NZ Attendance at International UNESCO Global Geoparks Course
We supported the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark General Manager to participate in the 2025 International Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks.
The Course
This international course is a well-established annual training programme that is designed for Geopark Managers and aligned professionals hosted within a long-standing successful UNESCO Geopark. For 2025 this was Lesvos Island Geopark in Greece.
The course provided opportunity to discover how UNESCO Global Geoparks can make a real impact in local communities and on society as a whole, but also provided conceptual issues on UNESCO Global Geoparks.
The programme included expert lectures on a wide range of relevant topics, supported by case studies and visits within the well-established Lesvos Island Geopark.
“This was an exceptional opportunity to interact with and learn from the Global Geopark Network leadership team and other UNESCO Geopark Managers. There were many learnings throughout the course that can be directly applied within the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Geopark,” said Lynley Browne, Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark General Manager.
Waitaki Whitestone Geopark
In 2023 Waitaki Whitestone Geopark was officially endorsed as Aotearoa New Zealand’s first UNESCO accredited Global Geopark.
The UNESCO Global Geopark designation recognises Waitaki Whitestone Geopark's outstanding geological and cultural heritage and its commitment to sustainable development, education, and community engagement.
