THE GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORKSTATUTESSEPTEMBER 2014

Global Geoparks Network

INTRODUCTION
The Statutes of the Global Geoparks Network (hereinafter referred to as “GGN”) is the basic
document of the Organisation.
The internal Rules of the GGN, and the Code of Ethics define and complete these Statutes.
The practices of the GGN must be based on honesty, fairness and mutual respect, as well as
service to the international Global Geopark community.
Global Geoparks are tools to conserve and enhance the value of areas of geologicalsignificance in Earth history, including landscapes and geological formations, which are key
witnesses to the evolution of our planet and determinants for our future and to promotesustainable development for example through geotourism.
Global Geoparks promote the links between geological heritage and all other aspects of thearea’s natural and cultural heritage, clearly demonstrating that geodiversity is the foundationof all ecosystems and the basis of human interaction with the landscape.
The GGN was founded in 2004 as an international partnership developed under the umbrellaof UNESCO and serves to develop models of best practice and set quality-standards for
territories that integrate the protection preservation of Earth heritage sites in a strategy forregional sustainable economic development.
Networking and collaboration among Global Geoparks is an important component of the
GGN.
UNESCO encourages this cooperation especially in the fields of education, management,
tourism, sustainable development; regional planning among Network members and especiallyencourages an equitable geographical development of Global Geoparks.
The GGN promotes networking on a regional basis. For Global Geoparks in Asia – Pacific the
Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) acts as the Regional Network of the GGN. For
Global Geoparks in Europe, the European Geoparks Network (EGN) acts as the Regional
Network of the GGN. The GGN prioritises the creation of similar Regional Networks,
reflecting local conditions, elsewhere in the world.
The objectives of the GGN are:(i) to promote the equitable geographical establishment, development and professional
management of Global Geoparks,(ii) to advance knowledge and understanding of the nature, function and role of Global
Geoparks;(iii) to assist local communities to value their natural and cultural heritage;(iv) to preserve Earth heritage for present and future generations;(v) to educate and teach the broad public about issues in geo-sciences and their relation
with environmental matters and natural hazards.
(vi) to ensure sustainable socio-economic and cultural development on the natural (orgeological) system(vii) to foster multi-cultural links between heritage and conservation and the maintenanceof geological and cultural diversity, using participatory schemes of partnership andmanagement;(viii) to stimulate research when appropriate;

(ix) to promote joint initiatives between Global Geoparks (e.g. communication,
publications, exchange of information, twinning).

The GGN establishes ethical standards which must be adopted and respected by Global
Geoparks and Global Geopark professionals.
The GGN organises co-operation and mutual assistance between Global Geoparks andbetween Global Geopark professionals.
The GGN initiates and co-ordinates Regional Geoparks Networks which will foster
international co-operation and promotion of sustainable development.
The GGN represents, advances, and disseminates knowledge in Geodiversity management
and other disciplines related to studies in Geo-conservation, Geo-tourism, Geo-education
and/or the management and activities of Global Geoparks.

Article 1 – Name, Legal Status, Location, Duration and Fiscal Year
Section 1. Name.
The name of the Organisation is the Global Geoparks Network (GGN). The use of the nameand acronym is restricted to functions authorised by, and for the benefit of, the Organisationand its members.
Section 2. Legal Status.
Established in 2014, the GGN is a non-profit organisation subject to French legislation (the1901 law on associations) and a non-governmental organisation maintaining formal relations
with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Section 3. Location.
The registered office of the GGN is in the Haute Provence Global Geopark at the Musée
Promenade, Montée Bernard Dellacasagrande, 04000 Digne les Bains, France. The location
may be modified by a decision of the GGN Executive Board.
Section 4. Duration of the Mandate.
The duration of the GGN shall be indefinite.
Section 5. Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year begins on 1st January and ends on 31st December of each year.
Article 02. Mission and Purpose
Section 1. Mission
The GGN is the international organisation of the Global Geoparks and Global Geopark
professionals which is committed to the conservation, management and communication tosociety of the Earth heritage as an integral part of the world's natural and cultural heritage,
tangible and intangible.
Global Geoparks are tools to conserve and enhance the value of areas of geologicalsignificance in Earth history, including landscapes and geological formations, which are key
witnesses to the evolution of our planet and determinants for our future and to promotesustainable development for example through geo-tourism and education.
Global Geoparks are living, working landscapes where science and local communities engage
in a mutually beneficial and safe way.
Global Geoparks encourage awareness of the story of the planet as read in the rocks andlandscape.
Global Geoparks promote the links between geological heritage and all other aspects of thearea’s natural and cultural heritage, clearly demonstrating that geodiversity is the foundationof all ecosystems and the basis of human interaction with the landscape.
Section 2. Purpose
The GGN establishes professional and ethical standards for Global Geopark activities, makes
recommendations on such issues, promotes training, advances knowledge and raises publicawareness on Earth heritage through global, regional and national Global Geopark networks
and co-operation programmes.

