National and global geoparks management status: Focusing on countries with UNESCO Global Geoparks

초록

This study conducted a survey on the operation and management status of national and regional Geoparks in the UNESCO Global Geopark member countries to draw implications for sustainable development of national Geoparks in Republic of Korea. 17 countries out of 48 members participated in the study. The survey indicated 41.2% of participated countries operate the UNESCO Global Geoparks and Geopark systems at both the national and regional levels. The survey analysis results indicated the importance of institutional foundation and stable national financial support in accomplishing a sustainable development of national and regional Geoparks. Although the basic institutional foundation for Geoparks has already been established in Republic of Korea, it is necessary to develop the institutional foundation in accordance with the characteristics of geoparks, which are unrestricted on act and aimed at revitalizing the local economy.

키워드