UNESCO Global Geoparks Network Conference – Marrakesh (Morocco)

On the occasion of the 10th UNESCO Global Geoparks Network Conference, currently taking place in Marrakesh (Morocco) from 4 to 11 September 2023, the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark has had its work recognised, receiving the ‘green badge’ from the Global Geoparks Network (GGN). It will therefore continue to form part of this UNESCO network, following the monitoring visit carried out in July 2023 by two GGN revalidators; who visited the area and were able to appreciate the great effort and immense work carried out by the Sesia Val Grande Geopark to remain within the Global Geoparks Network.

"The positive outcome of UNESCO’s review recognises the hard work carried out in recent years by the three organisations that make up the geopark. This work has been undertaken solely to promote, raise awareness of and protect a territory that is special for its geological features and its wealth of resources across all sectors. For the Association, the commitment and dedication shown by Prof. Marco Giardino have been fundamental,” said Alice Freschi, Vice-President of the Sesia Val Grande Association.

Luigi Spadone, president of the Val Grande National Park, the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark and vice-president of Federparchi, said: “We are certainly very pleased to have achieved re-accreditation, and this means that the tremendous work carried out by the local communities, together with Prof. Giardino, has been recognised, creating an impression – as is indeed the case – of synergy. And this is certainly recognition not only of the great work carried out, but also of the unique character of the Geopark’s territory, which is unrivalled anywhere in the world, and we are therefore honoured to have been re-accredited by UNESCO.”

"I welcome this news with great satisfaction. The Sesia Valley Protected Areas Management Authority is situated right at the heart of the Valsesian part of the geopark and showcases an incredible variety of landforms and rock types, ranging from the glaciers of Monte Rosa in the Alta Val Sesia and Alta Val Strona Nature Park – Europe’s highest-altitude park – to the caves and arches of the Monte Fenera Nature Park. The Sesia Val Grande river links our two parks and winds its way through vast areas of the immense caldera we now know as the Supervolcano. This geological diversity gives rise to the biodiversity that populates our protected areas, which are treasure troves of precious landscapes, flora and fauna. “We can therefore only be proud that UNESCO has once again recognised the value of our Geopark and our ability and credibility in promoting it ever more,” comments Lucia Pompilio, Director of the Sesia Valley Protected Areas Management Authority, the third organisation that makes up the Sesia Val Grande Geopark.

The conference was organised by the first Arab and African UNESCO Geopark, the M’goun UNESCO Global Geopark, and attracted over 1,200 participants from 48 countries around the world.

A group of young researchers from the University of Turin are currently in Marrakech, where they are also involved in the Geopark. The GGN Conference was also a wonderful opportunity to exchange views with other Italian Geoparks, with a view to strengthening ties and establishing future collaborations.