UNESCO has designated 12 new Global Geoparks, increasing the total number of sites in the UNESCO Global Geopark Network to 241 across 51 countries. The network now covers over 882,000 sq km, roughly equivalent to the size of Venezuela. Notably, India currently has no UNESCO Global Geoparks.
The newly added geoparks are located in China, France, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Portugal, Russia, Tunisia (first geopark), and Uruguay, reflecting expanding global recognition of geological heritage.
Newly Designated UNESCO Global Geoparks (2026)
Asia
China (2 sites)
- Changshan Geopark (Zhejiang Province): Spans ~1,043.1 sq km; preserves nearly 1 billion years of geological evolution with mountainous terrain and subtropical monsoon climate.
- Mt. Siguniang Geopark: Located between the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and Sichuan Basin; showcases tectonic history and is known as the “Oriental Alps” and a biodiversity hotspot.
Japan (1 site)
- Mine-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau (Yamaguchi Prefecture): Japan’s 11th geopark; characterized by limestone (white), coal (black), and copper (red) geological themes.
Malaysia (2 sites)
- Lenggong Geopark: Preserves ~2 million years of human history; features the 11,000-year-old “Perak Man” skeleton, the oldest in Southeast Asia.
- Sarawak Delta Geopark: Known for land-sea-river ecosystems and sandstone formations like sea stacks in Bako National Park, representing Sarawak’s oldest landforms.
Europe
France (1 site)
- Terres d’Hérault Geopark: Covers 112 municipalities with over 100,000 residents; acts as an “open-air laboratory” with 540 million years of geological history.
Greece (1 site)
- Nisyros Geopark: Includes the entire volcanic island; features Greece’s youngest active volcanic system and one of the best-preserved calderas globally.
Ireland (1 site)
- Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark: Features rare landscapes and is the first geopark with a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region).
Portugal (1 site)
- Algarvensis Geopark: Known for tsunami deposits from the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and the Loulé Salt Mine, Portugal’s deepest accessible point.
Russia (1 site)
- Toratau Geopark: Reflects ~300 million years of Earth’s history; includes Shikhans (Toratau, Yuraktau, Kushtau)—remnants of an ancient coral reef from the Paleo-Ural Ocean.
Africa
Tunisia (1 site – First Geopark)
- Dahar Geopark: Renowned for fossils of dinosaurs, crocodiles, and turtles, including the discovery of Tataouinea hannibalis.
South America
Uruguay (1 site)
- Manantiales Serranos Geopark: Characterized by ancient mountain ranges, wetlands, aquifers, and natural springs, reflecting diverse ecosystems.
What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?
UNESCO Global Geoparks are geographically unified areas with sites of international geological significance, managed through a holistic framework of protection, education, and sustainable development.
- They integrate geological heritage with natural and cultural elements
- Promote awareness on climate change, sustainable resource use, and disaster risk reduction
- Strengthen local identity and community participation
- Generate economic benefits through geotourism and local enterprises
- Encourage bottom-up governance involving local stakeholders
Governance and Validity
- Geoparks are designated for 4 years
- Subject to periodic revalidation to assess quality and performance
Significance
- Enhances global conservation of geological heritage
- Supports sustainable development and livelihood generation
- Strengthens scientific research, education, and tourism
- Promotes local pride and cultural identity