Regional Conference on Asia-Pacific Geoparks and Business Dialogues

REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON ASIA-PACIFIC GEOPARKS AND BUSINESS DIALOGUES
“Networking within National Geoparks”

13-15 November 2007
Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

Introduction
A Geopark is a nationally protected area containing a number of geological heritage sites of particular importance, rarity or aesthetic appeal. It is part of an integrated concept of protection, education and sustainable development. The concept of linking sustainable development with geoheritage, conservation, education and tourism is rather new to the Asia Pacific region. In order to promote the development of National Geoparks among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the first regional Conference on Asia-Pacific Network of National Geoparks is organised to take place in November 2007.
This provides platform for scholars and various stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas on pressing issues of the sustainable use and management of geoheritage in each country. In the region, only China is vigorous in this pursuit, totalling more than 138 National Geoparks, 18 of which are currently members of the Global Network of National Geoparks assisted by UNESCO. Thus, it is in the interest of the knowledge of the natural and cultural resources and the links with landscape, that wider awareness and involvement in this region are crucial.

Objectives
• To discuss the progress of geoheritage conservation in the Asia-Pacific region.
• To discuss issues of conservation and sustainable use of geoheritage among various stakeholders.
• To promote development of National Geoparks among Asia-Pacific countries.
• To establish Asia-Pacific Network of National Geoparks

Plenary Papers
1. Networking between Asian Pacific National Geoparks by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ibrahim Komoo (UNESCO)
2. Geotourism: added value for nature tourism by Prof. Dr. Zhao Xun (UNESCO)
3. UNESCO’s roles in promoting National Geoparks and sustainable development through a Global Network by Dr.Margaret Patzak (UNESCO)
4. Geopark as a tool in a holistic nature conservation by Dr. Nickolas Zouros & Dr. Patrick McKeever (European Geopark Network)