Geoparks: A bottom-up approach of protection, education and sustainable development

For the first time since its creation in 2015, UNESCO held a regional capacity building workshop on UNESCO Global Geoparks for Africa in Baringo, Kenya. Baringo County, an aspiring geopark, was a strategic host for the representative of the thirteen African countries, present to learn about the latest UNESCO mechanism of international cooperation based on geological heritage of international value. The workshop was largely dedicated to the assessment of the rich geological heritage in Africa and how to connect it to the natural, cultural and intangible heritage of the region, to reconcile its protection with a sustainable development. The UNESCO Global Geopark encourage governments and related organizations to protect and conserve their geodiversity via national programmes. Baringo County was a beneficiary of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Grant for Geoparks in Africa. Kenya showed her political commitment and interest for the geopark concept, as leaders from the Baringo County leadership such as H.E. the Governor Mr. Benjamin Cheboi, Senators, County leaders, as well as Members of Parliament, and the Cabinet Secretary (Minister), Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, Kenya were present.

UNESCO Global Geoparks are established through a bottom-up process involving all relevant local and regional stakeholders and authorities in the area (e.g. landowners, community groups, tourism providers, indigenous people, and local organizations). This process requires firm commitment by the local communities, a strong local multiple partnership with long-term public and political support, and the development of a comprehensive strategy that will meet all of the communities’ goals while showcasing and protecting the area’s geological heritage.

As of April 2022, there are 177 UNESCO Global Geoparks within 46 Member States, covering a total area of 370,662 km². Despite Africa’s rich geodiversity and geo-heritage, only two geoparks are located in the Continent, namely: M’Goun (Morocco) and Ngorongoro Lengai (Tanzania).

Morocco is the current president of the Africa UNESCO Global Geopark Network, providing networking opportunities, training and support to other African countries. The workshop was a timely event for African countries to learn the fundamentals of UNESCO Global Geoparks concept: what are they? what makes them special? in what way are they different from other site designations? and how are they created?