Article 03. Definition of Terms
Whenever used in these Statutes, the following terms, beginning with a capital letter, will bear
the meaning defined in this article, without any distinction when used in the singular or theplural.
Section 1. Global Geopark
A Global Geopark is an area recognised by UNESCO, open to the public, which is
responsible for the protection and rational management of a unified territory with a single
boundary that comprises a number of internationally important geological heritage sites onany scale, or a mosaic of geological entities of special scientific importance, rarity or beauty.
These features are representative of a region’s geological history and the events and processes
that formed it.
A Global Geopark protects, preserves, conserves, researches, acquires, communicates andexhibits the tangible and intangible Earth heritage sites of international value and theirenvironment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment.
Global Geoparks adopted a “bottom-up” or community-led approach to ensure that an area’s
geological significance not only could be conserved but also promoted for the service ofsociety through science and education and used as a sustainable economic asset, for example
through the development of responsible tourism.
Section 2. Global Geopark Professionals
Global Geopark professionals include individuals with combined or proven professional
experience in Global Geopark management, geological heritage, sustainable development,
tourism development and promotion, and environmental issues according to the internal rules
document.
These Global Geopark professionals can be personnel of Global Geoparks or personnel of
educational, training and research institutions which are beneficial to Global Geopark
activities, having received specialised training, or possessing an equivalent practicalexperience, in any field relevant to the management and activities of a Global Geopark,
respecting the GGN Code of Ethics and working for and with Global Geoparks,
Section 3. Member in Good Standing
A GGN member in good standing is an institutional or individual member whose request formembership to the GGN has been accepted under the conditions defined in Article 4, Section
2 of these Statutes, and has paid the annual membership fee (dues) at the time and in theamount determined by the GGN Executive Board.
Section 4. StateFor the purposes of establishing National Committees, a State is defined as a self-governing
country which is a member of the United Nations or any of its Specialised Agencies, or is aparty to the Statutes of the International Court of Justice.
Article 04. Membership
Section 1. Members
Membership in the GGN is obligatory for Global Geoparks. Global Geoparks upon theirnomination as UNESCO Global Geoparks become members of GGN by submitting astatement voluntary accepting their duties and membership commitments.
Membership shall be open to Global Geopark Professionals, and such other persons or
institutions considered to be beneficial for the advancement of the Global Geopark

