EGN Magazine Issue 11

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Geoparks:Earth heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, environmental education and local development

EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:12 Page 1

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European GeoparksNetwork Magazine

Issue No 11 / 2014

Published by:Natural History Museum of the LesvosPetrified Forest on behalf of the EuropeanGeoparks Network

Executive editor: Nickolas Zouros

Editorial board: Heinz Kollmann,Tony Ramsay, Jutta Weber, Nickolas Zouros

Contributors:Alessia Pica, Vajolet Masè, Alessia Amorfini,Antonio Bartelletti, Giuseppe Ottria, DanielaRocha, Artur Sá, António Duarte, RicardoNeves, Vera Magalhães, Barnabás Korbély,Anna Knauer, Leire , Asier Hilario, JuttaWeber, Eamon Doyle, José Manuel QueroFernández de Molina, Pablo Rivas Palomo,Anne Guyomard, Jean-Pierre Fillion, KirstinLemon, Aniello Aloia, Angelo De Vita, HeinzKollmann, Thomas Drechsler, Irmi Auer,Melanie Border, Margaret Wood, StewartCampbell, Anne Schäfer, David Hull, TonyRamsay, Tim Jones, Peter Brabham, GerlindeOrtner, Hans Peter Schönlaub, SteingerðurHreinsdóttir, Nikolaos Zouros, Achim Herf,Andreas Schüller, Stéphane Legal, CharlesDiliberti, Pasquale Li Puma, Pietro Casserà,Mario Casserà, Nancy Sauer, KatarzynaJagiełło, Carlos Neto de Carvalho, AfrânioSoriano Soares, Joana Rodrigues, SarahTooze, Elizabeth Pickett, István Kéri, MikkoKiuttu, Sara Gentilini, Robina Barton, Ana RuizConde, Lourdes Guerra González, Alicia SernaBarquero, Timo Kluttig, Alessandra Casini,Riccardo Cinelli, Eleni Kotjabopoulou, JoséJulio García Arranz, Hipólito Collado Giraldo,Barnabás Korbély, Fajmut Štrucl Suzana, RojsLenka, Bedjanič Mojca, Hartmann Gerald,Vodovnik Primož, Varch Christian, ErdalGümüş, Selim Aşkın, Eva Lima, MarisaMachado, João Carlos Nunes, Harrie Wolters,Gretha Roelfs, Cathrien Posthumus, SophieJustice, Anne Guyomard, Natacha Nugue,Ángel Hernández, Mojca Gorjup Kavčič, BojanRežun, Tullio Bagnati, Edoardo Dellarole.

Editing: Tony RamsayPublication manager: Antonis GeorgiouPrint: Epikinonia S.ACover photo: European Geoparks Week atSobrarbe Geopark

Copyright: The magazine and all the contribu-tions and illustrations contained therein areprotected by copyright. No part of this maga-zine may be copied or reproduced without thewritten approval of the publishers. This alsoincludes commercial reproduction as an elec-tronic data base and copying on cd rom. c 2014

Foreword

Magazine 11 provides an overview of activities and achievements in theEuropean Geoparks Network (EGN) during 2013. These include celebratingEuropean Geoparks Week; the highly successful 12th European GeoparksConference and progress in discussions between the Global GeoparksNetwork and UNESCO to develop a UNESCO Global Geoparks Initiative.The inclusion of articles by six new members, Azores Geopark (Portugal);Karavanke/Karawanken Geopark (Slovenia & Austria); Idrija Geopark(Slovenia); Hondsrug Geopark (Netherlands); Sesia-Val Grande Geopark(Italy); Kula Geopark (Turkey) reflects the expansion of the EGN to 58members. The 12th European Geoparks Conference entitled “Geoparks an innovativeapproach to raise public awareness about geohazards, climate change andsustainable use of our natural resources” was hosted by The National Parkof Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni - Geopark between 4-7 September2013. The conference was attended by 400 delegates from 41 countriesand more than 150 short articles are published in the ConferenceProceedings’ E.Book. Selected articles were published in the RendicontiOnline della Società Geologica Italiana. The conference concluded with twodays of field excursions providing a choice of four venues.In this issue 37 articles demonstrate how European Geoparks contribute toconservation, education and promoting sustainable development throughgeotourism. They show that working with communities and communicat-ing information delivers enjoyable and memorable experiences to theirinhabitants and visitors. Methods for developing geotourism include creat-ing a tourism office, visitor centres, a geo-cycle-trail, information panelsand managing geosites. Bergstrasse Odenwald Geopark uses its “Geotopeof the Year” programme to introduce geology to a wider public. VulkaneifelGeopark trains guides in nature conservation skills and developing prod-ucts for tourists. Participants in an eco-Marathon in Madonie experiencethe Geopark’s geology and dramatic landscape. Caba de Gata Geoparkuses submarine geological trails to address the effects of “tourism providercongestion”, while TerraVITA, describes a new subterranean fossil trail. TheGeoPark Carnic Alps is developing a petrified-forest site where the processof fossilization is explained. Geopark Shetland highlights an initiative usinggeotrails to develop a North Atlantic tourism brand. Two Geoparks use art for promotion and education. The English RivieraGeopark aims to stage a significant arts festival. Villuercas – Ibores – JaraGeopark introduces its prehistoric rock art heritage to local schools.Archaeological studies in Eisenwurzen and Vikos Aoos Geoparks reveal theactivities of their paleolithic inhabitants. Copper Coast Geopark hosts a sitedescribed as Ireland’s Pompei. Educational activities include AroucaGeopark’s use of children’s literature; the increase of educational partner-ships in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark; Sierras SubbéticasGeopark’s use of trained wardens in schools and Rokua Geopark’s use ofits Ice Age Landscape. Fforest Fawr Geopark highlights its involvementwith Cardiff University in a research project which benefits a local busi-ness. The Basque Coast Geopark promotes its products and gastro-nomic tradition, Sobrarbe Geopark shares the benefits of being aGeopark with its inhabitants and stakeholders. A visitor’s response toan event in Madonie Geopark represents a novel contribution toGeopark activities as does the Apuan Geopark Farm’s, involve-ment in introducing new agronomic techniques. Cooperationbetween Naturtejo Global Geopark and the aspiringBodoquena-Pantanal Geopark, Brazil, exemplifies internation-al collaboration within the Network. Developing and hostingthe travelling exhibition “AEGEAN – The Birth of anArchipelego” is a significant activity of Lesvos Geopark.The Geopark Harz • Braunschweiger Land • Ostfalenpromotes the aims of the project “Natura 2000”through an exhibition. The North Pennines AONB &Geopark team is involved in remediating heavy metalwater pollution. The year 2013 has seen a change in the EGNStructure. Kristin Rangnes, Gea NorvegicaGeopark, Norway replaced AndreasSchüller,Vulkaneifel Geopark, Germany as theEGN’s Vice-Coordinator. We congratulateKristin and wish her every success in hernew role.

Tony Ramsay, Member of theEditorial Board


04 UNESCO and GeoparksTowards the UNESCO Global GeoparksInitiative - UNESCO’s Executive Board andGeneral Conference

08 12th European Geoparks Conferencein Cilento and Vallo di Diano Geopark

12 The European Geoparks 2013Anyone can be a fan of rocks, sustainabilityof local products and local traditions!

14 Developing strong cooperation in the Yearof Brazil Portugal between Naturtejo GlobalGeopark and the Bodoquena - PantanalGeopark

15 Northern Georoutes: Geoparks develop NorthAtlantic tourism brand - Magma Geopark –Norway, Katla Geopark – Iceland,Stonehammer Geopark – Canada,Geopark Shetland)

16 A tidal flat from down under TERRA VitaGeopark, Germany

17 A new Visitor Centre and activitiesin Bakony Balaton Geopark, Hungary

18 The enhancement of a geotourist trail in theAdamello Brenta Geopark

19 “Enjoy the geology”! in the Apuan GeoparkFarm

20 Children's literature: an importanteducational tool fostered by Arouca Geopark

21 New interactive tourism office in AroucaGeopark

22 GeoGourmet, the most select productsof the Basque Coast Geopark

23 Earth History for the Public: the Geotopes ofthe Year in the Global and European GeoparkBergstrasse-Odenwald

24 Increasing Educational Partnerships in theBurren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark

25 Cabo de Gata-Níjar Geopark steering newstrategies in sustainable tourism:SUBMARINE GEO-ROUTES

26 Geology and Cultural Heritage: Rock Art in theVilluercas – Ibores – Jara Geopark (Cáceres,Spain)

27 Rewriting the history books: revealing the hid-den landscapes of the Marble Arch CavesGlobal Geopark

28 Eisenwurzen New evidence of humanpresence 30.000 years ago

29 Geopark Festival to be major UK art event

31 The European Geoparks Network today

32 GeoMôn Launches of Information Boardsand Trails at Cemaes Bay and Llanbadrig

33 Beech tree, Natura 2000 and rocksA new exhibition at Stolberg Castle

34 Partnership between Fforest Fawr Geopark andCardiff University benefits a loca business

35 The petrified trees of the GeoPark Carnic Alps

36 Regional development for the Eyjafjallajökullarea - Katla Geopark

37 Aegean - The birth of an ArchipelagoTEMPORARY EXHIBITION – Lesvos Geopark

38 The Certified Nature and Geopark GuideTourism and Environmental Education in theVolcanic Eifel Region (Vulkaneifel)

39 Ocher by bike - Luberon Geopark, France

40 A Visitors’ Response to an Alternative Eventin Madonie Geopark

41 Ecological Marathon in the heart of theMadonie Geopark

42 Metal Mine Water Treatment in the NorthPennines AONB & Geopark

43 Tourism developmental project in the Novohrad– Nógrád Geopark based on the HungarianGovernment’s decision

44 Tuskan Mining Geopark, ItalyAnd now…..CETS!

45 Environmental Education in Rokua Geopark,Finland

46 The partner enterprises of Sobrarbe Geopark:How to share the benefits of a Geopark withits society and stakeholders

47 Training for the protection of the GeoparkSierras Subbéticas, Spain

48 Hunters of the last ice age in the Vicos-AoosGeopark, NW Greece

49 Garden of Stones: “Geólogo Juan Paricio”.Alcorisa (Teruel)

50 ‘Learning by doing’ - especially for youngschool children Muskau Arch Geopark,Poland-Germany

51 The Chablais Geopark Georoute:Multi-stakeholder Mediation Adventure

52 The Chablais Geopark Here, he Alps tell

53 Azores Geopark Portugal - “9 Islands,1 Geopark” - Come to visit the Azoreanvolcanoes and enjoy an eruption…of Flavours, Smells and Experiences!

54 Geopark Karavanke/Karawanken

55 Geopark Idrija - Experience of naturaland cultural heritage

56 The Hondsrug Geopark, the first Geopark inthe Netherlands

57 Sesia-Val Grande Geopark

58 Kula Geopark - From Strabo to Yunus Emrex

59 Geopark Conferences

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UNESCO, the United NationsOrganization for Education,Culture and Education, is gov-erned by two decision makingbodies, the GeneralConference and the ExecutiveBoard. The General Conference con-sists of representatives fromall Member States. It meetsevery two years and eachcountry has one vote, irre-spective of its size or theextent of its contribution toUNESCO’s budget. TheExecutive Board consists of 58countries from six parts of theworld. It meets twice a yearto prepare the work for theGeneral Conference and toensure that its decisions areproperly implemented. Geoparks have been dis-cussed several times, both bythe Executive Board and theGeneral Conference. In 2001,the Executive Board decidedto offer “ad hoc” support toindividual Geoparks.However, as the Global

Geoparks Network (GGN),formed on February 12th

2004, has matured and asmore Global Geoparks havedeveloped, the case for coop-eration with the GGN wasconsidered at the 36th

UNESCO General Conferencein September 2011 where aResolution concerning theneed to further define therelationship between UNESCOand the GGN was adopted(the results outlined in EGNmagazine No 9). While acknowledging thevalue of Geoparks, their out-reach and successful “bottom-up approach”, it was recog-nized by the Member States,that further work was neces-sary to consider the possibilityof Geoparks becoming anInternational UNESCOGeoparks Programme orInitiative and to evaluate theopportunities for a formalpartnership between UNESCOand the GGN.

UNESCO Executive BoardThe outcomes were to bereported back for further con-sideration at the 190th Sessionof the Executive Board inOctober 2012. In October 2012, theExecutive Board approvedunanimously the decision pro-posed (190 EX/Decisions),outlined in Magazine 10,2013, where UNESCO’sDirector-General, IrinaBokova, reported to MemberStates on consultationsundertaken to improve coop-eration between UNESCO andthe GGN and the possibilitiesfor formalizing Geoparks with-in UNESCO. She emphasizedthe fact that the existing adhoc cooperation betweenGeoparks and UNESCO pre-cludes either organizationfrom capitalizing on thepotential benefits of a moreformalized UNESCO GlobalGeoparks Initiative.Encouraged by the progressmade in defining a potentialstructure and mechanism forthe proposed Initiative, theExecutive Board invited theDirector-General to submit amore comprehensive proposalconcerning such an initiativeand the formalization of itsrelationship with the GlobalGeoparks Network. Thisincluded an analysis of budg-etary implications, mecha-nisms for strengtheningUNESCO’s oversight role,capacity-building and knowl-edge-transfer dimensions,possible operational guide-lines, management of long-term development of theGlobal Geoparks Network, aswell as a review of the conse-quences of accepting sitesalready designated underexisting Global Geoparks

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Oppening ceremony of the 37th General

Conference UNESCO

UNESCO and Geoparks

Towards the UNESCO Global Geoparks Initiative UNESCO’s Executive Board and General Conference


Network criteria and to reportback to the 191st session inApril 2013. At its 191st session in April2013 the Executive Boardrequested that the Director-General establish a WorkingGroup on Global Geoparksconsisting of Member States,the Global Geoparks Networkand UNESCO’s Secretariat forfurther discussions concern-ing the agenda and legalimplications of a proposedUNESCO Global GeoparksInitiative and its programmat-ic and legal implications, witha view to producing recom-mendations thereon, and tosubmit a comprehensive pro-posal on a UNESCO GlobalGeoparks Initiative to theExecutive Board at its 192nd

session in September 2013. This item was also includedon the agenda of the 37th ses-sion of the GeneralConference in November2013.The Working Group meetingsheld in 2013 (during June andJuly) made great progressconcerning the possible for-malization of Global Geoparkswithin UNESCO. The discussions focussed indetail on the proposed opera-tional guidelines and adminis-trative framework of theInitiative. The main issues inrevising the operationalguidelines were concernedwith retaining the GGN’s lightbottom-up structure whileproviding Member States andUNESCO with adequate over-sight and control. TheWorking Groups proposedthat an international advisorybody, similar to the CategoryV Committee of UNESCO’s"Memory of the World"Programme, could provide asuitable structure to consoli-date UNESCO’s role in GlobalGeoparks, but that theDirector-General’s approvalwould be required. A Category V Committeewould mean that a group ofexperts would make recom-mendations concerning newapplications etc., but the final

decision would lie with theDirector-General. The Director-General, in herreply submitted to the 192nd

session of the ExecutiveBoard, expressed her appreci-ation for the work undertakenby the Working Group onGeoparks but considered thatthe proposal to create such anadvisory body would, in addi-tion to placing undue depend-ence on her office, also havebudgetary implications forUNESCO. She also believedthat, given the Organization’scurrent circumstances and thepresence of several formaland legal difficulties, it wasnecessary to examine further

the parameters of a possibleUNESCO Geoparks Initiative.She encouraged further dis-cussions with theInternational Union ofGeological Sciences (IUGS)and closer relationshipsbetween Geoparks and Manand the Biosphere Reserves. At its 192nd session, inOctober 2013 the ExecutiveBoard examined the progressreport regarding the possibleformalization of GlobalGeoparks within UNESCO, therecommendations of theUNESCO Director-General andthe summary of the proceed-ings of the meetings of theWorking Group.

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Global Geoparks NetworkThe Global Geoparks Bureau

Jeju island, September 10, 2013

The GGB Bureau Jeju Island StatementThe Global Geoparks Bureau examined at its annual meeting, organized during 3rd

Asian Pacific Geoparks Network Jeju Symposium, held from September 7-13, 2013 inthe Jeju island Global Geopark, Republic of Korea, attended by 560 delegates from 25countries, the progress and latest developments regarding Global Geoparks andUNESCO.After deliberation, the members of the Global Geoparks Bureau agreed on the followingstatement:We, congratulate the highly successful and rapidly evolving Global Geoparks Network,initiated in 2004 with the support of the Earth Sciences Division of UNESCO, which

expanded to include 100 members during the 3rd APGN Jeju Symposium.Global Geoparks are territories with a geological heritage of significant internationalimportance which implement a holistic, innovative and integrated management strat-egy that is respectful of local traditions and desires and is holisticaimed at promotingtheir heritage and sustainable development.

We, fully endorse current efforts made following the decision of the 36th GeneralConference of UNESCO to improve cooperation between UNESCO and Global Geoparksthrough the establishment of a UNESCO Geoparks Programme or Initiative.We very much welcome the increasing levels of support for Global Geoparks withinUNESCO, we acknowledge the results of the consultations made by the Working Groupon Geoparks formed following the decision of the 191ExB meeting and hope that thepresent strong relationship between the Global Geoparks and UNESCO will be strength-

ened even further during the 37th General Conference. In particular, we advocated that Global Geoparks should be totally and exclusivelyunder the umbrella of UNESCO, with the Global Geoparks and UNESCO working togetherin tandem to continue the development of Global Geoparks around the World. This isspecifically important in those areas of the world with the highest poverty level Africa,Latin America and South and South-East Asia.

Assoc. Prof. Nickolas ZourosChair of the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Global Geoparks Bureau


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Following its deliberations,the Executive Board adopteda decision which requests theDirector-General to furtherconsult with Member Statesand the Global GeoparksNetwork on the proposedInitiative and to report theconclusions of the WorkingGroup to the Executive Boardat its 194th session.

GGN contributionThe results of the work under-taken by the Working Groupon Geoparks, in which GGNrepresentatives actively par-ticipated, was also discussedduring the 12th EuropeanGeoparks Conference held inCilento e Vallo di DianoGeopark, Italy and the 3rd

Asian Pacific GeoparksNetwork – Jeju Symposium,Rep. of Korea, in September2013. In Cilento the EuropeanGeopark representatives con-firmed the principals of therelationship betweenGeoparks and UNESCOincluded in the Arouca decla-ration 2012. In the Asian-Pacific GeoparkConference the JejuDeclaration was agreed unan-imously by the participants

declaring “We very much wel-come the increasing levels ofsupport for Global Geoparkswithin UNESCO, we acknowl-edge the results of the con-sultations made by theWorking Group on Geoparksfollowing the decision of the191ExB meeting and hopethat the present strong rela-tionship between the GlobalGeoparks and UNESCO will bestrengthened even furtherduring the 37th GeneralConference. In particular, we advocatedthat Global Geoparks shouldbe totally and exclusivelyunder the umbrella ofUNESCO, with the GlobalGeoparks and UNESCO work-ing together in tandem tocontinue the development ofGlobal Geoparks around theWorld. This is specificallyimportant in those areas ofthe world with the highestpoverty levels includingAfrica, Latin America andSouth and South-East Asia.”

