Geoproducts. Local Stories Included in International Branding

Geoproducts are vehicles for integrating local stories into international branding emphasizing the identity of UNESCO Global Geoparks. They obtain global recognition while linking storytelling and branding to heritage preservation and community empowerment. Geoproducts connect a territory’s geological and cultural heritage to the creativity of the locals and become ambassadors of sustainable development. For a local product to become a geoproduct, it must echo the geology and culture of its region, have economic viability and keep precise quality standards. They must be developed in partnership with a UNESCO geopark which provides mutual promotion and reinforces their part on the local and global market. Geoproducts enhance the voices of local communities and also the recognition of geoparks as territories of innovation, creativity and sustainability. This paper explores the philosophy and characteristics of geoproducts, stressing their capacity to incorporate local stories into global branding. For this, the study uses a software-based analysis of Romanian-language Google search metrics that evaluates public interest in Buzău Land UNESCO Global Geopark in order to create geoproducts appropriate to visitor preferences.