The purpose of Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is to help members promote geoparks through network activities and experience sharing. Through the observation, study, activities, conferences and other methods, provide global geopark partners experience sharing and growth opportunities, and promote the concept of geoparks around the world. For instance, ecotourism in a specific geopark provides locals information on how to maintain the environment and creates local job opportunities. The experiences in the past can also be used to discuss issues that improve individual geopark. In February 2004, UNESCO approved the first 28 global geoparks.

At present, there are 169 UNESCO global geoparks spread across 44 countries, 41 of them located in China. To become a UNESCO global geopark, a geopark has to apply to its national government first and submit its official application to UNESCO through the relevant state agencies. The geopark is then assessed by UNESCO, and candidate geoparks that fulfil all the stringent requirements are awarded UNESCO global geopark status, and continue to be assessed every two to four years. The selection criteria for inclusion in the Global UNESCO Network of Geoparks are so strict, why do so many countries still want to join the GGN? The reason is that the establishment of geopark can enhance public awareness about world heritage values, improve our knowledge toward the environmental carrying capacity, and achieve the goals of protecting geologic and geomorphic features. Also, the geopark establishment can provide humans with quality outdoor education and recreation, foster tourism development, and increase local economic income. Therefore, percentage increase in visitor numbers and tourism income of geoparks can be the most powerful evaluation indices for their establishment.

Up to now, the UNESCO Global Geopark Network (GGN) has 169 members in 44 countries and regions around the world. The following table shows the countries in distribution: