In November 2015, the UNESCO General Conference of Member States unanimously recognised Global Geoparks as the third official designation of protected areas within the Organisation (after World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves) through the International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme (IGGP). (International Geoparks and Geoscience Program)All European and Global Geoparks at that time were incorporated into the programme and officially recognised as UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps)..
For a region to be recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark today, it must include geological sites of international significance, as validated by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), have a strong and effective management body, demonstrate significant visibility, operate fully as a Global Geopark for at least one year, and actively cooperate and network with relevant institutions, organisations, and other geoparks.
The main operational rules and defining characteristics are set out in UNESCO decisions and documents, which are available on the Organisation’s website