Promoting UNESCO Global Geoparks for sustainable development in the Australian-Pacific region

Abstract

Geotourism is a growth industry taking off in a new direction based upon Geoparks, now in Europe, China and Iran, with others intended worldwide. The Geopark concept that began around a decade ago in Europe underpins the creation of sustainably managed geological places for geoheritage protection, education, research, tourism and creation of jobs, even health and well-being programmes. Through agreements with UNESCO, a European Geopark Network and then a Chinese-based Asia-Pacific one have come into being. UNESCO now organises an Advisory Group of Experts for Geoparks within the Ecology and Earth Sciences Division. Global Geopark Guidelines (see http://www.worldgeopark.or) are provided to enable suitably managed sites to apply and be assessed. Australia and its Pacific neighbours have great potential for creating Geoparks because site planning and infrastructure are already in place. An Australian-Pacific network of interested parties began in 2002 and the first selection for possible Australian Geoparks included palaeontological sites with viable management structures. One area is now deemed as the first Australian Geopark and is working towards application for UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2006. The informal Australasian-Pacific Geopark Network now in existence links and encourages people from the spheres of geoscience education and geoheritage, and those already managing sites. It also provides support for identifying key sites, in outlining policy for future directions, management and explaining the implications for local communities.