Geopark Networks
The Global Geoparks Network organizes co-operation and mutual assistance between Global Geoparks and between Global Geopark professionals
Networks and benefits
Being a UNESCO Global Geopark means you become part of dynamic networks, where members are committed to work together, exchange ideas and best practice, and join in common projects to raise the quality standards of all products and practises of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Mourne Gullion Sttrangford UNESCO Global Geopark is a member of these networks.
Global Geopark Network
The Global Geoparks Network (GGN), for which membership is obligatory for UNESCO Global Geoparks, is a legally constituted not-for-profit organisation with an annual membership fee.
Founded in 2004, the GGN is a dynamic network where members are committed to work together, exchange ideas and best practice, and join in common projects to raise the quality standards of all products and practices of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Members of the Global Geoparks Network come together, as whole, every two years.
The Global Geoparks Network continues to expand, drawing in new expertise and knowledge from all parts of the world and different cultures. It’s constantly developing models of best practice and setting high quality standards for territories that integrate the preservation of geological heritage into strategies for sustainable regional economic development.
Visiting geoparks around the world insures a standard of quality and sustainable management while showcasing the incredible range of geological features, natural landscapes and human cultures the world has to offer.
Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is a member of this network.
European Geopark Network
The European Geoparks Network (EGN), is a function of the Global Geoparks Network. It is an operation of regional networks which meets twice a year to develop and promote joint activities. The European Geoparks Network was created with the support of the EU and in cooperation with UNESCO in 2000. It aims to support sustainable regional development in the geopark by making good use of a region’s geological heritage, primarily through the development of geotourism.
Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is a member of this network.
Irish UNESCO Global Geological Committee
The Irish UNESCO Global Geological Committee (IUGGC), formerly known as the All-Ireland Geoparks Forum, was set up in 2007, to help support Ireland’s Geoparks and Geopark projects. It is co-chaired by the Geological Surveys of Ireland and Northern Ireland and has representatives from each of Ireland’s three UNESCO Global Geoparks.
The IUGGC holds an Annual Forum to showcase Ireland’s UNESCO Global Geoparks and other Geopark and geotourism projects. This event usually takes place in November each year.
Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is a member of this committee.
UK Geoparks Forum
The UK Geoparks Forum is working to promote Geoparks at the national level within the UK, and was set up in 2007.
The UK Geoparks Forum holds an Annual Forum to showcase the UK’s UNESCO Global Geoparks and other Geopark and geotourism projects. This event usually takes place in May each year.
Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is a member of this forum.