GEOPARKS - TO BE OR NOT TO BE?

One of the benefits emerging from the recent GEOFEST 2024 Sydney Workshop was the realisation by Australian attendees that Indonesia’s impressive suite of geoparks serve as an important driver of economic development, and in this regard their establishment is strongly supported by governments at both the national and provincial level. For example, H.E. Ambassador Dr Siswo Pramono explained how the development of the Natuna Geopark related to the socio-economic development of the Riau Archipelago Province of Indonesia. Mohamad Farid Zaini, Chairman of the Indonesian Geoparks Network explained that by demonstrating the efficacy of collaborative approaches, community empowerment, and holistic management strategies, Indonesian geoparks serve as a beacon for other volcanic destinations aspiring to balance conservation efforts with socio-economic benefits https://bit.ly/3ykis0J

In this context, whereas the focus on potential geopark development in Australia has been to date on identifying and celebrating regions with outstanding natural and cultural heritage as an engine of regional development, perhaps it is now time to give more weight to the issue of human demographics. After all, ‘while a UNESCO Global Geopark must demonstrate geological heritage of international significance, the purpose of a UNESCO Global Geopark is to explore, develop and celebrate the links between that geological heritage and all other aspects of the area's natural, cultural and intangible heritages.’ And it is about reconnecting human society at all levels to the Earth and to celebrate how its 4,600 million year long history has shaped every aspect of our lives and our societies.

Therefore, it can be argued that demographics is a primary driver of whether an approved Australian GeoRegion can eventually become a UNESCO Global Geopark. There needs to be a demonstrated benefit to the community – there are compelling requirements related to employment, education, and economic development within a GeoRegion.

There are no doubt areas within regional (and outback) Australia that would readily qualify for geopark development. Given all the discussions emanating from the recent Garma Festival of Traditional Cultures in Gulkula, northeast Arnhem Land, it seems that geopark development in areas strongly populated by First Nations peoples represents a compelling response to ‘Closing the Gap’ as it relates to ‘strong economic participation and development of their communities.

Of particular relevance to this situation, the Australian Geoscience Council Inc has welcomed the decision made in 2022 by Australian and State/Territory Tourism Ministers to adopt the THRIVE 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy as an overarching policy driver. One of the key Actions (7.5) of this strategy is to ‘grow and develop high-quality products and experiences around unique Australian locations and themes, including approaches which integrate sustainable nature tourism with economic opportunities for Traditional Owners, and reflect emerging tourism trends such as geotourism.’

So what other Australian regions feature environments that might not fit into a reserve, don’t want or need the same levels of environmental protection, but could truly benefit from job creation and economic development around their regional identity? That is the question!