The vision of the UNESCO chair on Geoparks and Sustainable Development of insular and coastal areas is to support better understanding and capacity building of local stakeholders in islands and coastal areas on how a UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural disasters-related risks. The bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is n the center of the efforts to implement the above vision. 

Τhe UNESCO chair on Geoparks and Sustainable Development of insular and coastal areas introduces and supports appropriate studies and practices in the universities, the education system stakeholders and governances of insular and coastal UNESCO Global Geoparks. Organizes and implements capacity building activities towards sustainable development and supports the sustainable development through transfer of know-how on the establishment of guidelines for a quality labelling system of services and products in insular and coastal UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Promotes the creation of innovative local enterprises and new jobs on heritage management (protection, conservation, interpretation and monitoring), tourism related activities, as well as local products enhancement. Provides scientific support on issues related to heritage-led development in insular and coastal areas, to reduction of risks and impacts of hazards, to climatic change adaptation, to the protection, conservation and sustainable management of insular and coastal resources. Provides scientific support on issues related to heritage-led development in insular and coastal areas, to reduction of risks and impacts of hazards, to climatic change adaptation, to the protection, conservation and sustainable management  of insular and coastal resources. Establishes partnerships with local administration, businesses, cooperatives and other stakeholders. Provides support to governments and other stakeholders which try to develop insular and coastal areas through their participation in the UNESCO Global Geoparks programme.