Integrate Africa’s rich geological heritage into the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network: promoting the concept and building capacity for local communities and site managers

The Geopark concept was defined in the 90s with the main target to protect and promote Earth heritage sites through sustainable development. The Global Geoparks Network (GGN), established in 2004, operates as an international platform for cooperation among Geoparks around the world. The GGN includes 229 sites in 50 countries working to protect Geological heritage and promote local sustainable development. Despite the potential, Africa only has 2 UNESCO Global Geoparks, Ngorongoro-Lengai in Tanzania and M'Goun in Morocco. The benefits offered by UNESCO Global Geoparks are undeniable, in particular through civic and scientific education. The Ngorongoro-Lengai UNESCO Geopark was designated in 2018 by UNESCO. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the operation of Geoparks with partnerships and cooperation was able to support its communities. 

UNESCO news on UGGp: https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-global-geoparks-continue-supporting-communities-during-covid-19-pandemic

Find out more about UNESCO Global GEOparks (UGGp): https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks

Due to the COVID pandemic, all activities under the SSA were put on hold and commenced after the pandemic. The only activity that was initiated was the desk study to identify potential sites and key partners, but the COVID pandemic hampered the finalization of the work – a draft of which was annexed for information.

Over 300 participants participated in the webinar series, and 8 participants from Africa attended the 2-week intensive course (online) that was organized with GGN in June 2020.

The scope of FUST in its fifth phase, 2019-2023, for a small-scale activity on Earth science and Geoparks funding focused on piloting the potential of African geoparks. This was the first funded project by FUST, as there has been no large-scale project in this field of science.