What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?

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UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, designates areas with special and valuable natural and/or cultural heritage around the world. The first initiative came in 1971 with the establishment of Biosphere Reserves (Man and Biosphere Reserves). This was followed by the World Heritage List in 1972. It took many years before the geological aspect of natural heritage received the same type of designation, which finally happened in 2015 with the establishment of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

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A UNESCO Global Geopark is an area with sites and landscapes of international geological significance. These areas are managed with a holistic concept, regarding protection, education and sustainable development. By highlighting the important geology, the geoparks educates on the interconnectedness of nature, cultural history and society, as well as the importance of suatainable use of natural resources.

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Today, we have five UNESCO Global Geoparks in Norway. You can read more about these here!

For information on all UNESCO Sites in Norway, you can read more here!

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