europeanGEOPARKSeuropeanGEOPARKS

net

work

Euro

pean

Geo

park

s M

agaz

ine

Issu

e 9

UNESCO UNESCO & GEOPARKS& GEOPARKS

A big step forward

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:19 Page 1

2

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SEDIT

OR

IAL

EuropeanGeoparks Network

MagazineIssue No 9 / 2012

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

Executive editor:Nickolas Zouros

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

Contributors:Nickolas Zouros, Margarete Patzak, PatrickMcKeever, Andreas Schuller, KristinRangnes, Pablo Rivas Palomo, SkirmanteStasenaite, Pal Thjomoe, Aloia Aniello, DeVita Angelo, Positano M.Patrizia, KaterinaVasileiadou, Hrvoje Potrebica, AntonioDuarte, Vajolet Mase, Irmi Auer, HeinzKollmann, Robina Barton, BaldomeroMoreno Arroyo, Alicia Serna Barquero,Carlos Neto de Carvalho, Joana Rodrigues,Ines Martins, Filomena Fernandes, ElmarP.J. Heizmann, John Conway, MargaretWood, Chris Woodley Stuart, MelanieBorder, Heinz-Gerd Rohling, Justus Teicke,Friedrich-Wilhelm Wellmer, Pasquale LiPuma, Vesa Krokki, Alessandra Casini,Riccardo Cinelli, Tomas Ridkosiland,Martina Paskova, Jon Paul Llordes,Maurizio Burlando, Marco Firpo, CarmeloPrestipino, Inga Lehmkuhl, Elena Wichert,Ronan Hennessy, Pat O'Connor, IstvanKeri, Juan Gil, Jose M. Barrera, Jose M.Corrales, Javier Lopez, Jean-Luc Desbois,Stephanie Gallino, Alessia Amorfini,Antonio Bartelletti, Giuseppe Ottria,Steingerour Hreinsdottir, Gil Toja A.,Cuenca Bonilla I., Perez Villalba M.,

Editing: Tony RamsayPublication manager: Antonis GeorgiouPrint: Epikinonia S.ACover photo:The 36th UNESCO General Conferencewhich took place in ParisCopyright: The magazine and all thecontributions and illustrations containedtherein are protected by copyright. Nopart of this magazine may be copied orreproduced without the written approvalof the publishers. This also includes com-mercial reproduction as an electronic database and copying on cd rom. c 2012

Foreword

Magazine 9 presents an overview of the range of activities and achieve-ments of the European Geoparks Network between 2010 and 2011.These include the European-wide festival European Geoparks Fortnight2011, the successful 10th European Geoparks Conference, the recommen-dations of the 36th UNESCO General Conference for the future of theGlobal Network of Geoparks, activities and initiatives within geoparks andthe increased membership of the European Geoparks Network from 43 to49. The 10th European Geoparks Conference entitled "Sustainability throughKnowledge - Communicating Geoparks" hosted by Gea NorvegicaGeopark (16 - 20 September 2011) included two days of lectures andposter sessions followed by field excursions in the Geopark's unique andbeautiful landscape. Four parallel sessions involving approximately 100lectures addressed seven themes: Aspiring Geoparks; Interpretation andCommunication; Geo-conservation and Sustainable Development;Education and Research; Geotourism; Geopark Management; Geoparksand International Collaboration. This wide range of subjects provided 240delegates from 35 countries with a substantial agenda for lively discus-sions and debate. Seven European and three Asian Geoparks were wel-comed into the Network during the Conference. In this issue twenty four articles demonstrate how European Geoparkscontribute to conservation, education and the promotion of sustainabledevelopment through geotourism. In these articles Geoparks share expe-riences of working with local communities, communicating informationabout their territories and using these interrelated activities to createenjoyable and memorable experiences for their inhabitants and visitors. English Riviera Global Geopark illustrates the design of a park based onits geological history by the Paignton Geoplay Park community project.Cabo de Gata-Nijar Geopark describes the initiation of an inter-territorialand transnational project using geodiversity as a source of employment.Adamello Brenta Geopark's Junior Ranger Programme shows how geop-arks contribute to recreational activities and local economies. AroucaGeopark achieves similar aims through annual school contests. TERRAvitaGeopark's "Three-Mountains-Project" introduces "Energy and Climate","Biological Diversity" and the "History of the Earth". Rokua Geopark ini-tiated an annual challenge race to raise awareness of the Geopark. TheNight of Museums and Galleries celebration introduced over 1400 visitorsto the values of the Novohrad- Nograd Geopark. The Basque CoastGeopark proposes the need for developing a common perspectivethrough using the Internet. Bohemian Paradise and Shetland Geoparksdemonstrate the use of digital technologies for communicating informa-tion. In 2011 Madonie Geopark utilized its geology as an inspiration forart, sculpture and theatre. Secondary school pupils produced two filmsexploring the landscape and geology of North Pennines AONB Geopark.The "International Day of Biodiversity" provided a stimulus forEisenwurzen Geopark to celebrate its forested landscape. The LesvosPetrified Forest Geopark's "Earth Festival" exhibited newly discovered fos-sil animals, the inhabitants of a 20 million year old subtropical forestecosystem. Contributions from Croatian and Italian Geoparks focus onaspects of their archaeology. The importance of industrial history andarchaeology is highlighted in articles by Geopark Harz BraunschweigerLand Ostfalen, GeoMon Geopark and the Tuscan Mining Geopark. MagmaGeopark introduces "The Nordic Geo Guide School" initiated to provideeducation for geopark guides. Naturtejo and Subbeticas Geoparksdescribe the development of a tour and geological trails respectively.Geopark Swabian Albs shows how it informs its visitors through a networkof 17 Infostations.The expansion of the European Geoparks Network is reflected by theinclusion of articles from six new Geoparks. The growth of the Networkproduced a shift in the location of the world's northernmost Geopark fromFinland to Iceland, and the inclusion of the new transnational MuskauArch Geopark which unites territories in Germany and Poland.The possibility of formalizing the current Geoparks initiative and trans-forming it into a UNESCO Geoparks Programme or Initiative as recom-mended in Draft Resolution 36 C/14 of the 36th UNESCO GeneralConference represents a milestone in the development of the GlobalNetwork of Geoparks. Geoparks now need to focus, over the next twoyears, on improving the prospects of realizing an International UNESCOGeoparks Initiative.

