Isalo National Park could soon be added to the list of Global Geoparks of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). During a visit to the Ihorombe region last week, on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of Isalo National Park, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Nolave Luck Aristide Andriatsihala, announced the launch of the state’s efforts to have the site labeled as a “UNESCO Global Geopark.”
If the application is successful, Madagascar will become the fourth African country, after Morocco, Tunisia, and Tanzania, to join the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
According to estimates, approximately 25% of the inventory and assessment of Isalo’s geosites have already been completed. This work is an essential step in preparing the application file. According to our information, the scientific committee is currently continuing the studies required for each stage of the process leading to the label’s acquisition.
The initiative is jointly led by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) and Madagascar National Parks (MNP). Its objective is to gain international recognition for the exceptional geological richness of Isalo. The site is particularly distinguished by its rock formations, canyons, caves, reliefs sculpted by erosion, and landscapes shaped over more than 200 million years.
Beyond this international recognition, obtaining the “UNESCO Global Geopark” label aims to strengthen sustainable tourism, promote scientific research, and enhance local cultural heritage. It is also expected to generate economic benefits for the surrounding communities, particularly the village populations.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-20 18:27:11 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/patrimoine-madagascar-engage-les-demarches-pour-obtenir-le-label-geoparc-mondial-unesco-pour-le-parc-national-de-lisalo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=patrimoine-madagascar-engage-les-demarches-pour-obtenir-le-label-geoparc-mondial-unesco-pour-le-parc-national-de-lisalo