Tungurahua Volcano, which was declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2025, is situated in which one among the following countries? [2026]

Tungurahua Volcano, which was declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2025, is situated in which one among the following countries?

Tungurahua Volcano is located in the Ecuadorian Andes, near the city of Baños. UNESCO officially recognised it as a Global Geopark on 10 April 2025, along with Napo Sumaco, both in Ecuador.
Note: Questions of this nature are often meant to increase the paper’s depth and maintain cutoff balance. UNESCO had added more than 15 new Global Geopark sites, and it is neither practical nor necessary for aspirants to memorize every single site and its exact location mechanically. Such questions are often “bouncer” questions meant to test the outer limits of factual awareness. Aspirants should therefore avoid spending disproportionate time and energy trying to mug up exhaustive lists of every UNESCO addition, park, or designation. The smarter strategy is to focus on major and repeatedly discussed sites, especially those connected with India, important geographical themes, environmental significance, or recurring current affairs relevance.

UGGp are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.
The UNESCO Global Geoparks designation now includes 229 sites across 50 countries.
As of April 30, 2025, India does not have any UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Criteria to be a UNESCO Global Geopark:
- Geological Heritage of International Value: Must have geological heritage of international value.
- Effective Management Structure: UNESCO Global Geoparks are managed by a body having legal existence recognised under national legislation.
- Visibility: UNESCO Global Geoparks promote sustainable local economic development mainly through geotourism. To stimulate geotourism in the area, it is crucial that a UGGp has visibility.
- Networking: Membership of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is obligatory for UGGp. Founded in 2004, the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is a legally constituted not-for-profit organisation with an annual membership fee. Often referred to as “peace silk,” a unique and sustainable textile from the Eri silkworm (Samia ricini).