Tony Ramsay, Member of the Editorial Board

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:19 Page 2

04 The 36th UNESCO General Conferenceand Geoparks

07 11th European Geoparks Conference

08 The European Geoparks Week 2011Celebrating Earth Heritage

09 10th European Geoparks Conference inNorwaySustainability through knowledge -communicating Geoparks

12 Geo-employment Geodiversity as asource of employment

13 Nordic Geoparks will train guides

14 Elea - Velia: an UNESCO geoarcheo-logical site

15 New discoveries in the Lesvos GeoparkThe micro-inhabitants of the LesvosPetrified Forest

16 THE PRINCES FROM KAPTOLIron Age Burial Mounds in PapukGeopark

17 Arouca Geopark: an Educational andGeotouristic destination

18 The Junior Ranger project in theAdamello Brenta Geopark: Schoolsadopt the territory

19 Celebrating the International Day ofBiodiversity in the Eisenwurzen

20 Geopark Shetland and North PenninesAONB work with aspiring Geoparks onThe HINT Project

21 The design of geological routes inSierras Subbeticas

22 The Mountains Tour: Organizing tourismresources on offer in Naturtejo Geopark

23 Infostations an internal network withinthe Geopark Swabian Alb

24 World's largest copper mine supports anew geopark project

25 Student stars shine at film premierein North Pennines AONB Geopark

26 Paignton Geoplay GeoparkA Community Project in the EnglishRiviera Global Geopark

27 The Upper Harz Water Supply Systemnew World Heritage Site

28 The geology of the Madonie Park: asource of inspiration of art, sculptureand theatre

29 Rokua Geopark ChallengeXtreme sports in unique landscape

30 Geothermal Area of TUSCAN MININGGEOPARK

31 Bohemian Paradise GeoparkHeading for Tagging

32 BASQUE COAST GEOPARK Creating ageopark website

33 Promoting the geo-archaeological her-itage in Beigua Geopark

34 TERRA.vita Geopark: The "Three-Mountains-Project"

35 Record Interest in the Night ofMuseums in Filakovo

37 Burren and Cliffs of Moher GeoparkA New Atlantic-Edge Geopark inIreland

38 THE VILLUERCAS - IBORES - JARAGEOPARK

39 Massif des Bauges Geopark: thenorthern French Alps is home toFrance's third Geopark

40 The Apuan Alps Geopark opens a win-dow on Geodiversity

41 The magnificent outdoor life of thedynamic Katla Geopark

42 The New Geopark: Sierra Norte deSevilla Geopark

43 Geopark Conferences

3

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SCO

NTE

NTS

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:19 Page 3

4

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SG

LOB

AL

NET

WO

RK

The 36th UNESCOGeneral Conferenceand GeoparksUNESCO determines its poli-cies and main lines of workthrough a series of biennialGeneral Conferences. Duringthe 36th UNESCO GeneralConference which took placein Paris from October 25th toNovember 10th 2011, thecooperation betweenUNESCO and the GlobalGeoparks Network, wasexamined.

