The International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) is a UNESCO knowledge hub that promotes international scientific cooperation in the geosciences. Its mission focuses on sustainable use of natural resources, geo-diversity and geo-heritage, and reducing geohazard risks. Since 1972, IGCP has partnered with the International Union of Geological Sciences to connect Earth scientists worldwide under UNESCO’s framework. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. At present, there are 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries. Their bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming increasingly popular.