The role of water as a significant resource in UGGps results of an international workshop

Abstract

Water resources are becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world. The protection and the sustainable use of water resources is highly relevant to mitigate climate impacts. This article aims to investigate the activities of UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) in regard to ground and surface water resources. Using a mixed-methods approach, a questionnaire was administered and an international online workshop was held. The results show that there are various common fields of activities and common threats in regard to water resources. The identified topics are structured and discussed within a SWOT analysis. The article provides a starting point for UGGps to jointly promote water as a significant resource and to define common fields of activities that can be supported by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (UGGpN). The article recommends the establishment of a new working group within the UGGpN. This will provide a platform to exchange best-practice experiences and develop guidelines on how to effectively integrate the protection and sustainable use of water resources into the management of UGGps.