Insular and Coastal Geoparks are unique and special territories, that might consist of one or more islands, areas located across the coastline of islands, as well as remote island locations. They present a variety of impressive sites of international geological significance -geosites, host unique ecosystems and preserve and promote fascinating cultures, customs and traditions. They offer breathtaking landscapes and a wide variety of activities to introduce their visitors to their natural and cultural heritage. Insular and Coastal Geoparks provide unforgettable experiences though the intricate connections between geohistory, ecosystems, and culture.
Apart from similar geographical features, Insular and Coastal Geoparks also share common challenges, such as climate change, natural disasters, poverty, depopulation and various existing conflicts leading to socioeconomic, political and ecological crises. The isolation, the small size, and various anthropogenic pressures in islands and many coastal areas, reduce the resilience of ecosystems and increase their vulnerability to global changes and crises, requiring specific solutions and sustainable strategies based on their strengths and unique features.
Examples of Insular and Coastal Geoparks
European Geoparks Network
Insular Geoparks
- Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark (Greece) http://www.lesvosgeopark.gr
- Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark (Greece) https://www.psiloritisgeopark.gr/el/fysiko-parko-psiloriti-pagkosmio-gewparko-unesco
- Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark (Greece) https://www.sitia-geopark.gr
- Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark (Croatia) https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks/vis-archipelago
- Shetland UNESCO Global Geopark (Scotland ,United Kingdom of Great Britain) https://www.shetlandamenity.org
- GeoMôn UNESCO Global Geopark (Wales ,United Kingdom of Great Britain) https://www.geomon.co.uk
- Azores UNESCO Global Geopark (Portugal) http://www.azoresgeopark.com
- El Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark (Spain) http://elhierrogeoparque.es
- Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands UNESCO Global Geopark (Spain) https://geoparquelanzarote.org
Coastal Geoparks
- Odsherred UNESCO Global Geopark (Denmark ) https://geoparkodsherred.dk
- Vestjylland UNESCO Global Geopark (Denmark ) https://www.geoparkvestjylland.com
- English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark (England United Kingdom of Great Britain) http://www.englishrivierageopark.org
- North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark (Scotland,United Kingdom of Great Britain) https://www.nwhgeopark.com
- Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark (Republic of Ireland) http://coppercoastgeopark.com
- Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark (Republic of Ireland) https://www.cliffsofmoher.ie
- Katla UNESCO Global Geopark (Iceland) https://www.katlageopark.com
- Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark (Iceland) https://reykjanesgeopark.is
- Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy) http://www.parcobeigua.it
- Tuscan Mining Park, UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy) https://parcocollinemetallifere.it
- Gea-Norvegica UNESCO Global Geopark (Norway) https://www.geoparken.com
- Trollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark (Norway) http://www.trollfjellgeopark.no
- Magma UNESCO Global Geopark (Norway) https://magmageopark.no
- Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark (Spain) https://geoparkea.eu
- Cabo de Gata UNESCO Global Geopark (Spain) https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/portal/web/guest/landing-page-%c3%adndice/-/asset_publisher/zX2ouZa4r1Rf/content/cabo-de-gata-n-c3-adjar-geopark/20151?categoryVal=
Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network
Insular Geoparks
- Leiqiong UNESCO Global Geopark (China) http://www.geopark-leiqiong.com/en/Index.asp
- Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (China) https://www.geopark.gov.hk/en/index.htm
- Langkawi Island UNESCO Global Geopark (Malaysia) https://langkawigeopark.com.my
- Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark (Republic of Korea) http://geopark.jeju.go.kr
- Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan) http://www.oki-geopark.jp
- Qeshm Island UNESCO Global Geopark (Islamic Republic of Iran) http://www.qeshmgeopark.ir
- Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark (Indonesia) https://rinjanigeopark.com
- Batur UNESCO Global Geopark (Indonesia) https://www.baturglobalgeopark.com
- Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark (Indonesia) https://belitonggeopark.net
- Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global Geopark (Indonesia) https://en.unesco.org/globalgeoparks/gunung-sewu
Coastal Geoparks
- Ningde Geopark UNESCO Global Geopark (China) https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks/ningde
- Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark (Indonesia) https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks/ciletuh-palabuhanratu
- Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan) https://geo-itoigawa.com
- Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan) https://www.muroto-geo.jp
- Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan) http://www.adjustbook.com
- San’in Κaigan UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan) https://geopark.sakura.ne.jp
- Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan) https://english.izugeopark.org
- Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Geopark (Japan) https://www.toya-usu-geopark.org
- Mount Apoi UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan) https://www.apoi-geopark.jp
- Satun UNESCO Global Geopark (Thailand) http://www.satun-geopark.com
North America (Canadian Geoparks Network)
Costal Geoparks
- Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark (Canada) https://stonehammergeopark.com
- Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark (Canada) https://fundygeopark.ca
- Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark (Canada) https://discoverygeopark.com
- Percé UNESCO Global Geopark (Canada) https://www.geoparcdeperce.com