Yaounde: UNESCO, stakeholders concert to create country’s first Geopark.

This was the focus of a two-day workshop UNESCO’s International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, IGBP, organised in Yaounde on October 17 and 18. 

It was organised by UNESCO’s Regional Bureau for Central Africa and Cameroon’s National Commission for UNESCO.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop, UNESCO’s Regional Director for Central Africa, Paul Coustère, highlighted the importance of creating Geopark in the country, considering its geographic and natural resource wealth.

“Cameroon has no Geopark yet the potential is great. Cameroon as Africa-in-miniature boosts exceptional geological and geographical wealth with a diversity of landscapes ranging from mountains, volcanoes, tropical forests and plains notably Mount Cameroon, the Kola gorges, the Ngaoundere caves, the Korup national park, and so on,” Coustère mentioned.

He added that through the workshop, participants are being equipped to inform and raise awareness on the importance of the country’s geological heritage, and foster common understanding of the Geopark concept and its relevance to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity.

Coustère added that the workshop is also to create collaboration between the various stakeholders and establish a national network of Geoparks in Cameroon in order to promote sharing experience and best practices between different sites.

According to the Regional Director, Geoparks will help foster research and conservation of geographic heritage, education and sensitisation on environmental issues, job creation and geotourism.

He stated that it will also answer key questions like sustainable management of natural resources, impact of natural risks and climate change, and the empowerment of indigenous people. 

Paul Coustère concluded by calling on the participants to identify different Geopark sites in the country and come up with a roadmap for the creation of the first Geopark in Cameroon.

On Geoparks

UNESCO’s International Geoscience Programme was established in 1972 to recognise geological heritage of international importance. After biosphere reserves and heritage sites, UNESCO’s Global Geoparks are the third and most recent type of designated UNESCO sites.

Geoparks are unique, unified geographical areas containing a multitude of geological sites of international value. They combine the conservation of geological heritage with sustainable development for the benefit of local communities. 

These sites and landscapes of international geological importance strengthen the links between a region’s geological heritage and its other natural heritage, as well as its tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

The creation of a UNESCO Global Geopark often leads to an increase in visitor numbers, with economic benefits for the local population through geotourism and small businesses that offer visitors a unique experience, such as homestays and the sale of local food and souvenirs.

UNESCO’s global Geoparks also enable local people to take pride in their region and strengthen their sense of belonging. There are currently 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 46 countries, covering a total area of 486,709 km², and only 4 of these Geoparks are in Africa.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3263 of Friday October 18, 2024