International Geographical Union - Commission on Geoparks(IGU-CoG)

     In 2004, International Geographical Union(IGU) initiated Geopark Task Force, an initiative that could bring a geographical perspective to a developed UNESCO program for the management and protection of the natural and cultural heritage on the 30th International Geograhical Congress that was held in Glasgow, UK. With the fast development of Geoparks , the IGU Executive Committee decided to launch the Commission on Geoparks on the First International Forum on Geoparks: Interpretation and Sustainable Development that was held in Yuntaishan World Geopark from 11th to 14th Ocotober 2007.

     As one of the organizers, IGU-COG held theFirst International Forum on Geoparks: Interpretation and Sustainable Development in Yuntaishan Geopark in China from 111 th to 14 th October, 2007. In the future, it will cooperate with other relevant Commissions and organizations to further its effort.IGU- CoG will use years 1–2 (2008–2009) to develop the Commission's research programme and develop the methodological frameworks to analyse issues of the Geoparks, including relationships with associated institutions, like UNESCO and European Geopark Network etc. and IGU Task Forces and Commissions.

Years 3–4 (2010–2012) will focus on the development of comparative studies on Geoparks, tourism and corresponding social, economic, environmental and political change. The Commission will also concentrate on the communication and transfer of research results in policy relevant terms to policy makers and industry as well as continuing the scientific publishing programme of the Commission. The Commission therefore seeks to continue its activities for the next four years as outlined in relation to its existing objectives.Dr.Wei,Dongying is the Chair of IGU-CoG, and other 10 executive members and advisors are the experts in the related fields from 8 different countries