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What is a UNESCO Geopark?

What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?

“Single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.” – UNESCO Global Geoparks

 

“Geoparks promote the links between geological heritage and all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, clearly demonstrating that geodiversity is the foundation of modern ecosystems and the basis of human interaction with the landscape.
UNESCO Global Geoparks encourage awareness of the story of the planet as read in the rocks
and landscape and are committed to the conservation, management and communication to
society of the Earth heritage as an integral part of the world’s natural and cultural heritage.”  – Nickolas Zouros, President of the Global Geoparks Network.

There are 177 UNESCO GeoParks in 46 countries around the world

cao bang
Cao Bang, Vietnam
Black Country, UK
Izu Peninsula, Japan
Reykjanes, Iceland
Famenne-Arden, Belgium
Famenne-Arden, Belgium
Xianxi, China

There are 5 in Canada

Perce
Stonehammer
Stonehammer
Cliffs of Fundy
Tumbler Ridge
Discovery

And 7 – “Aspiring Geoparks” - that UNESCO recognizes as potential UNESCO Geoparks.

Georgian Bay is one.

UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS foster and promote:

  • Sustainable tourism
  • Sustainable development
  • Community resilience
  • Shared responsibility
  • Education and knowledge building
  • Conservation and protection

Geoparks are not conventional parks.  They do not:

  • Control public lands
  • Affect private property
  • Impose rules
  • Impede First Nations’ Rights and Titles.

Find out more about Georgian Bay aspiring UNESCO GeoPark

GEORGIAN BAY GEOPARK

A grass roots initiative to establish Georgian Bay
 as one of the world’s greatest UNESCO Global Geoparks

Georgian Bay Geopark

A Georgian Bay Geopark will showcase the Bay’s extraordinary Geo-heritage to Canada and the world
Find out more

UNESCO GEOPARKS

There are 177 UNESCO GeoParks in 46 countries around the world, 5 in Canada

UNESCO Geoparks

"Single, unified geographical areas of international geological significance managed with a holistic concept"
Find out more

WHY GEORGIAN BAY?

Georgian Bay’s geology, long history and culture position the Bay to be one of the World’s great Geoparks

Why Georgian Bay?

Historically, the study of Georgian Bay rocks paved the way for modern global understanding of how continents form and migrate
Find out more

GEORGIAN BAY GEOPARK VISION

Four essential building blocks will build one of the world’s greatest Geoparks

Georgian Bay Geopark Vision

100+ Geopark Sites Geopark On line Education and Research Community Leadership
Find out more

WHO BENEFITS?

A Georgian Bay UNESCO Global Geopark will engage and benefit all of Georgian Bay

Who benefits?

Municipalities, First Nations and Metis, Conservation Groups,Tourism and Businesses, Permanent and Seasonal Residents, Educators
Find out more

RESEARCH, EDUCATION, FIELD TRIPS

Work has begun on Educational Material, Virtual Field Trips and new Research

Research, Education, Field Trips

New initiatives are providing key scientific information to support conservation efforts around the Bay
Find out more

ABOUT US

The creation of a UNESCO Global Geopark is a grassroots initiative led by The Georgian Bay Geopark Network – GBGN

About us

The Georgian Bay Geopark initiative is guided by a set of inclusive principles
Find out more

GET INVOLVED

The GBGN is looking to form partnerships and collaborations with communities and organizations throughout the Bay

Get involved

The GBGN also invites individuals to join the Network; to get involved with ideas, stories and support.
Find out more

The GBGN thanks these organizations for their support