15/12/2024
Remarkable moments in our common history -
Global Geoparks Network 20th Anniversary!
The GGN Executive Board awards UNESCO Global Geoparks Secretary Kristof Vandenberger and individuals from Asia and Pacific with significant contribution to GGN establishment and development!
In any thriving organization, it’s members are the cornerstone of success. But especially for the Global Geoparks Network which was founded in 2004, as a voluntary network including 25 territories which host geological heritage sites of international significance and within the last 20 years became an International Association, including 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 Countries and statutory partner of UNESCO for the UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme, is more than evident that the contribution of the Geopark representatives and Geopark professionals made this Network a real success!
The GGN members during the last 20 years offer to the GGN voluntary contribution, hard work, dedication, solidarity and concrete achievements that drive the Global Geoparks Network forward.
Celebrating GGN’s 20th Anniversary we feel the necessity to recognize the individuals with significant contribution to the GGN establishment, development and success. All those individuals, through different types of contributions, impact the overall success of the Global Geoparks Network.
Recognition of their contribution is not just about giving praise; it's about acknowledging the hard work and commitment to GGN.
Thus the GGN organized special events during 2024 at the Regional Geopark Conferences and awarded with a special certificate the individuals with significant contribution to the GGN establishment, development and success. This was the minimum as a small gift in return to their contribution!
On 11 September 2024, at the Conference Center of Cao Bang Province (Northern Vietnam), the 20th anniversary of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) took place on the sidelines of the 8th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium (APGN), with the participation of nearly 500 domestic and international delegates and the presence of the UNESCO ADG Lydia Brito and Vietnamese Government officials!
The celebration marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment and development of GGN in carrying out the tasks of preserving, conserving and promoting geological heritage, biodiversity, natural landscapes, tangible and intangible culture, environmental protection activities, for community development and sustainable development; enhancing the spirit of solidarity among Network members in implementing the common goals of the UNESCO Global Geopark.
In his opening speech, Prof. Nickolas Zouros, President of the GGN, thanked the efforts of the Government of Vietnam and Cao Bang Province, especially colleagues at Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark for their great efforts to organize the 8th APGN and GGN Anniversary Ceremony.
The GGN Executive Board awarded certificates and honored members of the Geoparks Network ExB, GGN AC , GGN Bureau, organisers of the International Conferences on Geoparks and members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council who have made important contributions to the foundation and development of the GGN.
Below the list of individuals with significant contribution in GGN building from Asia and Pacific region:
1 Zhang Jianping, China
2 Jin Xiaochi, China
3 Zheng Yuanyuan, China
4 Long Changxing, China
5 Hanang Samondra, Indonesia
6 Amrikazemi Alireza,Iran
7 Nakada Setsuya, Japan
8 Watanabe Mahito, Japan
9 FUurusawa Kana, Japan
10 Min Huh, Korea, Republic of
11 Jeon Yongmun, Korea, Republic of
12 Soo Jae Lee, Korea, Republic of
13 Komoo Ibrahim, Malaysia
14 Narongrit Thungprue,Thailand
15 Van Tran Tan, Vietnam
16 Vinh Truong The, Vietnam