community.
All persons eligible for membership shall indicate to the GGN that they wish to become
Members, that they accept and will comply with the GGN Code of Ethics, and shall complete
the application form to request membership.
Membership in the GGN shall not be available to any person or institution (including its
employees) which trades (buys or sells for profit) Earth heritage property including works ofart, natural and scientific specimens, taking into consideration national legislations andinternational conventions. This disqualification applies to persons or institutions engaged inan activity which could cause a conflict of interest.
Section 2. Approval of Membership
Membership to the GGN is granted by the GGN Executive Board after submission of a
Membership application form and annual subvention to the GGN Secretariat.
Honorary Members, as defined below in Section 3 of this Article, are proposed by the
Executive Board to the General Assembly, which decides to accept or reject it, by a simple
majority.
Section 3. Categories of Membership.
1.
Institutional Members — Global Geoparks.
2.
Individual Members – Global Geopark Professionals — Persons who have combined
or proved professional experience in Global Geopark management (geological heritage,
sustainable development, tourism development and promotion, and environmental issues)1.
3.
Honorary Members — Persons who have rendered exceptional services to theinternational Global Geopark community or to the GGN.
4.
Cooperating Members — International Organizations, institutions or persons
providing substantial financial or other assistance to the GGN because of an interest in Global
Geoparks and international co-operation between Global Geoparks.
Section 4. Termination of Membership
Membership of the GGN may be discontinued by voluntary withdrawal or by a decision of
the GGN Executive Board for one of the following reasons:
1.
Change of professional status;
2.
Breach of professional ethics;
3.
Actions considered to be substantially incompatible with the objectives of the GGN;
4.
Non-payment of fees after formal notice of the payment due.
5. If a member loses its status as UNESCO Global Geopark
Article 05 - 5. Annual Membership Fee
Section 1. Amount and Payment of the Membership Fee
Each Individual, Institutional and Cooperating Member of the GGN shall pay an annual
membership fee (dues) at a rate recommended by the GGN Executive Board and approved by
the General Assembly.
Every year, the GGN Executive Board shall announce the amount of the annual membershipfee for the following year.
Section 2. Period Covered by the Membership Fee
The annual membership fee shall cover the calendar year in question.

1. Global Geopark professionals, as defined in Article 3, still working or retired, or otherpersons who, because of their experience or professional services rendered to the GGN, as
specified in the Internal rules document , are eligible to become individual members

Article 06. Membership Privileges
Section 1. Membership Card
Individual Members in good standing receive a membership card that grants them special
privileges as determined by the GGN.
Section 2. Right to Seek Election
Representatives of Institutional Members in good standing and Individual Members in goodstanding, can stand for election:(i)to the GGN Executive Board (see Article 14, Section 5),(ii)
as the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of the Advisory Committee (seeArticle 14, Section 3).
Section 3. Designated Representatives
Institutional Members and Cooperating Members can designate (1) person to represent themat the General Assembly.
Section 4. Special Status
Honorary and Cooperating Members are entitled to membership rights and privileges but may
not hold an elected office in the GGN.
Article 07 - Voting Rights
Section 1. Voting Rights.
The voting rights of Members at the General Assembly and for the election of the Executive
Board are prescribed in the following sections of this Article, Article 10, Sections 2, 3 and 6,
as well as Article 14, Section 5.
During the sessions of the General Assembly and notably during the election of the Executive
Board, each member has one vote.
A member of the General Assembly may be represented by another member of the GGN, but
no person may hold more than one (1) proxy.
Section 2. Affiliated Vote.
Each Affiliated Organisation has the right to appoint one (1) of its voting members (individual
members or representatives of institutional members of the GGN), under the same conditions.
Article 08 - Components of the GGNThe GGN is composed as follows:i. General Assembly
ii. Executive Board
President
Two Vice-Presidents
Treasurer
General Secretary
Membersiii. Advisory Committee
iv. National Geopark Fora / Committees

