UNESCO Global Geoparks are areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. They take a bottom-up approach combining conservation with sustainable development, always involving local communities. Currently there are 120 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 33 countries. Russia is not one of these 33 but a committee was recently established to explore options.
The Drifting Apart project has a strong Geopark focus; twelve partners are UNESCO Geoparks and a further four are Aspiring Geoparks. This pool of knowledge and experience was called upon during the third project Steering Group Meeting, held in Kenozero National Park May/June 2016.
Representatives from Katun National Nature Reserve, Vishera National Park, Commander State Biosphere National Natural Reserve, Bogdinsko-Baskunchakski Nature Reserve and Smolny Nature Reserve joined Drifting Apart partners in Kenozero National Park to discuss the potential for future UNESCO Global Geoparks in Russia.
This opportunity offered both Russian and international 
representatives time to discuss the concept of UNESCO Geoparks, detail their experiences and discuss their regions. This sharing of information and ideas is reflective of the Geopark Network mentality.
Furthermore, Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark, through Drifting Apart, is undertaking research into best management practices within UNESCO Geoparks. Research will be conducted during the Global Geopark Network Conference in late September, Torquay, England, where participants will take part in an interactive questionnaire.