Spanish National Geoparks Committee

Coordinate the national contribution to UNESCO Global Geoparks within the framework of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP).

Promote awareness of the value and significance of geological heritage, particularly through outreach and education regarding environmental and conservation values ​​within UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Coordinate and promote the creation and development of new UNESCO Global Geoparks, respecting the bottom-up approach and proposing objective criteria to guide their establishment.

To prepare reports on applications for UNESCO Global Geopark designation—as well as revalidations and extensions—submitted by the competent entities, and, where appropriate, to propose their official submission to the IGGP Secretariat to the Spanish National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO. In the case of revalidations and extensions, the preparation of said technical reports shall be the specific responsibility of the Deputy Secretariat of the Spanish National Geoparks Committee.

Establish and apply criteria for prioritizing Spanish candidacies in the event that more than two territories apply for UNESCO Global Geopark status in the same year.

Should the presence of observers representing the Committee be deemed appropriate for evaluation or revalidation missions carried out in Spain—and subject to a request from the territories involved—to designate such observers, provided that said territories commit in advance to covering the expenses they incur.

Ensure the proper withdrawal of the UNESCO Global Geopark designation for those that do not pass the revalidation process or do not wish to continue holding the designation.

Promote international cooperation among UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Provide information in Spain about the UNESCO Global and European Geoparks networks.

Promote and support strategies and actions for sustainable development within and among UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Promote scientific research related to Earth sciences in Global Geoparks.

Foster coordination with other UNESCO programmes and other designation systems, preferably through existing National Committees.

Make recommendations regarding the regulations applicable to UNESCO Global Geoparks.

To foster coordination and cooperation among the various interventions regarding Geoparks carried out by different levels of public administration.

To foster coordination and cooperation between Spanish Geoparks and scientific associations related to Earth sciences and nature conservation.