December 12-14, 2022

Within the framework of the Geo-Schemas Project and International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme at UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences in the Arab States organized a first Regional Edition of the course on “Leadership in Geological Heritage Conservation – Arab Region” which brought together 25 participants from 13 Arab Member States, namely; Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Sudan, Libya, Mauritania, KSA, UAE, Oman, and Qatar.

Dr. Nuria Sanz – Regional Director of UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences in the Arab States, opened the regional event while emphasizing the specificity and richness in geodiversity that the region can offer to the world with the designation of UNESCO Global Geopark.  Dr. Ahmed Salama – Counselor at the Egyptian Environment Affairs Agency and representative of the Minister of Environment Dr. Yasmine Fouad, highlighted the importance of the intensive course in the context of Egypt whereby the country and all other Arab countries hold astonishing geological sites with global importance.   

The course featured lectures given by international and regional experts fostering interactive discussions and giving spaces for better understanding of the spectrum of readiness of potential UNESCO Global Geopark from the Arab region. Representatives will be visiting Wadi El Hitan in Fayoum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with marked geological significance.

The 2^nd day of the Course on Leadership in Geological Heritage Conservation brought innovative thoughts to UNESCO Global Geoparks whereby exploring and crafting new stories to tell to domestic and international tourists shall boost geotourism. Dr. Ines Klemm – CEO & Founder of Latrace, introduced how the language of colors in the natural world merged with hospitality products and services is essential to ensure balanced and sustainable tourism industry in the UGGps in the Arab region, featuring a diversity of culture and identity. The Science & Knowledge Cafés unfolded the leadership skills needed for geological heritage conservation in real time scenario in M’Goun UGGp in Morocco, Arouca UGGp in Portugal, Las Loras in Spain, and Tumbler Ridge in Canada. The interactive discussions were an eye opener on the potential intra-regional and inter-regional partnerships ensuring the advancement of the UGGps portfolio in the Arab region. Throughout the discussions, Dr. Elsa Sattout – Regional Programme Specialist of the Ecology and Earth Sciences, tapped on the role of social fabric in the UGGps in ‘modernizing’ traditions and boosting authentic experiences lived either by the local themselves with amplified sense of pride or by domestic and international tourism with a strong connection with the land and geodiversity.

The Leadership course on geological heritage conservation closed its first edition with a visit to an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark site, the Valley of Whales in Fayoum in Egypt. Member states representatives and international experts enjoyed a tour in the museum and a walking trail to observe the displayed fossils in the open-air museum.  Side discussions with National Geopark president/GEF focal points pinpointed the possibility to add UGGps on the national priority list of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) in Libya and Mauritania, which would push further the geological heritage conservation in eligible countries.  

UNESCO Cairo and the Ecology and Earth Sciences (EES) Programme team were praised for the successful First Regional Edition of the course held in Steingenberger Hotel in Cairo with a beautiful gift from Dr. Nuri Fello from Libya, the 1001 Million Sahran Nights – A Film by Lüning S., Fello N. et al. on the geological heritage and hidden gems of Libya.

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Booklet
Agenda