UNESCO adds 16 new Global Geoparks, North Korea and Saudi Arabia record horic firsts | World News

UNESCO on April 17 added 16 new sites across 11 countries to its Global Geoparks Network, which marks its 10th anniversary this year.
The newly featured geoparks are located in China, North Korea, Ecuador, Indonesia, Italy, Norway, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the UK, and Vietnam.
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North Korea recorded its horic first with the inclusion of its site in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, while Saudi Arabia has made its debut on the l with two newly designated geoparks.
With the new entries, the Network now comprises 229 sites across 50 countries, collectively spanning nearly 855,000 square kilometers – an area comparable to the size of Namibia.

As of July 26, 2024, India does not have any site featured on the UNESCO Global Geoparks l.
Following the announcement UNESCO for the 16 new entries, Director-General Audrey Azoulay asserted that over the past decade, geoparks have evolved into more than just models for conserving geological heritage. He said: “In ten years, UNESCO Geoparks have become models for the conservation of geological heritage. But their role goes much further – they support educational projects, promote sustainable tourism and keep the knowledge and traditions of these territories alive through the active participation of local and indigenous communities.”Story continues below this ad
He added: “This is the case, for example, in Iceland’s Katla Geopark, where local schools are actively involved in the scientific research that is carried out on this landscape, which preserves the memory of volcanic and glacial systems through its lava flows and black sand beaches.”
The Global Geopark designation, established in 2015 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), recognises geological heritage of international significance.
The programme not only promotes the importance of preserving geological heritage but also fosters sustainable development and education. It also aims to expand its reach in underrepresented regions, particularly in Africa, the Arab States, and Small Island Developing States, where geoparks are currently less common.