![Icone Fleche](https://www.geoparc-lahague.fr/wp-content/themes/highfive/src/img/fleche-bleu.svg")
The Haute Provence Geopark, since 2000 (
External site)
The UNESCO World Geoparc Label
What is a UNESCO global geoparc?
The UNESCO Global Geoparc label recognizes a territory with an exceptional geological heritage which carries out an animation and enhancement work of all of its heritage (natural, cultural and immaterial) with an objective of both environmental education and sustainable development.
A UNESCO global geoparc thus mobilizes its geological heritage in relation to all the other aspects of the natural and cultural heritage of the territory, for:
- Help understanding the long evolution of the earth
- but also better understand the balance of our current ecosystem,
- And improve the awareness and understanding of key issues that society faces, such as the sustainable use of our planet's resources, the attenuation of the effects of climate change and the reduction of risks linked to natural disasters.
This label is granted for 4 years renewable by UNESCO (United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture). This is a UNESCO full -fledged program
His missions?
- Preserve heritage
- Develop environmental education activities and sustainable development, whether with schoolchildren (schools, colleges, high schools) or the general public
- Support and develop mediation and interpretation of local heritage
- Support a local research activity to increase knowledge on heritage and the environment in the broad sense
- Compare a sustainable economy in connection with the activities developed, in line with natural resources and which support the agricultural and craft activity of the territory
- Develop national and international cooperation in education, science and culture in connection with the network of other geoparcs
The La Hague Geopark website: a project funded by LEADER
To immerse yourself in its living and inhabited landscapes, while ensuring their preservation, La Hague Geopark offers a variety of discovery experiences, tailored to each individual. The launch of a dedicated website therefore seemed inevitable in order to provide visitors to the area, geology enthusiasts, researchers, and the people of La Hague with an online information space. The LEADER program of the Cotentin GAL funded the entire La Hague Geopark website.
The Geoparcs network
Cooperation, whether local or international, is one of the main principles of action by UNESCO global geoparcs. It is for this reason that several networks were developed through the continents.
The global network
The GGN, or Global Geoparks Network, was created in 2004. It brings together all certified and aspiring Geoparks every two years and works in committee to develop common tools and encourage the sharing of expertise and the exchange of best practices.
The European network
TheEGN , for European Geoparks Network, which also brings its members together every two years, initiates collaborative projects.
The National Committee of Geoparcs of France
Association representing the various UNESCO French world geoparcs, the National Committee of Geoparcs of France (CNGF) aims to coordinate and promote their activity by strengthening their cooperation, the exchange of experience and the implementation of national projects. The CNGF also supports the creation of new global geoparcs by supporting them in their candidacy with UNESCO.
213 UNESCO global geoparcs
There are currently 213 UNESCO global geoparcs in 48 countries, including 9 French geoparcs (figure 2024):
The Luberon Geopark, since 2004 (
External website)
The Bauges Massif Geopark, since 2011
External website
The Chablais Geopark, since 2012
External website
The Monts d'Ardèche Geopark, since 2014
(External website)
The Causses du Quercy Geopark, since 2017
External website
The Beaujolais Geopark, since 2018
External website
The Armorique Geopark, since 2024
External site
The Normandy-Maine Geopark, since 2024
External site
The Grand Site de France label
Awarded by the Ministry in charge of the Environment, the Label Grand Site de France recognizes both the great heritage value of a site (classified as the law of 1930) and the wider environment in which it is part of, the quality of its interview, and the interest of the project of preservation, management and development proposed by the territory which carries it.
The approach is based on 3 major objectives:
- Ensure the preservation of the remarkable landscapes of the large site
- Manage the reception of the visitor based on respect for the framework and the quality of life of residents to allow balanced development of the territory
- Promote responsible, partnership, and sustainable local development
This label is granted for 8 years.
The network of major French sites
Created in November 2000, the Network of Great Sites of France is a non-profit organization (governed by the French law of 1901) recognized as being of general interest. It brings together local organizations responsible for managing these Great Sites. The Network is a vibrant forum for sharing practical experience and exchanging expertise among sites. It unites sites that have already been awarded the official "Great Site of France" label and sites that are less advanced, still in the study or rehabilitation phases. All the sites share a common goal: to find innovative approaches that ensure high-quality visitor services while respecting the spirit of the place and generating a positive impact on the surrounding social and economic fabric. The Network also participates in national and international discussions on the future of these important heritage sites, which face the challenge of their long-term preservation in the context of increasing tourism pressure.
