UNESCO unveils the latest global geoparks! Here they are
Discovering the intersection of geology, culture, and sustainability, travelers have exciting new destinations to add to their bucket lists! UNESCO's recent announcement designates 18 new global geoparks, expanding the total to 213 sites across 48 countries. From pristine karst lakes to ancient archipelagos, these parks showcase not unique geological formations but also celebrate the natural, cultural, and intangible heritage of their respective regions.
Uberaba
Known as the "Land of the Giants," this newly designated geopark encompasses Uberaba in southeast Brazil, renowned for its rich paleontological heritage. The park showcases remarkable geological formations shaped by ancient volcanic activity. With over 10,000 fossils, including dinosaurs, and a 19th-century farming tradition utilizing low-CO2-emission cattle breeds, it exemplifies ecological preservation efforts in the region.
Biokovo-Imotski Lakes
The Biokovo-Imotski Lakes Geopark in southern Croatia features two distinct geological formations. The Biokovo mountain range, accessible via Biokovo Nature Park, offers outdoor attractions like educational walks and mountain lookouts. Nearby, Imotski hosts the stunning Red and Blue Lakes. Red Lake lies at the bottom of Europe's deepest karst lake crater, while Blue Lake showcases its vivid blue waters sourced from surrounding mountains.
Meteora Pyli
Meteora Pyli offers a captivating blend of nature and culture. Its towering sandstone columns, some up to 300m high, host Byzantine-era monasteries dating from 1200 to 1600 CE. While already a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, its new geopark status includes neighboring geological wonders like the Tafoni formation of Kalambaka and the diverse biosphere of the Pindos Mountains, a paradise for hikers.
Longyan
Longyan, located in Fujian Province, China, serves as the heart of Hakka culture, renowned for its roundhouse-style buildings and vibrant traditions. Festivals like the You Da Long and Zou Gu Shi celebrate local customs amidst cobblestone streets. The city's geopark encompasses both cultural and natural heritage, including dense forests housing endemic species like the Chinese yew tree and the South China tiger.
South Fyn Archipelago
Formed from rising global water levels over 10,000 years ago,this site showcases a picturesque "drowned" ice age landscape. Comprising approximately 55 islands and islets, it's revered as "The Garden of Denmark" due to its rich agricultural history. Renowned for exceptional sailing waters, visitors can explore the archipelago by sailboat, dive into its endangered marine ecosystem, and enjoy hiking and farm-to-table experiences supporting local agriculture.
