UNESCO Global Geoparks in the German Bundestag
In the run-up to ITB Berlin, representatives from politics, science, and the international geopark network gathered at the German Bundestag to discuss the role of UNESCO Global Geoparks in sustainable regional development and responsible tourism. The UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb was also represented.
On March 2, Stefan Zierke, Member of the German Bundestag and spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group's working group on tourism, and Christoph Schmid, Member of the German Bundestag and member of the working group on tourism, hosted a discussion event at the Paul Löbe House in Berlin. Entitled “Global Heritage – Local Action – Shared Responsibility,” the event focused on the importance of UNESCO Global Geoparks for sustainable development, science, education, and international tourism. The event took place in the context of the UNESCO Global Geoparks' presence at the ITB Berlin international tourism trade fair.
International perspectives from the Geopark network
Representatives from all eight German UNESCO Global Geoparks took part in the event, including the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb, represented by Iris Bohnacker. International guests from the global geopark network were also present, including Artur Sá, President of the Global Geoparks Network, and Nickolas Zouros, Secretary General of the Executive Board of the Global Geoparks Network, as well as representatives from geoparks in Portugal, Austria, and Finland. During the discussion, they answered questions from members of the Bundestag from all democratic parties.
Unique approach of UNESCO Global Geoparks
Artur Sá, President of the Global Geoparks Network, emphasized the special status of UNESCO Global Geoparks within UNESCO programs. “UNESCO Global Geoparks have emerged from initiatives by local people. This bottom-up approach and strong international networking make them a globally unique UNESCO program.” Unlike other UNESCO categories, they are not linked to national institutions. Geoparks focus particularly on regional initiatives and international cooperation. In terms of their value, geoparks are on a par with biosphere reserves and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Development originating in the region
Nickolas Zouros, Secretary General of the Executive Board of the Global Geoparks Network, emphasized the strong regional roots of geoparks. “UNESCO Global Geoparks are created by the region for the region – supported by local authorities, districts, and many committed local people.” Geoparks do not have their own protected status, but promote responsible use of the landscape and geological heritage through education and knowledge transfer.
Geoparks as drivers of sustainable regional development
UNESCO Global Geoparks combine the protection and communication of geological heritage with education, sustainable tourism, and regional value creation. They show how a region's natural features can become a starting point for sustainable development. Through the close involvement of local stakeholders, educational opportunities, and visitor management, geoparks help translate global sustainability goals into concrete regional measures and create long-term prospects for their regions.
The exchange in the German Bundestag underscores the growing importance of UNESCO Global Geoparks as partners for sustainable tourism, education, and international cooperation.
