Transcript Geoparks and the National Park Service

Update on U.S. Involvement in the
Global Geoparks Network
Supported by UNESCO
Wesley Hill
International Liaison
The Geological Society of America
Boulder, Colorado USA
What is a Geopark?
A destination identity similar in concept to a National
Heritage Area.
Geoparks are defined by the geology of the landscape
and transcend the boundaries of parks and other
protected areas.
A Geopark operates as a partnership of people and land
managers working to promote Earth heritage through
education and sustainable tourism.
Nationally (or globally) important geologic area.
Benefits
• Opportunities to highlight geoscience research and
information to local residents, policy makers, media
representatives, and local schools
• Wider recognition and a higher profile of the site
• Public education spotlight on geoscience topics:
volcanoes, earthquakes, tectonics, erosion,
minerals, caves, paleontology, historical mining
• Promotion of the site’s geological heritage and its
role in the history of the local area
U.S. Interest in Geoparks:
• Recognize and promote important geology that may
not qualify for UNESCO World Heritage List
• Educate the public about geologic heritage
• Link geology to natural ecosystems, and cultural and
economic activities
• Promote economic development, particularly
through sustainable tourism (geotourism)
• U.S. can benefit from cooperation with the
international network of Geoparks
Questions Regarding
Adding Geoparks:
•
If the U.S. already participates in World
Heritage, why do we need Geoparks?
• How much work will nominations require?
• What is the administrative burden (time/work)?
• Will there be public opposition concerning
another UNESCO initiative/program?
Questions Regarding
Adding Geoparks:
•
How will sites benefit from Geopark
designation in U.S. – additional benefits?
• How will this be funded? From whom?
• What is the difference between goals of
Geoparks, World Heritage and MAB?
• What type of oversight/management control
does UNESCO have over the site?
Geoparks & World Heritage
•
Many sites with great geologic significance
are larger than a single Park
(WH Sites are usually single park or unit)
• The Park may manage only a small section of
the geologically significant area as a whole
• Multiple organizations (BLM, Forest Service)
often manage remaining significant geologic
area
Geoparks & World Heritage
•
World Heritage has strict protection
standards that are a poor fit with multiple
organization management (multiple use)
• The Geopark concept is a better fit with sites
that have multiple organization partnerships
and Geoparks accept economic uses, like
mining
• With Geoparks, no requirement to show
outstanding global value that the WH
program requires (show national importance)
The National Park Service and The Geological Society
of America (GSA) have drafted U.S. guidelines for
Geopark applications.
Canada has adapted the U.S. guidelines as the base
for the Canada Geopark Guidelines.
The U.S. and Canada are working together on national
Geoparks initiatives and hope for a future North
American Geoparks Network.
UNESCO just awarded the 1st Geopark in Canada.
Stonehammer Geopark, New Brunswick
First Geopark in North America
U.S. Next Steps
Comment period on draft U.S. Geoparks guidelines
Finalize U.S. Geoparks guidelines
U.S. National Committee for Geoparks
(USNC Geoparks)
Question: Who to host this Committee?
Secure funding for USNC Geoparks admin
$20,000 / 2 year budget
Next Steps
Geopark site applications accepted every 2 years
Coordinate information among lands –
Parks, BLM, National Forests, State Parks, etc.
Coordinate information among partners –
USNC-IUGS, USNC-UNESCO, USGS, etc.
Finalize the U.S. approval process for Geopark
applications & selection
(draft process in US Geopark Guidelines)
Next Steps
Clarify role of USNC IUGS/GS (IUGS is the global
partner for Geoparks) & the USNC UNESCO
Continue to network with Canada National Committee
for Geoparks
Launch U.S. Geoparks website with guidelines &
application timeline
Next Steps
The USNC Geoparks would be the official avenue
between sites and UNESCO to administer the
program in the U.S.
USNC Geoparks would report to USNC UNESCO &
USNC IUGS on U.S. related Geopark matters
For U.S. participation in the Global Geoparks Network,
a letter would need to be sent from U.S. Ambassador
Killion to the UNESCO Natural Sciences Director.
And More Next Steps
There is currently a site very interested in applying –
Gold Belt Scenic Byway area in Colorado
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“Road to Riches” : Paleo & Mining History
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Royal Gorge
Site has already drafted a ‘Letter of Intent to Apply’