v. National Correspondents
vi. International Committees / Task Forces / Working groupsvii. International Conference on Geoparksviii. Regional Geopark Networks
ix. Affiliated Organisations
x. Operational Secretariat
Article 09 - Governance Structure
The primary authority of the GGN resides through its Members.
The Executive Board, composed of Institutional Member representatives and Individual
members elected by the General Assembly, is responsible for the managerial aspects of the
GGN.
The Advisory Committee, composed of the Chairpersons of National Committees anddesignated representatives from Affiliated Organisations, has an advisory role to represent its
membership in the activities of the GGN.
Article 10 – GGN General Assembly
Section 1. Authority
The General Assembly is the legislative body of the GGN.
Section 2. Members
The General Assembly consists of all individual, supporting, and honorary members and thedesignated representatives of institutional members.
Section 3. Meetings
3.1. Ordinary General Assembly
The General Assembly will hold an ordinary session at least once every two years on thesame dates and in the same place as the International Conference on Geoparks.
The quorum for an Ordinary General Assembly is a simple majority of the number ofmembers present, or members with the right to vote represented by a proxy. A member of theGeneral Assembly may be represented by another member of the GGN, but no person may
hold more than one (1) proxy.
If this quorum is not reached, the General Assembly will be convened again in the same
location within twenty-four (24) hours at the latest. Whatever the number of members thenpresent, the General Assembly has the power to deliberate. The decisions of an Ordinary
General Assembly are taken by a simple majority of the members present.
The Ordinary General Assembly makes decisions on recommendations from the Executive
Board on changes to the conditions on application for membership.
The Ordinary General Assembly at its session once every four years on the same dates and in
the same place as the International Conference on Geoparks elects the members of the
Executive Board (Article 11, section 1 and Article 14, section 5).
3.2. Annual General Assembly
A General Assembly with special mission to rule on the accounts, meets every March.
This annual General Assembly can be made by written statements sent by the GGN members
in good standing by e-mail to the Executive Board within one month after receiving theReport on the accounts of the previous year. This decision need simple majority of the GGN
members in good standing. In case of positive written statements less than the 50% of themembers in good standing, then an Ordinary General Assembly will be necessary to rule on
the accounts.
3.3. Extraordinary General Assembly
The Executive Board and/or 2/3 of members in good standing can convene by written
statements sent by by e-mail to the Executive Board an Extraordinary General Assembly toadopt amendments to the Statutes and items of importance proposed by the Executive Board
and/or the Advisory Committee, and Regional Geopark Networks as well as by National
Geopark Fora / Committees and Affiliated Organisations.
The quorum for an Extraordinary General Assembly is a two-thirds majority of the number ofmembers present, or members with the right to vote represented by a proxy.
The decisions of the Extraordinary General Assembly are taken by a two-thirds majority ofthe members present and represented.
The Extraordinary General Assembly has the authority to amend all aspects of the Statutes.
In case of necessity this General Assembly vote could be done by written statements sent by
e-mail to the Executive Board.
3.3. List of Participants - An attendance sheet will be signed during every General Assemblyby the members who are present and by representatives having received a proxy. The
Chairperson reviews the attendance sheet and guarantees its accuracy.
3.4. Minutes - A report on the deliberations and decisions of each Assembly will be preparedby the General Secretary according to the internal rules document and approved by the
President. Copies or extracts are made available to members in an electronic or printed
version.
The Minutes must indicate the date, place and agenda of the meeting, the mode of convening,
the names of the members present and represented, the documents and reports submitted for
discussion, a summary of the debates, and the texts of the resolutions with the results of thevotes.
Section 4. Official invitation to the assemblies
The Executive Board establishes the agenda of the General Assembly and convenes the
Assembly at least thirty (30) days before the date fixed for the meeting. The meetings of theassemblies will take place at the location indicated in the official invitation.
I) An official invitation is sent at least thirty (30) days before the date of the meeting by theGeneral Secretary to all the members of the GGN composing the assembly.
II) An announcement is published on the website of the GGN.
The official invitation includes the date, time and place of the meeting, as well as the agendaof the assembly and can be communicated by e-mail.
Section 5. Authority of the President.
The President of the GGN Executive Board chairs the General Assembly. If the President
does not wish to exercise this function, one of the two Vice-Presidents shall chair the General
Assembly.
Section 6. Vote.
During the sessions of the General Assembly and notably during the election of the Executive
Board, each Individual or Institutional member has one vote.
A member of the General Assembly may be represented by another member of the GGN, but
no person may hold more than one (1) proxy.

