The concept of geopark was developed in Europe in the mid-90s by the needs of preserving and increasing the value of geologically important areas in earth history.
In 2004, after the formation of the European Geopark Network in 2000, Global Geoparks Network was established with the support of UNESCO, and it began to spread to public. According to UNESCO’s definition, geopark means “ecologically, archaeologically, historically and culturally valuable areas that are promoting regional economic development through conservation, education and tourism.”

UNESCO Geopark is a single, integrated geographical area where internationally valuable geologic sites and landscapes are managed as a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.
(Source : UNESCO International Geoscience and Geopark Program (IGGP) Statute and Operational Guidelines).