Understanding and Protecting Geological Heritage: A Step Towards Education and Sustainable Development
In a message marking International Geodiversity Day (October 6, 2026), UNESCO Director-General Professor Khaled El-Enany emphasized the importance of understanding the diversity of geological features, promoting Earth sciences, and safeguarding natural heritage.
According to The Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, this year’s International Geodiversity Day theme, “Geodiversity Around Us,” offers an opportunity to pay closer attention to the diversity of geological features in our surroundings.
Rocks, soils, fossils, rivers, coastlines, and natural landforms are all part of our surroundings. Understanding these features helps us gain a deeper insight into Earth’s history, the processes that shape natural landscapes, and the natural resources and hazards that affect the lives of communities.
Since UNESCO proclaimed International Geodiversity Day, it has played an important role in raising awareness of and promoting Earth sciences around the world. Educational programs, international conferences, specialized workshops, and visits to UNESCO Global Geoparks are among the activities organized to mark the occasion.
These efforts aim to raise public awareness of geodiversity, facilitate access to related knowledge, and strengthen the links between this field, education, the protection of natural heritage, and sustainable development.
UNESCO pursues these objectives through its International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. Currently, 241 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 51 countries play an important role in this field by bringing together scientific knowledge, the protection of geological heritage, education, and local development. The designation of Tunisia’s third UNESCO Global Geopark in 2026, along with the submission of three new applications by African countries, also reflects growing interest and engagement across the continent in this field.
At the conclusion of his message marking International Geodiversity Day, the UNESCO Director-General invited local communities, schools, scientists, and local authorities to identify and learn more about the geological heritage around them and take steps to safeguard it.