Each Affiliated Organisation has the right to appoint one (1) of its voting members (individual
members or representatives of institutional members of the GGN), under the same conditions.
Article 11 - Executive Board
Section 1. Organisation.
The Executive Board is the decision making body of the GGN.
It consists of not less than nine (9) and not more than fifteen (15) elected members, as well as
the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee and a UNESCO Secretariat representative as exofficio members.
The Executive Board elected members consists of:o One elected representative from each Regional Geoparks Network having up to 20
members.
o Two elected representatives for each Regional Geoparks Network having more than 20
members.
o Three (3) to five (5) Global Geopark Professionals nominated due to their professional
curricula, elected by the General Assembly.
The members of the Executive Board are elected by the Ordinary General Assembly andserve a four (4)-year term of office.
Members of the Executive Board may serve not more than three (3) consecutive terms, if
elected.
The President chairs the Executive Board.
When the President is unable to serve his or her elected term, the Executive Board will selectone of the Vice-Presidents by a simple majority to act as President until the next election.
When a Vice-President is unable to complete his or her term, the Executive Board will selectone of the members by a simple majority to act as Vice-President until the next election.
When a Treasurer is unable to complete his or her term, the Executive Board will select oneof the members by a simple majority to act as Treasurer until the next election.
When a General Secretary is unable to complete his or her term, the Executive Board will
select one of the members by a simple majority to act as General Secretary until the next
election.
If a member is unable to complete his or her term, the position shall remain vacant until thenext election.
Persons elected to the Executive Board shall not hold additional offices within the GGN
unless authorised to do so by the Executive Board.
Section 2. Meetings.
The Executive Board shall meet in ordinary meeting at least once a year. The ordinary annual
meeting should take place during September. Additional meetings can be arranged.
The GGN Executive Board meeting will take place during each International Conference on
Geoparks or at such times and places a Regional Geoparks Conference and/or Symposium
should take place, at Global Geoparks Headquarters and at the UNESCO Headquarters inParis.
In case of the need of an urgent decision the Executive Board meeting may be organized bytele- conference.
Section 3. Duties of the GGN Executive Board.
The GGN Executive Board ensures the good management of the GGN. It oversees the various
resources of the GGN (financial, human, intellectual and technical) and their development. It
safeguards the GGN’s reputation, international esteem and public regard.
It recommends an amount for the membership fees to be approved by the General Assembly.

The GGN Executive Board will establish a roster of field evaluators whose purpose will be toundertake field evaluations of new applications for areas wishing to become UNESCO Global
Geoparks. These evaluators will have combined or proved professional experience in Global
Geopark management (geological heritage, sustainable development, tourism development
and promotion, and environmental issues).
These evaluators will also conduct revalidation missions.
Section 4. Quorum and Majority
The quorum of a meeting of the Executive Board shall be a simple majority of the members.
The Executive Board takes its decisions by simple majority. In case of tie the chair of themeeting has a decisive vote.
Section 5. International Committees / Task Forces / Working groups.
The Executive Board may appoint standing committees, task forces, and working groups, anddefine their duties. Unless re-appointed by the Executive Board membership in committees,task forces, and working groups ceases in the year following the elections of the Executive
Board.
Article 12. The Executive Board Officers
Section 1. The President
The President is elected by the General Assembly for a four (4)-year term of office and can be
re-elected for a second term of the same duration. The President sets the strategic orientations
for the activities of the GGN in its capacity as an international organisation representing
Global Geoparks and Global Geopark professionals. The President represents the GGN in all
civil acts. The signature of the President binds the GGN in agreements with third parties. The
President convenes and chairs the meetings of the General Assembly and the Executive
Board.
Section 2. The two (2) Vice-Presidents
The two (2) Vice-Presidents are elected by the General Assembly for a four (4)-year term ofoffice and can be re-elected for a second term of the same duration. The Vice Presidents carryout the functions and tasks assigned to them by the Executive Board, they provide any
assistance required by the President and, in his/her absence, convene and chair meetings.
Section 3. The Treasurer
The Treasurer is elected by the General Assembly for a four (4)-year term of office and can be
re-elected for a second mandate of the same duration. The Treasurer establishes the guidelines
necessary for the financial policy of the GGN, in collaboration with the General Secretary, forthe approval of the Executive Board, examines the financial results of GGN, and reports
periodically to the Executive Board and the Advisory Committee.
Section 4. The General Secretary
The General Secretary is elected by the General Assembly for a four (4)-year term of officeand can be re-elected for a second mandate of the same duration. The General Secretary is
responsible for the distribution of invitations to the members, the minutes of the meetings,
coordinates the representation of the Institutional and Cooperating Members, proposes theguidelines necessary for the financial policy of the GGN, in collaboration with the Treasurer,
for the approval of the Executive Board, is responsible for the relation with the affiliatedorganizations in collaboration with the President, and reports periodically to the Executive
Board and the Advisory Committee.

