The Basque Coast Geopark is facing its fourth revalidation process this week. For four days, starting on Sunday, May 10, the Geopark will receive a visit from evaluators who will prepare a decisive report to determine if it maintains its designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark for another four years. The so-called “Green Card” is at stake, and everything is ready in Zumaia, Deba, and Mutriku to face this important challenge.

The mission will consist of two UNESCO evaluators, whose objective will be to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the Geopark's progress over the last four-year period and verify that it continues to meet the requirements for inclusion in the global network. In the words of the Geopark's management, “the geopark has done a great job in these last four years, and we are prepared for the evaluation; the evaluators will find a solid and consolidated project”.

To verify in situ the collective work carried out in the protection and enhancement of the geology, nature, economy, and social heritage of the territory, the evaluators will meet with institutional representatives, technical staff, and local agents, and will visit the main points of interest of the Geopark following an intense work program.

The Basque Coast Geopark has been part of the UNESCO Global and European Geoparks Network since 2010. All member territories must undergo a rigorous revalidation process every four years to ensure they meet the established criteria. The designation is granted for a limited period, after which the geopark's performance in areas such as sustainable development or the conservation and integration of geological and cultural values is re-evaluated. As usual, the results of the evaluation process will be announced in autumn.