Since 2000, geographers and geologists have met repeatedly to discuss the appropriateness of an interdisciplinary perspective on Geoparks, linking geoconservation with endogenous local development. The latter is one of the topics that have seriously engaged geographers in recent decades. The geographical perspective on Geoparks includes the integration of landscape as a main concept, requires a holistic approach and interdisciplinary research to promote multicultural participatory bridges, and connects local knowledge and practice with the research-development agenda. It encourages strong scientific inter-professional ties and focuses on the creation of Geoparks in the world. It also promotes research relations in the world and exchanges in developing and developed countries.
In 2004, the IGU Executive Committee decided to launch the Geoparks Working Group at the 30th Intergovernmental Conference, an initiative that could bring a geographical perspective to a developed UNESCO programme for the management and protection of natural and cultural heritage. In 2008, the IGU Executive Committee decided to transform the Geoparks Working Group into the Geoparks Commission at the 31st Intergovernmental Conference. In 2012, a new Commission was established with new international members. In 2015, the name change of the Commission to the Geoheritage Commission was approved. In 2016, the Commission gained new Executive Board members.