Section 5. The Bureau of the Officers
The Bureau of the Officers may address urgent issues and provide ad hoc solutions. All
actions taken by the Bureau will be reported to the full Executive Board at the earliest
opportunity, with an explanation of the emergency and the subsequent action.
Article 13 - Auditing of Accounts
At its annual meeting, the Executive Board shall appoint a qualified chartered accountant andfix the emoluments.
The chartered accountant appointed as auditor will draw up an annual report on the accountsof the GGN.
Article 14 – GGN Advisory Committee
Section 1. Organisation.
The Advisory Committee is the advisory body of the GGN. It consists of the Chairpersons(or their appointed representatives) of the National Geopark Fora / Committees, and thedesignated representatives of the Affiliated Organisations.
Section 2. Functions of the Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee advises the Executive Board and the General Assembly on mattersconcerning the policies, programmes, procedures and finances of the GGN, and may propose
amendments to the Statutes.
It advises on matters and activities in the general interest of the GGN, as recommended by the
Executive Board.
The tasks of the GGN Advisory Committee include mentoring for regions wising to create a
Global Geopark.
The activities of the Advisory Committee shall be reported to the General Assembly for
approval at its next meeting.
Section 3. Officers.
The Chairperson and 2 Vice-Chairpersons of the Advisory Committee shall be elected by themembership for a four (4) year term of office.
Advisory Committee officers may serve two consecutive terms.
The Chairperson of the Advisory Committee shall convene and chair the meetings of theCommittee, and shall serve as an ex officio member of the Executive Board and as theElections Officer of the GGN.
Section 4. Annual Meeting.
The Advisory Committee meets at least every two years in ordinary session, on the same date
and at the same location as one of the Executive Board meetings.
Section 5. Candidates for the Executive Board.
Candidates for election as officers and members of the Executive Board of the GGN may only
among representatives of institutional members in good standing and individual members ingood standing. Each nomination followed by the candidate’s CV must be accompanied byletters signed by at least three members of the General Assembly, which endorse thenomination.
Section 6. Voting by proxy.

A member of the Advisory Committee (other than the Chairperson) may be represented byanother member of the GGN at a meeting of the Committee, but no person may hold morethan one (1) proxy.
Section 7. Quorum and Majority.
The quorum for a meeting of the Advisory Committee shall be one-half (50%) of themembers present and represented by proxy. If this quorum is not reached, the Advisory
Committee shall be convened again at the same place within twenty-four hours. Whatever thenumber of members then present, the Advisory Committee has the power to deliberate. The
Advisory Committee decisions are taken by a simple majority of the members present andrepresented.
Article 15 - National Geopark Fora / Committees
A National Geopark Forum or Committee, including all the members of the GGN resident ina State, may be authorised by the Executive Board to represent the interests of Global
Geoparks and the Global Geopark profession and to organise activities of the GGN in that
State.
National Geopark Committees may also include:• 1 representative of the Government body in charge of Geoparks;• 1 representative of the national geological organization or survey;• 1 representative of the national environmental/protected area organization;• 1 representative of the national cultural heritage body;• 1 representative of the national tourism organization;
Additional members may be included as seen appropriate to fit the particular national context.
National Geopark Committees activities will conform to the Rules for National Geopark Fora
/ Committees.
All National Geopark Fora / Committees shall submit an Annual Report of Activities to the
GGN Executive Board.
Article 16 - National Correspondents
Where no National Committee exists in a State, a member of the GGN may be designated by
the Executive Board to be the National Correspondent of GGN for that State.
Article 17 - International Committees / Task Forces / Working Groups
An International Committee / Task Force / Working Group may be authorised by the
Executive Board to implement programmes and activities, and to serve as a channel ofcommunication between members of the GGN with similar scientific and professional
interests. International Committees’ activities will conform to the Rules for International
Committees / Task Forces / Working Groups.
GGN International Committee / Task Force / Working Group should submit periodically areport on their activities to the the GGN Executive Board.
Article 18 - Regional Geopark Networks
Recognising the very strong role networking has played in the success of the Global
Geoparks movement and recognizing the valuable role it plays in facilitating the sharing ofexperience, formation of joint initiatives and projects and the highly significant role it plays incapacity-building, the GGN will encourage the strengthening of Regional Geopark Networks
Regional Geopark Networks include GGN members at a regional or continental level.

