The GGN continues to expand, drawing in new expertise and knowledge from all parts of the world and different cultures. In 2010 alone, 18 new membership applications were received. The aim of the GGN is that members from across the network assist these aspiring territories in their development and membership bids, in order to ensure the overall high quality of services that the network insists on. As partners in the Global Geoparks Network, the members will continue bringing the geopark concept to all parts of the world, especially to the developing world, where sustainable tourism, such as that developed within geoparks, leads to job creation in local rural communities, for the benefit of those communities.
The GGN provides a platform for cooperation and exchange between experts and practitioners in geological heritage, and its promotion. Under the umbrella of UNESCO, and through cooperation with the global network partners, important local and national geological sites gain worldwide recognition and benefit from the exchange of knowledge and expertise with staff of other Geoparks.
UNESCO and the GGN develop models of best practice and set quality standards for territories that integrate the preservation of geological heritage into strategies for regional sustainable economic development. The establishment of a Geopark aims to bring sustainability and real economic benefit to the local populations, usually through the development of sustainable tourism and other economic and cultural activities.
