Artur Sá, Scientific Coordinator of the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark and professor at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), has been elected President of the Executive Board of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), becoming the first Portuguese national to hold this international leadership position. His candidacy was submitted by the Geopark itself, a member of the GGN.

The election took place during the 11th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks, held from September 8 to 12 in Temuco, Chile. It acknowledges Artur Sá’s distinguished academic and professional journey, marked by a strong dedication to geosciences, education, geological heritage conservation, and the sustainable development of territories.

A key figure in the history of the Arouca Geopark, Artur Sá was one of the main drivers behind its creation and its integration into both the European and Global Geoparks Networks (EGN/GGN). Over the years, he has placed his scientific expertise, rigor, and strategic vision at the service not only of Arouca but also of several other regions across different countries.

“The election of Artur Sá is a well-deserved recognition of consistent work, deeply rooted in the territory, yet with a global reach. The Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark submitted his candidacy in acknowledgment of the commitment and belief he has always shown in this project and its potential, working with dedication and professionalism to establish it as a geopark of international reference,” states Margarida Belém, President of the Board of AGA – Arouca Geopark Association.

According to Daniela Rocha, Executive Coordinator of AGA, “This election is not only a source of pride for Arouca; it also clearly reflects the trust that both the EGN and GGN place in leadership committed to science, cooperation, and sustainable development. Artur Sá is a key figure in bridging scientific knowledge with the valorization of territories.”

Artur Sá, now elected President of the GGN, emphasizes: “It is with great responsibility and humility that I accept this election. This recognition is not just personal it reflects the collective work carried out at the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark and in Portugal within the framework of the EGN and GGN. UNESCO Global Geoparks are spaces of territorial innovation, education, science, and community engagement. As GGN President, I will strive to promote a network that is increasingly cohesive, collaborative, and prepared to face the challenges of sustainable development, digitalization, and climate change adaptation. This is also a special moment to thank all those who, over the years, have trusted, collaborated with, and walked this path alongside me.”

Over the years, Artur Sá has been part of various working groups, promoting dialogue among geoparks, supporting new applications, and contributing to the consolidation of international policies on geoconservation and geoeducation.

Artur Sá’s election as GGN President comes at a particularly significant moment for Portuguese geoparks, with the recent official inclusion of the Algarvensis Geopark into the EGN/GGN, raising the number of UNESCO Global Geoparks in Portugal to seven.