Global Geoparks
Network (GGN)

A Worldwide Alliance Celebrating Earth Heritage

Established in 2004 with the support of UNESCO, the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) brings Geoparks from across the world together under one label. It is a collaborative platform where member regions exchange information, management expertise, and innovative ideas to improve the quality of Geoparks worldwide.

As of April 2026, the network has grown to include 241 areas spread across 51 countries, with an especially strong presence in Europe and Asia.

While GGN began as an independent organization, in November 2015 the UNESCO General Conference voted to integrate Global Geoparks as an official UNESCO program. Since September 2014, the administrative body of GGN has been incorporated as the Global Geoparks Network Association, an international non-profit organization (NPO) operating under French law.

Resources and Official Links

About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the UN which promotes international peach and human welfare through cooperation and exchange in education, science and culture.

Conditions to Join GGN

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) provides strict application guidelines and a rigorous evaluation system. A key requirement is that a region must already be operating as a fully functional Geopark with a solid organizational structure before it even applies.

During the evaluation, experts look at several critical areas:

  • The Geo (Earth Heritage)
    Does the area have geological and related heritage of international value and scientific significance? How well is it understood?
  • The Park (Infrastructure)
    How well is this heritage presented? Are there quality facilities, trails, signage and promotional material?
  • The People (Management and Activities)
    Is the region managed effectively and sustainably? Does it engage with the local community? Is it active in developing geotourism and education programs?

While these are some of the most important considerations, there are many more detailed requirements for certification. For more information, please visit the website below:

The Japanese National Forum

Each country with a UNESCO Global Geopark must designate a National Committee to oversee Geopark designation and revalidation within their country. In Japan, this role is held by the Japan Geopark Committee (JGC).

Any area wishing to become a UNESCO Global Geopark must first be certified by JGC as a Japanese National Geopark. Established Japanese National Geoparks can then apply to JGC for nomination. If successful, JGC will submit the nomination to GGN for review and field inspection.

This multistage process ensures that by the time a region like Itoigawa becomes a UNESCO Global Geopark, it has already been tested and refined at the national level. In a way, the JGC acts like a filter, making sure that only areas which meet the basic requirement for a Geopark are proposed to UNESCO.

Related Websites

UNESCO Global Geoparks in Japan
(In Order of Designation)