A Geopark is a unique area, as it represents a single, integrated geographical area that contains sites and landscapes of international geological significance. It is managed through a holistic approach encompassing conservation, education, and sustainable development. While a UNESCO Global Geopark must demonstrate geological heritage of international value, the broader objective of UNESCO Global Geoparks is to explore, develop, and connect the interlinkages between geological heritage and other aspects of natural heritage, including biodiversity, culture, and intangible heritage within the region.
In the context of climate change, Geoparks hold a strategic position as community-based areas capable of implementing local solutions to global challenges. Through the integration of geological, cultural, and social knowledge, Geoparks foster public awareness of the importance of climate change mitigation using participatory and interdisciplinary approaches.
Geopark as a Living Laboratory for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
Geoparks possess a distinctive definition when viewed in terms of their delineation. Unlike administrative regions or national parks, Geopark boundaries are determined by the unifying geological characteristics of the area—defined by its natural uniqueness and verified through scientific research that reveals its geological conditions. Consequently, Geopark boundaries often transcend administrative divisions, as seen in Belitong Geopark, which encompasses both Belitung and East Belitung Regencies; the Gunung Sewu Geopark spanning three provinces—Central Java, Yogyakarta, and East Java; and the Karawanken Geopark that straddles Austria and Slovenia.
As areas recognized for their natural conditions, Geoparks serve as ideal environments to study the interconnections between various forms of life. Beyond focusing solely on geological aspects, Geoparks embody the complex relationships among natural, social, cultural, and economic dimensions. Therefore, the dual mission of Geoparks is to preserve geological heritage while enhancing local community welfare, distinguishes them from other UNESCO area development concepts. Geopark management emphasizes a holistic approach that takes into account not only geological aspects but also the social, cultural, and economic dimensions in its planning and implementation.
There are sixteen key focus areas in Geopark development and management, including gender equality, sustainable development, sustainable tourism, science and research, and global challenges such as climate change. These sixteen areas must be addressed by each Geopark through strategic measures undertaken by its management body to ensure that the UNESCO Global Geopark designation is appropriate for the area, and to assess the impact of the Geopark’s existence on local communities.
In the context of climate adaptation and mitigation, Geoparks function as living laboratories for developing context-based practices and innovations. Conservation of geological landscapes and local ecosystems—such as tropical forests, mangroves, karst formations, and coastal zones—directly supports ecological functions related to carbon sequestration and local temperature regulation. Moreover, climate education, delivered through geological site interpretation and informal educational programs in schools and communities, cultivates collective awareness of the urgency of climate action and empowers local communities to become key actors in addressing it.
Initiating Low-Carbon Area Development within Geopark Regions
One of the significant initiatives that can be undertaken by UNESCO Global Geoparks is to promote the transformation of Geopark areas into low-carbon zones. This can be achieved through integrative strategies such as the development of renewable energy sources (community-based solar power, micro-hydro, and bioenergy), the implementation of low-emission ecotourism, and the transition towards environmentally friendly sustainable agriculture. In the context of local policy, mainstreaming green economy principles and low-carbon spatial planning represents a concrete step toward aligning the Geopark’s role as both a conservation zone and a driver of low-emission economic growth.
Overall, the role of UNESCO Global Geoparks in climate change mitigation is highly significant, not only through landscape conservation but also through education, circular economy initiatives, and the strengthening of participatory governance. By initiating the development of low-carbon areas within Geopark boundaries, UGGps have the potential to become pioneers of comprehensive ecological transformation at both local and global levels. Cross-sectoral collaboration, the integration of scientific knowledge with local wisdom, and interdisciplinary approaches are key to realizing Geoparks as resilient living spaces capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.
Correspondence Author: Tri Wibowo