37th General ConferenceThe General Conference inNovember 2013 in its capacityas decision making body ofUNESCO, while recalling the

cooperation between UNESCOand the Global GeoparksNetwork and endorsing thedecision taken at the 192nd

Executive Board, called on theDirector-General of UNESCOto present to the 194th ses-sion of the Executive Board inApril 2014 recommendationson possible ways to protectand strengthen brand recog-nition of various designationsin particular with regard toBiosphere Reserves, WorldHeritage Sites and proposedUNESCO Global Geoparks.During the GeneralConference at the NaturalSciences Commission a sub-stantial debate took place forhalf a day, during which morethan 30 Member States tookthe floor, some of them morethan once and where a largemajority of speakers support-ed the Global GeoparksInitiative. The delegates recalled thebenefits of Global Geoparksfor protecting geoheritage,building awareness of geo-hazards, local sustainabledevelopment, women’sempowerment, research andeducation. Delegates empha-sized the substantial progressof the Global GeoparkNetwork in operating as aglobal platform for coopera-tion and its expansion, in lessthan 10 years, to include 100members from 30 memberstates. Several speakers applaudedthe bottom-up approach ofthe Global Geoparks Initiativeat the local level. Some

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Oppeningceremony of the 37th

GeneralConferenceUNESCO

Irina Bocova inthe meeting of

the ScienceCommission

during thepresentation

of theInternationalYear of water

cooperation


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Member States’ concernswere related to: (1) the needfor greater synergies betweenGeoparks and other UNESCOdesignated sites, as well aswith other scientific pro-grammes such as the IGCP;(2) the financial issue, con-firming that the GlobalGeoparks Initiative was acost-effective model with noadditional financial implica-tions for UNESCO; (3) theissue of branding and qualitycontrol to maintain high stan-dards; and (4) the need toexpand the model to includecountries from all around theworld, which was one of thenetwork’s main goals. An amendment tabled by twoMember States was debatedat length, with the result thatthe draft resolution wasadopted with an amendmentcalling on the Director-General to report to the 194th

session of the ExecutiveBoard on possible ways toprotect and strengthen brandrecognition of biospherereserves, World Heritage

properties and proposedUNESCO Global Geoparks.

The ResolutionThe endorsed Resolutionrequests the Director-Generalto further consult MemberStates and the GlobalGeopark Network (GGN) onthe proposed Initiative basedon the draft OperationalGuidelines and the draftStatutes of the Board of aUNESCO Global GeoparksInitiative already prepared bythe Working Group; also toconvene a further meeting ofthe Working Group on GlobalGeoparks, in time for its workto be finalized before March2014, and provide theWorking Group with furtherdetails of the outstandingissues referenced in theRecommendations to theDirector-General at the 192nd

Executive Board. It alsorequests that the WorkingGroup further discusses andreports back to the ExecutiveBoard on inter alia: (a) potential changes to the

current Working Group pro-posal which would addressthe concerns raised by theDirector-General in 192 EX/9,including possible alternativesto the creation of a CategoryV advisory body; (b) the role of existing andfuture Geopark partnersunder an Initiative, includingthe International Union ofGeological Sciences (IUGS) aswell as other relevant part-ners; (c) a closer relationshipbetween Global Geoparks andrelevant UNESCO pro-grammes, such as the Manand Biosphere Programme(MAB) and the InternationalGeosciences Programme(IGCP) may be fostered underan Initiative.

Nikolas ZourosLesvos Geopark, GREECE

Tony RamsayFforest Fawr Geopark, Wales, UK

Kristin RangnesGea Norvegica, NORWAY

Martina PaskovaBohemian Paradise Geopark,

CZECH REPUBLIC


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The National Park of Cilento,Vallo di Diano and Alburni -Geopark had the honour ofhosting and organizing the12th European GeoparksConference (4-7 September2013), which highlighted thestrategies developed by theEuropean and GlobalGeoparks Networks to pro-mote an undersatanding ofgeohazards and the sustain-able use of naturalresources.Geo-hazards and climatechange strongly affect allhuman activities and canseverely influence the futureof humanity. In this respect, geoparks andscientists – coming from dif-ferent backgrounds – canimprove society’s under-standing of how to face nat-ural geo-hazards and tomanage the sustainable useof natural resources.The title of the conference,“Geoparks an innovativeapproach to raise publicawareness about geohaz-ards, climate change andsustainable use of our natu-

ral resources” was chosen toaddress these issues.

Aims of the conference:

1. To verify how Geoparkscan disseminate the scientif-ic knowledge of the academ-ic community concerningthese issues;2. To understand howGeoparks address theseissues in the educational sys-tem;3. To promote the role ofGeoparks on the publicawareness and sustainableuse of natural resources.The 12th European GeoparksConference, under the aegisof UNESCO, was held inAscea, a modern, touristicsmall town surrounding theArchaeological Park of “Elea”,the ancient Greek cityrenamed as “Velia” by theRomans. This ancient citywas one of the cradles ofwestern philosophy and civi-lization, where the philoso-phers Parmenides andZenone founded their school.The success of the 12th EGN

Conference was demonstrat-ed by: • The presence of 400delegates from 41 countriesfrom 5 continents (this is arecord number of participantat an EGN conference).These countries includedItaly, Germany, Norway,Estonia, Austria, Finland,Czech Republic, Portugal,Iceland, Spain, England,Croatia, France, Hungary,Swiss, Wales, Slovenia,Denmark, Romania, NorthenIreland, Ireland, Bulgaria,Poland, Greece, Algeria,Netherlands, Turkey, Iran,Brazil, Senegal, Cyprus,Taiwan, Indonesia, Canada,Morocco, China, Japan,Tunisia, Chile, Saudi Arabia.• The large number ofsubmissions received. Morethan 150 short refereed con-tributions are published inthe E.Book of the ConferenceProceedings. Selected arti-cles were published in theRendiconti Online dellaSocietà Geologica Italiana,an electronic journal of theItalian Geological Society.

12th European Geoparks Conferencein Cilento and Vallo di Diano Geopark

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openingcerimony ofconference


• The involvement ofscientific academies, includ-ing Italian and internationalgeological institutions / asso-ciations.The professional programmeconsisted of four parallel ses-sions over a period of twodays with oral presentationand a poster session. These sessions provided theframework and platform forinformative presentations onissues such as: Sustainableuse of our natural resourcesin Geoparks; Education andcommunication in theGeoparks; Geoparks andinternational cooperation andsustainable tourism;

Geoparks and Geo-hazards;Geoparks and ClimateChange; Aspiring Geoparks.The opening Ceremony ofthe conference was attendedby A. Aloia (Chair of the 12th

European GeoparksConference); L. Orlando(Italian Minister for theEnviroment - land and sea);A. Troiano (President of theNational Park of Cilento, Vallodi Diano and Alburni –Geopark); N. Zouros (EGNCoordinator); K. Ragnes(EGN Vice coordinator), P.Mckeever (Chief of Section atthe Global Earth ObservationSection, UNESCO) and M.Rizzo (mayor of Ascea).

Keynote lectures:The first day began witha plenary session withthe following keynotelectures:

1. Global Geoparksand World Heritage Sites: acomparison.- by P. Mckeever2. Characteristics ofrecent geohazards and theroles of geoparks.- by S.Nakada3. E u r o p e a nGeoparks: new challengesand innovative toolstowards Earth heritagemanagement and sustain-able local development.- byN. Zouros4. Protected areas asessential tools for the main-tenance of ecosystem serv-ices: the example of theNational Park "Cilento, Vallodi Diano e Alburni".- by A.de Vita5. The contribution ofthe geo-scientific communi-ty to resource and risk man-agement, education anddissemination in the Cilento,Vallo Diano and Alburni -Geopark (Southern Italy).-by D. Guida.

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welcome speech by the

ItalianMinister of

EnvirommentAndrea

Orlando

Closing ceremony of the Conference

at the geoarcheologicalsite of Elea Velia


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The closing Ceremony andfestive Conference dinnerwas held in the fantasticsetting of the geo-archeolo-gial site of Elea-Velia.During this ceremony sixnew members were wel-comed into the EuropeanGeopark Network: AzoresGeopark (Portugal);Ka ravake /Ka rawanken(Slovenia & Austria); IdrijaGeopark (Slovenia);Hondsrug Geopark(Netherlands); Sesia-ValGrande Geopark (Italy);Kula Geopark (Turkey).The conference concludedwith two days of field tripsin the Cilento and Vallo diDiano Geopark with twooptions for each day.

Approximately 300 delegates participatedin the fieldtrips offeredon day one and couldchoose between one of two options:

1. The karst system ofCastelcivita-Ausino -Capodifiume Springs, thePaestum temples andCastelcivita caves includinga karst system with springs.The Capodifiume Springsare characterized by highlymineralized water associat-ed with the precipitation oftravertine deposits.Paestum is an ancientGreek city foundedbetween VI and VII CenturyB.C., now recognised as aCultural Heritage Site byUNESCO. 2. The Bussento RiverKarst System. This excur-sion included the MingardoRiver Gorge, the ancientabandoned village S.Severino di Centola; thesinkhole of the BussentoRiver that flows under-gound for 4 km; the geo-logical virtual museum inCaselle in Pittari; theBussento Gorge system andthe wonderful spring"Venere Hairs" and water-fall; Morigerati Gorge andBussento River Cave)

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Revalidation of Madonie Geopark

Sessia - Val Grande Geopark receives the certificateas me new members of the Global GeoparksNetwork

Revalidation of gea Norvegica Geopark


On the second dayapproximately 130guests were providedwith a choice of twooptions:

1. A bus tour to theAngel Caves in Pertosa-Auletta and PadulaMonastery. PadulaMonastary, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, wasfounded in 1306 and hostsan archaeological museumwith exhibits from the pre-historic and Hellenistic peri-ods. The monastery is situ-

ated in a typical example ofa Middle Pleistocene lacus-trine basin. 2. A boat trip alongthe south Cilento coast.This excursion involvedmany geosites including the"liguride" rocks, marine ter-races, coastal cliffs, naturalarches, a coastal landslide,paleoeviromental geositesand marine caves.During these fieldtrips theparticipants met with localinhabitants, experiencedtheir cultural traditions andate the food of the rural

culture (Mediterraneandiet).The 12th EuropeanGeoparks Conferencemarks a successful develop-ment in the geopark con-cept and signifies an impor-tant moment in cooperatingto reach the unique objec-tive: that geology is animportant component ofthe economy.

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Aniello Aloia [email protected]

Angelo De Vita [email protected]

boattrip alogcilento coast

Capodifiumespring fieldtrip


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Geodiversity is one of themost important keywords inthe world of geoparks. It isnot an exaggeration to saythat the rich contribution ofEuropean Geoparks Weekreflects the diversity of rockformations within our conti-nent. In addition, our land-scapes, natural history andintangible heritage and localtraditions add many newcolours to this huge palette!As geoparks are not justabout rocks, the GeoparksWeek is not about self-pro-

motion of individualGeoparks, but celebrateslinks between the local com-munities and Planet Earth.There are almost an infinitenumber of ways to strength-en these links. During lateMay and early June 2013,members of the EuropeanGeoparks Network and visi-tors to their territories wereable to demonstrate this suc-cessfully.Increasing the awareness inyoung people of the need forgeoconservation is an essen-

tial mission and this themewas included in numerousactivities. Many geoparksorganized fun-filled educa-tional programmes, “treasurehunts” or organized competi-tions for pupils and students(or even for pre-school chil-dren). During walks, led bydedicated local guides, onecould not only get to knowgeosites but also obtaininteresting information, forexample, on the geo-archae-ological heritage of an area.Adventure seekers could join

The European

20132013Anyonecan be a fan of rocks, sustainability of local products and local traditions!

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Adamello BrentaGeopark

SobrarbeGeopark

MagmaGeopark

Bakony-BalatonGeopark

Katla Geopark

MadonieGeopark

Karavanke-KarawankenGeopark

Katla Geopark


Geoparks week

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NaturtejoGeopark

North PenninesGeopark

ak

VilluercasGeopark

EisenwurzenGeopark

Bergstrasse-Odenwald Geopark

English RivieraGeopark

various geopark challengesor even try abseiling on a cliffface.The Geoparks Week is also agreat opportunity for meet-ing people interested inEarth science, geotourism,nature conservation, educa-tion and the sustainable pro-duction of local products.Disused quarries and minesare far more than just indus-trial monuments. For manypeople, they are part of alocal communities’ past —that is why events connected

with these sites were so pop-ular.As the United Nations pro-claimed 2013 as theInternational Year of WaterCooperation, several geop-arks included activities notjust about hydrogeology butincluded events demonstrat-ing the vulnerability of watersupply and aqueous habitats. The more than 1,000 eventsand activities of theEuropean Geoparks Weekattracted nearly 90,000 peo-ple in 2013. One of the most

significant tasks of the mem-bers of the EuropeanGeoparks Network is makingthemselves “visible” whichmeans not only publishingand distributing tens ofthousands of printed materi-als but a more and morestrongly developed andeffective on-line presenceincluding web sites, socialmedia and smart phoneapps..

Barnabás Korbé[email protected]

Basque CoastGeopark

Sierras SubbeticasGeopark

EisenGea NorvegicaGeoparkwurzen Geopark

Sierra Norte de Sevilla Geopark

Catalunyia Mining and GeologicalPark of Sardinia


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Brazil and Portugal celebrat-ed the Year of BrazilPortugal/Portugal Brazilbetween 7th September2012 (Brazil’s IndependencyDay) and 10th June 2013(Portugal’s National Day).The two countries, unitedby culture and thePortuguese language, areseeking to develop futureunderstanding and coopera-tion beyond the exchange ofcultural and business eventswhich present Portugal andBrazil to their citizens ascountries that are modern,innovative and receptive tonew ideas. Naturtejo GlobalGeopark in central-easternPortugal and the aspiringB o d o q u e n a - P a n t a n a lGeopark located in the Stateof Mato Grosso do Sul,

Brazil, are developing atwinning agreement aimedat increasing and improvingactive cooperation.Cooperation between theseterritories started in 2012with an exchange of visitsby the scientific coordina-tors. Carlos Neto deCarvalho was invited topresent the EuropeanGeoparks Network andNaturtejo Geopark to the 3rd

B o d o q u e n a - P a n t a n a lGeopark Regional Meetingduring the FestinBonitoWinter Festival. DuringAfrânio Soriano Soares’reciprocal visit to NaturtejoGeopark, it was decided tostrengthen cooperationthrough the direct transferof know-how from NaturtejoGlobal Geopark to supportthe Bodoquena-PantanalGeopark’s application formembership of the GlobalGeoparks Network. For oneyear Naturtejo Geopark’sexpert in geoconservationand educational activities,Joana Rodrigues, was hiredto work with the team fromB o d o q u e n a - P a n t a n a lGeopark to implement theGGN Charter, disseminate

the geopark concept and todevelop best practices in theregion.The Technical Course forTourism Guides at theFederal University of MatoGrosso do Sul, is one of themany projects and activitiesinvolving the Bodoquena-Pantanal Geopark team incooperation with theGovernment of the State ofMato Grosso do Sul, throughthe Foundation for theDevelopment of Education,Science and Technology(FUNDECT) In this project40 new tourism local guideswere taught about the geo-logical heritage and geot-ourism potential of theGeopark project and theGGN concept. Anotherimportant project is beingdeveloped with the munici-pality of Nioaque and localschools, includingGuilherme Corrêa da Silva,Odete Ignêz Restel VillasBôas State and 31 MarçoIndigenous schools. Sixteenpupils including members ofthe Terenas tribe wereawarded a one-year grantfor young scientists. Theywill participate in the devel-opment of the Geopark proj-ect in their region and inresearching newly discov-ered dinosaur track sites. Asimilar project in Corumbáwith the support of themunicipality and 10 pupilsfrom Cyriaco Félix ToledoSchool involves didactic andscientific activities related tothe famous Ediacaran faunaat Cacimba da Saúde andMarina Gatas – Canal doTamengo – Paraguai Riverprotected areas.

