UNESCO names 12 new Global Geoparks

PRESS RELEASE   UNESCO names 12 new Global Geoparks   Paris, 23 April 2026 – Today UNESCO designated 12 new geoparks, bringing the total number of sites in the UNESCO Global Geopark Network to 241 in 51 countries. The network now covers an area of over 882,000 km2, equivalent to the size of Venezuela.   Media Corner: descriptions, photos and videos of the 12 new geoparks   The 12 newly designated geoparks are located in China, France, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Tunisia – marking its first geopark – and Uruguay.   "Every rock formation, every canyon and every fossil tells a story that belongs to all humanity. In just ten years, UNESCO Global Geoparks have shown that protecting geological heritage also means advancing science, strengthening education and building local resilience. What unites its 241 sites across 51 countries is not just geological significance, but a shared commitment to pass on knowledge, with local communities at the centre," said Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO.   The UNESCO Global Geoparks designation, created in 2015, brings together territories recognized for their rich geological heritage. These rock formations, mountain or volcanic ranges, caves, canyons, fossil sites or ancient desert landscapes each bear witness to our planet’s history, evolution and climate. The sites combine conservation, environmental education and a sustainable approach to development, while also supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities in promoting their culture and know-how.   Each year, new sites are added to the network by decision of UNESCO’s Executive Board, after an evaluation of the applications by the Global Geoparks Council made up of international experts.   UNESCO continues to promote the programme in areas where geoparks are less common, notably in Africa, the Arab States and Small Island Developing States. UNESCO does this by facilitating expert missions, tailored training sessions and individual consultations on both a national and local scale, to guide the preparation of applications for UNESCO Global Geopark status.   The new UNESCO Global Geoparks are:   China: Changshan UNESCO Global Geopark  China: Mt. Siguniang UNESCO Global Geopark France: Terres d’Hérault UNESCO Global Geopark  Greece: Nisyros UNESCO Global Geopark  Ireland: Joyce Country and Western Lakes Global Geopark  Japan: Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark  Malaysia: Lenggong UNESCO Global Geopark  Malaysia: Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark  Portugal: Algarvensis UNESCO Global Geopark  Russian Federation: Toratau UNESCO Global Geopark  Tunisia: Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark  Uruguay: Manantiales Serranos UNESCO Global Geopark    About UNESCO   With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions, with a global network of 200 National Commissions. Its Director-General is Khaled El-Enany.   “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.   More information: www.unesco.org   Press contact François WIBAUX, f.wibaux@unesco.org, +33 (0) 1 45 68 07 46   UNESCO Newsroom All our press releases   Social media

If you would rather not receive future communications from UNESCO, let us know by clicking here.
UNESCO, 7, place de Fontenoy, PARIS, NA FRANCE France

ISID Book Discussion on India’s High-Tech Leap, Industrial Policy and Future of Innovation | Friday, 24th April, at 15:30 IST

ISID Book Discussion on India’s High-Tech Leap, Industrial Policy and Future of Innovation

Friday, 24th April at 15:30 IST

About the book: This incisive book explores how strategic government support can drive innovation and competitiveness, especially in emerging economies. Sunil Mani highlights India’s industrial successes, such as global IT software services, pharmaceutical industries and sustainable technologies, as well as the drawbacks of their reliance on imports and weak coordination.   Mani investigates how India has used government policies to boost high-tech industries, and assesses a variety of strategies including funding research, tax breaks and promoting local manufacturing. He incorporates in-depth sectoral case studies to present a detailed analysis of high-tech industries and their economic impact. Chapters showcase industry-specific insights and a global comparative approach to reveal lessons on effective state intervention. The book proposes an actionable policy roadmap with concrete steps for India’s high-tech future, from strengthening supply chains and boosting skill advancement to fostering public-private research and development partnerships.   India’s High-Tech Leap, Industrial Policy and Future of Innovation is an enlightening read for scholars and students of industrial policy, innovation studies and economic development, as well as science and technology studies. It is also a beneficial resource for policymakers and practitioners in pharmaceuticals, IT services and renewables for its practical recommendations.

About the author: Prof Sunil Mani, Visiting Professor, Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum, Kerala and Ahmedabad University, Gujarat, India.

