UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

10/07/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 05:34

UNESCO and Geological Survey of India Organise First-Ever Training cum Workshop on UNESCO Global Geoparks

From 23 to 26 September 2024, UNESCO and Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines organised a landmark Training-cum-Workshop on UNESCO Global Geoparks at the UNESCO House in New Delhi.

The event aimed to raise awareness about UNESCO Global Geoparks programme (UGGp) in India and outline the steps for establishing such geoparks across the country. While yet to designate a UNESCO Global Geopark, India is well-positioned to unlock the benefits of geoparks with its vast geologically diverse terrain.

The workshop was designed to foster stakeholder involvement, knowledge exchange, and develop a broad strategic road map in the Indian context for identifying potential geopark sites.

The event featured a special video message from H. E. Mr. Vishal V. Sharma, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO, who showed immense trust on the Indian Government to have a geopark in the near future. Mr V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Chair, National Committee on Geoparks, the keynote speaker for the inaugural session, echoed his sentiments and launched a geoheritage film series called "Celebrating Geodiversity". The event was also graced by Ms Neeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of India and Dy. Secretary General, Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO.

Participants for the workshop included representatives from government, geologists, academic professionals, professionals from tourism and environmental management sectors, as well as geopark managers from different parts of the world.

Over the first two days, international and national experts led technical sessions on a range of topics, including the fundamentals of UNESCO Global Geoparks, the relationship between geoheritage and cultural heritage, case studies of various Geoparks across the world, and the prospects for establishing Global Geoparks in India.

India's landscape is a living record of the Earth's ancient history, from the towering Himalayan ranges to the volcanic Deccan Traps. This rich geological heritage, coupled with vibrant cultural traditions, makes India an ideal candidate for UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Tim CurtisDirector and Representative, UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office for South Asia

As India is progressing towards getting its first geopark, it comes with its own set of challenges, including lack of systematic efforts and collaboration. The Geological Survey of India is committed in addressing these through public awareness, local community engagement and long-term partnerships. By supporting the initiatives from bottom-up approach, we aim to foster cooperation among all stakeholders.

Asit SahaDirector General, Geological Survey of India

As a practical culmination of the workshop, participants embarked on a field trip to Alwar, Rajasthan, where they explored geological landmarks in and around Abhaneri, Bhangarh, and Sariska, learning about the area's unique Earth Science and the efforts to preserve these natural wonders.

UNESCO Global Geoparks, established in 2015, recognise geological heritage of international significance, promoting the conservation of such heritage while contributing to sustainable development and local community empowerment. These are 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 empower local communities to develop cohesive partnerships that promotes the area's significant geological features, historical themes and geological beauty.

Earth Sciences provide us with invaluable knowledge about our planet, its systems and its 4.6-billion-year history. This knowledge is essential for responding to present-day challenges of human society, such as preserving our Earth's resources for future generations, mitigating the impact of global warming and mitigating the risks of geological hazards. UNESCO is the only United Nations organization with a mandate to support research and capacity in Earth Sciences.

For more information, please contact:

Benno Boer: [email protected]

Neha Midha: [email protected]