Why in News?

• UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable

Highlights:

• At present, there are 147 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 41 countries
• UNESCO Global Geoparks is given this designation for a period of four years after which the functioning and quality of each UNESCO Global Geoparks are thoroughly re- examined during a revalidation Process

• In 2018 Lonar Lake in Maharashtra and Mary’s Island and Malpe beach in coastal Karnataka are listed for UNESCO Global Geopark Network status.

Significance:

• To enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society in the context of the dynamic planet we all live on
• Mitigating the effects of climate change
• Reducing the impact of natural disasters
• By raising awareness of the importance of the area’s geological heritage in history and society today, UNESCO Global Geoparks give local people a sense of pride in their region and strengthen their identification with the area
• The creation of innovative local enterprises, new jobs and high quality training courses is stimulated as new sources of revenue are generated through sustainable geotourism, while the geological resources of the area are Protected