The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is striving to acquire recognition for a prospective geopark in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This potential geopark comprises several natural features such as Erra Matti Dibbalu (red sand dunes), natural rock formations, the Borra Caves, and volcanic ash deposits.
Despite the existence of 161 UNESCO Global geoparks in 44 countries, India has yet to establish one. Geoparks represent single, unified geographical territories characterized by sites and landscapes of international geological significance. They are managed in a holistic manner that encompasses aspects such as protection, education, and sustainable development.
Features and Functions of a UNESCO Global Geopark
A UNESCO Global Geopark operates under the management of a legally recognized body as per national legislation. Notably, having a UNESCO Global Geopark status does not entail restrictions on economic activity within the geopark, provided they comply with indigenous, local, regional, and/or national legislation.
These geoparks also promote visibility through geo tourism activities which include excursions, nature trails, guided tours, hiking, and academic meets. Integration with the local community and other UNESCO Global Geoparks via the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is essential. GGN, founded in 2004, is a legally constituted not-for-profit organization, membership into which is mandatory for all UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark lasts for four years, after which a thorough revalidation process is conducted to evaluate the park’s functioning and quality.
Differentiating Between Global Geoparks, Biosphere Reserves, and World Heritage Sites
While UNESCO Global Geoparks hold international recognition for sites that emphasize the importance of protecting Earth’s geodiversity, they differ from other UNESCO site designations such as Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites.
Biosphere Reserves concentrate on the harmonious management of biological and cultural diversity. India is home to 12 biosphere reserves recognized under the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), from a total of 18 notified reserves.
Meanwhile, World Heritage Sites encourage conservation of natural and cultural sites of exceptional universal value. India has 38 such sites, comprising 30 cultural properties, 7 natural properties, and one mixed site.
Understanding UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aims to foster international peace through cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. It contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in Agenda 2030, which the UN General Assembly adopted in 2015.
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO spearheads a global initiative to establish ocean-based tsunami warning systems for multi-hazard disaster reduction.
Visakhapatnam and its Key Sites
Among the significant sites in Visakhapatnam are the Erra Matti Dibbalu, coastal red sediment mounds spread across five kilometers along the coastline. Only two other low latitude tropical regions in South Asia share similar sand deposits. This site is among 34 designated National Geological Heritage Monument Sites of India by the Geological Survey of India.
Other remarkable features include natural rock formations, such as the natural arch at Mangamaripeta beach, and the Borra Caves, discovered by William King George of the GSI. The caves, which host various stalactite and stalagmite formations, attract numerous tourists daily.
There are also volcanic ash deposits believed to have originated from the eruption of Toba in Indonesia 73,000 years ago.
Challenges and Conservation Measures
Concerns arise from the exploitation of red sands for construction activities and degradation due to human interference. Such issues threaten the stability of these natural formations and escalate erosion. The need to safeguard these sites calls for establishing a geopark in the region.
INTACH, founded in 1984 with the vision to drive heritage awareness and conservation in India, launched a campaign in July 2019 to raise public awareness on geologically and culturally important spots in the region.
