What is a Geopark?

In a geopark, there is a collective effort towards the development and dissemination of geology for visitors (geotourism) and educational programs aimed at schools, as well as collaboration in research and sustainable development on and of the relevant sites/environments.

A geopark, in short, is an area that tells the story of the Earth’s development. It is an area of international geological significance. It showcases and explains the connections between geology, biology, people, and cultural history. The geopark aims to increase understanding of how we can best manage our natural resources and our planet, while also offering opportunities for positive place development.

Creating a geopark establishes a collaboration platform that operates within geology and geotourism. A geopark consists of geologically interesting sites within a geographically limited area and includes stakeholders who are connected to these sites or have an interest in them. In a geopark, there is a collective effort towards the development and dissemination of geology for visitors (geotourism) and educational programs aimed at schools, as well as collaboration in research and sustainable development on and of the relevant sites/environments.

The geopark concept is global and recognized by UNESCO as a UNESCO Global Geopark, similar to World Heritage sites and Biosphere Reserves. In Sweden, through the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), there is a status of Swedish Geopark available as a step towards applying for UNESCO status.