Keynote speaker: Ozlem Adiyaman Lopes

Convener: Asfawossen Asrat

As of May 2023, there are 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks within 48 UNESCO Member States.. While the network is expanding rapidly, Africa lags far behind in establishing geoparks, despite the immense potential on the continent. This is why UNESCO promotes the Geopark concept in Africa.

Geoparks are managed and protected through a holistic approach that combines geotourism, geo-education, geo-conservation, awareness raising, and high-quality training for locals and visitors alike. Research on geological heritage is an important tool for the holistic approach to sustainable development of local communities and the creation of new geoparks in Africa. The objective of this session is to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices among researchers and practitioners on geoheritage characterization and evaluation, geotourism development, and potential or existing geopark projects in any African country or region.

The session welcomes submissions that demonstrate original research on geoheritage characterization and evaluation, as well as best practices and projects that contribute to the strengthening and empowerment of local communities. The aim is to ensure that the geological importance of an area can be preserved and promoted for scientific, educational, and touristic purposes while focusing on the protection and promotion of geological sites that are crucial for understanding the Earth's evolution. By learning from ongoing processes to address emerging problems, these efforts contribute to the sustainable development of local communities.

ST07_S01- Geoheritage, Geotourism and Geoparks in Africa

Conveners: Ozlem Adiyaman Lopes, Kombada Mhopjeni, Enrique Diaz Martinez and Asfawossen Asrat.

Geoheritage, geotourism, and geoparks in Africa play a vital role in promoting the understanding, conservation, and sustainable utilization of the continent's geological heritage. Africa boasts a rich and diverse geological heritage, including unique landforms, ancient fossils, and geological processes that shaped its landscapes over millions of years. Geoheritage refers to the geological features, sites, and landscapes of significant scientific, educational, and aesthetic value. Geotourism capitalizes on this geoheritage by promoting responsible tourism that highlights the geological significance of an area, provides educational opportunities, and benefits local communities. Geoparks, designated by UNESCO, are areas that utilize geoheritage as a foundation for sustainable development, combining conservation, education, and community engagement. Geoparks in Africa showcase the continent's geological wonders, offer geotourism experiences, and contribute to the socio-economic well-being of surrounding communities. They serve as platforms for research, education, and cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of Africa's geological history and promoting sustainable practices for the preservation of its natural heritage.