What is a Geopark?

🌐 Arran Geopark was inscribed as a UNESCO Global Geopark in April 2025.

❓ Geoparks are places where landscapes with outstanding geological heritage are used to support sustainable development; this is achieved through conservation, education, interpretation and nature-based tourism.

😲 Geoparks represent some of Earth’s most extraordinary places.

🌍 The UNESCO Global Geoparks status is the international standard recognising outstanding geology and landscapes and as of 2025 there are 229 around the globe, across 50 countries.

🇬🇧 In the UK there are 10 UNESCO Global Geoparks, three of these are in Scotland. UNESCO Global Geoparks enjoy the same level of recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves.

A leaflet is available to accompany the video, download it here.

Are Geoparks only about Geology?

While UNESCO Global Geoparks must demonstrate geological heritage of international significance, this alone is not enough to gain this prestigious status.

UNESCO Global Geoparks explore, develop and celebrate the links between their geological heritage and all other aspects of their natural and cultural heritage. They reconnect human society with the history of our planet across 4,600 million years that have shaped every place on Earth and all life that has ever lived here.

Geo is derived from the Ancient Greek, meaning the earth; the land; mother earth (‘gaia’); native land; or country.

Does Geopark status limit development?

⚠️ What sets Geoparks apart from other designations, such as National Parks, is that they do not restrict development. Neither UNESCO nor the management organisation of the Geopark have any legal powers to do this. The principal focus of Geoparks is on using heritage to support sustainable economic development of the area – primarily through responsible tourism.

Where can I find out more?

ℹ️ Information on UNESCO Global Geoparks throughout the world can be found here:

 

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