New UNESCO Guide Aims to Expand Geoparks in Mexico

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has released a new open-access document on its official digital library, UNESCODOC, titled Un territorio, muchas voces. Manual de inicio para proyectos de Geoparque (One Territory, Many Voices: A Starter Guide for Geopark Projects). The publication is the result of ongoing collaboration between UNESCO’s Mexico Office and UNAM’s National School of Earth Sciences (ENCiT).

According to Carles Canet, lead author of the guide and expert in geological heritage and georesources, UNESCO Global Geoparks are currently the fastest-growing designation of their kind worldwide. They are drawing increased public interest thanks to their proven ability to revitalize local areas, highlight geological value, and promote participatory management that empowers communities.

Canet noted that despite their potential, geoparks remain largely underused in Mexico. This is partly due to limited public understanding of what a geopark is and the complex regulations involved in their management and evaluation. In this context, the new guide serves as a valuable resource to encourage broader awareness and adoption of the geopark model.