Developing strong cooperation in theYear of BrazilPortugal betweenNaturtejo GlobalGeopark and theBodoquena -Pantanal Geopark

Carlos Neto de [email protected]

Afrânio Soriano [email protected]

Joana [email protected]

Young scientists

from Nioaque

Inspectionvisit to theIchnologicalPark of PenhaGarcia,NaturtejoGlobalGeopark

Finding tools to communicate geotourism -

Buraco das Araras


Magma Geopark (Norway)is leading an excitingtourism based project inpartnership with GeoparkShetland (Scotland), KatlaGeopark (Iceland) andStonehammer Geopark(Canada). Funding wassecured from the NORA(Nordic AtlanticCooperation) fund in 2012to develop a holiday book-ing system for Geoparks inthe North Atlantic Regionand connect tourist routesin this area.This three-phase projectaims to capitalize on theunique landscapes and nat-ural assets in each of thefour Geoparks to stimulategeo-tourism by developing3-day tour packages ineach area that can be pro-moted and sold online.Tours are being developedin collaboration with stake-holders in each region andwill be enhanced by innova-tive new tourism productsincluding GeoparkSmartGuide and TurfHuntapps.The overarching aims ofthe project are to promotethe North Atlantic Regionas the ‘destination ofchoice’ for a niche touristmarket through develop-ment and promotion of adistinct brand, support localbusinesses in each Geoparkthrough coordination oftourism activities and con-tribute to sustainable andaffordable global tourism.The first phase of the proj-ect began with a question-naire to all potential stake-

holders in the partnerGeoparks, including accom-modation and hospitalityproviders, tour operators,transport businesses andmarketing organisations. Thequestionnaire aimed togauge interest in the project,to discover what stakehold-ers could offer to support theproject, and to find out whatthey would hope to gain fromparticipation. The informa-tion gathered was used towork with stakeholders todevelop a 3-day themedpackage for each Geopark.A ‘Northern Georoutes’ brandwas established, comprising alogo, website with tour searchengine, and Facebook page,where the regions and thepackages can be promoted.Phase two of the project,launched in Katla Geopark inNovember 2013 is focussedon the implementation of anonline booking system, inaccordance with the legalrequirements of each coun-try, and development of asso-ciated tourism products. Phase three will involvedevelopment of further pack-ages and dissemination ofproject results to a wideraudience – specifically mem-bers of the Global GeoparksNetwork. It is hoped that theNorthern Georoutes projectcould be a precursor to awider ‘Global Georoutes’brand involving Geoparksfrom around the world.www.northerngeoroutes.com

Northern Georoutes:Geoparks develop NorthAtlantic tourism brand

Sara Gentilini [email protected]

Robina [email protected]

Hiking on “Magni” – formed in the2010 eruption of Fimmvörðuháls in

Katla Geopark, Iceland

Stromatolites viewed by kayak inStonehammer Geopark, Canada

"The Migaren" Via Ferrata in Jøssingfjord, Magma Geopark, Norway

North Atlantic storm beach at Grind o daNavir in Geopark Shetland

Magma Geopark – Norway, Katla Geopark – Iceland, Stonehammer Geopark – Canada, Geopark Shetland – Scotland

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In the late sixties, it was oneof those more or less legalbathing lakes, where youngpeople met in the summer toswim, relax and have fun.The lake, situated in an oldlimestone quarry, was deepand mysterious. Stories weretold of a submerged Britishtank, and of someonedrowned in some eerieunderwater gallery while hewas trapped in a cold drift .The lake was known as the“Silver Lake”, situated in theHüggel-Mountain south ofOsnabrück.In the 1980’s, the water levelstarted to fall – slowly butcontinuously with interrup-tions. In times, when thelevel was low, the gallerythat used to be deep underwater became visible. From then on, bats started touse the limestone adit as a

winter habitat – sometimeswith a terrible outcome:Hundreds of bats drowned insome winters, when thewater level rose again toreach the ceiling of the tun-nel. The hibernating bats hadno chance to survive.Consequently it was decidedto close the entrance to thetunnel with a grid and denythe bats access to this artifi-cial trap.Obviously, this decisioncleared the way for anotheridea. In times when thewater level was low, visitorscould walk through thegallery to take a closer lookat the rocks, in this casesteeply tilted limestone anddolomite – remains of aTriassic tidal flat.The TERRA.vita Geoparkdeveloped a project toexploit the limestone mine

and had to learn, that open-ing a mine to the public issomething that can take sev-eral years, even if the tunnelis just 200 meters long. Butthe decision to do so wasmainly taken because of thegeological treasures that thismine contained: Sedimentfilled burrows of formercrabs and lobsters, footprintsof relatives of the earlydinosaurs, traces of horse-shoe crabs, ripple-marks,corals and other fascinatingrelicts of early times can stillbe found here.From spring 2014 on, themine will be ready to be vis-ited during guided tours,organized by the TERRA.vitaGeopark.

A tidal flatA tidal flatfrom downfrom downunderunderTERRA.vita GeoparkTERRA.vita Geopark

Timo Kluttig, [email protected]

Reconstructionsof the small

dinosaurs andhorseshoe crabs

whose traceswere found in

the tunnel walls

Expertsexaminerocks in thetunnel wall


Bakony–Balaton Geopark isnot only famous for its hillswhich are the remains ofancient volcanoes, Europe’slargest warm lake or thegorges of Bakony Mountains,but is also renowned for itskarstic phenomena. Thereare 700 caves within theGeopark, four of these areopen to the public. Balaton Uplands NationalPark Directorate (BUNPD),the leading organization ofthe Geopark, has a long tra-dition of geological natureconservation and interpreta-tion. The most popular site inour National Park andGeopark is the Lake Cave ofTapolca where one can go byboat beneath a town: thisgeosite attracts 110,000 visi-tors annually. Via a success-ful EU project, coordinatedby the Department ofEcotourism andEnvironmental Education ofBUNDP, a new visitor centreis being developed which willalso be the Western Gate tothe Geopark. WonderfulKarst, an interactive exhibi-tion will be installed here(opening is expected in the

summer 2014). While thisshow cave and Lóczy Caveare open to the general pub-lic, there are mazes of under-ground passages for adven-ture seekers. In Csoda-bogyós Cave and Kőlik Caveof Szentgál overalls, helmetsand headlamps are providedfor the visitors These toursare guided by trained localcavers, under a contract withthe BUNPD.The designation “Geosite ofthe Year in the Bakony –Balaton Geopark” acknowl-edges the activities of com-munities in the conservationand sustainable utilisation ofa geosite and promotes thesite as a destination for geo-tourism. In 2014 this desig-nation was given to the geo-logical heritage of Felsőörs, acharming village near LakeBalaton. The spectacularoutcrop of Forrás Hill is ofinternational significance. Ageological trail interprets thepetrified world of the TriassicSea and volcanic activity.With funds, mostly from thelocal government, the trailhas been renovated andmaintained by the local com-

munity, the Geopark’s man-agement and students andbecame a venue for geo-activities. Felsőörs also fea-tures a rock ridge, wonder-fully preserved travertinedams and a 13th C. churchbuilt on beautifully exposed,dipping dolomite strata.Geotours, activity days, afield trip for geologicalexperts draw attention to theGeosite of the Year.The number of geotour-guides increased, thanks tothe training course held thisspring in the northern, lessfrequented area within theGeopark. A Geopark Partner ,the Friends of BakonyaljaAssociation, applied andobtained the funding for thecourse. Another training pro-gramme was announced thisyear in Keszthely Hills in thewestern region of theGeopark.

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Barnabás Korbé[email protected]

Anna [email protected]

Volunteer students fromSteiner Schools at Felsőörs, theGeosite of the Yea

View of theplan for thenew visitor

centre at Lake Cave

of Tapolca

A field tripduring the

course for geotour

guides,Tapolca Basin

A new Visitor CentreA new Visitor Centreand activities in Bakonyand activities in BakonyBalaton Geopark, HungaryBalaton Geopark, Hungary


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Geoparks are among themost suitable organizations totest new systems developedby universities for the evalua-tion of geosites and to applynew methods in geotourism.Alessia Pica, a PhD candidatefrom the Earth SciencesDepartment of ‘La Sapienza’University of Rome, devel-oped a geotouristic trail inAdamello Brenta Geoparkapplying a new methodologyto the 13 geosites in theBrenta Dolomites UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Thegeosites evaluation model,applied to the UNESCODolomites geosites, is basedon the Geosite GeotouristValue index (VSG):The relational database forthe Dolomite’s geosites con-tains the VSG evaluationresults (Tab. 1), which havebeen processed in G.I.S.applying the procedure devel-

oped by Gregori & Melelli(2005). Alessia Pica usedArcMap to choose ‘geositesnear shelters, which have amedium or high geotouristicvalue and are quite accessi-ble’, the selection is based onthree queries in G.I.S. Usingthe two tools in G.I.S. ‘Selectby location’ and ‘Select byattribute’, we decided toselect geosites within a dis-tance of 3 km from shelters,with VSG values greater than14 and within a distance of0.3 km from paths. Theresulting geosites (AgolaGlacier, Fossil Bed, ValAmbiez, Campanil Basso) areconnected by a circular routeconsisting of trails for hikerswith mountaineering equip-ment. In fact, the high alti-tude of the study area andthe roughness of the terraindetermine the nature ofexcursions depending on the

seasons and the visitors’ abil-ity. The accessibility ofgeosites is particularly high.Three trails have been pro-posed for educational proj-ects for high schools andUniversities and for AlpineSociety of Trentino excursionsand training courses. Othermeans of adding valueinclude the Dolomiti BrentaTrek project (www.dolomitibrentatrek.it), interpretivepanels in the shelters andmeetings with the shelters’managers to explain the ideathat ‘territory=developmentopportunity’.

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The geotouristtrail proposed

Alessia Pica Vajolet Masè

[email protected]

References

GREGORI L. & MELELLI L. (2005)-“Geotourism & Geomorphosites: theG.I.S. solution”. IlQuaternario, ItalianJournal of Quaternary Sciences, 18(1),Volume Speciale.

One of the selected geosites for thegeotourist trail: Campanil Basso

Table 1. Schematicsynthesis of the

evaluation model.Table 2.

Evaluation results:10 geosites with

medium geotouristvalue and

3 geosites withhigh geotourist

value

The enhancement of a geotourist trailin the Adamello Brenta Geopark


The Apuan Geopark Farm inBosa di Careggine is a ruraldistrict site used for experi-mentation. Here it is possibleto maintain and look after oldand local cultivars andbreeds, promote typical agri-cultural and food productsand introduce new agronom-ic techniques and plant andanimal varieties suitable forthe specific environmentaland climatic conditions.The Geopark Farm’s agro-nomic mission is aimed atdisseminating the results ofthe introduced changes andthe potential economicopportunities to the ApuanAlps area, for the benefit ofboth old and new businesses.The work is being carried outin an ethical context oforganic farming, good prac-tice and the sustainable useof natural resources. Thisemphasizes the added valuethat geological backgrounds,soils and landforms can giveto the natural and humanaspects of the Geopark Farm. The geology of the farm is aprominent recurrent featurein the description of the phys-ical landscapes, the natureroute and the museum tour.The geology is evident in thestudy of the architecture ofhuman settlements, in the

construction of dry-stonewalls and in the nature anddistribution of agriculturalcultivation techniques..Eventhe choice of crops takes intoconsideration the geology ofthe site and its bioclimaticconditions. In Bosa, the bestquality performance is soughtby paying attention not onlyto the soil but also to pedo-genic processes, to thedegree of exposure and angleof slope and to the morpho-logical evolution of the moun-tain slopes.In the Geopark Farm, agro-

nomic experimentation whichhas challenged traditionalbeliefs by introducing cultiva-tion has demonstrated theclose relationship with geolo-gy. Due to climate change,vines (Vitis vinifera L.) havebeen planted at 850 metres,at the tolerance limit of thespecies . A good soil andhence a “good geology” pro-vide us with a good wine.And wine is the product thatbest incorporates and repre-sents the nature of its geo-logical background. Theoenological value of wine islinked to its place of originand its taste becomes uniqueand unrepeatable if the vinesgrow in a limited and definedarea.

Drinking Bosa wine is liketasting its geology…and soeverybody drink the wine and“enjoy the geology”.

“Enjoy the geology”!in the Apuan Geopark Farm

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Alessia [email protected]

Antonio Bartelletti [email protected]

Giuseppe [email protected]

People in traditional

costumes nearthe historical

building in Bosa

di Careggine

The grape harvest in the GeoparkFarm

Children duringthe “Cave Bear”tour


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During the last decades theissues related to environ-mental education had a con-siderable impact on thegrowth of children's litera-ture. Arouca Geopark hascontributed to this trend inbringing geology to societythrough the publication ofthe children's books Handson the Jelly Land (“Mãos naTerra da Gelatina”) and Thetale of the Black Stone (“OEnigma da Pedra Negra”).

In fact these books allowchildren to learn about somevaluable facts, such as arespect for nature and/or theneed for healthy eating.These literary resources canstimulate a child's imagina-tion and creativity by reveal-ing the meaning and signifi-cance of situations notdirectly experienced.Furthermore children andadults reading togetherleads to the development ofmutual understandingbetween generations.The book, Hands on the JellyLand relates in a playful andpedagogic way the relation-ship between "Mrs. Earth"and the “Arouca Geopark”through a set of gelatinrecipes that attempt toexplain some of the mostimportant geological phe-nomena in the region. At thesame time it tries to promotehealthy eating habits. Thischildren's book was writtenby a geologist and a phar-macist and was presented tothe public on 21st ofNovember 2009, during the“Planet Earth Lisbon Event”,the official closing ceremonyof the International Year of

Planet Earth.The book, The tale of theBlack Stone was launched on8th of June 2013 during thecelebrations of the EuropeanGeoparks Week 2013. It is atale about one of the mostimportant geosites of theArouca Geopark: the “givingbirth to stones”. This beauti-fully illustrated book, whichis written by a teacher, isintended to raise Children’sawareness of the importanceof the geological heritage. Both books were made avail-able to the municipal libraryand to all school libraries inthe Arouca region.Additionally several educa-tional activities, involvingmore than 3000 children,were promoted in anattempt to instill readinghabits and a respect fornature. The Arouca Geoparkchildren's literature which ison sale in the Geopark’sInformation Centre is anexample of good practice ineducation for sustainabledevelopment.

Children's literature: an important educational toolfostered by Arouca Geopark

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Daniela Rocha Artur Sá

António [email protected]


The new ‘Welcome Centre -Arouca Geopark’ is integrat-ed in the newly developedRegional Tourism EntityPorto and Northern Portugal.It is designed for the promo-tion of tourism and uses up-to-date technologies in orderto publicize regional tourism.This interactive space isbased on a strategy of net-working involving sustain-able tourism with a strongconnection with the regionaland local economy.The centre reveals all thepotential of the Arouca terri-tory and works as an assetfor the region in which itscultural identity is marked byits rusticity, its customs andits communities. Equippedwith a set of new technolog-ical aids (promotionalvideos, interactive maps androutes, virtual tours, 3D ani-mation, smartphone applica-tions, among others) it pro-

vides an educational andtraining component, basedon the natural and culturalheritage.This new equipment includesan auditorium, where visitorscan enjoy a documentaryabout the natural and cultur-al history of Arouca. Thisnew "gateway" for naturetourism in the region ofPorto and Northern Portugalwas opened on September19th 2013. The inaugurationceremony was attended byAlvaro Carvalho, VicePresident of CCDR-N onbehalf of the Minister forRegional Development,Melchior Moreira President ofthe Regional Tourism EntityPorto and Northern Portugal,Artur Neves Mayor ofArouca, and MargaridaBelém President of the Boardof Directors of AGA - AroucaGeopark Association. At theend of the ceremony, exhibi-

tions of local and regionalproducts, major activitiesand equipment and a per-formance by a traditionalchorus introduced atten-dants at this event to someof the cultural assets ofArouca Geopark, a destina-tion for geotourism.

New interactive tourismoffice in Arouca Geopark

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Antonio DuarteRicardo Neves

Vera Magalhães [email protected]

The success The success is networking. is networking. The concept The concept is interactivity. is interactivity. The destinationThe destinationArouca Geopark!Arouca Geopark!


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The Basque Coast Geoparkcontains a treasure trove ofdifferent chapters of Earthand human history. Its natu-ral and cultural heritagetakes us on an exiting jour-ney through geological time,in which we can enjoy a cul-tural landscape full of historytraditions and gastronomy.The gastronomic traditionand richness of the BasqueCountry are known world-wide because of its modernand innovative approach,which is based on fresh, nat-ural and seasonal products.None of this would havebeen possible whithout thedirect involvement of local ,arrantzale and baserritarra(fishermen and farmers) whomake up the primary sectorof our area and also consti-tute the main guarantee forthe conservation of a uniqueculture, landscape and lan-guage.

Rural development and,specifically, the enhacementof local products, is one ofthe main aims of ourGeopark. Under the nameGeoGourmet, the Geoparkmarkets a selection of themost typical food productsproduced by the farmers andfishermen. The selectionincludes a “Guide for tast-ing” in four languages;English, French, Basque andSpanish.• Latxa sheep´scheese (a native breed) pro-duced in a traditional wayand on a small scale with theProtected Designation ofOrigin, Idiazabal.• Tinned Tuna fromthe north in extra virgin oliveoil, caught singly in a tradi-tional sustainable way, withtraditional fishing tackle andwithout nets by Basquearrantzale(fishermen).• Txakoli, a white,

young, fruity semi-sparklingwine produced from locallygrown grapes , protectedDesignation of Origin,Getariako Txakolina.• Natural ecologicalcider produced by traditionalmethods from 100% locallygrown apples. Apple growingand cider making has beenone of the activities which ismost deeply rooted in theculture and economy of therural environment of theGeopark.The selections of local prod-ucts are sold in the touristoffices of Zumaia, Deba andMutriku and are designed asa wonderful present not onlyfor the Geopark’s tourists butalso for the townsfolk andlocal companies.

GeoGourmet,the most select

products of the

Basque Coast

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Leire Barriuso [email protected]

Asier Hilario [email protected]

GeoGourmetselection,

a welcomepresent

Latxa sheep, a native breed

Apple growingand cidermaking, hasbeen one ofthe activitieswhich is mostdeeply rootedin the cultureand economyof the ruralenvironmentof theGeopark


Geotopes are special windowsinto our planet’s past and pro-vide opportunities to interestand fascinate the generalpublic in Earth history. In response to the “Day of theGeotopes”, a German-wideevent sponsored by theGerman Society forGeosciences and the StateDepartments of Geology, theGeopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald designates, annual-ly, one extraordinary Geotopeas “Geotope of the Year”.The selection of the geotopeis based on a special combi-nation of geological charac-teristics such as the geologi-cal time interval, lithology,genesis, environment, anduniqueness. Additionally, thegeotope should show a clearrelationship with the naturalenvironment, local history oreconomic history. Thus, thegeotope of the year is a site,

which reflects the Geopark´sholistic approach to Earth his-tory, nature and culture. Thegeological State Departmentis involved in the procedure,and the event is listed on the“Day of the Geotope” internetplatform of the GermanSociety for Geosciences(DGG). The official celebration duringthe “Day of the Geotopes” isan event, where representa-tives from the StateGovernment, partners fromuniversities and politics aswell as local stakeholders areinvited to give short talks tothe public. This official eventis also important as anexpression of appreciation ofthe partners’ commitmentand supports the regionalidentity of the Geotope. Theofficial activities are followedby an interdisciplinary fieldtrip through the Geotopedemonstrating its variousgeological, natural and cultur-al aspects. Related to the event, theGeopark presents an officialcertificate to the local part-ners, a geotope brochure, anda geotope poster. Additionally,each “Geotope of the Year” isincluded in the the Geopark’swebpage and equipped withan on-site Geopark informa-tion panel.

A detailed framework ofpreparation, organization,publications, and public rela-tions provided by the Geoparkensures, that the event ishighly visible in the media,and that the “Geotope of theYear” becomes a well-knownand attractive annual event.After 12 years of continuouscelebration and presentation,the “Geotope of the Year”, isconsidered as one of the mostsuccessful geo-traditions,which have been implement-ed by the Geopark with highmedia presence and outreach.The “Geotopes of the Year”are the most popular windowsinto the geological history ofthe Geopark and provide thevisitor with a fascinating jour-ney through 500 million yearsinvolving the dynamic devel-opment of our planet.

