Insular and coastal areas are rich in geological, natural, cultural and environmental heritage and diversity, but they are also facing enormous, increasing problems. Climate change, natural disaster, poverty existing conflicts and unrest present serious challenges and contribute to socioeconomic, political and ecological crises.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks programme supports the recognition of areas hosting geological heritage of international importance and utilizing this heritage as a tool for sustainable development.
UNESCO Global Geoparks present a totally new holistic approach towards heritage management and sustainable development and thus have the potential to support the implementation of the SDG’s in insular and coastal areas.
The UNESCO chair on Geoparks and sustainable development of insular and coastal areas introduces new studies and supports the development of the appropriate best practices in the Universities, the education system, the various stakeholders and the authorities of insular and coastal UNESCO Global Geoparks or areas wishing to submit an application for their recognition.
Such studies are related with innovative geo-conservation techniques, new sophisticated heritage monitoring systems, establishment of a Quality Control Mechanism for local products and services, risk and hazards risk reduction.
The UNESCO chair on Geoparks and sustainable development of insular and coastal areas organizes and implements capacity building activities on Geopark creation as a new approach towards sustainable development. The chair implements a vast number of activities and provide scientific support on issues related to heritage-led development in insular and coastal areas, to the reduction of natural risks and impacts of hazards, to climatic change adaptation, to the protection, conservation and sustainable management of insular and coastal resources.
The UNESCO chair on Geoparks and Sustainable Development of insular and coastal areas supports better understanding on how a UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural risks. Geoparks bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming increasingly popular.
The UNESCO chair on Geoparks and Sustainable Development of insular and coastal areas supports the sustainable development through transfer of know-how on the establishment of guidelines for a quality labelling system of services and products in insular and coastal UNESCO Global Geoparks.