The Black Country in the West Midlands has been formally declared a “world wide geopark” by UNESCO.

Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton sign up for the likes of the Cliffs of Fundy in Canada, the French wine location of Beaujolais and Vietnam’s Dak Nong, which also have geopark position.

The area has been campaigning for 10 several years to be awarded the accolade, which recognises places of intercontinental geological and cultural significance.

But on Friday, UNESCO’s executive board confirmed the Black Country’s spot on its listing of 162 world geoparks across 44 nations around the world.

It attained its position simply because of the important aspect it performed in the industrial revolution and its exclusive cultural heritage, the organisation extra.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, claimed he hopes the new position will improve tourism.

He stated: “We lastly did it! This is a definitely a momentous celebration for the Black Country. I could not be prouder of what has been accomplished.

“Becoming a UNESCO global geopark definitely puts us on the world map and offers us the chance to tell our story to the entire world and rejoice the numerous internet sites and features that we are so lucky to have.”

Dudley and Wolverhampton’s museums, the Sandwell Valley and Wren’s Nest National Character Reserve are among the the 40 “geosites” across the Black Country that have presently been selected by UNESCO, with much more to be additional in the coming months and many years.

The specific position will assistance boost the region’s sustainable progress, geological heritage and tourism profile, UNESCO added.

The expression Black Region dates back to the 1800s and refers to the soot and coal seam that arrived from the heavily-industrialised spot.