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Jutta [email protected]

(Geotop-2010-celebration-2):Participants atthe ceremony

for WHSMessel Pit as

Geotope 2010

(Geotope-2009-visitors):

Field trip todiscover the

geology, min-ing history

and fauna ofthe Geotope2009, a relicof a volcanic eruption 280million years

ago

(Geotop-2013-certificate): Localstakeholders andhonorary guestsreceive the certificateGeotope 2013

(Deckblatt-flyer-geotop-2013):Each “Geotope of the Year” iscommunicated to the public byan individualbrochure, whichhighlights thegeological development of the locality

(Geotope-des-Jahres-poster):Each year, theGeopark offers a geotope posterwith an overviewof the awardedgeotopes: herethe poster high-lights the geot-opes from 2002to 2013

Earth History for the Public:the Geotopes of the Year in the Global andEuropean Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald


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Over the last five years theBurren and Cliffs of MoherGeopark has developed anumber of education initia-tives aimed at promotingEarth Science awareness inthe region. These initiativesare aimed at three main cat-egories of stakeholders; thelocal schools, the generalpublic and visiting researchinstitutions. Integratingthese three groups in aninterconnected network hasbeen a challenge whichinvolved developing a num-ber of partnerships. Theresults of these initiatives aretaught classes, publications,web-based resources andaccess to expertise.Lisdoonvarna SecondarySchool is the only secondaryschool within the area of theBurren and Cliffs of MoherGeopark. They have a longhistory of participation andsuccess in the BT YoungScientist of the Year competi-tion (organized by BTIreland, a telecommunica-tions company) particularlyin the biology category. Over

the last two years we haveworked with the school toincorporate more geology-related projects.This year we will also beworking with the school tolaunch an environmentalawareness project aimed athighlighting the sensitivity ofgroundwater in the Burrenkarst region as well theimpact of littering.Our Adult Evening Course,“Understanding the BurrenLandscape”, is an introducto-ry level geology course deliv-ered in collaboration with theBurren Outdoor EducationC e n t r e(www.burrenoec.com). Thecourse consists of a series oftwo hour classes for fiveevenings with an invitedguest lecture on the finalnight, plus a one-day fieldtrip. Making the results ofresearch undertaken in theBurren generally availablehas been a priority. We havejust launched the first phaseof this process by compilinga database of research arti-

cles, books, reports andmaps relevant to the Burrenregion and making many ofthem available in full on ourwebsite (http://www.burren-g e o p a r k . i e / w h a t - w e -do/research-archive/). Weare grateful for the supportof the Geological Survey ofIreland (www.gsi.ie) and themany publishers who gaveus permission to use theirarticles.

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Eamon Doyle [email protected]

Increasing EducationalPartnershipsin the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark

Adult Evening Course field triplooking at coastal biokarst

University students on fieldwork in the Burre

The Burren is a natural outdoorclassroom for school children


Cabo de Gata-Níjar, the firstMarine and TerrestrialNatural Park in the IberianPeninsula, an exceptionalterritory, has gained recogni-tion for its contribution toenvironmental conservation,Natura 2000, SpecialProtected Areas (SPA,European Directive on theConservation of Wild Birds),Special Protected Areas ofMediterranean Importance(SPAMI, Bracelona conven-tion) RAMSAR (Conventionon Wetlands of InternationalImportance, 1971), to man-agement models such asReserve of the Biosphere(MAB) and to tourism e.g.the European Charter forSustainable Tourism (ECST).

So, what is the role of theGeopark in such territory?

Experience in Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park andBiosphere Reserve demon-strates that the Geopark hasa key role in the manage-ment of the territory, and iscapable of establishing multi-ple synergies, mainly involv-ing MAB and ECST. Also inmotivating the developmentof innovative solutions forproblems arising from areduction in the competitive-ness of local enterprises dueto nearby mass touristic des-tinations. Thanks to its mem-bership of the Global andEuropean GeoparksNetworks, Cabo de Gata-

Níjar Geopark’s new productssuch as the columnar jointingroute, gold mining route andthe alum route are includedin the tourism provision oflocal enterprises.Through Geosub involvinggeological submarine routes,Cabo de Gata-Níjar Geoparkcontributes to the MedPAN(Marine MediterraeanNatural Protected Areas)project of the GeneralDepartment of NaturalProtected Areas of theAndalusia Goverment to cre-ate an innovative geotourismproduct. Geosub involvesfour underwater routes deliv-ered by specialized enterpris-es designated with the“Andalusian Natural Park”and “European Charter ofSustainable Tourism” brands.It represents the first geot-ourism product focused onthe underwater environment,and thus opens a new win-dow for future initiatives.The routes were developedin collaboration with anexpert from the University ofGranada, at four iconic sub-marine sites, “The FrenchCave”, “Los Escullos”,“Carnaje” and “OrangeTunnel”add to diving activi-ties. Divers explore ancientvolcanic eruptions, fossilreefs and exciting submarinetunnels, through an alterna-tive tourism and educationalexperience.The digital publication ofbooklet with a guide to the

four routes in Spanish andEnglish is as a clear exampleon how a Geopark, by widen-ing geotourism provision,promotes and contributes tosustainable economic devel-opment and strengthens therelationship with its inhabi-tants.The brouchure can be down-loaded from the “Ayuda alempleo” section of theGeopark’s website:www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/cabodegata-nijargeopark

Cabo de Gata-Níjar Geoparksteering new strategies in sustainable tourism:GEOSUB, SUBMARINE GEO-ROUTES

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José Manuel Quero Fernándezde Molina

[email protected] Rivas Palomo

[email protected]

Participants in GeoSub Cabode Gata NijarGeopark

Cover page for the GeoSubbooklet

The Orange unnel


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Rock Art is a cultural her-itage connected to the geo-logical and environmentalvalues of a landscape. Thesepaintings and engravingsproduced by our remoteancestors and drawn on rocksurfaces inside caves andnatural rock shelters areimportant graphic imagesdrawn from EuropeanPrehistory. The artists creat-ed pigments from mineralsubstances like ochres,hematite, manganese oxideand white quartzs whichwere found abundantly inthe area.The Villuercas – Ibores –Jara Geopark houses one ofthe most interesting com-

plexes of Rock Art in theSouthwest Iberian Peninsula.These rock paintings andengravings date from theUpper Paleolithic to the IronAge. The schematic cavepaintings occur on rock facesand cavity wallsin thequartzite crests of theGeopark’s mountain rangesand also at the bases oflarge blockfields which char-acterize its granitic land-scape.The area of the Villuercas –Ibores – Jara Geoparkbecame famous in 1916 dueto the investigations of theFrench archaeologist HenriBreuil. However, the rock artwas not studied intensively

until the 1980’s. During thisperiod the AutonomousGovernment of Extremaduraput their policies into prac-tice and included rock artinthe geological, ecologicaland landscape places to visitin the area. In this respectthese actions contribute tothe tourism and economicrecovery strategies of ruralareas and they will be putinto practice by the manage-ment of sustainable inherit-ed resources. Some of the most emblemat-ic decorated rock sheltersare located in severalgeosites such as “Cancho dela Sábana”, “Cancho delReloj” and in the “RuecasRiver Gorge” Others can befound in the Geopark’s edu-cational routes and provideadditional cultural value.Withrespect to educational activi-ties, cave paintings are oneof the most important sub-jects taught in schools, bothin specific lessons and in artclasses which involve repro-ducing these wonderfulimages.

Geology and Cultural Heritage:

Rock Art in the Villuercas –

Ibores – Jara Geopark (Cáceres, Spain)

José Julio García [email protected]

Hipólito Collado [email protected]

Studentsfrom a localschoolreproducingrock artusing motifsfrom theGeopark

Facilities pro-viding access

to the ChiquitaCave rock

shelter nearthe River

Ruecas, inCañamero

Schematicrock paintings

from theCancho del

Reloj, in Cabañas del

Castillo


Enniskillen in CountyFermanagh is the gateway tothe Marble Arch Caves GlobalGeopark. It is located on anisland in the River Erne andhas a complex history of set-tlement, trade and transport.New light has been shed onthis history with the excava-tion of the DrumclayCrannog, regarded by some

as the most importantarchaeological discovery ofrecent years.Crannógs, or man-madeislands are not unusual inIreland and can vary in agefrom the Neolithic Period tothe early 18th century.Typically they are built bydriving a circle of woodenpoles into a lake bed and thenfilling this with brush, stoneor timber. Few crannógs have ever beenexcavated as they are difficultto access. However, the low-ering of the River Erne duringthe past 200 years hasexposed previously sub-merged land. The location ofthe crannog was lost due tothe changing urban land-scapes of Enniskillen, but theconstruction of a new roadrequired that its exact posi-tion had to be determined. Itwas only then that the truesecrets of this ancient sitewere discovered. Archaeologists have deter-mined that the crannóg wasoccupied continuously fromthe 8th century to the 17th

century leading to its complexlayered history. Over 5,000artefacts have been recov-ered including the remains of

30 wooden houses. Some ofthe most striking finds are awooden bowl with a crosscarved into its base, parts ofwooden vessels with inter-laced decoration, and combsmade from antler and bonethat date from between 1000and 1100. Many of the findsshow international influencesindicating that the settlershad links with Scandinaviamore than 1,000 years ago. While many of the finds areunremarkable, it is the lay-ered record of settlementsthat is proving to be soexceptional. The degree ofpreservation is so good thatdetailed information aboutdiet, economy, agricultureand social structures can allbe extracted. This evidence ofeveryday life has yielded somuch information that it hasbeen described as Ireland’sPompeii and has rewritten thehistory books on ancient Irishlife.

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Kirstin [email protected]

A decorated bonecomb, one of themany fascinatingfinds from theDrumclay Crannógexcavation

Decipheringthe different

layers of history

found at the site

Plan view of the entire

DrumclayCrannóg site

Rewriting the history books:

revealing the hidden landscapesof the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark


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The community of Wildalpenlocated in the spectacularSalza valley is not onlyfamous for its huge springswhich provide Vienna withmost of its drinking water.The Arzberg Mountain alsocontains two sites of specialgeological interest: Theremains of an iron mine,active in the 17th century,and the Arzberg cave. Thiscave, accessible only via anarrow, steep trail, is locatedin a very secluded area onthe steep side of the moun-tain about 200 m above thevalley floor. The occurrence in this caveof bones of cave bears androck surfaces in narrow pas-sages polished by the fur ofthe passing bears have beenknown for many years. In2008, Gernot Rabeder,

Professor of Palaeontology atthe University of Vienna andhis students began scientificexcavations in the cave

which continued during sum-mer months until 2012.Gernot Rabeder has, formany years, studied the fos-sil remains of mammals liv-ing in the Alpine caves duringthe Great Ice Age and it wasmore or less routine for himto conduct excavations in theArzberg cave. Together withhis team he recorded largenumbers of skeletal remainsof Ursus ingressus whichcharacterized the Alpine cavepopulations during the laterIce Age. It became thrillingwhen one of the citizens ofthe village produced a stonetool which he had removed

illegally from the cave about30 years ago. This providednew impetus for the excava-tions and has finally resultedin the discovery of a secondtool. Both tools were madeof radiolarite which is similarto the more familiar flint-stone. Numerous traces ofchipping at the margins aredefinitely of human origin.Both tools were scraperswhich were obviously used tofree skins from the remainingmeat and fat. The size and shape of thescrapers are typical for thelate Palaeolithic period(Aurignacien and Gravettien,between 35,000 – 20,000years ago). Radio carbondates of bear bones from thesame cave have yieldedapproximate ages of 29,000and 36,000 years. Thesesensational finds extend ourknowledge of human pres-ence in the Eisenwurzenregion for almost 30.000years. The warm climatewhich prevailed for a rathershort interval within the lat-est glacial period enabled thebears to inhabit caves at highaltitudes in the Alps.

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Heinz KollmannThomas Drechsler

Irmi [email protected]

GernotRabeder

in front of arock polished

by passingcave bears

Work team in theArzbergcave

EisenwurzenNew evidence of human presence 30.000 years ago

Scraper from the Arzberg cave


The English Riviera GlobalGeopark has long recognisedthe value and importance ofusing innovative ways toengage with the public, fromthe imaginative Geoquestproject in 2010 that lead tothe production of the popu-lar Geopark Rock Songs(www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk/geoquestSongs.cfm)to the creation of the chil-drens playpark, the GeoplayPark. Of course sharing the experi-ence of working with thecreative and artistic sectorwith the rest of the GlobalNetwork has been consid-ered essential and thanks toArts Council for Englandfunding this was possible atthe 5th InternationalUNESCO Conference onGeoparks in 2012. A newshort film “Geo-Collectivegoes to Japan” is now avail-able which documents thisjourney (www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Eo2uXjGcBs).However, the English RivieraGlobal Geoparks creativework is about to enter a newand exciting phase.Thanks to further ArtsCouncil for England support,Situations, a dynamic andinspiring South WestEngland based arts organisa-

tion, have been awarded thecontract to develop a worldclass artistic vision for theGeopark and the Geoparkfestival for the future.Situations previously workedwith the Geopark and theGeo-Collective when theybrought “Nowhereisland”, afloating island into theGeopark as part of the 2012Cultural Olympiad. If you“Like” the English RivieraGlobal Geopark Facebookpage you can see photos ofthe NowhereIsland Projectarriving in the Geopark. Ultimately the shared visionthat Situations are helpingdevelop is to stage an inter-nationally significant artsFestival event rooted in the

exceptional landscape andheritage of the EnglishRiviera Geopark – a ‘mustsee’ event in the UK arts cal-endar which will attract newtypes of returning visitors tothe English Riviera as well asengaging local residents tobecome involved in makingand experiencing eachevent. The report from this workwill advise a way forward, toenable us to make more of,better promote and raiseawareness of our GlobalGeopark Status, alongsidehaving a positive social, cul-tural and economic impact.

Geopark Festival to be major UK art eventΕnglish Riviera

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Melanie [email protected]

The first of manydiscussions withSituations toinform the development of a world classartistic vision for the EnglishRiviera GlobalGeopark Festival

Using creativityto engage onthe EnglishRiviera GlobalGeopark

The Geoparkwelcome for

NowhereIsland,one of the

2012 CulturalOlympiad

projects


The European Geoparks NetwThe European Geoparks Netw

The Network consists of 58 Geoparks in 21 European cThe Network consists of 58 Geoparks in 21 European c

www.europeangeoparks.orgwww.europeangeoparks.org


twork today...twork today...

countries (January 2014)countries (January 2014)

1.1. Reserve Geologique de Haute - Provence Reserve Geologique de Haute - Provence FRANCE

2.2. Vulkaneifel European Geopark Vulkaneifel European Geopark GERMANY

3.3. Petrified Forest of Lesvos Petrified Forest of Lesvos GREECE

4.4. Maestrazgo Cultural Park Maestrazgo Cultural Park ARAGON, SPAIN

5.5. Psiloritis Natural Park Psiloritis Natural Park GREECE

6.6. Terra.Vita Naturpark Terra.Vita Naturpark GERMANY

7.7. Copper Coast GeoparkCopper Coast Geopark IRELAND

8.8. Marble Arch Caves European GeoparkMarble Arch Caves European Geopark NORTHERN IRELAND & IRELAND

9.9. Madonie Geopark Madonie Geopark ITALY

10. Rocca di Cerere Geopark10. Rocca di Cerere Geopark ITALY

11.11. Naturpark Steirische Eisenwurzen Naturpark Steirische Eisenwurzen AUSTRIA

12.12. Geo-Naturpark Bergstrasse Odenwald Geo-Naturpark Bergstrasse Odenwald GERMANY

13.13. North Pennines AONB North Pennines AONB ENGLAND, UK

14.14. Park Naturel Regional du Luberon Park Naturel Regional du Luberon FRANCE

15.15. North West Highlands North West Highlands SCOTLAND, UK

16.16. Geopark Swabian Albs Geopark Swabian Albs GERMANY

17.17. Geopark Harz Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen Geopark Harz Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen GERMANY

18.18. Hateg Country Dinosaurs GeoparkHateg Country Dinosaurs Geopark ROMANIA

19.19. Beigua GeoparkBeigua Geopark ITALY

20. Fforest Fawr Geopark20. Fforest Fawr Geopark WALES, UK

21.21. Bohemian Paradise Geopark Bohemian Paradise Geopark CZECH REPUBLIC

22.22. Cabo de Gata - Nijar Natural ParkCabo de Gata - Nijar Natural Park ANDALUCIA, SPAIN

23. Geopark Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional23. Geopark Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional PORTUGAL

24.24. Sierras Subbeticas Natural ParkSierras Subbeticas Natural Park ANDALUCIA, SPAIN

25.25. Sobrarbe GeoparkSobrarbe Geopark ARAGON, SPAIN

26.26. Gea Norvegica GeoparkGea Norvegica Geopark NORWAY

27.27. Geological, Mining Park of SardeniaGeological, Mining Park of Sardenia ITALY

28.28. Papuk GeoparkPapuk Geopark CROATIA

29. English Riviera Geopark29. English Riviera Geopark ENGLAND, UK

30. Adamello - Brenta Nature Park30. Adamello - Brenta Nature Park ITALY

31. Geo Mon 31. Geo Mon WALES, UK

32. Arouca Geopark 32. Arouca Geopark PORTUGAL

33. Shetlands 33. Shetlands SCOTLAND - UK

34. Chelmos Vouraikos 34. Chelmos Vouraikos GREECE

35. Novohrad - Nograd Geopark 35. Novohrad - Nograd Geopark HUNGARY & SLOVAKIA

36.36. Magma Geopark Magma Geopark NORWAY

37.37. Basque Coast Geopark, Pais Vasco Basque Coast Geopark, Pais Vasco SPAIN

38.38. Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano, CampaniaParco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano, Campania ITALYITALY

39.39. Rokua Geopark Rokua Geopark FINLAND

40.40. Tuscan Mining Park, Toscana Tuscan Mining Park, Toscana ITALYITALY

41.41. Vikos - Aoos Geopark Vikos - Aoos Geopark GREECE

42. Muskau Arch Geopark42. Muskau Arch Geopark POLAND & GERMANY

43. 43. Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park, AndaluciaSierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park, Andalucia SPAIN

44. Burren and Cliffs of Moher44. Burren and Cliffs of Moher REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

45. Katla45. Katla ICELAND

46. Massif des Bauges Geopark46. Massif des Bauges Geopark FRANCE

47. Apuan Alps47. Apuan Alps ITALY

48. Villuercas Ibores Jara Geopark48. Villuercas Ibores Jara Geopark SPAIN

49. Carnic Alps Geopark49. Carnic Alps Geopark AUSTRIA

50. Chablais Geopark50. Chablais Geopark FRANCE

51. Central Catalonia Geopark51. Central Catalonia Geopark SPAIN

52. Bakony – Balaton Geopark52. Bakony – Balaton Geopark HUNGARY

53. Azores Geopark53. Azores Geopark PORTUGAL

54. Karavanke/Karawanken54. Karavanke/Karawanken SLOVENIA & AUSTRIA

55. Idrija Geopark55. Idrija Geopark SLOVENIA

56. Hondsrug Geopark56. Hondsrug Geopark NETHERLANDS

57. Sesia - Val Grande Geopark57. Sesia - Val Grande Geopark ITALY

58. Kula Geopark58. Kula Geopark TURKEY


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In April 2014 GeoMôn,together with the LlanbadrigCommunity Council and Isleof Anglesey County Council,shared a triple launch atthree iconic Anglesey sitesthat showcase the best in theisland’s heritage and geolo-gy.Over the past two years thepartnership has workedtogether to create two trails,one concentrating on thegeology at Bonc y Mor, asmall headland on the north-ern end of Cemaes BayHarbour that exhibits someof the finest British examplesof 860Ma stromatolitic lime-stone clasts contained withina mélange. It also hosts aseries of dykes perfect forschools to study the effectsof the Caledonian Orogeny.These dykes are bordered bychilled edges with raisedmargins of baked limestonecreating perfect walled track-ways.Horizon, the current ownersof the nearby Wylfa NuclearPower Station, donated a

section of coastal path andforeshore that has been usedto create part of the geotrailshowcasing all of Anglesey’smain rock types. These areexhibited on a series of stoneplinths arranged according totheir geological period. Thesite also contains two infor-mation boards, two stonetables with benches and fourwooden benches, installedby the Community Council,affording splendid viewsfrom the headland. At the eastern side of the bayin Llanbadrig a small stonechurch, originally built frommud, twigs and stones,wasfounded by St Patrick in 440AD. The saint was ship-wrecked on Middle Mouse, asmall rock in the sea near theheadland, during his journeyto convert Ireland. Patrickmanaged to get ashore andlived for a while in a caveclose to a well. He built themakeshift church in thanks-giving for his rescue.The celebratory launch willinclude the installation and

first chime from a Time andTide Bell (The St Patrick Bell)in Cemaes Harbour. The bellwas made and donated bythe sculptor Marcus Vergetteand is set in a structure builtby apprentices at the NuclearPower Station.GeoMôn together with itspartners has created a cliffwalk with a view of the caveand well. The church con-tains two rocks found in therubble of the old churchwhen it was rebuilt in 1884.One, the Ichthus Stone, is apicrite erratic with earlyChristian carvings of loavesof bread, vines and othermarkings. Behind the altarand inset beneath an alcoveis a well-worn piece of sand-stone that shows two carvedintertwined snakes, the sym-bol of St Patrick. This wouldprobably have been sitedbeneath a statue of StPatrick.

