The History of Geopark Development in Australia, A New Way Forward

Geoparks in Australia have had a complex recent history. Following the demise of the former Kanawinka UNESCO Geopark in 2012, two potential UNESCO Global Geopark projects supported by local government agencies and embracing large areas were initiated in other Australian regions in 2016. These were f...

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Main Author: Angus Robinson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: OICC Press 2022-06-01
Series:Geoconservation Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://gcr.isfahan.iau.ir/article_688936_bb2a258d5ab5c402508005e8016f14f6.pdf
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author Angus Robinson
author_facet Angus Robinson
author_sort Angus Robinson
collection DOAJ
description Geoparks in Australia have had a complex recent history. Following the demise of the former Kanawinka UNESCO Geopark in 2012, two potential UNESCO Global Geopark projects supported by local government agencies and embracing large areas were initiated in other Australian regions in 2016. These were for the Etheridge Geopark in Far North Queensland and the Warrumbungle Geopark in New South Wales, both featuring important volcanic phenomena. However, both proposals failed to proceed to the stage where they could be nominated by any Australian government as Aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks. This paper focuses on the genesis of these issues and what steps have been undertaken, lessons learnt, and measures that are now being undertaken to obtain government support and broad community engagement for geopark projects. In essence, it has now been recommended that the proposal should avoid reference to the word ‘geopark’ and focus instead on communicating the concept of a ‘GeoRegion.’
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spelling doaj.art-aec0eaa71d584249ac5c5ec10c692b722024-12-02T06:37:52ZengOICC PressGeoconservation Research2645-46612588-73432022-06-01518910710.30486/gcr.2021.1935126.1096688936The History of Geopark Development in Australia, A New Way ForwardAngus Robinson0National Geotourism Strategy, Australian Geoscience Council, AustraliaGeoparks in Australia have had a complex recent history. Following the demise of the former Kanawinka UNESCO Geopark in 2012, two potential UNESCO Global Geopark projects supported by local government agencies and embracing large areas were initiated in other Australian regions in 2016. These were for the Etheridge Geopark in Far North Queensland and the Warrumbungle Geopark in New South Wales, both featuring important volcanic phenomena. However, both proposals failed to proceed to the stage where they could be nominated by any Australian government as Aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks. This paper focuses on the genesis of these issues and what steps have been undertaken, lessons learnt, and measures that are now being undertaken to obtain government support and broad community engagement for geopark projects. In essence, it has now been recommended that the proposal should avoid reference to the word ‘geopark’ and focus instead on communicating the concept of a ‘GeoRegion.’https://gcr.isfahan.iau.ir/article_688936_bb2a258d5ab5c402508005e8016f14f6.pdfnational geotourism strategyaustralian geoscience councilgeoparksgeoregions
spellingShingle Angus Robinson
The History of Geopark Development in Australia, A New Way Forward
Geoconservation Research
national geotourism strategy
australian geoscience council
geoparks
georegions
title The History of Geopark Development in Australia, A New Way Forward
title_full The History of Geopark Development in Australia, A New Way Forward
title_fullStr The History of Geopark Development in Australia, A New Way Forward
title_full_unstemmed The History of Geopark Development in Australia, A New Way Forward
title_short The History of Geopark Development in Australia, A New Way Forward
title_sort history of geopark development in australia a new way forward
topic national geotourism strategy
australian geoscience council
geoparks
georegions
url https://gcr.isfahan.iau.ir/article_688936_bb2a258d5ab5c402508005e8016f14f6.pdf
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