Date: Friday, 24th April 2026 from 3.30 PM onwards Meeting ID: 831 2107 4510 | Passcode: 2026APR24 Register here: https://forms.gle/Q1UzqJ1vpBbjb65x8

Nagesh Kumar, PhD Director https://isid.org.in | nkumar[@]isid.org.in | director[@]isid.org.in

UNESCO sites offer a lifeline to biodiversity, new report shows

PRESS RELEASE   UNESCO sites offer a lifeline to biodiversity, new report shows   Paris, 21 April 2026 – UNESCO's latest report highlights the extraordinary contribution of its sites for both people and nature. While global wildlife populations have declined by 73% since 1970, those within UNESCO-protected areas have remained comparatively stable. These sites represent over 1,000 languages, and a quarter of them overlap with Indigenous Peoples' territories. People and Nature in UNESCO-Designated Sites: Global and Local Contributions is the first report to examine all UNESCO categories – World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks – as a single network of over 2,260 sites covering more than 13 million km², an area larger than China and India combined.   Press Corner: Full report, executive summary, factsheet   “The findings are clear: UNESCO sites are delivering for both people and nature. Inside these territories, communities thrive, humanity’s heritage endures, and biodiversity is holding on while it collapses elsewhere. By measuring the global value and contributions of these sites, this report reveals what we stand to lose if they are not prioritised. It is an urgent call to scale ambition, recognising UNESCO sites as strategic assets in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and investing now to protect ecosystems, cultures, and livelihoods for generations to come," said Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Director-General.   A vital network under growing pressure   UNESCO-designated sites encompass more than 60% of globally mapped species, with around 40% of these found nowhere else on Earth, the report shows. These sites also store an estimated 240 gigatons of carbon, equivalent to nearly two decades of current global emissions if released, and each year their forests alone account for approximately 15% of the carbon absorbed by forests worldwide.   Yet despite their global significance, these sites are under mounting pressure. Nearly 90% of sites face high levels of environmental stress, and climate-related hazards have increased by 40% in just the last decade. More than one in four UNESCO-designated sites could reach critical tipping points by 2050, with potentially irreversible impacts. Without stronger action, risks include the disappearance of glaciers, coral reef collapse, species displacement, increasing water stress, and forests turning from carbon sinks into carbon sources.   People and livelihoods at the heart of these landscapes   The report also highlights the profound connection of nature and communities in these environments. Together, these sites are home to nearly 900 million people, roughly 10% of the global population. Over 1,000 languages are documented across UNESCO-designated sites, and at least 25% encompass Indigenous Peoples' lands and territories, rising to nearly 50% in Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. Overlaying economic output with UNESCO sites and their surrounding areas, the report finds that around 10% of global GDP is generated in these zones.   Acting now can still make a measurable difference   The report finds that action taken today can significantly reduce future risks: every 1°C of warming avoided could halve the number of UNESCO sites exposed to major disruption by the end of the century. These areas also harbour untapped potential for climate policy: while around 80% of national biodiversity plans include UNESCO sites, only 5% of national climate plans do so.   The report calls for scaling up action through four priorities: restoring ecosystems to rebuild resilience; developing sustainably through increased transboundary cooperation; further integrating UNESCO-designated sites into global climate plans; and governing more inclusively with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.   UNESCO sites are worth investing in   UNESCO-designated sites demonstrate that people and nature can thrive together. From wildlife populations holding stable while the rest of the world’s decline, to conservation successes like the recovery of mountain gorillas in areas affected by armed conflict, these places show what is possible when protection is sustained over time and supported by local communities.   The findings of this report, drawing on partnerships with more than 20 leading research institutions worldwide, highlight the need to scale that ambition, recognising UNESCO-designated not only as conservation areas but also as strategic assets for addressing global environmental and societal challenges. Investing in their protection today means safeguarding irreplaceable ecosystems, living cultures, and the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people for generations to come.   About UNESCO   With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions, with a global network of 200 National Commissions. Its Director-General is Khaled El-Enany.   “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.   More information: www.unesco.org   Press contact François WIBAUX, f.wibaux@unesco.org, +33 (0) 1 45 68 07 46   UNESCO Newsroom All our press releases   Social media

If you would rather not receive future communications from UNESCO, let us know by clicking here.
UNESCO, 7, place de Fontenoy, PARIS, NA FRANCE France

New Books "From Manuscript to Memory", "Safeguarding Living Heritage" & "Tangible and Natural Heritage Sites of Incredible India"

Just Published three books titled “From Manuscript to Memory”, “Safeguarding Living Heritage,” and “Tangible and Natural Heritage Sites of Incredible India”,  brought out by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), covering UNESCO’s major cultural domains—World Heritage, Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Memory of the World. These books present India’s rich contributions across documentary, living, and tangible heritage, along with practical insights into UNESCO nomination processes. These publications reflect the expanding global recognition of India’s cultural heritage and aim to serve as valuable resources for researchers, policymakers, and cultural practitioners.