Exibition open UNESCOTouch screens, specially cre-ated for the GeneralConference and subsequent-ly destined to become partof a permanent exhibition atUNESCO, provided dele-gates with a wealth of infor-mation concerning Geo-parks, Man and theBiosphere, and WorldHeritage Sites.

Science CommissionThe Draft Resolution 36C/14 on Geoparks whichwas adopted by the UNESCO

Executive Board inSeptember 2011 was pre-sented during the session atthe Science Commission bythe Assistant Director-General of the SciencesSector Gretchen Kalonji,who said "Geoparks are oneof the most efficient initia-tives of UNESCO withincredible outreach!" Thisapproach provides a soundbasis for further develop-ment.Delegates from twenty-fourcountries took the floor:Australia, Ireland, Chile,Poland, Italy, Kenya, Greece,Switzerland, France,Republic of Korea, Uruguay,Vietnam, Malaysia, Nether-lands, Slovenia, China,Argentina, DominicanRepublic, United States ofAmerica, Mexico, Germany,Botswana, United Kingdomof Great Britain andNorthern Ireland andHonduras. The Coordinatorsof the European Geoparks

Network, N. Zouros and P.Mc Keever, who representedGreece and the Republic ofIreland respectively,described the activities ofthe Global GeoparksNetwork and replied to com-ments. During the ensuingdebate, the Botswana dele-gate stated that theGeoparks initiative is one ofthe very few and the mostsuccessful "bottom-up" ini-tiative in UNESCO and thusUNESCO should continuesupporting it!At the end of the session,the Draft Resolution of thedocument 36 C/14, seebelow, was adopted by theScience Commission withoutamendments and subse-quently endorsed by theplenum of the GeneralConference. Geoparks havemade significant progress,but now need to work witheven greater enthusiasmwithin the next two years todevelop further the out-

Example of atouch screenimage at theUNESCOGeneralConference

The EGN'sCoordinator,

Nickolas Zourosand Vice-

CoordinatorPatrick McKeeverusing one of the

touch screens created for the

UNESCO GeneralConference

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:20 Page 4

5

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SG

LOB

AL

NET

WO

RK

RESOLUTION 36 C/14Background: Looking back on 11 years of Global Geopark activities and the increasing pro-file of the Global Geoparks Network, which as of September 2011 has 87 members in 27 coun-tries, the need to further define the role of UNESCO has become apparent. During the delib-erations at the joint meeting of the Programme and External Relations Commission and theFinance and Administration Commission at the 187th session of the Executive Board, a numberof Member States reconfirmed their interest in Geoparks and carried out modifications to thedraft decision of document 187 EX/6 Part VI regarding the report by the Director-General oncooperation between UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network.

Purpose: The General Conference is hereby invited to approve the resolution recommendedby the Executive Board at its 187th session (187 EX/Decision 6 Part V) which aims to furtherexplore possible means on how to define the future role of UNESCO in assisting Member Statesand in cooperating with the Global Geoparks Network.

1. The activities of the Global Geoparks Network focus on the key aims of building sustainableeconomic development through strong community-based activities including education at alllevels and exploring and celebrating the links between geological heritage and other aspectsof natural, cultural and intangible heritage.2. At the 187th session of the Executive Board, a number of Member States confirmed how use-ful Geoparks were for enabling communities and contributing to sustainable development andeducation. Delegates highlighted what Geoparks have already achieved, and further noted thatUNESCO is the only United Nations specialized agency dealing with the earth sciences, andtherefore Geoparks had no other United Nations "home". After the examination of document187 EX/6 Part VI, the Executive Board modified the draft decision which is noted below toexplore further possible means on how to define a future role for UNESCO in assisting MemberStates and in cooperating with the Global Geoparks Network.

comes of the 36th UNESCOGeneral Conference in orderto improve their chances ofachieving an InternationalUNESCO Geoparks Initia-tive.

