Areas designated as GeoParks have a heritage of geological, archaeological, cultural or environmental features whose importance, rarity or beauty are characteristic of their region. The role of GeoParks is to bring this heritage to life for both visitors and local people and to raise awareness of this significance of the landscape and how it was formed. There are 3 GeoParks designations: national, European and global UNESCO GeoParks and the Swabian Alb park has been awarded all three.