UNESCO Global Geoparks Council has endorsed the nomination of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. The announcement was made at the ninth session of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, held in Vietnam on September 8 and 9. With the final decision on the nomination, which is expected at the UNESCO General Conference in March 2025, Saudi Arabia will officially join the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network for the first time. The Saudi National Center for Vegetation Cover Development & Combating Desertification (NCVC) and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science revealed that this significant step testifies Saudi Arabia’s role in preserving geological heritage and promoting sustainable development. The two sites were selected based on rigorous criteria, such as the comprehensive management of geologically significant areas of global importance, by integrating protection, education, and sustainable development. A key element of this approach is engaging local communities, the Saudi Press Agency reported. During the ninth session of the council, 21 candidate sites were evaluated, and 15 received approval. According to a statement from UNESCO, if the new nominations are granted final approval, the number of UNESCO Global Geoparks will reach 228 in 49 countries. […]