ConclusionsIn closing the 36th UNESCOGeneral Conference, theDirector-General I. Bokovadrew three conclusions forUNESCO from the General

Conference: to assumegreater leadership across itsentire mandate, to focus oninnovation by tackling newissues in new ways with newpartners, and to keep up thepace of change and build onthe first results of reform."Our mandate is ambitious,so must be our action.Expectations are high. I amdetermined we must meetthem…Uncertain times callfor more UNESCO. They callfor a better UNESCO."

Nickolas ZourosPetrified Forest of Lesvos -GREECEnzour@aegean.gr

Margarete PatzakGlobal Earth Observation SectionDivision of Ecological and EarthSciences UNESCO m.patzak@unesco.org

Patrick McKeeverMarble Arch Caves- NorthernIreland and Republic of Irelandpatrickgsni@yahoo.ie

Delegates at the Science Commission session of the 36th UNESCO General Conference

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:20 Page 5

6

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SG

LOB

AL

NET

WO

RK

3. The General Conference may wish to adopt the resolution recommended by the ExecutiveBoard contained in paragraph 2 of 187 EX/Decision 6 Part V reproduced below:

The Executive Board:1. Having examined the document 187 EX/6 Part VI,2. Recommends that the General Conference adopt the following draft resolution at its 36th

session:The General Conference,Welcoming the positive impact of Geoparks on education, sustainable developmentand cultural identity of a region, and the considerable progress of the Global GeoparksNetwork,Highlighting the important contribution of geology and Geoparks to climate change and geo-logical hazards mitigation,Recalling the need to assist Member States in establishing Geoparks in their countries, espe-cially in developing countries and ensuring strong capacity-building in Latin America and theCaribbean and Africa,Bearing in mind that Geoparks activities have been performed successfully for 11 years andhave developed into a global network with 87* members in 28** countries with the full sup-port of the International Union or Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and International Union ofGeological Sciences (IUGS),Further recalling the Geoparks initiative contributes to enhancing UNESCO's visibilitywhile at the same time having low operating and secretariat costs and the potential to bringextrabudgetary funds to the Organization,

Requests the Director-General:(a) to continue to improve cooperation between UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network(GGN) and strengthen global development of Geoparks while improving the quality standardsthey have already developed,(b) to ensure a reference to Geoparks in document 36 C/5,(c) to explore in consultation with Member States the possibilities of formalizing the currentGeoparks initiative, inter alia, examining the possibility to transform it into an internationalUNESCO Geoparks Programme or Initiative, including financial and administrative implications,(d) to that end to consult in a cost-effective manner with Member States, GGN, experts andall concerned parties, including relevant UNESCO sectors and their programmes to carry outthe following actions:(i) examine the feasibility of establishing a possible UNESCO Geoparks Programme or Initiativebuilding on the existing success and experience of the GGN and Geoparks,(ii) discuss and formalize the baselines of such a programme or initiative, its working methods,questions of competency, representativeness, involvement of relevant official partners as wellas qualified persons,(iii) explore fundraising opportunities and modalities which would allow UNESCO to strength-en international networking and assist emerging Geopark projects in developing countries, witha special focus on LAC and Africa,(iv) assess options for arrangements for a formal partnership with the GGN,(e) to report back to the Executive Board at its 190th session.

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:20 Page 6

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:21 Page 7

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

S

8

EUR

OPE

AN

NET

WO

RK

The European Geoparkscontinued to promote andcelebrate their regions asdestinations where natureprovides outstandinginsights into the geologicaland geomorphologicaldevelopment of landscapesthrough the European -wide festival 'EuropeanGeoparks Week 2011'. Innumerous events Geoparksall over Europe highlightedthe influence of the region-al geology on land use,architecture and culture aswell as emphasizing geo-conservation, geo - tourismand educational activities inGeoparks. The commonmotto of the EuropeanGeoparks Week 2011 was"Celebrating Earth Heri-tage". From 21 May to 5 June

2011, the geoparks cele-brated through a variety ofevents ranging from publiclectures and conferencesemphasizing the scientificsignificance of their territo-ries, guided walks andalpine trekking in whichparticipants were intro-duced to interpreting land-scapes, visits to mines andgeological training courses.Children could experienceearth history for the firsttime through workshopsand entertaining competi-tions. Visitors and Geoparkresidents were attracted byconcerts, sports activities,photo exhibitions and mar-kets selling regional craftproducts. The inaugurationand opening of new geo-logical trails for public useis still a significant compo-

nent of the GeoparksWeek. Since 2008, the number oftrans - European activitiesand events has increasedsteadily from 450 to 620,and the number of visitorsand participants hasincreased from 37, 500 to108,000. These figuresshow that the European-wide festival 'GeoparksWeek' is increasingly suc-cessful in promoting thesustainable use of our geo-logical heritage, in relatinggeology to culture and indemonstrating to the gen-eral public the potential ofGeoparks for bringing sus-tainable development tolocal communities.

