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Global Geological Heritage Sites

Decode Global Geological Heritage Sites using previous year trends.

Official Question UPSC 2026

Tungurahua Volcano, which was declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2025, is situated in which one among the following countries ?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A
Let's locate this new environmental designation using the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network Database:
•The Geography: The Tungurahua Volcano (whose name translates to "Throat of Fire" in the indigenous Quichua language) is a prominent, highly active stratovolcano situated in the Cordillera Oriental of the central Andes mountain range.
•The Country (Option A): This volcano is located exclusively within the borders of Ecuador, rising above the famous thermal spring town of Baños de Agua Santa.
•The Current Affair: In April 2025, UNESCO officially designated over 2,300 square kilometers of this volcanic territory as a Global Geopark to preserve its 417-million-year geological history and promote sustainable geo-tourism.
•The Distractors: While Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia are all Andean nations heavily populated with active volcanoes (such as Ubinas in Peru or Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia), Tungurahua belongs uniquely to Ecuador.
Conclusion: Option A is the correct answer.

Quick Recall

The Tungurahua Volcano, known locally as the 'Throat of Fire', is a highly active stratovolcano situated in the central Andes. In April 2025, UNESCO designated the volcano and its surrounding geological formations as a Global Geopark. This newly recognized territory is located entirely within the country of Ecuador.

Concept Flow Mapping

Tungurahua Volcano
Located In
Ecuador
Tungurahua Volcano
Designated As
UNESCO Global Geopark
Tungurahua Volcano
Is A
Stratovolcano

Concept Question

In which South American country is the Tungurahua Volcano, declared a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2025, located?

Key Takeaway

Ecuador.

Examiner's Trap

The examiner lists four major South American countries that all share the Andes mountain range and the Pacific Ring of Fire. Candidates must have specific current affairs knowledge to isolate Ecuador from its similarly volcanic neighbors.

Core Insight

While a National Park primarily focuses on protecting biodiversity (flora and fauna), a UNESCO Global Geopark is specifically designated to protect geological heritage (rocks, fossils, volcanoes, glacial formations) of international significance, while using that heritage to promote sustainable local geo-tourism.

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