Call for Participation: Workshop on Geoheritage Management in UNESCO designated Sites

The Earth and Ecological Sciences Division of UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector and the World Heritage Division of the Culture Sector, in collaboration with experts from IUCN, propose to deliver a workshop for staff and managers of World Heritage properties designated under Criterion, as well as other types of conserved areas, whether designated by UNESCO or at the national level (e.g., Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks, national parks).

Objectives

• To address these pressing needs, the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme Secretariat, in collaboration with the World Heritage Centre and experts from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is holding a workshop on Geoheritage Management from 21 – 25 October 2025. The workshop is for staff and managers of World Heritage properties as well as other type of nationally or internationally designated areas (Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO Global Geopark, national park, etc.) to address the following topics:
  • Strengthening the characterisation and demonstration of geodiversity and geoheritage according to criterion of the Criteria for Selection for the World Heritage List;
  • Managing increasing touristic use of World Heritage properties and other conserved areas without negatively impacting the preservation of geological heritage;
  • Mitigating the impact of climate change and sea level rise on geoheritage conservation and protection;
  • Ensuring that management plans include appropriate measures to ensure that geodiversity continues to provide ecosystem services, given the geodiversity underpins biodiversity.

Focus Areas

• The workshop aims to provide capacity building for UNESCO-designated site managers in the following areas:
  • Recent developments in key concepts related to geodiversity and geoconservation methods and technologies.
  • Identification, adaptation, and mitigation of natural and anthropogenic threats to geoheritage.
  • Development of effective geoheritage interpretation strategies.
  • Integration of geodiversity and geoconservation management plans across different UNESCO designated sites within the same territories.
  • Supporting managers of natural UNESCO-designated sites in developing new geoconservation strategies and improving existing ones.

Benefits

• Eligible candidates will receive sponsorship from UNESCO for their participation in the workshop.

Eligibility Criteria

• The present call prioritises trainees from developing countries and UNESCO Member States. Women and early-career participants are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

• If you are a representative of a UNESCO-designated site or another type of conserved area involved in geoheritage management, please submit the following documents to the IGGP Secretariat:
• A brief geological description of your site (500–1,000 words).
• A cover letter explaining your expectations for the workshop and how it might help you develop a new geoheritage management plan and/or improve and implement an existing one (500– 1,000 words).
• Your CV.
• Priority will be given to trainees from developing countries and UNESCO Member States. Other participants may attend at their own expense, subject to space availability. Women and early career professionals are especially encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit UNESCO.