The International Network of Geoparks (INoG) is a UNESCO Geoparks programme established in 1998. According to UNESCO, for a Geopark to qualify in the INoG it needs to have:

• A management plan designed to foster socio-economic development that is sustainable (most likely to be based on geotourism).

• Demonstrate methods for conserving and enhancing geological heritage and provide means for teaching geoscientific disciplines and broader environmental issues.

• Joint-porposals submitted by public authorities, local communities and private interests acting together, which demonstrate the best practices with respect to Earth heritage conservation and its integration into sustainable development strategies.

UNESCO currently lists 28 Geoparks in the INoG, and it is hoped that over 500 Geoparks will eventually attain INoG status.

Participants

• Asia (*)
  • PRoC (8)
    • Lushan GeoPark
    • Wudalianchi
    • Mount Songshan
    • Mount Yuntaishan
    • Mount Danxiashan
    • Shilin (Stone Forest)
    • Zhangjiajie
    • Mount Huangshan

• Europe (18)
  • Austria (2)
    • Kamptal Geopark
    • Nature Park Eisenwurzen
  • France (2)
    • Geological Reserve of Haute Provence
    • Rochechouart Chassenon Astrobleme
  • Germany (3)
    • European Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald
    • Nature Park Terra Vita European Geopark
    • Vulkaneifel European Geopark
  • Greece (2)
    • Petrified Forest of Lesvos
    • Psiloritis Natural Park
  • Ireland (1)
    • Coper Coast
  • Italy (2)
    • Madonie Natural Park
    • Rocca di Cerere Cultural Park
  • Spain (2)
    • Cabo de Gata Natural Park
    • Maestrazgo Cultural Park
  • United Kingdom (3)
    • Marble Arch Caves and Cuilcagh Mountain Park
    • North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    • Abberley and Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

See also

• United Nations Environment Programme
• National park
• International Park
• Geology
• Geoscience
• Conservation
• Sustainable development

External links

• http://www.worldgeopark.org — Office of the World Geoparks Network supported by UNESCO & Ministry of Land and Resources of P.R.China

• International Network of Geoparks (UNESCO)

• International Union of Geological Sciences — Minutes of the 46th Executive Committee Meeting, Cairo, Egypt, January 26-30, 2000. And International Union of Geological Sciences — 45th Executive Committee Meeting, Vienna, Austria, January 26-30, 1998.