Transcript Geoparks and the National Park Service

Global Geoparks Network
Wesley Hill
International Liaison
The Geological Society of America
Boulder, Colorado USA
NPS is currently assessing participation in the
global Geoparks program (UNESCO)
Coordination is through the NPS Geologic
Resources Division (GRD) & Office of
International Affairs
– NPS Lead: Dave Steensen, Director GRD
Briefings to the Associate Director level
NPS is currently working with GSA and USGS
 Geoparks provide an international formal
structure that links designated national
geoheritage sites around the world under
one global umbrella.
 Is a sister structure of UNESCO Biosphere
Reserves & World Heritage Program, but the
focus is on geoheritage
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
Opportunity to Increase Geotourism:
Geotourism: the objective of the trip is to visit or view a
geological formation or unique landscape
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Outstanding landscapes & formations
Scientifically interesting
Photographic opportunity
Geoheritage cultural interest
Exposed rock formations
Assemblages of Minerals
Coastlines
Our Geological Heritage
• scientifically important, or especially striking,
scenic, or unusual geologic phenomena
• sites where geologic features, rock types, landforms
or type specimens of fossils were first recognized
and described
• textbook examples of geologic features, structures,
fossils, processes, and landforms
• historic sites where cultural events were tied to an
area’s geologic features, such as those in the history
of geology, mining, and geology in early exploration
and settlement
Site Authority & Management:
Management control by existing structure.
UNESCO has no sovereignty and no control over any
Geopark - in any shape or form. Management lies at all
times with the host nation and with host authorities &
management.
Type of quality branding standard similar to World Heritage.
U.S. Interests 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 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 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.
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
Next Steps
Comment period on draft U.S. guidelines
Feedback from the field on concept of program
Finalize U.S. Geoparks guidelines
Form U.S. National Committee for Geoparks
Approval at the State Department level
Geopark applications accepted every 2 years
Next Steps
Current site 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’