Saimaa Geopark gets UGG status

The UNESCO Governing Body on Thursday granted UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) status to the Saimaa Geopark.

The status was announced in Paris, said the Saimaa Geopark ry in a press release.

The authorities of the Saimaa Geopark ry, are delighted to receive the distinction, which is the result of a long-term work process.

“UNESCO status is a very important international recognition for the region and its actors. Geopark meets the tough international criteria. We are now equal with other major nature tourism destinations in the world. The status process has been challenging and long. Municipalities and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry have done a lot of work for gaining this huge recognition, carried their cards into the pile commendably. A warm thank you for your cooperation to all organisations and entrepreneurs,” said Saimaa Geopark ry Board Chairman Jouni Riihelä.

Riihelä also said that the recognition came at a good time, because we are living in a golden age of nature tourism.

“Recognition and UNESCO status will bring a lot of new visitors to the Saimaa Geopark sites even in this summer,” said the chairman.

UNESCO Global Geopark status is always granted for four years at a time. The next assessment is in 2025. The Saimaa Geopark is already looking for the continuity of the status obtained in its operations.