCO Global Geopark status.

For further information, visit the UNESCO website to see their announcement.

Dr Alan Briggs
President – Geoparks WA