One of the main strategic objectives of a Geopark is to stimulate economic activity within the framework of sustainable development.
Alongside Geoconservation, the generation of Sustainable Economic Development is one of the fundamental pillars for the development of a Geopark within the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. Therefore, all Geoparks have a mission, with the help of UNESCO, to promote culturally and environmentally sustainable socio-economic development. Sustainable Economic Development has a direct positive impact on the Geopark territory, improving human living conditions and the rural and urban environment. It strengthens the population's identification with their area and stimulates 'pride of place' and cultural development, which in turn stimulates the direct appreciation and protection of the geological heritage.
Sustainable Economic Development is economic growth that attempts to meet human needs in a way that sustains natural resources and the environment for future generations. Similarly, sustainable development was defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development in Our Common Future (1987) as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' To understand the relationships that ensure sustainability, social, economic, and environmental issues cannot be considered in isolation. For example, an environmental improvement may have to be acceptable to residents and compatible with existing land uses, while also being financially viable to undertake. Care must be taken not to exclude sectors of society that may not have access to financial resources to pay a premium for goods or services; therefore, it is important to recognize that the results of sustainable development must also be equitable.
The principles of sustainable economic development apply not only to the Geopark as a whole, its management authority, and partners, but can also be applied at an individual project level.

The establishment of a Geopark should be based on strong community support and local involvement, developed through a 'bottom-up' process. It should demonstrate strong support from local political and community leaders, including in relation to providing the necessary financial resources. The Geopark should have effective and professional management structures, delivering policies and actions for sustainable regional socio-economic and cultural development throughout the territory where it is located.
Success can only be achieved through strong local involvement and 'buy-in'. The initiative to create a Geopark must therefore come from local communities/authorities with a strong commitment to develop and implement a management plan that meets the community and economic needs of the local population, while simultaneously safeguarding their cultural identity and the landscape in which they live.

A Geopark should involve public authorities, local communities, private interests, and research and educational institutions in the design and management of the Geopark and its regional economic and cultural development plan and activities. This cooperation will stimulate discussion and encourage partnerships among the different groups with interests in the area and motivate and mobilize local authorities and the local population.
Sustainable tourism and other economic activities within a Geopark can only be successful if carried out in cooperation with local communities. Touristic activities should be specially designed to meet local conditions and the natural and cultural character of a territory and must fully respect the needs and traditions of the local population. Respect, encouragement, and protection of local cultural values are crucial points of the sustainable development effort. In many regions and countries, it is vital to involve the local indigenous population in the establishment of a Geopark.

One prerequisite for any proposed Geopark to be approved is the establishment of an effective management system and implementation program to develop the territory sustainably.
Impressive and internationally significant geological outcrops alone are not sufficient to be a Geopark. When appropriate, both geological and non-geological features within the Geopark area should be accessible to visitors, connected to each other, and safeguarded through a clear responsible management body or partnership with proven local support. The management body or partnership should have an effective management infrastructure, suitable qualified personnel, and sustainable financial support to fulfill its mission of sustainable development. Often, aspects of a region's cultural heritage are linked to its geological heritage. Respecting the environment, the establishment of a Geopark should encourage, for example, the creation of innovative local businesses, small enterprises, cottage industries, start high-quality training courses and new jobs, generating new sources of revenue (e.g., geoproducts) while protecting the Geopark's natural geological resources (e.g., incentivizing the production of casting replicas instead of selling original fossils). This provides supplemental income for the local population and is expected to attract private capital.
'Geotourism' is a useful umbrella term to describe successful economic opportunities and new tourism business ventures in a sustainable economic environment that involves strong multidisciplinary cooperation between earth sciences, geography, archaeology, biology, economics, management, tourism, environment, agriculture, forestry, etc.). It is an innovative and holistic territorial approach to sustainable economic development in which Geoparks have a special and leading role.

Global UNESCO Geoparks must be managed by a legally recognized entity under national legislation. This management body should be properly equipped to manage the entire Geopark area and should include all relevant local and regional actors and authorities.
Global UNESCO Geoparks require a management plan, agreed upon by all partners, that addresses the social and economic needs of the local population, while protecting the landscape they live in and preserving their cultural identity. This plan should be comprehensive, incorporating governance, development, communication, protection, infrastructure, finance, and partnerships.

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