Asia Pacific Geoparks Network

The Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) is the regional geopark network of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) and the UNESCO International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme (UNESCO-IGGP). Its main role is to coordinate the activities of GGN in the UNESCO regions of Asia and the Pacific, to promote networking between global geoparks and geopark professionals in the region and to provide support for sustainable economic development in geopark areas. As of 2020 February, the APGN had 60 institutional members (UNESCO Global Geoparks) in countries.[1][2] The Pacific region is currently not represented by a global geopark, but there are ongoing geopark projects,[3] just as in other countries of Asia.

Organization

The APGN was founded in 2007 based on the proposal at the 1st Asia Pacific Geoparks Symposium in Langkawi (Malaysia). It was endorsed by GGN in 2008 and became its official regional geopark network in 2013, in compliance with its Rules of Operation.[4]

Governing bodies
  • Advisory Committee: comprises the representatives of the founding members of the APGN, who meet annually to make the decisions on memberships and supporting programmes on geoheritage conservation, promotion of geoheritage education and awareness and monitor the progress of the network
  • Coordination Committee: made up by two official nominated representatives from each  UNESCO Global Geopark of the network(a geoscientist and a specialist on geoparks development or governance) and a representative from UNESCO. It meets twice a year and overviews the admission of new members to the network and has an advisory role of geopark governance.
  • Secretariat: providing the daily management of the network, supported by the Chinese Geoparks Network and the office of GGN in Beijing.

Members
  • Institutional Members: UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) located in the Asia Pacific Region.
  • Individual Members:  professionals of geoconservation, sustainable development, tourism development and environmental issues of GGN in Asia and the Pacific
  • Honorary Members: individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the UNESCO Global Geoparks community or to the GGN from the Asia Pacific region
  • National Representatives: nominated by member countries to represent them in the Advisory Committee (AC) and Coordination Committee (CC).
  • Cooperating Members: international organizations, institutions or individuals providing substantial financial or other assistance to GGN/APGN.

Geoparks
Further information: List of UNESCO Global Geoparks in Asia
Alxa Desert
Arxan
Dali-Cangshan
Danxiashan
Dunhuang
Fangshan
FUN
GN
Hexigten
Hong Kong
HD
1
Jingpohu
2
Keketuohai
Leiqiong
LF
LON
LUS
Mount Kunlun
Ningde
QZ
3
SHE
SHI
SON
Taining
Taishan
4
WD
Wudalianchi
Xingwen
YAN
Yanqing
YIM
YUN
Zhangjiajie
ZC
Zigong
Batur
Gunung Sewu
Ciletuh - Palabuhanratu
Rinjani-Lombok
Aso
Itoigawa
Izo Peninsula
Mt. Apoi
Muroto
Oki Islands
San'in Kaigan
Toya-Usu
UVA
Qeshm Island
Langkawi
Cheongsong
Jeju Island
Mudeungsan
Satun
DV
NCB
Asia Pacific Geoparks Network
DV: Dong Van Karst Plateau, FUN: Funiushan, GN: Guangwushan-Nuoshuihe, HD: Huanggang Dabieshan, 1: Huangshan, 2: Jiuhuashan, LF: Leye Fengshan, LON: Longhushuan, LUS: Lushan, NCB: Non nuoc Cao Bang, QZ: Qinling Zhongnanshan, 3: Sanqingshan, SHE: Shennongjia, SHI: Shilin, SON: Songshan, UVA: Unzen Volcanic Area, YAN: Yandangshan, YIM: Yimengshan, YUN: Yuntaishan, 4: Tianzhusan, WD: Wangwushan-Daimeishan, ZC: Zhijindong Cave

National geoparks networks

Some member states of APGN have established their national geopark networks. They organize the activities of GGN on a national level and help the application process of geoparks from project to a national geopark or UNESCO Global Geopark status.

National Network Number of UNESCO Global Geoparks Number of national geoparks Reference
Chinese Geoparks Network 39 236 [5]
Indonesia Geoparks Network 4 15 [6]
Japanese Geoparks Network 9 35 [7]
Korean Geoparks Network 3 7 [8]
Vietnam Geoparks Network 2

Meetings and activities

As a regional geopark networks, APGN is the organizer of several workshops and seminars, capacity building activities, common projects, promotional activities and common publications between the member countries and UNESCO Global Geoparks. Besides the regular meetings of the Advisor and Coordination Committees, the most important events of the network are the biennial symposiums, a place of exchange on research activities and management practices in geoparks.

Symposium Venue
1st Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium Langkawi UGG, Malaysia 2007
2nd Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium Hanoi, Vietnam July 2011
3rd Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium Jeju UGG Korea September 2013
4th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium San'in Kaigan UGG, Japan September 2015
5th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium Zhijindong Cave UGG, China September 2017
6th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium Rinjani-Lombok UGG, Indonesia September 2019
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gollark: One idea was also the Bussard ramjet, where you scoop up interstellar hydrogen and run it through a fusion reactor for propulsion.
gollark: It's not very efficient.
gollark: Radiation pressure, same as how solar sails work.
gollark: You can, apparently, propel spaceships very slightly by releasing light.

See also

References
  1. "APGN Geoparks – Asia Pacific Geoparks Network". asiapacificgeoparks.org. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
  2. "UNESCO Global Geoparks List|UNESCO". www.unesco.org. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
  3. "Waitaki Whitestone Geopark | Aotearoa New Zealand". Whitestone Geopark. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
  4. "APGN Rules of Operation" (PDF). Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  5. "Chinese Geoparks Network (in Chinese only)". www.geopark.cn. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
  6. "Indonesia Geopark National Committee". www.idgeoparks.id. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
  7. "Japanese Geoparks Network". geopark.jp. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
  8. "NATIONAL GEOPARKS OF KOREA". www.koreageoparks.kr. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
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