Regional Geopark Networks serve for the coordination of GGN activities at a regional orcontinental level and as fora for the exchange of information and co-operation between Global
Geoparks and Global Geopark professionals in the region.
The activities of Regional Geopark Networks include the organisation of Regional Geopark
Conferences, workshops and seminars, capacity building activities, common projects,
promotional activities and common publications.
Each Geopark Network forms a Coordination Commission which is the governing body of theRegional Network and elects two Coordinators and an Advisory Committee according to the
Regional Geopark Network Rules of operation.
All Regional Geopark Networks shall submit an Annual Report of Activities to the GGN
Executive Board.
Article 19 - Affiliated Organisations
The GGN may grant affiliated status to an international organisation having cognate interests,
provided the aims, objects and constitution of such associations are compatible with those of
the GGN.
The relations with the affiliated organizations may have a thematic or a regional character.
Affiliated Organisations’ activities will conform to the Rules for Affiliated Organisations.
The GGN Executive Board having determined that the Statutes of the Association proposed
for affiliation satisfy these conditions, shall recommend to the General Assembly that
affiliation be granted.
The affiliation terminates when the General Assembly of the GGN or the Affiliated
Organisation so decides and the other organization has been duly informed.
All Affiliated Organisations shall submit an Annual Report of Activities to the GGN
Executive Board.
Article 20 - International Geopark Conference
Section 1. International Geoparks Conference.
The GGN shall hold an International Geoparks Conference every two years.
Section 2. Resolutions.
The International Geoparks Conference may propose resolutions arising from its discussions
for consideration by the General Assembly.
Section 3. Conference Host.
Fully detailed submissions from Global Geoparks to host the conference shall be addressed to
the GGN Executive Board.
When a submission has been accepted, the organisation and financing of the conference shall,subject to the other provisions, be the responsibility of the host country or countries.
However, the GGN Executive Board shall advise on the programme planned for the
conference.
It shall be the responsibility of the host country or countries that:
1. suitable facilities are provided for the meeting of the General Assembly;
2. provision shall be made for the meetings of the GGN Executive Board;
3. detail bids to host the conference arrangements shall be submitted to the GGN
Executive Board at least two years in advance of the date of the conference. The GGN
Executive Board shall satisfy itself that the proposals are compatible with the statutesof the GGN.

A representative of the Organising Committee of the next conference shall normally be
invited to attend the meeting of the GGN Executive Board at which the proposals are
considered, and the host country shall be asked to invite a member or members of the
Executive Board for consultation.
Session 4. Conference language
The working languages of the International Conference on Geoparks shall be English. With
the approval of the GGN Executive Board the language of the host country may be used in
discussions provided that appropriate translation facilities have been arranged.
Session 5. Report.
The organising committee of the International Conference on Geoparks or meeting will be
invited to report on its activities to the GGN Executive Board. After the conclusion of theconference or meeting, the organising committee shall submit a final report to the GGN
Executive Board.
Article 21 – Conferences, Meetings and Capacity building activities
Session 1. Regional Geopark Conferences
The GGN Executive Board may accept proposals to support Regional Geopark Conferences
which should not be organized at the same year of the International Geoparks Conference.
Regional Conferences are organized by the Regional Geopark Networks.
Session 2. International meetings and symposia.
The GGN Executive Board may accept proposals to support international meetings of a more
restricted character or for special purposes or may itself sponsor or organise such meetings.
GGN may also operate or support other conferences and workshops relevant to the GGN.
These initiatives may be organized in collaboration with relevant public or privateorganisations.
Session 3. Capacity building activities
GGN will seek to support regional workshops for capacity-building. Additionally, the GGN
will play an active role in nurturing partnerships and the sharing of best practice between
existing Global Geoparks and aspiring geoparks and, where possible, help an exchange ofexpertise between them.
In addition, the GGN will seek to support one annual training course for new members of its
evaluator roster.
GGN may also operate or support other training courses and other capacity building activities
relevant to the GGN. These initiatives may be organized in collaboration with relevant public
or private organisations.
The GGN will support applications from underrepresented regions with advisory missions.
Session 4. GGN Website
The GGN will establish a GGN website which will be the official communication tool
between its members for communication and sharing information.
The GGN will investigate the establishment of a web-based tool to document and exchange
experiences and best practice of the Geopark community.
Session 5. Annual Reports.
All GGN Institutional Members will be invited to report on their activities to the GGN
Executive Board with the submission of a Geopark Annual Report.

