UNESCO Global Geoparks for the SIDS in the Caribbean, 2 Dec

“UNESCO Global Geoparks for the SIDS in the Caribbean, Africa, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea (AIMS)”, 2nd of December 2021, from 1.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (CET Paris time). It is part of the framework of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and part of one of UNESCO’s priorities – the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – Sherene A. James-Williamson, PhD (Associate Dean, Undergraduate Matters/Senior Lecturer & Museum Curator, The University of the West Indies, Mona) is presenting “Opportunities, Challenges, and
Emerging Initiatives in the Caribbean and AIS SIDS“.

By the end of the webinar, participants should have a better understanding of the fundamentals of UNESCO Global Geoparks, particularly what these are, what makes them special and how different they are from other designated sites, as well as how to create one. The webinars will also cover the importance of geological heritage and the need to connect it with natural, cultural and intangible heritage.

UNESCO Global Geoparks are the youngest UNESCO site designations. Created in 2015, there are currently 169 Geoparks in 44 countries, covering a total of nearly 400,000 km². Although the network has been expanding fast, the concept remains largely unknown in some parts of the world. Small Island Developing States are part of that group where, despite having enormous potential for local sustainable development and an extremely rich geological heritage, the concept is still poorly understood.