•   
  
• Vol. I: From Manuscript to Memory. India's Contribution to UNESCO Memory of the World Programme.
• Vol. II: Safeguarding Living Heritage. India's Contribution to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
• Vol. III: Tangible and Natural Heritage Sites of Incredible India. India's Contributions to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

MediaNama’s Hybrid Discussion on IT Rules and the future of online speech in India | 23 April at IHC, New Delhi

---------- Forwarded message ---------

MediaNama’s discussion on  IT Rules and the future of online speech in India Date: April 23, 2026 Time: 12:30 PM to 5 PM Venue: Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi Register here (for in-person attendance) | Zoom link  Reading List prepared for the discussion. This discussion will examine the impact and implications of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) proposed amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, including their effect on intermediary liability, safe harbour protections, content moderation, and government oversight of online speech. Agenda 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Session 1: Victims of Censorship in India 1:55 PM – 2:45 PM: Session 2: MeitY’s Expanding Mandate: Rule 3(4), the timelines for content takedowns, and the Safe Harbour, in the context of Shreya Singhal and the IT Act 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM: Open house discussion 3:25 PM – 4:15 PM: Session 3: MIB’s Expanded Reach: The IDC, Part III, and Government Oversight of News Content and impact on users online 4:15 PM – 4:45 PM: Open house discussion Topics will be exploring in their discussions: Opening address by the individuals affected by online censorship and content takedowns. Implications of Rule 3(4) for intermediary liability and safe harbour Impact of evolving executive directions on platform compliance Shift from “actual knowledge” to continuous compliance expectations Operational challenges posed by compressed takedown timelines Risks of over-compliance from intermediaries and automated content removal without oversight Expansion of IT Rules’ Part III to user-generated news-related content Role and extended powers of the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) Implications for individuals posting or sharing news content Constitutional concerns and judicial scrutiny Impact on news publishers and digital platforms.

Book Discussion: How to Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage | 25 April

Book Discussion: How to Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage  

Speaker: Prof. Ranjay Gulati, Harvard Business School.

Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by networking
Venue: Bharti Enterprises Corporate Office, Piazza Auditorium, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110070.

Register

Events on Frugal Innovation : Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

---------- Forwarded message ---------

Festival of Ideas

͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

Festival of Ideas in Bangalore FRUGAL INNOVATION Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future Organised as part of the “INDIA - FRANCE YEAR OF INNOVATION” Day 1 | 24 April 2026 The French Institute in India and Alliance Française de Bangalore invites you to the Night of Ideas that will launch the Festival of Ideas on Friday, 24 April 2026 from 6:30 PM onwards. The night will begin with a conversation on Frugality and the Pursuit of Happiness, featuring Cédric Carles and Navi Radjou moderated by Vipasha Devi Tilak. This discussion will explore how frugality offers new pathways toward well-being and sustainability in a rapidly changing world. It will be followed by the opening of the exhibition A World Without End, adapted from the internationally acclaimed graphic novel by Christophe Blain and Jean-Marc Jancovici. The exhibition sheds light on the causes and consequences of climate change while encouraging collective awareness and action. Date: 24th April 2026 | 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Alliance française de Bangalore Tea will be served at 6:30 PM   RSVP to attend Day 2 | 25 April 2026 As part of the Festival of Ideas, we are also delighted to invite you to the Frugal Innovation Forum on 25 April 2026 at the Science Gallery Bengaluru 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM) Co-curated with frugal innovation expert Navi Radjou, the forum will bring together inspiring voices from fields such as healthcare, education, architecture, and AI to explore practical, human-centered solutions to today’s social and environmental challenges. Explore the Programme Copyright (C) 2026 French Institute in India. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a privileged contact of the French Institute in India.