The UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme Secretariat, in collaboration with the World Heritage Centre and experts from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is holding a workshop on Geoheritage Management on 19 – 22 October 2023, in Azores Archipelago, Portugal.
UNESCO celebrates and protects the geological heritage of designated sites –including 93 properties inscribed under the World Heritage Convention, 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks, and 714 Biosphere reserves– while promoting sustainable development and addressing the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.
Numerous sites have received a UNESCO label for their geological heritage, however effective management of this geoheritage remains a challenge. The finite and irreplaceable nature of geoheritage calls for appropriate conservation measures to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Topics
The workshop is for staff and managers of World Heritage properties (designated under criterion viii) as well as other type of nationally or internationally designated areas (biosphere reserve, UNESCO Global Geopark, national park, etc.) to address the following topics:
Since 2010, UNESCO received 35 World Heritage nominations under criterion (viii). Only 16 of them were inscribed on the World Heritage List based on this criterion and unfortunately high number of nominations failed to demonstrate their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) due to not being able to properly characterise the geodiversity and geoheritage of the site;
Increasing touristic use of World Heritage properties and other conserved areas is putting geoheritage at risk and site managers are asking guidance to address these risks;
Due to climate change, weather patterns change and sea level rise, site managers are asking new methods to mitigate risks for geoheritage conservation and protection;
As geodiversity underpins biodiversity, UNESCO designated site managers aim to include in their management plans appropriate measures to guarantee that geodiversity continues to provide ecosystem services but they are not familiar with new developments about geodiversity.
Benefit
Eligible candidates will receive a sponsorship from UNESCO for their participation in the workshop.
Eligibility Criteria
The present call prioritizes trainees from developing countries and UNESCO Member States. Women and early career participants are especially encouraged to apply.
