Delight as North West Highlands Geopark gets the UNESCO 'green card'
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The North West Highlands Geopark has retained its UNESCO Global Geopark designation, it has been announced.
Assessors from UNESCO paid a four-day visit to the geopark in August and managers have since been waiting for the outcome.
In the geopark’s recently released autumn newsletter, it was stated: “At the 8th session of the Global Geopark Network Council last month, the decision was taken to award our geopark a “green card”.
“This means that we have Global Geopark status renewed for a period of four years.
“The decision of the GGN Council will be put to the UNESCO executive board in spring 2024 for endorsement.
“This is great news and a testament to the sustained efforts of our staff, volunteers and all those that contribute to making our geopark a thriving place for all.”
Assessors made some recommendations aimed at strengthening the geopark.
It was suggested that opportunities be looked for to promote geopark products such as food; and also that links be made with other geoparks which are experiencing similar levels of depopulation in order to explore innovative ways of addressing the issue.
It was in addition advised to continue “enhancing links between the geodiversity, biodiversity and culture in all aspects of interpretation”.
UNESCO Global Geoparks must undergo a revalidation process every four years to ensure quality. The designation can be lost if there is not seen to be continued improvement and expansion of the work in place.
The reassessment process can have the following outcomes – a green card means the geopark is good to for for four more years; a yellow card calls for a reassessment after two years; and a red card leads to the loss of designation.
To find out more about UNESCO Global Geoparks and the Global Geopark Network, visit thse links: UNESCO Global Geoparks and Global Geoparks Network.