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Margaret [email protected]

Stewart [email protected]

A prominentdyke bordered byraised margins of baked limestone,lookingtowardsWylfa headland

The viewpointover St Patrick’sCave and Well,Llanbadrig

The revalidationteam at

Bonc y Mor

GeoMôn Launches GeoMôn Launches Information Boards Information Boards and Trails at Cemaes Bay and Trails at Cemaes Bay and Llanbadrigand Llanbadrig


A well known German sayingadvises you to seek shelterunderneath a beech tree dur-ing a thunderstorm. Thisdubious advice illustrates thelong history between manand the beech tree. Germanictribes carved their first lettersinto beech wood sticks; thefirst book was made frombound beech-wood panels.In addition to this mutual his-tory, however, the beech treeFagus sylvatica deservescloser attention. More than10.000 native plants, animalsand fungi thrive in the beechwoods on our doorsteps. Theconservation of these forestsis essential for the preserva-tion of our European biodi-versity. The establishment ofthe European-wide networkof nature protection areas -Natura 2000 - represents oneapproach to achieving thisgoal.The Regional AssociationHarz promotes the protectionof the natural environmentwith activities in the NatureParks of the Harz region and

the Geopark Harz• Braunschweiger Land• Ostfalen. With the project‘NATURA 2000 in the NaturePark Harz’ the RegionalAssociation Harz aims to pro-mote the acceptance andawareness for the Natura2000 sites in the region.From October 2013 thebeech tree Fagus sylvaticahas centre stage within thevenerable Stolberg Castle. Anexhibition explains the proj-ect Natura 2000 and showsthe typical birds, insects,plants and fungi of our beechforests, as well as sheddinglight on the cultural, econom-ic and historical bondsbetween beech and man. Since there is a relationshipbetween flora and fauna andthe underlying geology, theexhibition explains the geolo-gy of beech forests and theuse and genesis of the vari-ous minerals beneath thetrees. The native Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests growon the acid, nutrient-poorsoils which overlie greywacke

at higher altitudes in the Harzregion. The globally knownterm greywacke refers to aspecial kind of sandstone andwas first used by miners inthe Harz region. The mostcommon beech forest,belonging to the Asperulo-Fagetum type, grows onmore nutrient rich loess soils.In the southern Harz the mid-dle-European limestonebeech forests of theCephalanthero-Fagion typegrows on gypsum karst. Thehigh solubility of the gypsumcreates a unique karst land-scape with caves, lakes andkarst cones. Information about the workand the publications of theGeopark is provided onwww.harzregion.de The exhibition at the StolbergCastle can be visited duringcastle opening hours:Tuesday to Friday from 11a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays andSundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beech tree,Natura 2000and rocksA new exhibition

at Stolberg Castle

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Anne Schäfer [email protected]

The minister forthe environmentof SaxonyAnhalt, Dr. HermannOnko Aeikens(r.), takes a closelook at the exhibition

Beech forestsgrowing on

gypsum karstform a rare

habitat

The picturesque

town of Stolberg

is surroundedby extensive

beech forests


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The Welsh Whisky Company’sPenderyn Distillery, the onlydistillery in Wales, is situatedin Fforest Fawr Geopark with-in the picturesque BreconBeacons National Park. Thedistillery provides employ-ment and, through itsExhibition Centre with morethan 20,000 visitors annually,it contributes significantly totourism activities in FforestFawr Geopark.In July 2013 the distillerydoubled its use of water by

adding a second still. Toensure that the increasedextraction of water is sustain-able, the distillery requesteda geo-environmental investi-gation of the surroundingarea which was undertakenas a research project byCardiff University with sup-port and participation byFforest Fawr Geopark.The distillery is sited on a nar-row, alluvium filled, approxi-mately 40m deep steep-sidedchannel incised into theCarboniferous Limestonefloor of a glacial valley. Thedistillery draws groundwaterfrom a 39m deep well drilledinto the alluvium to create is

blends of world class whiskyand spirits. The steep-sided alluvial chan-nel was probably eroded by asub-glacial stream flowing atthe base of a glacier duringthe last Ice Age. The channelsediments consist of soil andgravel (3m), gravel and claywith water (6m), sand graveland silt (19m) clay and gravel(7m ) and limestone frag-ments and sand with waterwhich line the base (1m) andwalls of the channel.Groundwater is pumped fromsediments below the watertable at a depth of approxi-mately 15m below surface.The 19m thick sand graveland silt layer, probably themain component of theaquifer, stores and transmitswater fast enough to supplythe pumping well. The groundwater at PenderynDistillery has two potentialrenewable sources ofrecharge. These are primarywater flow to the alluvialchannel through beddingplanes, joint planes and karstfeatures in the CarboniferousLimestone bedrock. Furtherstudy is required to assessthe groundwater contributionof a karstic component.Primary flow through thebedrock occurs through verti-cal fractures and alonginclined bedding planes. Fieldobservations suggest thatrecharge through the bedrockto the alluvium aquifer is min-imal. It has been establishedthat the groundwater isrecharged primarily throughsurface waters percolatinginto the groundwater alongthe length of the alluviumchannel associated with theNant Cadlan stream. Rainfallin the 12km2 catchment area

provides localised recharge tothe ground and surfacewaters. The results of theresearch project show that,based on calculations from awell pumping test, thegroundwater flow rate of166,400m3/day, 60, 745,000m3/year through the alluviumchannel aquifer is sufficientto sustain the distillery’sincreased use of waterthrough expanding produc-tion. Penderyn Distillery has aninformative exhibition centrewhich, with at least 20,000visitors annually, contributessignificantly to tourism activi-ties in Fforest Fawr Geopark.Through its Icons of WalesSeries consisting of individualmalt whiskys each one cele-brating a person, milestoneor event from Welsh historywith international significancethe Distillery promotes Walesthrough its world class prod-ucts.

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Geology of thePenderyn area

and the alluviumaquifer

Water seepagethrough a vertical joint in theCarboniferousLimestone

Partnershipbetween Fforest

Fawr Geopark andCardiff University

benefits a localbusiness

David [email protected]

Tony [email protected]

Tim [email protected]

Peter [email protected] The sediment

sequence in PenderynDistillery borehole


Even though petrified forestsoccur worldwide, they arerare and there is only onesite in Austria where such anaccumulation of petrifiedtrees occurs. This site islocated in the GeoPark CarnicAlps in the small village ofLaas.The first tree trunk was dis-covered accidentally at theend of the nineteen-twen-ties, when local people quar-ried rocks for a hospital. Thistrunk has a length of aboutnine meters and is thelargest plant fossil recordedin Austria. In the 1960’s itwas declared a natural mon-ument and therefore

received protection status.Since then this site has alsobeen accessible to visitors.During the last decades addi-tional fossil trees were dis-covered. Some close to thefirst occurrence, some sever-al hundred metres apart. Inmost cases the few centime-tres which protruded fromthe host rock were not veryobvious. In 2012 theGeoPark Carnic Alps initiateda project with the aim ofexcavating the trees in thevicinity of the first find toimprove their visibility and apath linking all the fossiltrees was constructed. TheUniversity of Innsbruck con-

tributed to the project with asupervised Bachelor Thesiswhich is available as a down-load (http://www.geopark-karnische-alpen.at/f ilead-min/geopark/Forschung).This study showed that theoriginal cell structure of thetrees is perfectly preservedand that all pores are filledwith quartz which probablyoriginated from volcanicexhalations during the LowerPermian. All trees areassigned to the Cordaitalesspecies Dadoxylon schrol-lianum which is related toearly conifers. Two information panelsexplain the petrificationprocess, the depositionalenvironment and the compo-sition of the trees. The site isnow part of the geo-culturalhiking path of Laas, one ofthe five geotrails in theGeoPark Carnic Alps.

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Experts in fossil

preparationfrom the

Museum ofNatural

History Viennaremove excess

material covering

the petrifiedtrees

Gerlinde OrtnerHans Peter Schönlaub

[email protected]

Microscopicimage of thepetrified treesfrom Laas: theporous woodtissue is clearlyvisible

One of the petrified

trees of Laas

The petrified trees ofthe GeoPark Carnic Alps


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Katla Geopark, Iceland´sfirst geopark, received agrant from the Instrument

for Pre-A c c e s s i o nA s s i s t a n c e[IPA] fundfrom theE u r o p e a nUnion. Duringthe last yearKatla Geopark

has, with the help of thisfund, developed 15 geositeswith information panels, pic-nic tables, accessible carparks and hiking routes andprovided one geosite withtoilet facilities. Over the next10 months the Geopark aimsto develop another 10 to 15sites. In addition the IPAfund has made it possible forKatla Geopark to work oncustomized student materialas well as promotional mate-rial for the area.

The key goals of the Geoparkare to protect the naturalenvironment, promote localsustainable development, tointroduce local culture totourists and place a strongemphasis on geo-tourism.Although the Katla Geoparkregion has experiencedimportant developments interms of tourism during thepast few years, there aresome key challenges thatneed to be addressed. Theseinclude diversifying tourismprovision as well as strength-ening year round activitiesthrough a stronger focus onoff-peak tourism that willsupport whole year businessopportunities and jobs. One of the most importanteffects of the project is to beable to promote KatlaGeopark as an attractive des-tination that supports localbusinesses and uses local

products. In addition to theimprovement of the physicalinfrastructure on the differ-ent geosites in the Geoparkone of the most importantaspects of the IPA project isthe development of a man-agement plan including amarketing plan and market-ing strategy.The project has already pro-gressed considerably and ifeverything goes according toplan before the end of theyear, Katla Geopark will havea licence to be a travelagency that promotes andsells local products, locallymade travel packages withlocal guides in cooperationwith local businesses, localinhabitants, schools, infor-mation offices and knowl-edge centres with the aim toprovide a better service.

Regional development forthe Eyjafjallajökull areae

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Steingerður Hreinsdóttirwww.katlageopark.is

An informationpanel in KatlaGeopark

Improvementsto the geotrail

at Skógafoss

Revealing oneof the signs inKirkjubæjar-klaustur

Katla Geopark


In order to raise awarenessof the need to protect andpromote the sustainableexploitation of our uniqueEarth heritage to visitors andresidents of the AegeanIslands, Lesvos Geoparkpresents and supports thetraveling exhibition "AEGEAN– The Birth of anArchipelago". The exhibitionwas organized by the NaturalHistory Museum of theLesvos Petrified Forest in col-laboration with theUniversities of Thessaloniki,Crete and the Aegean andunder the auspices of theMinistry of Shipping Affairsand the Aegean, the Ministryof Culture and Sport, theGreek National TourismOrganisation and theHellenic NationalCommission for UNESCO. Itcombines exhibits with pho-tographic and audiovisualdisplays to present the 150million years record of theevolution of the Aegeanislands and the history of theprocesses that created theislands, their spectacularlandscapes and geosites. The exhibition presents in a

comprehensive and appeal-ing way, the creation of theAegean Sea, the history ofprocesses that sculpted theAegean islands leading to thecreation of beautiful land-scapes, and the developmentof a variety of modern natu-ral ecosystems. Visitors willrealize how the continuousinteraction between civiliza-tions ranging from prehistoryto the present day interactedwith the environment creat-ing a series of cultural land-scapes, and their senses willbe filled with images of theislands and the life of thisancient sea.The exhibition is divided intothree main sections contain-ing impressive topics andinteractive presentations:The central section "GAIAMEMORIES: From Tethys tothe Aegean", presents thecomplete geological historyof the area from the vastTethys Ocean that was partof today's Greece, thegrowth of the single mythi-cal land of Aegaeis and theshaping of today’s Greekarchipelago. The second section "Theislands of Hephaestus andPoseidon" presents the geo-dynamic processes of theAegean, the volcanic andseismic activity that createdthe archipelago. Theseprocesses were repeatedthrough millions of years andcontinue until the presentday. The third section, "GAIA:from myth to science" pres-

ents the impressive record ofbiodiversity in the Aegeanregion which is demonstrat-ed by the richness of plantand animal fossils that bearwitness to thef a s c i n a t i n ghistory of theevolution oflife andecosystems inthe Aegeanbasin duringthe last 150 million years.The islands are home to thefragments of past life thatspurred the human mind toseek answers concerning theorigins of life and the worldfrom the "Cosmogony" ofHesiod to the "NaturalPhilosophy" of Aristotle andthe treatise "On Stones" byTheophrastus. This travelling exhibition iscurrently hosted by the cityof Thessaloniki, Greece andis intended to present theuniqueness and beauty ofthe Aegean Archipelago tothe peoples of several coun-tries around the world.

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Nikolaos [email protected]

"AEGEAN -Birth of an

Archipelago”.Impressive

petrified treetrunk 14

meters longfrom thePetrifiedForest of

Lesvos

View of theexhibition"AEGEAN -Birth of anArchipelago"

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Lesvos Geopark

AegeanThe birth of an Archipelago


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The Vulkaneifel Nature andGeopark, one of the stake-holders in the LEADERregion, has defined environ-mental education as onefield of action and one of themainstays of its master plan.In order to be in a position toconvey the contents to thepeople living in the regionand, of course, to theregion’s guests, well quali-fied personnel are neededwho can act as the interfacebetween the public, theGeopark and the environ-ment.Within the framework of theEAFRD Initiative “Clever inthe Countryside: Learning forthe future of rural areas”, a

concept has been developedthat goes beyond the 170-hour training programme byalso addressing marketingand networking by the par-ticipants and the Nature andGeopark. Over a period, ini-tially for three years, partici-pants are provided with theknowledge and tools of thetrade they need regardingnature conservation. Theguides, who are alreadyskilled and well-educatedwhen they join the project,are trained in geology, floraand fauna, and the history ofthe region, both theoreticallyand in practical exercises inthe field, combined withextensive further develop-

ment of communicationskills.In the course of the projectthe participants developproducts for tourists, such asguided tours and workshops,whose suitability for the mar-ket is then assessed in co-operation with the key play-ers in the tourist branch ofthe region in an evaluationprocess consisting of a num-ber of stages.The deployment of the 22people who have successful-ly completed the course isnot only restricted to thetourist sector - accompany-ing guided tours and beingpresent at selected GeoparkHotspots during specialevents - but also in the fieldof environmental educationin schools and kindergartensin the Vulkaneifel. The certi-fied Nature and Geoparkguides assist the staff of edu-cational institutions with top-ics that are in the process ofbeing compiled as part of anenvironmental education pol-icy and in doing so also con-tribute to the creation of aregional identity.

The Certified Natureand Geopark GuideTourism and Environmental Education

in the Volcanic Eifel Region (Vulkaneifel)

Achim HerfAndreas Schüller

www.geopark-vulkaneifel.de

Successfulalumni of thetraining course"Nature- andGeoparkGuidesVulcano-Eifel"

Proud to be a of Nature- and GeoparkVolcano-Eifel


The Luberon Geopark offersvisitors a new free mobileapplication to discover theochre outcrop by bike. Thisprotected area, one of theh i g h e s tplaces in theG e o p a r k ,extends formore than 20kilometers. Itis exceptionalnot only for itsunique geolo-gy, but also forits outstandingscenic land-scape, its indus-trial history andits economicimpact on theinhabitants in the19th and early 20th

c e n t u r i e s .Currently, parts ofthis feature are visit-ed annually by morethan 600.000tourists.The mobile applica-tion proposes four itin-eraries, on quiet roads,along routes involvingbetween two to five hourscycling (9 - 40 km). Fourthemes were identified, thehistory of the ochre industry,geological and human time,being a geologist and cross-ing landscapes.Forty geo-referenced inter-pretation points are defined.

When tourists on bicyclesapproach a point, with theGPS switched on, informa-

tion is auto-m a t i c a l l y

accessed. It can, amongothers, be either a text, avideo or a game. The con-tent is accessible to all audi-ences, covering aspects ofgeology, geography, historyand the economy.The application and its mul-timedia content are fully

download-able fromthe AppleStore andGoogle Play,in French andEnglish. Amobile web-site also pro-vides access toinformation onother systemdevices.In addition todelivering a newtourism offer, theaim is to providecultural informa-tion to schoolsusing a tool theycan appreciate andalso to promotesustainable mobility(cycling) in a pro-tected site with toomany cars during

the tourist season.This application was createdwith the support of theEuropean Agricultural Fundfor Rural Development(EAFRD) together with fund-ing from local authorities.

