Global Geopark Conference

At the end of September 700 International delegates visited Torbay for one of the most important conferences ever held locally.

UNESCO Global Geoparks delegates were from 120 global Geoparks, from 63 different countries and brought an estimated £1.6 million into the English Riviera, boosting the tourism industry and the resort as an international geological destination.

Attended by senior UNESCO officials, scientists, policy makers and government representatives from all over the globe, this was the first international Geopark conference under the UNESCO banner.

The conference was a huge success, from day trips to dinner and everything in between. Official events included General Assembly, Executive Board Meeting, Advisory Committee Meeting, EGN Advisory Committee, EGN Coordination Committee, APGN Advisory Meeting, APGN Coordination Committee Meeting and Geopark fair.

Some of the delegate events organised by the Riviera International Conference Centre were praised in a letter from Professor Nickolas Zouros, President of the Global Geoparks Network Executive Board:

“We are all impressed by the excellent organisation of the Conference, the outstanding opening event, the high quality events of the Gala dinner and opening and closing ceremonies”

Professor Zouros then went on to say:

“The 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks is already recognized as the most successful ever!”

With such a successful conference under their belts the English Riviera is in a better position than ever to offer their conferencing facilities to delegates from around the globe.