Ιn November 2015, the UNESCO General Conference of States unanimously recognized Global Geoparks as the third program for the recognition of areas by the Organization (following the World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves) through the International Geoscience and Geoparks Program (IGGP). All European and Global Geoparks at that time were included in the program and were recognized as UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp).
For an area to be recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, it must contain sites of geological interest of international value, a status documented by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). Additionally, it must have a strong and effective management body, significant visibility, operate fully as a Global Geopark for at least one year, and collaborate and network with corresponding entities, organizations, and other Geoparks.
The basic operational rules and characteristics are defined through decisions and relevant documents of UNESCO, which are available on the organization’s website.
All areas that were part of the Global Geoparks Network, including the Meteora – Pyli Geopark, were included in the new program.
