The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is a legally constituted not-for-profit organization. The GGN is a dynamic network where members are committed to work together and exchange ideas of best practice and join in common projects to raise the quality standards of all products and practices of a Global Geopark. While the GGN as a whole comes together every two years, the GGN functions through the operation of regional networks such as the European Geoparks Network which meets twice a year to develop and promote joint activities.

　　To become a global geopark, a geopark has to apply to its national government first, and submit its global geopark application document to UNESCO through the relevant state agencies. The geopark is then assessed by UNESCO, and candidate geoparks that fulfill all the stringent requirements are awarded Global Geopark status, and continue to be assessed every four years.