geoparks
Protected landscape sites
Geoparks are designated areas containing geological features of significant scientific, educational, or aesthetic value, managed to promote conservation and sustainable development.
UNESCO recognizes Global Geoparks as sites where communities protect geological heritage while fostering tourism and local economic growth.
These areas typically include distinctive rock formations, fossils, caves, or volcanic landscapes.
The geopark offers guided tours explaining how the canyon formed over millions of years.
Distinct geological structures
- fossilsPreserved ancient organism traces
- strataParallel geological layers
- tectonicsStudy of crustal deformation
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
geomorphology · volcanism · erosion · sedimentation · outcrops · faults · seismic · paleontology
Cultural arm of UN
- certificationAttestation of qualification
- boundariesLines marking separation
- management planFramework for directing operations
- sustainable developmentMeeting needs without exhausting resources
inventory · monitoring · international cooperation · stakeholder engagement
Trips with an expert leader
- fieldworkResearch conducted on location
- geoscienceStudy of Earth's systems
- earth scienceStudy of planetary systems
- signagePosted public displays
workshops · visitor centers · outreach · hands-on learning · science communication
Conservation-minded nature tourism
- hiking trailsRecreational walking routes outdoors
- scenic viewpointsDesignated observation spots
- visitor facilitiesAmenities for site guests
- geotourismTravel highlighting geological features
adventure tourism · accommodations · sustainable tourism · photography spots · rural tourism
Maintaining something's condition
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- endangered speciesOrganisms facing extinction risk
wildlife · restoration · stewardship · sustainability · reforestation · protected status · flora · fauna
rock formations
Distinct geological structures
- fossilsPreserved ancient organism traces
- strataParallel geological layers
- tectonicsStudy of crustal deformation
minerals · geomorphology · volcanism · erosion · sedimentation · outcrops · faults · seismic · paleontology · igneous
UNESCO
Cultural arm of UN
- certificationAttestation of qualification
- boundariesLines marking separation
- management planFramework for directing operations
sustainable development · inventory · monitoring · international cooperation · stakeholder engagement
guided tours
Trips with an expert leader
- fieldworkResearch conducted on location
- geoscienceStudy of Earth's systems
- earth scienceStudy of planetary systems
signage · workshops · visitor centers · outreach · hands-on learning · science communication
ecotourism
Conservation-minded nature tourism
- hiking trailsRecreational walking routes outdoors
- scenic viewpointsDesignated observation spots
- visitor facilitiesAmenities for site guests
geotourism · adventure tourism · accommodations · sustainable tourism · photography spots · rural tourism
preservation
Maintaining something's condition
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
endangered species · wildlife · restoration · stewardship · sustainability · reforestation · protected status · flora · fauna · threatened species
geoparksmining sites
Locations for ore extraction
quarries · strip mines · open-pit mines · brownfields · slag heaps
geoparksindustrial zones
Areas designated for manufacturing
oil fields · landfills · dumping grounds · gravel pits · urban sprawl