25-Apr-2025
16 New Global Geoparks
Why in News?
UNESCO recently designated 16 new Global Geoparks, expanding its network to a total of 229 geoparks across 50 countries.
UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp): These 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.
Tabular Representation of area wise 16 New Geoparks
Geoparks Across Asia
|
Country |
Geopark Name |
Key Features |
|
China |
Kanbula UNESCO Global Geopark |
Located on the northeast margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known for ancient volcanoes and the Yellow River. |
|
China |
Yunyang UNESCO Global Geopark |
Displays landscapes from 250 million years ago, transitioning from an inland sea to a terrestrial environment. |
|
North Korea |
Mt Paektu UNESCO Global Geopark |
Features volcanic eruptions and glacial erosion, marking the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the country. |
|
Indonesia |
Kebumen UNESCO Global Geopark |
Preserves ancient rock formations, including the Karangsambung site, a natural laboratory of oceanic and continental rocks. |
|
Indonesia |
Meratus UNESCO Global Geopark |
Features geological history dating back to the Jurassic period, with significant diamond deposits and tectonic records. |
|
South Korea |
Danyang UNESCO Global Geopark |
Located along the Baekdu Daegan mountain range, with 1.9-billion-year-old granite gneiss formations. |
|
South Korea |
Gyeongbuk Donghaean UNESCO Global Geopark |
Famous for Deokgu Valley and ancient granitic rocks, combined with hot springs. |
Geoparks Across Europe
|
Country |
Geopark Name |
Key Features |
|
Italy |
MurGEopark UNESCO Global Geopark |
Located in the Murges Highlands, known for its stable Adriatic Plate and ancient geological features. |
|
Norway |
The Fjord Coast UNESCO Global Geopark |
Features fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers in the westernmost part of Norway. |
|
Spain |
Costa Quebrada UNESCO Global Geopark |
Reveals tectonic movements over the past 120 million years on the Cantabrian coast. |
|
United Kingdom |
Arran UNESCO Global Geopark |
Scottish island with a geological history of 600 million years, showcasing tectonic plate collisions. |
Geoparks Across the Middle East and Latin America
|
Country |
Geopark Name |
Key Features |
|
Saudi Arabia |
North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark |
Known for its Tabletop Mountains and cultural landmarks near Tuwaiq Mountain. |
|
Saudi Arabia |
Salma UNESCO Global Geopark |
Features volcanic and magmatic rocks over 740 million years old, revealing deep Earth processes. |
|
Vietnam |
Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark |
Located in northern Vietnam’s rugged limestone peaks, with volcanic eruptions and evolving ecosystems. |
|
Ecuador |
Napo Sumaco UNESCO Global Geopark |
In the Amazon Basin, featuring Sumaco Volcano and geological activity from the Jurassic period to the present. |
|
Ecuador |
Tungurahua Volcano UNESCO Global Geopark |
Known for its volcanic and glacial history spanning over 417 million years in the Ecuadorian Andes. |