The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is an international, non-governmental, non-profit and voluntary network, which provides a platform of cooperation among Geoparks brings together government agencies, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and communities from all countries around the world in a unique worldwide partnership and operates according to UNESCO regulations.The GGN mission is to influence, encourage and assist local societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of abiotic and biotic nature, to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and sustainable and to support economic and cultural development of local communities through the valorisation of their unique heritage and identity. It seeks to enhance the value of such sites while at the same time creating employment and promoting regional and local economic development. Under the umbrella of UNESCO and through cooperation with the global network partners, important geological sites gain worldwide recognition and benefit  from an exchange of knowledge, expertise, experience and staff between other Geoparks. This international partnership developed by UNESCO, allows members to profit from a worldwide exchange of experience among members, as compared to being a local isolated initiative.