[Cheongsong Tourism Blossomingon the Strength of UNESCO] Lee Soo-jae, a member of the UNESCO Global

Coexistence with Local People Is of the Greatest Importance

"UNESCO Global Geoparks pursue a more general value—the coexistence of people and nature," said Lee Soo-jae, amember of the UNESCO Global Geopark Council.

During the phone interview with The MaeilShinmun, Lee said that the Global Geoparks Network (GCN) is a system that gives the most consideration to local people among UNESCO'sthree protection systems.

"Biosphere Reserves and Natural Heritage Sites focus on preservation, while Global Geoparks focus more on utilization than on preservation, based on the concept of responsible tourism," said Lee. "UNESCO stipulates that the quality of local people's life must be improved through tourism industry."

At present, Jeju Island prepares for its second designation and Cheongsong and Mudeungsan Area are slated to go through revalidation. What is considered important in the revalidation is not the value of geological attractions that has already been recognized but how the geopark has benefitted local people, Lee explained.

"The value of geological attractions was fully recognized at the time of the first designation. After the designation, what's more important is that what income activities local people have done through a geopark and how much positive effects a geopark has on the community," said Lee.

"This year, one Global Geopark failed to pass the revalidation," said Lee. "In this case, a warning was issued about inadequate management that did not meet UNESCO's criteria and there was no remarkable improvement. In the end, the designation was cancelled."

Lee also said that the municipality's efforts are the most important because good results are often made based on a strong management institution despite the strict revalidation process.

The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, of which Lee is a member, is the highest decision-making body according to UNESCO Global Geopark regulations. The Council gives advice on the strategies, planning and execution of Global Geoparks and assesses revalidated and new UNESCO Global Geopark nominations. The Council consists of only 16 members from around the world. Of the 16 members, four members are ex officio members and 12 members are appointed by the Director-General of UNESCO.