Marrakech to Host UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference: First in Africa and Arab World

From 4 to 11 September, Marrakech will hold the UNESCO International Conference on Global Geoparks (hereinafter referred to as "the Conference"), the most significant international gathering where experiences and knowledge of geoparks are shared.

Samir Addahre, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Morocco to UNESCO, emphasized that the hosting of such an international conference in Morocco marks a recognition for Morocco's pioneering role in the Arab and African regions, particularly in preserving and promoting natural and archaeological treasures of universal value.

The event, to be celebrated for the first time in the Arab and African regions, underpins UNESCO's and the Global Geoparks Network's (GGN) efforts to promote the concept of geoparks in Africa and the Arab world. Out of the 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries around the world, only two are in the Arab and African regions: M'Goun in Morocco and Ngorongoro-Lengai in Tanzania, noted by Samir Addahre.

The international event will be an opportunity for Morocco to reinforce its leadership in this industry and to share its expertise with Arab and African countries as part of its South-South cooperation policy, according to Addahre.

Given the importance of this international event, Morocco, rivaling with France, Mexico, and Brazil, presented the candidacy of the M'Goun Geopark, which was designated in 2014 as the first geopark in Africa and the Arab world. Moroccan’s efficiency and expertise in geoparks, geosciences, communication, sustainable tourism, and other key criteria were demonstrated as its proposal successfully met all requirements, including technical and budgetary aspects.

The choice of the M'Goun Geopark was made possible by strong support from local, municipal, governmental, and ministerial stakeholders, as indicated by Addahre, in addition to Kingdom's potential and experience in organizing large-scale events, which are internationally renowned.

He added that this broad support "clearly reflects the credibility of Morocco's approach and the commitment of our country, in line with the High Directions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in favor of protecting and preserving our natural, geological, cultural, and architectural heritage, which are part of our identity."

Addahre emphasized that the 10th UNESCO International Conference on Global Geoparks, organized by the GGN, the Béni Mellal-Khénifra Regional Council, and the M'Goun Geopark, will be the first in-person event following a difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Conference, gathering over 1,500 participants from 50 nationalities, will provide participants with the opportunity, during post-conference field trips, to discover the beauty of Morocco, the diversity of natural landscapes, geo-touristic sites, and valuable archaeological sites, as well as the local culinary and musical traditions of the M'Goun region. The M'Goun Geopark has received the title of the UNESCO Global Geopark by meeting specific criteria.

After receiving positive evaluation mission recommendations from UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, the label also revalidated in 2023. The diplomat noted that nearly 10 years after its labeling, this geopark stands as a "perfect model" for using natural cultural heritages to promote sustainable development of community while adhering to the global concepts of protection, education, and sustainability.