2 Saudi geoparks nominated for UNESCO Global Geoparks Network 

The Coordinating Council for UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Council has nominated two Saudi sites, North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark, for inclusion in the organisation’s prestigious Global Geoparks Network.

The announcement was made during the council’s ninth meeting, held on 8 and 9 September in Vietnam, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

In a joint statement released yesterday, the National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), along with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, described this nomination as a significant step towards enhancing Saudi Arabia’s role in preserving geological heritage and promoting sustainable development.

The statement noted that nominated sites are selected based on “rigorous criteria, such as the comprehensive management of geologically significant areas of global importance, by integrating protection, education, and sustainable development. A key element of this approach is engaging local communities.”

During the ninth session, 21 nominated sites were reviewed, with 15 being approved for nomination. According to UNESCO’s statement, the total number of Global Geoparks could reach 228 across 49 countries worldwide if the new nominations are granted final approval.

This nomination is a significant step towards gaining international recognition for these geologically important sites, and it acknowledges Saudi Arabia’s dedication to preserving and developing areas of global geological significance. It also enhances the kingdom’s reputation on the international stage in the areas of environmental conservation and sustainable development, according to SPA.

Saudi Arabia is set to join the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network for the first time, pending the final decision at UNESCO’s General Conference, expected to be held in March 2025.

READ: UNESCO adds 3 Arab sites to World Heritage List