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Stéphane [email protected]

Luberon Geopark, France

Visiting theochre outcrop

by bike witha smartphone

Ocher by bikeOcher by bike


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On Saturday September 28th2013, my wife Pam and I,along with our friend MarkMarcelli, were invited to thePremier screening of Childrenin Folk's presentation of “TheStory of Salt” and “The Salt inour Story”. To be honestwhen we first arrived inRaffo, a small village in theMadonie Geopark, were notsure what to expect. You seewe, the three of us, aredescendants from this regionbut were all born in the USAand have a great interest inour ancestral history. Thescreening, sponsored andpromoted by four local socialclubs, was given in what wasonce an elementary school.According to the Raffo SportClub Association's Presidentthe project was started as away for the children to inter-act with each other, havesome fun, and possibly learna thing or two, which I amsure they did. When we firstarrived we met many friendlypeople, as is the case in mostof Sicily, and greetings were

beautifully interrupted bydozens of happy childrenrunning and chasing eachother. As Mark pointed outone of the highlights of theevening was watching thechildren play and enjoythemselves on screen. Salt,

one of the most importantminerals in the history ofmankind, played the starringrole in this beautiful and edu-cational presentation.Through song, dance, story-telling and of course actingthese future Al Pacino's andJulia Robert's of the worldtold the story of salt. At thispoint I need to add that Raffois located less than a kilome-tre from one of the largestsalt mines in Europe where,for exceptional geological cir-cumstances, the mineral ispure at 99.9%. So, needlessto say, there is a special con-nection with salt in thisregion. More than 40 children

aged from 6 to 10 remindedus of its great importance,the geological history andcountless applications.Throughout the ages salt hasbeen a food enhancer, thiswe all know, but it was alsointegral in many aspects of

day to day life, most impor-tantly as a food preservative.Another interesting titbit ofwhich I was made aware is ofsalt’s use as a deterrent to illwill from others. I was alsotaught that in Japan, prior toa performance, salt is sprin-kled on stage for good luck.Pretty cool. All in all it was abeautiful evening that theMadonie Mountains, Geoparkand EGN also can be proudof. Oh, to be a child in aGeopark! Sincerely CharlesDiliberti.

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Charles [email protected]

Pasquale Li [email protected]

Through song,dance, story-telling and ofcourse actingthese future Al Pacino's and JuliaRobert's of theworld told the“The Story ofSalt” and “TheSalt in ourStory”

With a long blueand silky wave andthe sound createdfrom blue bottles

containing saltcrystals children,

during their previous brilliant

performance infront of about 1000

people, rebuilt theancient sea the

source of the salt,now buried deep

within a mountain

The smallRaffo village,in a rural areaof theMadonieGeopark. Allaround theworld, it iseasy todiscover

discover anEGN or a GGNGeopark

A Visitors’ Response A Visitors’ Response to an Alternative Event to an Alternative Event in Madonie Geoparkin Madonie Geopark


Today “eco-marathons” areincreasing as a specialty inparallel to the usual roadmarathons. These areevents that combine thecharm of the race ofPheidippides and the magicof running immersed in natu-ral environments. They areone of the best ways to raiseawareness, promote respect,and appreciate the cultural,natural and human resourcesalong routes through thelandscapes. TheEcomaratona Madonie (Eco-marathon of the MadonieMountains), now in its sev-enth year, has achieved aninternational reputation. OnSunday, 9 June 2013, morethan 300 contestants fromno fewer than 12 countries,Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia,France, Holland, Malta, Peru,Mexico, USA, Ukraine,Hungary and Italy lined up atthe start in the historic partof Polizzi Generosa (PalermoProvince). The race, byblending the charm of nature

and the “race ofPheidippides,” along a 42-kilometre route with roadsrising and falling hundredsof metres through the scenicMadonie Geopark, showedoff its finest sites. Theseincluded Piano Noce, PianoCervi, Timpa da “Miennula”Quacella, Vallone Madonnadegli Angeli, Monte SanSalvatore, Monte Alto and itsshrine, Monte Cavallo, thefamous Abies Nebrodensistrees that are unique in theworld and the famous south-ernmost European beech for-est. A 23-km race (AbiesTrail) and a non-competitivewalk of 14 km occurred atthe same time as the 42-kilo-metre “marathon”. In theenchanting Madonie settingcoloured with spring huesheralding the summer, theeco-marathon runners had achance to absorb the atmos-phere of an unknown Sicily.

In about 5 hours they trav-elled through the 200 millionyears of geological history inthe Madonie Geopark, thebasis for the nature of thevaried natural landscape. Inaddition to the charm of thesea, our Sicily, and in partic-ular the Madonie, has a cul-ture involving the moun-tains, and rural and agricul-tural areas, which guardstreasures and traditions thatcan surprise you and makeyou fall in love. The MadonieEco-marathon producesirrefutable data, thanks tothe tireless efforts of firms,Madonie citizens and publicadministrations. Promotingthe territory with sportsevents of this nature is anexcellent recipe for boostingthe local economy.

Ecological Marathon in the heart of theMadonie Geopark

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Pietro Casserà[email protected]

Mario Casserà[email protected]

Marathon runners alongthe naturalpath of theMadonie Eco-marathon

A view of the Quacella sierras, a symbolic landscape and one of the most charming in the Madonie Geopark thanks to its geology and the presence of a flora rich in endemic plants

A marathonrunner near

ValloneMadonna degli

Angeli, thelast stationwhere the

valuable andnow very rarelocal endemic

plant AbiesNebrodensis

grows


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The North Pennines isfamous for its mineraldeposits and long history ofmining. Lead mining was themost important industry forcenturies but many otherminerals, including zinc andiron ores, fluorite and baryte,were also mined at differenttimes. The landscape is dot-ted with old mine sites,which give fascinatinginsights into a once-impor-tant industry. However, the advantages ofthis rich heritage are alsoassociated with some disad-vantages. The old leadmines, which were aban-doned over 100 years ago,are one of the most signifi-cant pollution threats in theNorth Pennines. The dis-charge of mine water con-taining heavy metals such aslead and zinc has resulted insome river stretches failingto meet the water quality tar-gets of the EU WaterFramework Directive. The legal position in the UKis such that no-one can beheld liable for the pollutionfrom mines that closedbefore 1999. In the NorthPennines this accounts for allthe metal mines. In addition,

the range of legal designa-tions, land rights and inter-ested bodies and individualsadds to the challenge of try-ing to clean up any pollution. Using our local knowledge,the Geopark team is workingwith the Environment Agencyand The Coal Authority, theorganisations tasked withcleaning up heavy metalwater pollution. Funding isprovided by the govern-ment’s Department forEnvironment, Food and RuralAffairs. The Geopark team isinvolved in a case study onthe River West Allen. Work tostabilise a contaminated spoilheap will be followed by con-struction of a mine watertreatment scheme. The tech-nology to build this schemeis being developed byNewcastle University and hasyet to be fully tested. Thecomplexity of the construc-tion is matched by the chal-lenge of obtaining the con-sents required from govern-ment agencies responsiblefor the protection of the nat-

ural environment and her-itage, local authorities, landowners and others with landrights. In addition, it isimportant to consult localresidents and interestgroups. For these reasons itis estimated that it will takefive years to progress themetal mine treatmentscheme. Watch this spaceand do get in touch if you areinterested.

Metal Mine WaterTreatmentin the North PenninesAONB & Geopark

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Sarah Tooze [email protected]

Elizabeth Pickett [email protected]

Old lead mineentrance andspoil heaps at Nenthead

Work alongthe RiverWest Allen,includingefforts to stabilise minespoil and alsoprotect historic mineremains

The River WestAllen flowing

through old‘washing floors’

and other leadmining remains


The Novohrad – NógrádGeopark’s Management,Nonprofit Ltd., and theCouncil of Salgótarján, thegeopark’s largest city, have acommon project with abudget of 614 million Forints(ca. 2,05 million EUR) todevelop the areas tourism.Due to the large size of thebudget, the HungarianGovernment’s decision wasneeded, especially from theMinistry of Economics andthe Ministry ofDevelopement. The contractfor „GeoTur”, supported bythe „ Novohrad – NógrádGeopark ecotourism devel-opement”, was signed on30.11.2012 by the contract-ing partners. The expecteddate for the completion ofthe project is 30.06.2014.With the help of the project,

the Novohrad – NógrádGeopark will have it’s owncentre, just one kilometreaway of it’s symbol, theCastle of Somoskő. The cen-tre will govern the park, willcontrol the education, andwill be responsible forresearch/exploration duties.The City of Salgótarján willsave a more than 100 yearsold bulding from devastation,with the help of the project.After the completion ofreconstruction, the formerheadquarters of mining, asymbol of recent miningactivity, will be the VisitorCentre.As a result, we will establishor renew nine study trails onthe Hungarian side of theGeopark, according to ourstandard design. We willmake the entrance to an oldmine in the vicinity of a smallmining settlement within theGeopark’s territory accessi-ble. Additionally, we will acquireall the equipment and toolsare needed for our pro-grammes and tasks, and ofcourse develop marketingstrategies. With respect tomarketing, we will create awebsite, and a mobile appli-cation, which will be linked at

a future date.Aspects which could not beincluded in the budget of theproject described above, canbe realized with the supportof two LEADER projects, witha budget of 100 millionForints (ca. 340 000 EUR).These projects containGeopark events, informationpanels in all settlements andother marketing activities.As János Lóska, director ofthe Novohrad – NógrádGeopark Nonprofit Kft. saidat the press conference: „Thevolume of support receivedfor the Novohrad - NógrádGeopark to date can beviewed with pride forHungarian and Europeanrelations”.

Tourism developmentalproject in the Novohrad – Nógrád Geoparkbased on the Hungarian Government’s decision

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István Kéri [email protected]

Model of the Novohrad - NógrádGeopark Visitor Centre

Lóska, director of

the Novohrad– NógrádGeopark

Nonprofit Kft

Model of theNovohrad -

NógrádGeoparkControl

Research andEducation

Centre


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The European Charter forSustainable Tourism inProtected Areas (CETS) is apractical instrument and animpetus for improving themanagement of protectedareas for the development ofsustainable tourism. The fundamental character-istic of the Charter is the col-laboration between all theparties interested in develop-ing a common policy and aplan of action for theenhancement of tourism,starting from an in-depthanalysis of the local condi-tions based on the 10 CETSPrinciples regarding sustain-ability. Its aim is to safeguardthe natural and cultural her-itage and to continuouslyimprove tourism manage-ment in the protected area ofthe environment, for thelocal population, tourismproviders and tourists.

TUSCAN MINING GEOP-ARK AND CETSThe Tuscan Mining Geoparkbegan to organize the neces-sary procedures, in order toobtain the Charter, The project was presented toall the invited stakeholders ofthe Colline Metallifere areainvolving approximately 800participants includingtourism and cultural agen-cies, associations, public

bodies,and industries.All the interested participants(about 60) contributed toproducing the Park's Plan ofAction and attended a con-ference on the CETS issues..Apart from the stimulatingwork of coordination andplanning, the results of thisof this exercise and confer-ence are clear. The Park nowhas a better understandingof how it is perceived by thepeople and the mistakes incommunication made in thepast. It can therefore nowcomply with the needs of this“thinking green” issue.

THE ECONOMIC ANDSOCIAL STRUCTURE OFTHE GEOPARKThanks to the proceduresrequired by the CETS inorder to formulate the policydocument and the Plan ofAction, we can now considerand appreciate how muchthe social and economicstructure of the MetalliferousHills has changed. The min-ing world – the supportingeconomic base of the areaover the centuries – is at risk,it could be totally forgottenand the Park's role, in thisissue is vital. The local popu-lation and the economicoperators feel the need for apark that engages with themand which protects the envi-

ronment and the wonderfulgeosites. The three basicconcepts on which to devel-op the plan of action are:CULTURE, HIGH QUALITYAGRICULTURE, SUSTAIN-ABLE TOURISM.

Tuscan Mining Geopark. Italy

And now …..CETS!

Alessandra Casini [email protected]

Riccardo Cinelli [email protected]

A conferenceof CETS

The landscape of the Geopark


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Rokua Geopark explores theheritage of the last Ice Age.The characteristic features ofthe area are the glacialridges, pine and lichen-cladheaths and kettle holes withcrystal clear ponds. Deepsandy gullies provide uniquehabitats for many rare plantspecies. Rokua Geopark alsoincludes fascinating culturalsites which have a historydating back to 8500 years.These natural and culturalenvironments create a spe-cial laboratory for environ-mental education activities.To enhance these activities,Rokua Geopark initiated anenvironmental educationproject during the summer2013. The project is fundedby the Rokua Geopark andthe European Union RegionalDevelopment Fund. It willcontinue until May 2015.The project aims to create amodel for permanent envi-ronmental education activi-ties within Rokua Geoparkleading to an increase inknowledge and to strength-ening pride in the local iden-tity among students andinhabitants. This work can-

not be achieved withoutquality educational materialsand close cooperation withschools and other education-al organizations. During the autumn of 2013Rokua Geopark organized forexample, workshops forteachers, theme days forschools and courses aboutlocal history and nature inconjunction with the adulteducation center. The focusof the workshops has beento distinguish similaritiesbetween geopark themesand curricula requirementsand to identify the types ofmaterials which are usefuland necessary for schools.These materials are currentlybeing developed. During thetheme days some materialsand methods have been test-ed together with otherorganizations. Several tourist companieswithin the area have beenintroduced to local environ-ment and geopark themes sothat they can impart thisknowledge to visitors. Someenterprises are now develop-ing adventure camps for chil-dren utilizing the Geopark’s

fascinating environment. The development of certainmaterials is completed andalready in use. For instance aboard game called “On thetraces of the Ice Age –Adventure game in theRokua Geopark” has beenused as teaching material inschools but also as a recre-ational activity for visitors bytourism providers. In addi-tion, teachers have beenbriefed to use the interactive3D models which can beenfound, like the board game,via the Rokua Geopark web-site.

Mikko [email protected]

www.rokuageopark.fi

Teachers trying andpracticing the RokuaGeopark board game

exploringgroundwaterin a kettle holepond during asummer camp

EnvironmentalEducation in RokuaGeopark, Finland


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Four years ago the SobrarbeGeoapark initiated a newproject called “PartnerEnterprises of the Geopark”.The aim of this collaborativeproject was to improve thequality of tourism provisionin the area of the Geoparkand to promote geotourism,linked to the geological her-itage. With this goal, the

Sobrarbe Geopark created aProtocol Agreement for thepartnership between theGeopark and the collaborat-ing organizations. According to the terms of thisagreement, the Geopark iscommitted to promote theorganizations collaborating inthe Geopark’s activities, andto provide them with promo-

tional material in order tocomplement their tourismprovision. In this partnership, the col-laborating organization par-ticipates in the training cours-es organized by the Geoparkand guarantees that its activ-ities agree with the Geopark’sprinciples and objectives. Thepartner organization willprofit from the Geopark’snational and internationalpromotional activities. Each partner enterprise hasto attend the training coursesorganized by the Geopark,publicize the existence of theGeopark and its activitiesamong its customers, andpresent an annual report tothe Geopark to demonstratethat the requirements of theagreement for the PartnerEnterprises are being ful-filled. Also a supervisor fromthe Geopark visits each part-ner annually in order toensure the fulfilment of theprotocol.The enterprises that havesigned the agreement includehotels, camping sites, hos-tels, rural hotels, restaurantsand traditional food produc-ers.Currently there are 113 part-ner enterprises and this proj-ect has proved to be a greatsuccess to publicise theGeopark and its activities,and also to promote aware-ness of the importance of theGeopark and its geologicalheritage to Sobrarbe’s inhab-itants.

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Ana Ruiz [email protected]

Promoting localfood products

Signing of the agreementbetween the partnerenterprises

The partner enterprisesof Sobrarbe Geopark:

How to share the benefits of a Geopark with its society

and stakeholders

Partners attending the training course


The Geopark SierrasSubbéticas was declared aNatural Park in 1988 by theregional government ofAndalucia. This involves thePlanning of NaturalResources and a Master Planfor Use and Management,with criteria that ensure theprotection of the geologicalheritage throughout theGeopark.The Geopark has a team ofPark Wardens, the authority’sagents, who through theirsurveillance of the territorycontrol and ensure compli-ance with the environmentalregulations and therefore theconservation of naturalresources.The Geopark has organizedand taught a course on thegeology of the Sierras

Subbéticas and itsc o n -

text within the EuropeanGeoparks Network, especial-ly targeted at the wardens inorder to facilitate their work.The content of this course istheoretical and practical. Itprovides information on thegeological history of theSierras Subbéticas and themost interesting geologicalareas with special emphasison the Geopark’s most vul-nerable sites and on identify-ing potential threats to thegeological heritage.Since 2008, coinciding withthe European GeoparksWeek, these wardens,together with Geopark staffconduct an awareness envi-ronmental education cam-paign called "The WardensVisit our School." It sched-uled visits to schools in theS i e r r a s

Subbéticas, with talks on thenatural and cultural values ofthe Geopark and highlightedthe importance of preservingthe geological heritage.Moreover, the activity isenlivened by using feathers,skeletons, animal tracks,rocks and fossils. A crash course on theGeopark’s geological valueshas also been presented tothe local teaching communi-ty, which aims to help thisgroup in its task of trainingprimary and secondaryschool students. This wellattended and welcomecourse has been a great suc-cess and is expected to becontinued.

Training for the protectionof the Geopark SierrasSubbéticas, Spain

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Lourdes Guerra Gonzá[email protected]

Alicia Serna [email protected]

Teachers fromPrimary and

SecondarySchools in the

Picacho deCabra Peak during the

course delivered dur-

ing the EGNWeek of 2013

Fieldtrip of the coursefor the Forest

Wardens on the Geology

of the SierrasSubbéticas

Geopark

Environmentaleducation activities in a SierrasSubbéticasschool with theForest Wardensduring the EGNWeek of 2013


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In the Vikos-Aoos Geopark,an EGN and GGN membersince 2010, archaeologistshave unearthed rich evi-dence about the life ofhunter gatherers at the endof the pleistocene period.The fruitful collaboration withother disciplines, e.g. struc-tural and glacial geology,geography and palynology,resulted in an exceptionallydetailed reconstruction ofpalaeoenvironmental oscilla-tions, documenting thedynamic interplay betweennature and past cultures inthis rugged gorge landscape. During the peak of the lastmajor glacial event (c.22,000 - 18,000 years ago),ice-sheets capped the sum-mits (> 2500m) and karstplateaus of the westernPindus mountain rangeenhancing the erosion of thelimestone and flysch bedrockand discharging massive vol-umes of water into theVikos–Voidomatis–Aoos riversystem. Consequently natu-ral resources and humanactivity were limited at thistime. With the gradual ameliora-tion of the climate, meltingof the ice and the expansion

of pioneer woodland and ofwild animal mountainspecies, paleolithic bowmenstarted to explore the newhabitat 17,500 years ago. Forthe next 7 millennia, familiesand/or hunting groups usedfault-controlled rock over-hangs (e.g. Klithi, Boila,Megalakkos) at the sidewallsof the gorge as temporaryabodes during spring/sum-mer months. There they litfires for warmth, cooking,company and protectionagainst carnivores (bears,wolves, foxes and lynx).They hunted the steepslopes for agile wild caprids(goat-antelopes) namely ibexand chamois. The latter wasvalued especially for its softhide. They also fished in theriver and trapped beavers.Equipped with sophisticatedtechnologies, they collectedflint (chert) pebbles from theriverbanks or used animalbones to manufacture tools,e.g. arrowheads, knives,scrapers, borers, needles.They decorated clothes andmarked their bodies withbeads made of fresh watershells and herbivore teeth,and natural red ochre.As the forest grew thicker

and expanded into the high-lands by approximately 9.000years ago, the gorge envi-ronment became lessrewarding and the nomadichunters obtained venison,fat, marrow, antlers andhides from migrating deerherds fording the river in thenearby Konitsa plain. Theyalso traversed ravines seek-ing resources and adven-tures beyond the mountainchain.From 2014, Geopark visitorscan follow a designated itin-erary with information on thepalaeolithic cultures and thepleistocene ecology alongthe Voidomatis river (Zagoriand Konitsa municipalities).

