From dinosaur fossils in Brazil to Greece's soaring monasteries of Meteora, UNESCO has recognized 18 new Global Geoparks, showcasing remarkable geological, cultural, and intangible heritage across the globe.

These newly designated sites, now totaling 213 across 48 countries, offer travelers unique opportunities to explore geology, culture, and sustainability.

The new additions are more than just geological marvels; they integrate natural beauty with human history and biodiversity. António Abreu, Director of UNESCO’s Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, emphasizes that each geopark tells a unique story, using geology as a lens to highlight the region’s heritage.

Uberaba, Brazil

Known as the "Land of the Giants," Uberaba in southeastern Brazil is famed for its rich paleontological treasures, including over 10,000 fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric lifeforms. Its geological formations, such as the Serra da Galga and Serra Geral mountain ranges, reveal ancient volcanic activity. A unique 19th-century farming tradition involving low-emission breeds further contributes to the area’s ecological sustainability.

Visitors can explore themed routes highlighting the region's geological and cultural heritage. Museums like the Paleontological Research Centre and Dinosaur Museum showcase Uberaba’s history, while the Vale Encantado preserve offers views of prehistoric rock formations, forests, and waterfalls. Adventurous travelers can hike trails through Serra Geral National Park to immerse themselves in the local ecosystem.

Biokovo-Imotski Lakes, Croatia

Located in southern Croatia, this geopark features two striking geological formations: the Biokovo mountain range and the Red and Blue Lakes near Imotski. Biokovo Nature Park offers educational trails, botanical gardens, and St George Peak, Croatia's third-highest summit.

The nearby Red Lake, Europe’s deepest karst lake crater, gets its name from the iron oxide-tinted cliffs surrounding it, while Blue Lake boasts vibrant waters fed by mountain snowmelt. Though Blue Lake is accessible for swimming, the remote location of Red Lake within a 500m-deep cavern makes it challenging to visit. The region also features medieval tombstones and a glass skywalk with panoramic views of nearby towns, mountains, and the Adriatic Sea.

Meteora Pyli, Greece

In Greece's Thessaly region, Meteora Pyli intertwines natural beauty and cultural significance. Towering sandstone pillars, some over 300m high, are home to Byzantine-era monasteries dating from 1200-1600 CE. This iconic site, already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has now gained geopark recognition, expanding to include other geological formations such as Kalambaka's Tafoni formations and the biodiverse Pindos Mountains.

The area offers unique experiences, including routes to the sacred rocks of Meteora and hidden villages in the Pindos Mountains, creating an unforgettable blend of spirituality, nature, and history.

Longyan, China

Located in Fujian Province, Longyan is the heart of China’s Hakka culture. Known for its roundhouse-style buildings and cobblestone streets, the area is rich in traditions like the You Da Long dragon dance and Zou Gu Shi carnival. The geopark extends beyond its cultural history to the dense surrounding forest, home to the endangered South China tiger and Chinese yew tree.

The designation ensures the protection of these unique species and highlights the region’s ecological importance, particularly around Meihuashan Mountain, known as Fujian’s "Mother Mountain."

South Fyn Archipelago, Denmark

This Danish geopark, shaped by post-ice age rising sea levels, is a "drowned" landscape encompassing 55 islands and islets. Known as "The Garden of Denmark," the region boasts a long agricultural history and offers some of the best sailing waters in the world.

Visitors can explore the archipelago through sailing or diving, experiencing its endangered marine ecosystems firsthand. On land, hiking trails and local farms provide opportunities to connect with nature and support sustainable agriculture by sampling local produce.

UNESCO’s careful evaluation ensures that each site not only highlights the past but also provides hope for the future. As Elsebeth Gerner Nielsen, chair of Denmark's UNESCO National Commission, notes, the South Fyn Archipelago exemplifies the balance between historical preservation and sustainable development, offering inspiration for generations to come.