10 years of UNESCO Global Geoparks - focus on sustainability & networking

10 Mar 2025

10 years of UNESCO Global Geoparks - focus on sustainability & networking

Since their foundation in 2015, UNESCO Global Geoparks have been model regions for sustainable development. They bring geological history to life and promote the protection of natural resources. To mark the tenth anniversary, representatives of 109 geoparks from 28 countries met in Paris on March 5 and 6 to discuss key issues for the future such as climate change, resource conservation and education.

Working together for a sustainable future

One focus of the meeting was on international exchange. Geoparks around the world are facing similar challenges - be it in climate protection, geotourism or environmental education. Collaboration and networking create valuable partnerships that benefit everyone involved in the long term.

Our UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb was represented in Paris by Iris Bohnacker. At the workshop on climate change (Atelier sur les changements climatiques), numerous projects were presented on a large presentation wall - including our landscape guide training on climate change. This initiative sensitizes certified landscape guides to the protection of geological and natural values.

Culinary greetings from the Swabian Alb

The Swabian Jura also left its mark in culinary terms: lentil spreads and wibele provided a tasty treat at the traditional national buffet - a delicious example of sustainable, regional agriculture.

The anniversary meeting showed once again that UNESCO Global Geoparks are strong networks working together towards a sustainable future!

Representatives of all 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks from 28 countries gathered at UNESCO headquarters in Paris for the anniversary meeting. UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - is committed to the protection of geological heritage worldwide.
Official reception for the representatives of the German UNESCO Global Geoparks in Paris. The meeting also included an exchange at the Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany in Paris, where key topics such as sustainability, climate change and geotourism were discussed.
© Tourism City of Paris

The Maison de l'UNESCO in Paris - an architectural masterpiece of the 1950s. Famous artists were involved in its design. The building is located not far from the Eiffel Tower on Place de Fontenoy and is the headquarters of UNESCO.
© Iris Bohnacker

At the workshop on climate change (Atelier sur les changements climatiques), numerous projects were shown on a huge presentation wall, including our 🌱Landscape guide training on climate change with our employee Julian Stolz.
© Iris Bohnacker

Culinary greetings from the Swabian Jura: The UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Jura brought along Alblinsen spreads and Wibele to the Nations Buffet - a small but delicious sample of regional specialties.