International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme

The International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) and UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) were merged into a new Programme at the 38th General conference in 2015. This new International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) with its two pillars , focusses on UNESCO’s contribution to implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the pursuit of its two global priorities – Africa and gender equality, applied to Earth sciences since UNESCO is the only United Nations organization with a mandate to support research and capacity building in Earth sciences.

The International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) consists of two pillars:

1. International Geoscience Programme (IGCP), since 1972, has harnessed the intellectual capacity of a worldwide network of geoscientists to lay the foundation for our planet’s future, focusing on responsible and environmental resource extraction, natural hazard resiliency and preparedness, and adaptability in the era of a changing climate.

2. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are laboratories for sustainable development which promote the recognition and management of Earth heritage, and the sustainability of local communities. As of April 2019, there are more than 140 UNESCO Global Geoparks within more than 4o Member States, covering a total area of 288,000 km².

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