Hosting the
12th International Conference Global Geoparks Network
Geoparque Oeste
Welcome To
The application to organize the 12th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks, in 2027, is an express wish of Oeste UNESCO Global Geopark (Portugal), accompanied by the 12 Portuguese municipalities of Oeste region, the Oeste Intermunicipality Community, the Portuguese Government.
Supported by 15 science organizations and over 200 business and association partners, and also over 213.000 inhabitants who have supported the development and recognition of their territory as a UGGP from the very beginning.
See our history and discover everything we do
In 2017, the Lourinhã Ethnology and Archaeology Group (GEAL), the municipalities of Lourinhã, Torres Vedras, Peniche, Bombarral and Óbidos, together with the Natural History Society, Scientific Association (SHN) and the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), began a process of analysis, study and debate on the possibility of nominating the territory, which is entirely made up of the area of the five municipalities, as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Identified and characterized geosites
Fossil place, our enormous paleontological wealth
Scientific articles published about the geology of the region
Torres Vedras bid for hosting the 12th International GGN Conference
Conference
The city of Torres Vedras is located in central western Portugal, as part of the district of Lisbon, approximately 50km north of Lisbon (the Portuguese capital). Its central position is easily accessible to visitors from various continents, serving as a strategic base to explore the Oeste region, the nearby Atlantic coast, and its renowned landscapes.
A Great Theme
Exploring Earth’s history, science, and heritage for sustainable, peaceful futures. Geoparks: models for sustainability.
Unique Strengths
Oeste UGGP: ideal for the Geoparks Conference. Best place to learn plate tectonics, aligning with GGN goals.
Accommodation
Torres Vedras: varied accommodation options, over 4,400 beds. Choose comfort near history or nature.
Conference Facilities
ExpoTorres offers a spacious, modern conference center in Torres Vedras, perfect for large events.
Field Trips
Unforgettable field trips—dinosaur tracks, ancient volcanoes, and coastal fossils—bringing earth sciences to life.
Our Team
Our dedicated Oeste Geopark team: expert, experienced, and fully capable of organizing a world-class conference.
Proud of our +40 partners
Beyond Borders: UGGP Crafts Events that Connect Geoparks & Lusophone Nations
We know that it is at this intersection of desires, expectations, dreams, and ambitions that UGGP position themselves and study the best practices and methodologies to guarantee the sustainability of ecosystems in territories with a unique past. This contributes to the natural and cultural heritage valorisation of these territories but, above all, to better understand the paths for a future that is increasingly complex to manage and accept.