UNESCO has designated a Global Geopark in this unexpected country

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🗞️ Driving the news: Mount Paektu, a sacred volcanic peak on the North Korea–China border, has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark — the first natural site in North Korea to receive such recognition
• The decision, made in February 2025, highlights the mountain’s geological and cultural importance, including its caldera lake, glacial valleys, and the legacy of one of the most powerful eruptions in recorded history

🔭 The context: Mount Paektu stands as a core element of North Korea’s national mythology and political identity
• According to state narratives, it is the birthplace of Kim Jong Il and a symbol of the ruling Kim dynasty’s legitimacy
• Its peaks feature prominently in national emblems, state propaganda, and military symbolism
• The mountain also holds pan-Korean significance, with past efforts to use it as a symbol of unity, such as during the 2018 summit between Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s then-President Moon Jae-in

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Beyond its political symbolism, the designation underscores Mount Paektu’s global geological significance — especially its “millennial eruption” in 946 CE
• Recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark supports international efforts to preserve key natural sites through sustainable development and education
• It may also open the door for greater scientific cooperation on seismic risks, as the volcano remains active
• However, its use in North Korean statecraft raises questions about the intersection of conservation and regime narrative-building

⏭️ What's next: With the new designation, Pyongyang may seek to rebrand Mount Paektu as a geotourism destination, leveraging its natural and cultural assets to draw international attention, albeit within the limits of North Korea’s tightly controlled visitor access
• The designation also follows a similar listing for the Chinese side (Changbaishan) last year
• Whether this leads to broader cooperation or remains part of North Korea’s soft-power strategy will depend on regional diplomacy and internal openness

💬 One quote: “This is the soul of Korea’s revolution,” a North Korean guide told CNN at the summit, as pilgrims stood in quiet reverence before Lake Chon

📈 One stat: UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network now includes over 200 geoparks in 49 countries, with Mount Paektu joining as North Korea’s first

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