- Orígens Geopark has received a visit from two UNESCO evaluators, who have assessed the progress made in recent years for 5 days.
- The UNESCO Global Geopark designation requires a revalidation procedure every 4 years, to ensure that the territory continues to comply with the required quality criteria.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are territories of excellence that, in order to maintain their status, must undergo a revalidation process every four years. This process allows for an on-site assessment of compliance with the objectives and values of the Geoparks, as well as the degree of implementation of the Master Plan and the addressing of the recommendations issued in the previous revalidation. It is therefore an opportunity for continuous improvement and an incentive for the territory to continue moving towards a sustainable development model at the service of the local population.
The Orígens Geopark has carried out its second revalidation process since it was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018. In 2021, it passed its first revalidation, obtaining a green card. However, with this recognition, a set of recommendations were also established that needed to be addressed during the following period.
Orígens Geopark has already sent several documents to UNESCO in order to start the revalidation process. Subsequently, UNESCO appointed two evaluators to carry out a field mission to verify in the territory and based on evidence, the progress made in the period 2021-2024. The revalidation at Orígens Geopark took place between June 2 and 6, including three field days and two office meetings. 45 visits and interviews were carried out with a total of 120 local agents. During the closing meeting on the fifth day, the evaluators met with the Geopark’s technical staff to discuss the impressions obtained during the process and conveyed very positive and favorable opinions regarding the different actions and projects that are being developed in the territory in the fields of conservation, research, education and dissemination, sustainable development and local, state and international cooperation..
Evaluators will now prepare a report that will be assessed by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council during its annual meeting, which this year is being held at Kütralkura Geopark (Chile). The result will probably be known in October 2025, but the official resolution, with the corresponding formal recommendations, will not be issued until March 2026. Orígens Geopark can receive a green card (continuation), yellow (urgent improvements) or red card (loss of designation).