In light of intensifying global urbanization, it is urgent to reassess nature conservation strategies, particularly those related to geological heritage in urban areas.Traditionally associated with rural areas, UNE-SCO's Global Geoparks (UGGp) has been expanding its horizons to include urban contexts.This article proposes a conceptual reflection on geoparks that includes urban areas as a new perspective within the UGGp, analyzing five representative case studies: Hong Kong UGGp (China), English Riviera UGGp (England), Black Country UGGp (England), Busan National Geopark (South Korea), and the proposal under development for the Guanabara Urban Geopark (Brazil).Based on a review of UNESCO's Operational Guidelines, specialized literature, and institutional evaluation reports, this discussion examines the challenges, advances, and possibilities for implementing geoparks in urban environments.The results indicate that urban geoparks can represent a strategic opportunity to promote geoconservation, disseminate geoscientific knowledge, foster cultural appreciation, and facilitate sustainable development.Furthermore, expanding the notion of geoheritage to include ex situ elements, such as heritage stones and museum collections, reinforces the relevance of these territories in strengthening local identities and building more resilient, inclusive cities that are aware of their geodiversity.
Gomes-Paiva et al. (Wed,) studied this question.