The current scientific coordinator of the Arouca Geopark and lecturer at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro has become the first Portuguese to lead the international structure that, founded in 2004, incorporates around 230 geoparks of geological relevance across 50 countries.
In statements, Artur Sá expressed that he approaches the new position with “an enormous sense of responsibility,” considering it “an honor.” Leading the Global Geoparks Network is, above all, “a commitment to the people and territories that breathe life into the UNESCO Global Geoparks Program.”
Elected unanimously in a general assembly for a four-year term, renewable for another term, Artur Sá was already a member of the executive board of the Global Network under the presidency of Greek Nikolaos Zouros, whom he now succeeds.
Regarding his priorities until 2029, Sá aims to “strengthen cooperation among our members, enhance the visibility of UNESCO’s world geoparks to society and policymakers, and support network growth in regions underrepresented like Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, while ensuring continuous growth in the Americas and other well-established areas.”
In implementing this strategy, Sá emphasizes a leadership style that is “close, based on listening and dialogue,” facilitating collective work in the face of challenges like “climate change, sustainable territory financing, or the need to reconcile conservation and local development.”
Recognizing the necessity to “enhance communication and visibility” of the Global Network’s geoparks “through a unified voice and partnerships with schools, media, cultural, tourism agents, and policymakers,” the new president stated, “I am confident that, with solidarity and shared vision, we will show the world that UNESCO geoparks provide concrete solutions to current global challenges.”
Artur Sá’s nomination was proposed by various entities, including the Arouca Geopark and the Caribbean and Latin American Geoparks Network, which praised his “visionary leadership and tireless dedication in promoting the concept of geoparks as dynamic territories.” Additionally, the Lesvos Island Geopark, with Nikolaos Zouros, highlighted that “his extensive experience in geopark development will be valuable for the Global Network’s growth and strengthening.”
The choice of the Portuguese was influenced not only by his academic career as an educator and researcher but also by his international experience in geopark activities. In 2024, Artur Sá received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from the Regional University of Cariri, Brazil, in recognition of his work with the Araripe Geopark. He has participated in 19 evaluation or revalidation committees for the Global Network’s geoparks, with missions in Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Artur Sá is also part of the scientific councils of several geoparks: in Portugal, Arouca, Azores, and Estrela; in Brazil, Araripe; in Spain, Molina y Alto Tajo and Cabo Ortegal; and in Mexico, Mixteca Alta.
He is a member of the European Geopark Network’s Coordination Committee, the International Association for the Promotion of Geoethics, ProGEO—the International Association for the Conservation of the Geological Heritage, president of the Portuguese Committee for the International Geosciences Program (IGCP-UNESCO), a researcher at the Geosciences Center of the University of Coimbra, and a founder of the Portuguese Paleontology Society.
According to Margarida Belém, president of the Arouca Geopark Association and municipality leader, Artur Sá’s election is a significant achievement: “His election is a fitting recognition for someone who so greatly contributed to the creation and establishment of the Arouca Geopark as a global reference in geoeducation, geotourism, and geoconservation.”
Recollecting that the territory was the second in the country to be designated as a geopark, the spokeswoman noted that Artur Sá played “an absolutely fundamental role” from the start in guiding the process, anticipating his new role will be carried out “with efficiency and ambition.” She expressed confidence in his capacity to achieve outcomes as impactful as those he accomplished in establishing Arouca as a prime geotourism destination nationally and internationally.