These reports will be published at the GGN website.
Article 22 - Operational Secretariat
Section 1. Role.
The Operational Secretariat, consisting of the General Secretary and other staff members of
GGN, is the operational centre of GGN. It evaluates and initiates programmes, handles
membership files, records and manages finances, and protects and promotes the identity of theOrganisation.
Section 2. Operations.
The General Secretary in collaboration with the President are responsible to the Executive
Board for the efficient and effective management of the GGN Secretariat, the resources
required for GGN’s functioning and the daily operations of the Secretariat, as well as for thepromotion of the interests of GGN and communications with its members, regional networks,
committees, task forces and working groups. In day-to-day matters, the General Secretary
reports directly to the President of GGN.
Article 23 - Income and Disbursements
Section 1. Income.
The financial resources of the GGN consist of the following:i. annual fees paid by the Members,
ii. income from GGN assets and activities,iii. grants and private donations, received directly, and contributions from the GGNContributing Members,
iv. payments received within the framework of contractual agreements for services renderedby the GGN.
Section 2. Disbursements.
Expenditure of GGN funds may be made only in accordance with the annual budget prepared
under the guidelines established by the Treasurer and approved by the Executive Board.
The Global Geopark Network will make a voluntary annual contribution to UNESCO
equivalent to no less than 1000 USD per Global Geopark
Article 24 - Languages
Section 1. Official Languages.
English and French shall be the official languages of the GGN. English will be used as theworking language at GGN meetings.
Section 2. Other Languages. The General Assembly may adopt other languages provided thecosts of doing so are met by the Members.
Article 25 - Policies and Rules of Procedure
Section 1. Adoption of Policies.
The Executive Board shall adopt, and may amend, such Policies and Rules as are required togive effect to the provisions of these Statutes.
Section 2. Rules of Procedure. The General Assembly and the Advisory Committee shalladopt, and may amend, its own Rules of Procedure.
Article 26 - Relations with Other Organisations

Section 1. UNESCO.
The GGN shall maintain consultative relations with UNESCO, as defined though a
Memorandum of Understanding.
Section 2. Other Partners.
The GGN may establish working relations with the International Union for the Conservationof Nature, the International Union of Geological Sciences and other internationalorganisations as may be deemed appropriate.
Section 3. Participation of Other Organisations.
The GGN may invite representatives of international organisations with which it hasestablished official relations to participate in its General Assembly, Advisory Committee,
International Geoparks Conference and other meetings.
Article 27 - Validation and Amendment
Section 1. Implementation.
These Statutes shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the General Assembly.
Section 2. Official Document.
Since the GGN is registered in France as an Association governed by the 1901 law, thestatutes will have to be registrated in a French-language.
Therefore the official document on which all future translations are to be based will be on theenglish version adopted by the General Assembly which will be used in case of event of
litigation or misunderstanding.
Section 3. Amendments.
The Executive Board, the Advisory Committee, Regional Geopark Networks, National
Committees, and Affiliated Organisations may propose amendments to these Statutes.
Article 28 – Dissolution
Section 1. Authority for Dissolution.
Members of the GGN may decide to dissolve the Organisation through a decision taken at an
Extraordinary General Assembly by a three-fourths (75%) majority of the Members present or
represented.
All Members must be duly convened, in compliance with Section 4 of Article 10.
Section 2. Assets of the Organisation.
Any assets owned by the GGN at the time of dissolution shall be transferred, in consultation
with UNESCO and in accordance with the provisions of the French 1901 law relating toassociations, to an organisation having similar aims to those of the GGN.