Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about the Chelenko territory?
Here we clarify the most important aspects to help you understand its value, structure, and how you can get involved.
What is the area covered by the Chelenko Geopark?
Due to its richness in geosites, it is proposed that the first geopark in Aysén should encompass the entire General Carrera Province, including all the municipalities of Chile Chico and Río Ibáñez. UNESCO recommends that geopark boundaries align with existing administrative divisions (such as municipalities, provinces, or delegations).
Are geoparks protected areas?
In Chile, geoparks are recognized by UNESCO and managed under a sustainable development framework, but they are not necessarily defined as protected areas under national law.
Although UNESCO designation implies the management of sites and landscapes of geological importance, it does not automatically include them within Chile’s system of legally protected areas.
What is UNESCO and how does it relate to geoparks?
UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is a UN agency dedicated to promoting peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. One of its key goals is to foster sustainable development and fight poverty.
Among its priorities is the protection of natural and cultural heritage. This includes initiatives such as World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks.
How does a territory become a UNESCO Global Geopark?
To be designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, a territory must demonstrate that it has a geological heritage of international value, which is managed by a legally recognized organization promoting sustainable development.
An application must be submitted, which includes a technical dossier and an in-person evaluation by external experts. This is reviewed and decided upon by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council.
To apply, a geopark must have been in operation for at least one year.
What about economic activities within the geopark? Are they compatible?
UNESCO does not prohibit economic activities within geoparks. Activities such as tourism, livestock farming, and mining may take place, as long as they comply with national legislation.
However, the sale of fossils is not permitted within geoparks and is also prohibited under Chilean law.
What is the area covered by the Chelenko Geopark?
Due to its richness in geosites, it is proposed that the first geopark in Aysén should encompass the entire General Carrera Province, including all the municipalities of Chile Chico and Río Ibáñez. UNESCO recommends that geopark boundaries align with existing administrative divisions (such as municipalities, provinces, or delegations).
Are geoparks protected areas?
In Chile, geoparks are recognized by UNESCO and managed under a sustainable development framework, but they are not necessarily defined as protected areas under national law.
Although UNESCO designation implies the management of sites and landscapes of geological importance, it does not automatically include them within Chile’s system of legally protected areas.
What is UNESCO and how does it relate to geoparks?
UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is a UN agency dedicated to promoting peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. One of its key goals is to foster sustainable development and fight poverty.
Among its priorities is the protection of natural and cultural heritage. This includes initiatives such as World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks.
How does a territory become a UNESCO Global Geopark?
To be designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, a territory must demonstrate that it has a geological heritage of international value, which is managed by a legally recognized organization promoting sustainable development.
An application must be submitted, which includes a technical dossier and an in-person evaluation by external experts. This is reviewed and decided upon by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council.
To apply, a geopark must have been in operation for at least one year.
What about economic activities within the geopark? Are they compatible?
UNESCO does not prohibit economic activities within geoparks. Activities such as tourism, livestock farming, and mining may take place, as long as they comply with national legislation.
However, the sale of fossils is not permitted within geoparks and is also prohibited under Chilean law.