GEOPARKs
There are two different types of Geoparks:
- UNESCO Global Geoparks, that have been designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) - there are currently 147 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 41 countries
- National Geoparks that do not have UNESCO status
GeoWorld Travel wholeheartedly supports the objectives of geoparks, particularly as the company is based within one, the Fforest Fawr Geopark in Wales where James is an accredited Ffprest Fawr Geopark ambassador. and we also offer guided day tours within the Geopark. However, geoparks are not only about geology. While a UNESCO Global Geopark must demonstrate geological heritage of international significance, the purpose of a UNESCO Global Geopark is to explore, develop and celebrate the links between that geological heritage and all other aspects of the area's natural, cultural and intangible heritages. The purpose of GeoWorld Travel is to run trips which visit the very best geology sites, rather than to visit as many geoparks as possible, therefore, we visit top quality geosites both within and outside geoparks.
The following trips feature Geoparks:
England & Wales
Jurassic Coast & the Complete Geological Timescale - In England we visit the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark and the Abberley and Malvern Hills National Geopark. In Wales we visit the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark , the Heart of Wales National Geopark and the GeoMôn UNESCO Global Geopark.
Germany
Volcanoes & Famous Fossil Sites - We visit the Vulkaneifal UNESCO Global Geopark, the Bergstrasse-Odenwald UNESCO Global Geopark, the Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, the Reis UNESCO Geopark, and the Laacher See National Geopark
Iceland
The Vulcanologist's Dream - We visit the Rekjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark
Morocco
The Trilobite's Sahara Kingdom - We visit the M'Goun Geopark which was the first UNESCO Global Geopark to inscribed in Africa.
Scotland
The Birth of Geology - We visit the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark and the Lochaber National Geopark
Shetland
A Tectonic Jigsaw -The whole of Shetland is a UNESCO Geopark
Wales
Fforest Fawr Geopark & Blaenavon WHS Day Tour - GeoWorld Travel is based within the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark and we offer a geology day tour of the Geopark.