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Eleni Kotjabopoulou [email protected]

The WestEntrance of theVoidomatisGorge

The KlithiUpperPalaeolithicrockshelter

Drilled freshwater shells

(beads) for use as decoration

(14,000 years BP)

Hunters of the last Hunters of the last ice ageice agein the Vicos-Aoos Geopark, NW Greecein the Vicos-Aoos Geopark, NW Greece


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Alcorisa is located in the NEof the province of Teruel(Aragón, Spain). It is situat-ed in the eastern area of theAragonese Iberian mountainrange, in the northern part ofMaestrazgo Geopark and onthe southern edge of theEbro Basin, where theIberian (NW-SE and WNW-ESE) and Catalonian (NE-SWand NNE-SSW) tectonicstructures are seen to inter-sect.The natural and geologicalheritage of the Geopark isunquestionably of tectonic,stratigraphic, geomorpholog-ic, paleontological, environ-mental and didactic interest.It is necessary to reveal andexplain these for cultural andeducational purposes,besides creating an addition-al tourist attraction. Samplesof this heritage include thesyntectonic discrepancy fromEl Calvario of Oligocene-Miocene age and the marinepalaeodiversity of the UpperJurassic which is reflected in16 new ammonoideos kim-meridgienses taxa which areexplained as endemic phe-nomena. The “Garden of Stones fromAlcorisa: Geólogo JuanParicio” is regarded as a per-manent exhibition of theexisting stones in that locali-ty; It is conceived as an

informative and didactic areawhich will complement arecently completed gardenarea next to the GuadalopilloRiver (The lake park).It has been conceived andbuilt to contribute to thegeological knowledge andthe geological history of thearea using only some of thefeatures of the exposedstones.This Garden of Stones con-sists of an itinerary with asuccession of fourteen sam-ples: twelve sedimentarystones arranged in strati-graphic order and two pale-ontological sets, one marineand the other continental.The exposed stones, whichformed between 210 million

years ago and not more than1 million years ago, repre-sent all the geological inter-vals since the end of theTriassic to the present day.The Garden of Stones hasbeen created in recognitionof the local geologist LuisMoliner, with the support andcooperation of Alcorisa’sTown Hall, Maestrazgo’sGeopark and the altruisticand enthusiastic aid frommany people with or withoutan intersest in geology. It isalso a posthumous homageto a great person and a greatgeologist from Teruel, JuanParicio Cardona.

Garden of Stones: “Geólogo Juan Paricio”.Alcorisa (Teruel)

Foto 3_Unidad n∂ß 10en su emplaza-miento definitivode Rosi Casas

Foto 2_Simulaci«¸nde sueloendurecido conrestosammonites_ deJulio Guill«∏n

Foto 1_Montaje del

monolito debienvenida de

Julio GuillǸn

Ángel Herná[email protected]


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The Ice Age landscape of theMuskau Arch push morainebecame heavily wooded withthe warming of the climateduring the Holocene interval.Human activity involvingdeforestation of the land foragricultural use, historic min-ing for lignite and other min-eral resources, road buildingand settlements havechanged the landscape con-siderably. It is therefore diffi-cult but also fascinating toexplain the Geopark’s land-scape to the general public.To experiment, research,read maps, feel, photographand taste – children alwayswant to experience theirenvironment using all theirsenses. No idea ... what isthat - Natural Sciences?Geology? In the firstinstance we recommend avisit to the Visitor CentreDöbern with its interactivehands-on provision. Hereeven very young children,sitting on colourful cushions,can leaf through thematicbooks specifically designedfor children. They can searchfor small „treasures“ of localstones and minerals in sandboxes or have completelynew experiences along the

geological time line. Forwhom this is not enough, itis possible to look at thinsection through a micro-scope or take part in the„Rock Rally“. TheInformation Centre inJerischke or the VisitorCentre of the Forest RailwayBad Muskau also provideinteresting geological andhistorical information aboutthe region. Since children always wantto experience and do some-thing for themselves,German and Polish GeoparkGuides organize tours forchildren, for example to thehills of the end moraine inthe Drachenberge, to the oldand now flooded clay andgravel pits, to abandonedlignite quarries or to placesof former glass production.The children’s excursionguide identifies the mostexciting destinations in theGeopark, provides ideas forthe construction of instru-ments and experiments,explains geological terminol-ogy and has, of course,maps of the landscape tohand. In a project, “Media inthe Countryside” supportedby the Federal Ministry forEconomy, a kit for geologicalexperimentation was devel-oped for working in the field,for instance sieving sand,measuring the pH of wateror examining rocks with ahand lens. Work sheets withpractical exercises have beendeveloped for geographylessons in schools. As aresult of the regular German– Polish collaboration, thesematerials are supplementedevery year. In 2014 this willtake place for the 6th time.

Every year this project has aspecial theme: 2014: "Ice Age erratic boul-ders" - Rocks and theirmeaning in the regional cul-tural history 2015: "From clay to cup,from sand to glass" - Clayand sand as raw materialsThese include the GeoparkOffice, the Polish Institute ofMonument Protection, thecountry hostel for schoolclass visits in Jerischke, theIce Age Village Krauschwitz,the Vattenfall Foundation forNatural Protection and lastbut not least the childrenand teachers.

‘Learning by doing’ especially for young school children

Muskau Arch Geopark, Poland-Germany

Nancy [email protected]

Katarzyna Jagiełło

A geography lesson in the

GeoparkCentre of

country hostelfor schoolclasses inJerischke

The "SunkenWood",a lake at the site of a former lignite mine"Babina"(grandmother)near Łęknica

Mammothsat MuskauGlacier


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The Georoute is a crucialinstallation within theChablais Geopark because itis the only physical manifes-tation of the Geopark. It hasbeen conceived as a unifyingaction within a territorywhich involves varied land-scape, heritage and stake-holders. Taken as a whole,the 23 geosites tell the com-plete story of the Chablaisand its rich heritage.Following approval by theSyndicate Intercommunald’Amenagement du Chablais“SIAC” in 2009, the Geoparkteam and the consultancyAtemia scoped the Georouteworkstreams. Atemia facili-tated the selection of the 23geosites considered to berepresentative, individualand yet complementary. Toa large extent, stakeholderdecisions were driven by thedeemed “interest” of a par-ticular geosite, as scoredusing a rigorous methodolo-gy within the Geoparkgeosite database. For each site the stakehold-ers together chose the her-itage topics, numberand type of informa-tion panels,

complementary street furni-ture and site landscaping. Asecond round of tenderswere awarded in 2012 forthe manufacture and installa-tion of the information pan-els, the landscaping, and thenew technology aspects ofthe Georoute. The Chateau de Ripaille is anexample of a typical site.Using the georoute installa-tion the “Fondation Ripaille”has sought to introduce thecastle (which is open to visi-tors), present the site’s geol-ogy, and its wine makingactivities. The new publicfootpath will integrate thechateau into its surround-ings, as well as providing dis-abled access. The Geopark strived to deliv-er high quality results thatnot only cover informationcontent and presentation,but also the production andinstallation of panels. Withover 180 information panels,multiple authors and numer-ous images, an editorialcharter was imposed toensure content consistency. Over 90% of the project iscomplete and sites are pre-sented on the Geopark web-

site and the Chablais touristmap. The Georoute acts aresource for our accreditedguides and was also featuredin the European HeritageDays eventt h i sSeptember. During thed e v e l o p -ment of theGeoroute,the teamreflectedon anumbe rof obser-vations:t h echo i ceof foreign lan-guages, balance betweenimages and text, quantity oftext, and the general under-standing of geological termscompared to the technicallanguage of other disciplines.These are being analyzedand the results will be com-municated shortly.

The Chablais GeoparkGeoroute:Multi-stakeholder Mediation Adventure

Sophie [email protected]

Anne Guyomard [email protected]

Natacha Nugue [email protected]

An accreditedGeopark guideusing a Georoutepanel with a schoolgroup at the Lac duVallon, summer2013. SIAC.

The content onthe informationpanel at theMaravantMarsh. SIAC.

The “Totem”at the Lac du

Montriondgeosite which

introduces theGeoroute,

presents thegeosite and

highlightsthemes, siteaccessibility

and durationof the geosite

visit. SIAC.


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The Chablais Geopark is locat-ed in the northern part of theFrench Alps in Haute-Savoie,eastern France and bordersItaly and Switzerlandbetween Léman (LakeGeneva) and Mont-Blanc.Extending over 832 km², theGeopark forms a naturallybounded territory at an alti-tude of 370 - 2400 m. With126, 834 inhabitants, it has ahigh population density (152people/km²).The Chablais Geopark sitswithin the “SyndicatI n t e r c o m m u n a ld’Aménagement du Chablais“(SIAC). Its mission is to deliv-er long-term economic devel-opment whilst preserving theunique environment of theChablais by “Offering a highstandard of living and a quali-ty environment to the localpopulation and support andpromote the economic devel-opment of the Chablais.”The region features a strong,mixed economy of around5000 enterprises: 1% agricul-ture, 14% commerce, 7%construction, 19% industry,28% service sector, 24% pub-lic services. Principal employ-

ers include SA Evian® NaturalMineral Water and theMorzine-Avoriaz ski area andlifts. Despite the significantnumbers who commute dailyto positions in Switzerland,over 60% of Chablais activityis related directly or indirectlyto tourism.The Chablais Geopark lies in aremarkable natural landscapewhich has permeated the cul-ture and life of its inhabitantsand numerous visitors.Traditional architecture, theworking of the land, the highmountain farms, the storiesand legends, the natural rich-es of the Evian and Thononmineral waters bear witness tothese strong links betweenman and nature.Lying within the Forealps ofthe Alpine mountain chain, thegeology of the region under-pins the distinct geography,cultural heritage and econom-ic development of the territo-ry. The quality and diversity ofthe local environment is rec-ognized in the Chablaisthrough the numerous desig-nated sites and biotopes atinternational (RAMSAR,Natura 2000) and national lev-els (Natural Reserves).The following themes gov-erned the evolution of theChablais Forealps:- Dominated by marine sedi-ments,- Deformed underwater (untilthe late stages of the AlpineOrogeny),- The emergent ForealpsChablais Massif sculpted byice and water.The Chablais has experienceda huge variety of geologicalsettings: continent, rift,ocean, subduction zone andorogen. Each of these phasescan be explored through ourgeosites. Furthermore, theterritory is a condensed modelof the Alps because it has thevery rare presence of an

almost complete succession ofAlpine nappes. By unravelinga cross-section of around 50km we can see over 1000 kmof Alpine history. The land-scape of the Chablais wasreworked during theQuaternary by multiple glacia-tions giving rise to its trulyexemplary glacial landscapeand distinctive hydrogeology.We have the remarkablemoraine complexes of the BasChablais and our “NaturalCastle of Water” featuringsome of the most uniqueaquifers of the world famous“Evian Water”.Education and sustainabledevelopment are also keyactivities of the ChablaisGeopark. The Geopark’s net-works are working to developnew geotourism initiatives todiversify the current touristbase. Actions such as thestructured training of moun-tain guides and other touristprofessionals have expandedour network to over 84accredited guides in Franceand Switzerland. Furthermore,educational workshopsapproved by the NationalEducation Authority are nowavailable to both local schoolchildren and those on fieldtrips at the Museum ofPrehistory and Geology, theDiscovery Centre of the Valleyd’Aulps and the “Gorges duPont du Diable”.A major new communicationtool, the Georoute, contains aseries of 21 geosites distrib-uted throughout the territory.Each of these small windowspermits the discovery of dif-ferent aspects of the geologi-cal, cultural and natural histo-ry of the Chablais. These sitesare being equipped with infor-mation panels and interpreta-tive aids during 2012-2013.

Anne Guyomard Jean-Pierre Fillion

[email protected]

Here, the Alps tell

The Chablais GeoparkMap: TheGeoroute: 21 RemarkableGeosites

A moutainGuide leading

a touristgroup in the

field

A TraditionalSailing Boat “LeSavoie”, onLake Leman(Lake Geneva).


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The Azores archipelago is aPortuguese autonomousregion consisting of nineislands and several islets. Thearchipelago includes 19municipalities and 156 parish-es with a population of246,772 inhabitants. TheAzores Geopark’s exceptionalgeological heritage supports astrategy that promotes thewell-being of the populationand maintains respect for theenvironment. The AzoresGeopark has an area of12,884 km2, consisting of2,324 km2 of land, and10,560 km2 of marinegeosites. The Geopark ismanaged by the non-profitGEOAÇORES Association com-posed of public and privateinstitutions.

Azorean HeritageDespite the small size of theAzorean territory, the islandshave a wide range of land-scapes and features (such asvolcanoes, calderas, lavafields, thermal waters, vol-canic caves, marine fossilsand fault scarps) derived pri-marily from the nature anddynamics of volcanic erup-tions, and the processes ofweathering and erosion. Itsunique geotectonic setting atthe triple junction of theNorth American, Eurasian andAfrican tectonic plates, alsocontributes to this diversity.The Azores archipelago’s richgeodiversity, and importantgeological heritage containsseveral sites of scientific, edu-

cational and touristic interest.Given the insular nature ofthe region, the AzoresGeopark supports a networkof 121 geosites within thenine islands and the sur-rounding seafloor, most ofthem of national or interna-tional relevance. This net-work, i) highlights the impor-tance of the geodiversity thatcharacterizes the Azorean ter-ritory, ii) reflects approximate-ly 10 million years of geologi-cal history, iii) involves con-servation and promotionstrategies, and iv) is based ona decentralized managementstructure with support in allthe islands. Of the 121geosites 57 were selected fordeveloping geo-conservationstrategies and promotionalactivities in the AzoresGeopark.The rich biodiversity, architec-tural, cultural, ethnographicand intangible heritages arealso undeniably significant.The Azores archipelagobelongs to the Macaronesia, abiogeographic region thatincludes the archipelagos ofMadeira, Canaries and CapeVerde. The Azores are one ofthe richest areas of biodiversi-ty in Europe, supporting a sig-nificant number of endemicplant species in the differentislands, currently protectedunder the auspices of theIsland Natural Parks. TheBiosphere Reserves of Corvo,Flores and Graciosa islandsand the UNESCO WorldHeritage sites of the"Historical Centre of Angra doHeroísmo" on Terceira Islandand the "Landscape of thePico Island Vineyard Culture"are also important heritagesites within the territory.

Man and VolcanoesThe Azorean culture, ethnog-raphy and architecture are

strongly influenced by thegeology of the islands. Sincethe first settlements in the fif-teenth century, the Azoreanpeople learned to live withvolcanoes and earthquakes,taking advantage of the fertilesoils (e.g. vineyards), geolog-ical resources (e.g. thermalareas) and beautiful land-scapes, to promote theirsocio-economic development.The “geological footprint” canbe observed in the regionalarchitecture and the use ofvarious building stones, in thefood (the famous “Furnasgeo-cook”), and also in theintangible heritage.Amongst the later is worthmentioning the “HolySpirit Festivities” thataffirm the faith of a popu-lation faced with cata-strophic earthquakes andvolcanic eruptions.Given the islands’ richgeodiversity and heritage,a strategy for geotourismin the Azores was imple-mented under the umbrel-la of the Azores Geopark.Established geotouristicroutes include theVolcanic Caves Route, theBelvederes Route, theWalking Trails Route, theThermal Route, the Scienceand Interpretation CentresRoute and the UrbanGeoroutes.Many of these routes are usedby the inhabitants and visitorsand in guided tours for educa-tional purposes. Teacher'sguides and information forchildren contribute to raisingawareness of the need to pro-tect the environment and forgeo-conservation.

Eva LimaMarisa Machado

João Carlos Nunes

The AzoresGeoparkincludes landareas (e.g. theislands) andsubmarinegeosites

Azores GeoparkAzores GeoparkPortugal - “9 Islands,

1 Geopark”

The CapelinhosVolcano,

an importanttourist

attraction in the Azores,

characterised by its unique-

ness, scenicbeauty and association with active

and historical volcanism

The typical“Furnas

Geo-Cook”,where

ingredients are cooked

in a pot buried in the ground

by the heat of the volcano:

an unique geothermal use!

Come to visit the Azorean volcanoes and enjoy an eruption…of Flavours,Smells andExperiences!


