Geoparks-geological attractions: A tool for public education, recreation and sustainable economic development

摘要

Within the framework of an international meeting, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on 13 February 2004, the "Operational Guidelines for National Geoparks seeking UNESCO's assistance" and recommendations were presented in their final version.A global "UNESCO Network of National Geoparks" was established. The aim of this network is to provide a platform of cooperation and exchange between experts and practitioners in geological heritage matters under the umbrella of UNESCO. The network spans all regions of the world and shall bring together groups that share common values, interests, or backgrounds. The International Network of National Geoparks under UNESCO shall serve to develop models of best practice and set standards for territories, which integrate the preservation of geological heritage into a strategy,for regional economic development.