Morocco is preparing to host the 10th International Conference of UNESCO Geoparks (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) which will take place from September 4 to 11 in three cities, including Marrakech, Azilal and Beni Mellal.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the event is initiated by the Council of the Beni Mellal-Khenifra Region, in partnership with the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and the Global Geoparks Association of UNESCO M’Goun in Azilal, according to a press release from the Beni Mellal-Khenifra Region relayed by the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP).
The Conference will bring together experts, government officials, researchers, scientists and representatives of Geoparks from all over the world. According to the press release, it will be an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Geoparks around the world in recent years and to promote collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and good practices for the conservation of the world’s geological and cultural heritage.
It is indicated that the large-scale event will give participants the opportunity to share their experiences and benefit from the fruitful debates to be engaged in this direction, while strengthening the links between the different Geoparks by signing numerous partnerships. and twinnings, specifies the same source, noting that more than 20 partnership, cooperation and twinning agreements will be signed between the Geopark M’Goun and various international Geoparks in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, France, Portugal , Canada, Romania, Brazil, Greece…
The press release informs that the conference will receive wide media coverage, which will highlight the natural and cultural potential of the Kingdom of Morocco in general as a country of tolerance and openness. It is, continues the text, an opportunity to take stock of the civilizational and cultural landmarks that Morocco has, and which date back more than 12 centuries in addition to the strong influence for the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, and the territory of the M’Goun Geopark, as well as its abundance of natural assets and its unique biological and ecological civilizational diversities.
More than 1,200 participants from 60 countries will take part in this International Conference, which will provide a space for meeting and exchanging good practices, knowledge and experiences on the management of geological parks and the protection of cultural heritage in land areas. UNESCO.
The conference program will include, to stick to the press release, plenary sessions, thematic workshops and field visits to the territory of the M’Goun Geopark in Azilal and Beni Mellal. It will also include scientific presentations on methods of sustainable management of geological sites, on environmental education, on responsible tourism and local economic development and on climate change and its negative repercussions.
The same source points out that the conference will also be a fertile ground for the taking of many decisions by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, the announcement of the awards of the Global Geoparks Film Festival, the discernment of Global Best Practices Awards , and the delivery of certification certificates by UNESCO for the new Geoparks recognized for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022.
It is emphasized that the M’Goun Geopark, an integral part of the Beni Mellal Khenifra region, is considered to be the first Geopark in the Arab and African world to be recognized by UNESCO in 2014. This recognition was renewed following the visit UNESCO experts in 2018 and 2022. He was honored with the presidency of the UNESCO African Geoparks Network, and represents Africa in the Executive Bureau of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
The M’Goun Geopark Association has contributed substantially to the socio-economic development of the Azilal territory, through the creation of the M’Goun Geopark Club for Water Sports and Mountain Sports, a series of production cooperatives, local associations, a network of mediators, as well as support for local authorities and consultation with the Association of Mountain Guides.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1289 of 08/22/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
