The Office of the Chairman, UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme – Nigeria National Committee (IGGP-NNC), announces the official circulation of the signed minutes of the international conference, “UNESCO Global Geoparks: Russian and African Experience.” Although the virtual conference was held on 15 May 2026, the conference minutes were finalized, signed by the organizers, and circulated to all participants yesterday, formally documenting the deliberations and key outcomes of the meeting.
The conference was jointly organized by the Karpinsky Institute, Russia, and the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark, Tanzania, which is the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Africa, bringing together leading experts, UNESCO officials and practitioners from Russia and across Africa to strengthen cooperation on UNESCO Global Geoparks, geoheritage conservation, geotourism and sustainable development.
Nigeria was represented by Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, Chairman of the UNESCO IGGP-Nigeria National Committee, who delivered a presentation titled “Nigeria’s Progress towards the Recognition of its First UNESCO Global Geopark.” His presentation highlighted Nigeria’s exceptional geological diversity, prospective geopark territories and the country’s ongoing efforts to secure the designation of its first UNESCO Global Geopark.
Nigeria also recorded the largest national delegation from Africa, with participants drawn from the UNESCO IGGP-Nigeria National Committee, universities, the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, government institutions, professional bodies and students. The strong representation reflected Nigeria’s growing leadership and commitment to advancing the UNESCO Global Geoparks agenda across the African continent.
The signed conference minutes emphasize the importance of sustained cooperation among African countries and international partners in promoting UNESCO Global Geoparks, preserving geoheritage and strengthening technical collaboration for future geopark nominations. They also reflect a shared commitment to deepening Africa–Russia cooperation through continued dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives in support of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
Commenting on the outcome, Chairman of the UNESCO IGGP-Nigeria National Committee, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, stated:
“Nigeria’s strong participation reflects our commitment to positioning the country among the next generation of UNESCO Global Geoparks. Through international collaboration and knowledge exchange, we are building the partnerships and technical capacity required to conserve our geoheritage while creating new opportunities for education, geotourism, scientific research and sustainable community development.”
The UNESCO IGGP-Nigeria National Committee remains committed to working with UNESCO Member States and international partners to accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards the inscription of its first UNESCO Global Geopark while contributing to the expansion of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network across Africa.