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The Geopark Karavanke/Karawanken is a cross-bordergeopark named after thealpine mountain chain, whichconnects the regions on bothsides of the border betweenSlovenia and Austria. TheGeopark area includes 13municipalities and extendsover an area of 1000 km2 witha population of 50. 000. It isfamous for its extraordinarygeological structures and itswealth of geological as well asother natural and culturalcharacteristics. People settledin the area for its geologicalresources, i.e. coal depositsand concentrations of miner-als including lead, zinc andmolybdenum. The “geopark”model seemed to be a goodsolution for the sustainabledevelopment of an area inwhich mining shaped andformed life on the surface. The Geopark’s geologyincludes a variety of sedimen-tary, igneous and metamor-phic rocks ranging in age fromOrdovician to Miocene whichwere formed during lateCaledonian, Variscan andAlpine orogenic cycles. Somegeological features in this areaare of extraordinary, evenworld-renowned scientificimportance. The predominantsurface exposures of rocks inthe Geopark originated assediments deposited on a late

Triassic Period (Carnian Stage)sea floor between 228 and216 million years ago. Thesecontain some of the richestaccumulations of Carnian crin-ods in Europe (Helena CreekValley) together withichthyosaurs bones and otherabundant remnants of marinelife in the ancient TethysOcean. The occurrence ofPillow lavas in the Obir Gorgeand volcanic rocks inSmrekovec are evidence ofsubmarine volcanism. The col-lision between the Adriaticand the Eurasian plates result-ed in the creation of the Alpsand the a several-hundred-kilometre long Periadriaticfault zone.The Geopark alsoboasts one of the world’s fivemajor deposits of dravite, asodium, magnesium alumini-um silicate (tourmaline), therichest wulfenite (lead molyb-date) deposits in Europe andone of the most famous in theworld. It also contains fivemajor lead-zinc ore outcrops(galena and sphalerite) andearly Palaeozoic rocks contain-ing pegmatite (schorlite).Some of these ores wereexploited beneath the slopesof the Peca and Hochobirmountains. Today we canadmire specimens of theseminerals in museums. Coalmining was also important.The coalmine in Leše was oneof the largest and most mod-ern coalmines in Slovenia, andfuelled the most importantEuropean ironworks. The sur-face as we see it today hasbeen shaped over millions ofyears, and subsurface erosionformed the extraordinary karstcaves of the Hochobir and thescenic Trögern glen. The varied geology con-tributes to a range of habitats,and the Geopark’s rich biodi-

versity. Rare habitats havesurvived due to human activi-ty and provide a refuge forunique plant species such asthe endemic Zois’ bellflower,Kamnik orchid, Peca meadowoat-grass, Wulfen's primroseand gentian. The Geopark isalso important as a sanctuaryfor birds including endangeredspecies of grouse (capercaillie,black grouse, ptarmigan andhazel grouse). Fens andstreams are biogically impor-tant as well as sources ofclean water.The geologic features of thisarea are part of a rich culturalheritage. The cultural heritageis presented in several muse-ums, archaeological sites(Mountain of St. Hemma) andgalleries, through everydaycustoms and practices includ-ing traditional local events andoral tradition of fairytales,folktales and legends. Theterritory is associated withindustrial innovation due tothe early development ofindustry and construction ofmanufacturing plants. Today, visitors and scientistsare drawn to this area by thewealth of minerals in oldmines, as well as by its out-standing natural resourcesand its people. All this is con-nected, presented and pro-moted by the Geopark. Theexisting tourist infrastructurehas been upgraded with geo-experiences, geo-educationand geo-interpretation andlinked to the local economy,culture and nature, which willundoubtedly contribute to fur-ther development of theregion.

On the peaksof the Geoparkit sometimesstill seems likebeing on anisland in themiddle of theTethys Ocean

GeoparkKaravanke/Karawanken

Geo-experiencein the Mežica mine

Fajmut Štrucl Suzana [email protected] Lenka [email protected]č Mojca [email protected] Gerald [email protected] Primož [email protected] Varch Christian [email protected]


The 294 km2 Geopark Idrijalocated in the western part ofSlovenia includes theMunicipality of Idrija witharound 12,000 inhabitants.Its centre Idrija, the oldestSlovene mining town, devel-oped concomitantly with itsmercury mine. The Idrijamercury ore deposit, themost valuable and uniquefeature of the Geopark, is theworld’s second largest oredeposit in terms of mercuryconcentration, after Almadénin Spain. Its rich and unusu-al ores include epigeneticand unique syngenetic sedi-mentary cinnabar ores andnative mercury. Mercury mining started in1490 when mercury was dis-covered by a now legendarycooper as he was soaking awooden tub in a stream. Inthe second half of the 19th

century Idrija had one of thebest-equipped mines in theAustro-Hungarian Empire.with the best quality machin-ery and equipment and con-stantly improving extractionand refining processes. Idrijaand Almadén were recog-nised in 2012 as a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. The Idrija region is situatedat the junction of theDinaride and Alpine moun-tain ranges. Its exceptionalgeoheritage includesa deepgorges with remarkablestratigraphic cross sections,tectonic phenomena andmineral and fossil deposits.Water shapes the landscapewith numerous springs,rivers and karst featuresincluding poljes, caves and

sinkholes. Within a relativelysmall area visitors canobserve Carboniferous,Permian, Triassic, Cretaceousand Paleocene-Eocene rocks.The Geopark includes indi-vidual nappes and intermedi-ate nappe horses as well asnormal faults and faults withright-lateral displacement.The most prominant andbest known fault is the IdrijaFault. The high Karst table-lands and mountain topsoffer beautiful views fromthe Alps to the Adriatic Sea. The Geopark has an interest-ing cultural heritage linked toits mining tradition . Manyrare and even unique exam-ples of its technical heritagehave been preserved. Thetown of Idrija and its sur-roundings feature a largenumber of cultural heritagesites testifying to the signifi-cance of this area for mercu-ry production. The old townhas a distinct mining charac-ter. In the past, most of thebuildings were used by themine, but today house muse-um collections, lace shops,cafés, and an aquarium.Anthony’s Main Road, theoldest part of the Idrija Mine,is open to the public and dis-plays old and modern meth-ods of mining. The 16th cen-tury Gewerkenegg Castle,which used to serve the minefor the storage of mercuryand as an administrativebuilding, now hosts Idrija’sMunicipal Museum present-ing a comprehensive exhibi-tion of the 500-year long his-tory of the mine and thetown. The museum is also

responsible for Idrija kamšt(water pump), a collection ofmine machines and devicesin Francis’ Shaft, and theMiner’s house. In the Zgornja IdrijcaLandscape Park, encompass-ing the upper reaches of theIdrijca River and the BelcaStream, the monumentalklavže water barriers testifyto the unique technology offloating timber for use in themine. The restored “Idrijalauf” was the first forest rail-way used to transport timberto the river from where itwas floated to Idrija.Idrija also developed as atown with a range of educa-tional institutions. Miningactivities provided jobs forthe male labour force, and bydeveloping the craft of lace-making, women providedminers’ families with an addi-tional income. Today, Idrijalace is a significant part ofthe Slovene cultural heritagethat has been preserved anddeveloped.

Mojca Gorjup Kavčič[email protected]

Bojan Rež[email protected]

Experience of natural and cultural heritage

Geopark Idrija

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It took a long time before wein the Netherlands dared toapply to join the network ofEuropean Geoparks. This isperhaps partly because weoften think that the

Netherlands has no geolo-gy – that is if we only thinkof geology as ‘hard rocks’.But in fact the Netherlandspossesses some veryremarkable geological andgeomorphological phe-nomena and this is partic-ularly true of the northeastof the country, theProvince of Drenthe, in thearea known as theHondsrug region. The region in question isapproximately 70 kilome-tres in length and 15 kmwide. It has a surface areaof 930 square km and liesin the east of the Provinceof Drenthe not far fromthe border with Germany.The region has 180,000inhabitants living in morethan 50 villages within fivelocal authority areas. The Hondsrug-complex ismade up of a number oftill ridges (also calledmegaflutes) that trend NW- SE across the province. Itis one of the most signifi-cant geographic featuresin Drenthe and theHondsrug itself is the mostdistinct of these till ridges.They were formed some150,000 years ago duringthe final phase of the lastbut one ice age, the

Saalian. Research has shownthat this particular area is analmost unique geological phe-

nomenon, the only otherexample being in theDubawnt area of NorthernCanada.The Hondsrug is dotted withpingo remnants, dead icedepressions and erratics.Push moraines are also pres-ent. During the last ice age(Weichselian), cover sandwas deposited and meltwatervalleys and stream valleyswere formed. During theHolocene period, high moorpeat deposits and drift-sandswere created. Another interesting geologicalfeature is the stream valley ofthe Voorste Diep. This is abreak through in theHondsrug, a depressionformed by a process of salttectonics during differentgeological periods as well aserosional and depositionalevents during glaciations. The Hondsrug is only one -albeit important - element ofa regional landscape thatincludes stream valleys, peatreclamation areas and theremnants of the high peatmoors. There are manyimportant nature reserves onthe Hondsrug which docu-ment various aspects of thetill deposits, the peat areasand the cover sands.But it is not only its geomor-phology which makes thisregion important – its culturalhistory is also very special.Many prehistoric monuments(such as megalithic tombs,burial mounds and celticfields) are to be found on theridges, following the lines ofprehistoric routes. The

Netherlands can boast of 53megalithic tombs (calledhunebeds in Dutch) and 47 ofthem lie within the Hondsrugregion. Other examples are the lay-out of the typical farming vil-lages known as ‘esdorpen’with their thatched farmhous-es and village greens; theway farmers organised them-selves into local groupsknown as ‘boermarken’; thehistory of the extensive peatindustry; local art, nature andmodern-day culture; andmany other aspects of life.Walking on the Hondsrugtakes us past 5,500 years ofhuman history!So there is a very strong rela-tionship between the culturalhistory and the far longer his-tory of the formation of thelocal landscape. And yetthere is something strangehere. Everyone knows thisregion, tourists as well as theinhabitants. But the story ofthe region is far less wellknown, and there is littleawareness or appreciation ofany regional identity. Also, the region faces variousproblems such as unemploy-ment, a shrinking economy, adecline in the number ofyoung people and an ageingpopulation. The Geopark offers an excel-lent opportunity to changethis situation.

The Hondsrug The Hondsrug GeoparkGeopark

The first Geopark in the Netherlands

Harrie [email protected] [email protected] Cathrien Posthumus [email protected]

We are very proudof becoming thefirst Dutch memberof the European andthe Global GeoparkNetwork. The proj-ect partners also areof course verypleased. But thepartners also realisethat this milestoneis not the end butonly one stage inthe process. Fromnow on a lot of hardwork will be done tostrengthen the sus-tainable develop-ment of the region.We are very awareof what we need todo for the future.We shall focus onpromoting theGeopark philosophy,not only here in theHondsrug region butthroughout theNetherlands andeven further afield.


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The dolomiticMonte Fenera

arises fromthe red rhyo-

lites of thesupervolcano

along theSesia River

The mightyMonte Rosa,the greatest

massif in theAlps, as it

appears during a sunny sun-rise from the

Val GrandeNational Park

Mysteriouscarvings onCeneri gneisswith LakeMaggiore in thebackground

The Geopark is located onthe north-east of thePiemonte Region, NW Italy,and encompasses areas ofthe Verbano Cusio Ossola,Biella, Novara and VercelliProvinces. Its 213,959hectares include 85 munici-palities with a population of152,813 inhabitants. Within60 km the territory rangesfrom the Gnifetti Peak at4,554 m. a.s.l. to LakeMaggiore at the 190 m a.s.l.making this the highest andthe steepest geopark inEurope.The geopark’s territory hasbeen the object of intenseand continuing scientificinterest for decades becausethe association of rocks fromthe deep, middle and uppercrust provide an unprece-dented, accessible referencesection for interpreting geo-physical data involving thestructure of the continentalcrust. These rocks wereexposed by the collision, overthe past 100 million years,between the continents ofAfrica and Europe during theAlpine orogeny. The bound-ary between the continents,the Insubric line, is called theCanavese Line in thisregion.In the same area, theSupervolcano of the Sesia

erupted approximately 280million years ago forming ahuge caldera, the remains ofthis and its magmatic plumb-ing system are clearly visibletoday. The accessibility of the areaand the organization andinfrastructure of the Geoparkallow visitors to observe thegeological processes thataffected the continental crustover hundreds of millions ofyears. Visitors can walk onfragments of sub-continentalmantle, they can visit thecontact between a massivegabbro intrusion and therocks of the deep crust to seehow they interacted generat-ing granitic magma. They canvisit the roots and roof of agranitic pluton and admirethe chaotic breccias pro-duced by the explosive supereruption that formed acaldera at least 15-km indiameter. Thrust sheets ofrocks derived from Europeand Africa which werestacked to form the Alps arewonderfully displayed on theMonte Rosa massif and alongthe lower Val d'Ossola. To thenorthwest of the CanaveseLine, the public can visit out-crops of ultra-high-pressuremetamorphic rocks and frag-ments of the Tethys oceaniccrust that once separatedEurope and Africa.Extending from the Po Valleyto the peaks of the Alps, theSesia-Val Grande Geoparkallows visitors to observe theeffects of climate changeinvolving the Pleistocenegeomorphology, the recentretreat of glaciers, and pat-terns of human settlementsdating from the Paleolithic.The Geopark also includes

numerous sites of ecologicalinterest: the Val GrandeNational Park, the largestwilderness area of the Alps,three regional parks (AltaValsesia, Monte Fenera, AltaVal Strona) and 12 Sites inthe Nature 2000 Network ofthe European Union. The occurrence and availabil-ity of different lithologies andenvironments fostered a cul-ture of stone that is reflectednot only in the Geopark, butalso in the greatest architec-tural achievements such asthe Duomo of Milan with pinkmarble of Candoglia, or theBasilica of St. Paul Outsidethe Walls in Rome with gran-ite of Montorfano. Fine exam-ples of the extensive influ-ence of the culture of stonein the arts and architecturecan be found in every cornerof the geopark, from thesmall Walser villages aroundthe Monte Rosa, to themedieval boroughs alongSesia and Ossola Valley, ter-minating with the UNESCOWorld Heritage sites of thetwo Sacred Mounts of Varalloand Ghiffa.

Sesia-Val GrandeGeopark

Tullio [email protected]

Edoardo [email protected]


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The Kula Geopark is situatedin the Aegean Region ofTurkey in Western Anatolia,within Manisa Province. TheGeopark covers an area of300 km2 and has 50,000inhabitants.

In September2013 the KulaGeopark becamethe first TurkishGeopark in theEuropean and theGlobal GeoparksNetwork.The outstandingvolcanic struc-tures in the KulaGeopark areahave been knownfor at least twothousand years.The great ancientG e o g r a p h e rStrabo, namedKula as“Katakekaumene”( f i r e - b o r n )because of theoccurrence of coalblack lava. Thegeological signifi-cance as well asthe cultural rich-ness of Kula wasmentioned bymany foreign trav-

ellers and researchers.Kula Geopark area is charac-terized by high geodiversityrepresenting 200 million

years of Earth history, fromthe Palaeozoic crystallinerocks and Ophiolitic melangeto Holocene volcanism. Kulais the youngest volcanicregion in Turkey. Currently 64 geosites havebeen identified in KulaGeopark. These include thefollowing outstanding exam-ples of structures associatedwith volcanic and igneousprocesses: 8 spatter cones, 5maars, successive lava flowplains, lava caves and tubes,craters, basalt columns, 79small monogenetic cindercones aligned along a fissure,ash deposits, xenoliths andcontact metamorphism. Thelandscape contains waterfallsin volcanic canyons, karstfeatures including caves,badlands with fairy chimneysand mesas. Kula Geopark isthe land of miniature volca-noes with cinder cones nothigher than 150m. As aresult, the geosites are easyto access and visiting thearea requires very little risk,effort and time which makesthe area excellent for geot-ourism and geoeducation.In addition to its outstandingnatural and geological her-itage, Kula Geopark revealsrich cultural, architectural,historical, archaeological, andpaleontological monuments.The prehistoric inhabitants inthe Geopark area witnessedthe last eruptive periodbetween 12-15 thousandyears ago. They left a recordof unique fossilised humanfootprints on volcanic ashand primitive cave paintings.Kula, one of the oldestmunicipalities in Turkey, wasestablished in 1866 and is sit-uated at the heart of theGeopark. The majority of keygeosites are within walking

distance of the town. Kularepresents well-preservedmonuments from Turkey’s18th century Ottoman urbanarchitecture. Here the housesreflect the architectural styleand provide an impression ofthe social life in Ottomancities. Today 800 of 3000 his-torical buildings, includingmosques, churches, foun-tains and famous mansions,are designated as Kula UrbanSites.The Geodiversity in KulaVolcanic Geopark has deeplyinfluenced the rural architec-tural style and building mate-rials. Kula Geopark hosts thesacred tombs of the famousTurkish poet and Sufi mysticYunus Emre and his teacherTabduk Emre. Kula has, dueto the legacy of Yunus Emre,retained its attitude for hos-pitality and tolerance for cen-turies. This is reflected in thecoexistence of Churches andMosques.Kula Geopark offers indoorand outdoor guided tours fortourists and regular geo-edu-cation programmes for stu-dents via thematic geotrailsand the Geopark VisitorCentre “Katakekaumene”.

Outdoor geoeducationactivities at thematic geotrails

Strabo (63 BC - 24AD) Geographica:…After this region onecomes to theKatacecaumene coun-try… the whole of it iswithout trees except thevine that produces theKatacecaumenite wine,which in quality is inferi-or to none of thenotable wines. The sur-face of the plains is cov-ered with ashes, and themountainous and rockycountry is black, asthough from conflagra-tion… There are to beseen three pits, whichare called Physse, orbreathing holes… Abovethem lie rugged hills,which are reasonably supposed to have beenheaped up by the hotmasses blown forth fromthe Earth…

KULA GEOPARKFrom Strabo to Yunus Emre

Erdal Gümüş[email protected]

Selim Aşkı[email protected]

Kula GeoparkVisitor Centre

“Katake-kaumene”

Sandaldivlitcinder coneand its lavaflow


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CALENDAR26-29 March 2014: 33rd European Geoparks MeetingSobrarbe Geopark – Spain

24 May – 9 June 2014: European Geoparks Week 2014

24 June – 4 July 2014: International Intensive Course on GeoparksLesvos island Geopark – Greece

1-6 September 2014: 34th European Geoparks MeetingGeopark Harz Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen - Germany

19-22 September 2014: 6th International UNESCO Conference onGeoparksStone Hammer Geopark – Canadahttp://www.geoparks2014.com/main.html

March 2015: 35th European Geoparks MeetingΜagma Geopark - Norway

May - June 2015 – European Geoparks Week 2015

23 June – 3 July 2015: International Intensive Course on GeoparksLesvos island Geopark – Greece

3-6 September 2015: 13th European Geoparks Conference Rokua Geopark – Finland

September 2015: 4th Asian – Pacific Geoparks ConferenceSan’in - Kaigan Geopark – Japan

www.europeangeoparks.orgwww.europeangeoparks.org

58 European areas working together to valorize their geological

heritage through the integrated and sustainable development of

their territories are pleased to welcome you to their common

events and activities

THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK

Under the auspices of UNESCO

Affiliated Organization

In collaboration with

www.europeangeoparks.org


European Geoparks NetworkEuropean Geoparks NetworkWelcome to the Welcome to the

4 billion years of Earth History 4 billion years of Earth History to serve tomorrowto serve tomorrow

Fifty eight European Geoparks working together on the conservation and the appreciation of their geological heritage for sustainable territorialdevelopment, are pleased to welcome you.

We hope that you will enjoy a visit

European Geoparks Network

www.europeangeoparks.org


Documents

EGN Magazine Issue 11