Even if an area has outstanding, world-famous geological heritage of
outstanding universal value it cannot be a Global Geopark unless the area also
has a plan for the sustainable development of the people who live there. This
development may take the form of sustainable tourism through, for example, the
development of walking or cycling trails, training of local people to act as
guides, encouraging tourism and accommodation providers to follow international
best practise in environmental sustainability. But it can also be about simply
engaging with local people and respecting their traditional way of life in a
way that empowers them and respects their human rights and dignity. Unless a
Global Geopark has the support of local
people it will not succeed. Global Geopark status does not imply restrictions
on any economic acitivity a Geopark where that activity complies with local,
regional or national legislation.