UNESCO European Geoparks Conference held in Finland

The 18th International Conference of the UNESCO European Geoparks Network took place in Lappeenranta, Finland, from September 16 to 18. Organized by the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark, the event gathered approximately 380 participants from 28 countries to discuss lifelong learning, shared innovation, sustainable development, and cooperation.

Portuguese delegations, including representatives from the Azores and the Geoparque Oeste, participated in the forum. The Azores Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, emphasized the importance of the conference as the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark begins its revalidation process for 2027.

The Geoparque Oeste delegation presented various projects covering scientific research, geological accessibility, climate change effects, and geotourism potential. Additionally, Portuguese representatives held institutional meetings to lay the groundwork for a structure representing Portuguese geoparks in international forums, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for December in Macedo de Cavaleiros.