Since 16th November 2015, following ratification by the 195 UNESCO member states, the Geoparks have officially been the bearers of the new “UNESCO Global Geoparks” label.

The “UNESCO Global Geoparks” label recognises the geological importance of a site, its holistic management and the value of exceptional geological landscapes. This new label officialises the close collaboration between UNESCO and the Geoparks which began in 2001.

The goal of the label is to highlight the geological heritage of a geographical area (landscapes and geological curiosities, former and current uses of the soil and the subsoil) while guaranteeing sustainable development of the area. The UNESCO Global Geoparks aim to foster public awareness of biodiversity, while at the same time supporting good practices in conservation, education and tourism.

Congratulations to all the parks having this new label! In the Alpine territory, several sites including some regional natural parks have been given recognition by the “UNESCO Global Geopark” label.

Below is the list of the Alpine Geoparks:

France:

-          Parc naturel régional des Bauges

-          Parc naturel régional du Luberon

-          Géoparc de Haute Provence

-          Géoparc Chablais

Italy:

-          Parco Naturale dell’Adamello Brenta

-          Geoparco del Sesia e Valgrande

Austria :

-          Naturpark Eisenwurzen

-          Geopark Karnische Alpen

-          Geopark Erz der Alpen

Slovenia :

-          Idrija Geopark

Austria/Slovenia :

-          Geopark Karavanken

Source:  

http://www.unesco.org/new/fr/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/global-geoparks/

http://www.unesco.org/new/fr/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/global-geoparks/global-geopark-infosheets/