The EuropeanGeoparks Week 2011Celebrating Earth HeritageCelebrating Earth Heritage

Andreas Schullerandreas.schueller@vulkaneifel.de

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:21 Page 8

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

S

9

EUR

OPE

AN

NET

WO

RK

Gea Norvegica Geoparkhosted the 10th EuropeanGeopark Conference inSeptember, 2011. In variableautumn weather, 240 dele-gates from around the worldmet for five days in scenicLangesund. A total of 35nations were represented,and there were so many lec-tures from aspiring Geoparksthat they contributed to ses-sions throughout the pro-gramme. It is wonderful tosee the enormous interest inthe Global GeoparksNetwork and the EuropeanGeoparks Network.The delegates, who arrivedin good time before the con-ference, had the opportunityto visit Langoya outside ofLangesund with the GeoparkGuide Roger Normann, who

introduced the geology,botany, cultural and coastalhistory of this limestoneisland.The introductory sessionsconsisted of three lectures:Mona Holte from GeaNorvegica took the dele-

gates on a virtual tourthrough the Geopark, whileLars Erikstad from NINAspoke about protection ofour geological heritage inNorway and Europe. SvenDahlgren, regional geologistand Gea Norvegica

10th European GeoparksConference in NorwaySustainability through knowledge -communicating Geoparks

Opening of theSteinvikaGeosite

The fiddle-player JohanneFlottorp andsingerIngebjorgLognvikReinholdt performing at the Openingsession

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:21 Page 9

10

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SEU

RO

PEA

N N

ETW

OR

K

Geopark’s' - founder, deliv-ered an engaging lectureabout a catastrophe thatstruck a protected geologicalsite. The SteinvikaOrdovician fossil locality wascovered in oil when a ship-wreck occurred just off thecoast in 2009. Today, the fos-sils are preserved and thearea has been almost totallyrecovered, as the delegateswere able to see for them-selves later that day.Following the OpeningCeremony, there was anexcursion to Steinvika, wherethe area was officiallyopened as a new GeaNorvegica Geopark geosite. Representatives from theowner municipalities of GeaNorvegica Geopark were

present at the OpeningCeremony, and the confer-ence was officially opened byMayor Jan Pieter Flolo fromthe host - municipalityBamble. There were alsoopening speeches from theTelemark county authority,Telemark Governor, and rep-resentatives from the GGN,EGN, IUGC and UNESCO.The Langesund School MusicCorps played at the openingceremony, while part of thecultural programme was pro-vided by folk musiciansIngebjorg Lognvik Reinholdtand Johanne Flottorp. The professional programmeconsisted of four parallel ses-sions, with poster presenta-tions during coffee breaks.Both conference days began

with a plenary session ofkeynote lectures. Amongthese was an interestingpresentation by the leader ofthe Norwegian NationalCommission for UNESCO,Professor Peter M. Haugan,about the Geoparks' role ineducation, communicationand culture in connectionwith climate change. The fol-lowing seven sub-themeswere addressed in approxi-mately 100 lectures: AspiringGeoparks, Interpretation andCommunication, Geo-conser-vation and SustainableDevelopment, Education andResearch, Geotourism, Geo-park Management, andGeoparks and InternationalCollaboration. In addition tothe session on Aspiring

The newmembers ofthe growingEGN and GGN family

Gea Norvegicastaff and some of

the politicianswearing traditional

Norwegian folkcostumes at the

Ceremony introducing new

Geoparks

T

T

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:21 Page 10

11

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SEU

RO

PEA

N N

ETW

OR

K

Geoparks there were manytalks on the themes of edu-cation and interpretation,and geotourism.A festive Conference Dinnerwas held on Saturdayevening, and was precededby a formal ceremony intro-ducing 10 new geoparks.The new geoparks welcomedincluded: Apuan AlpsGeopark, Italy; Massif desBauges Geopark, France;Burren and Cliffs of MoherGeopark, Ireland; KatlaGeopark, Iceland; Muskauer

Faltenbogen, Germany andLuk Muzokowa, Poland(transborder Geopark);Sierra Norte de SevillaGeopark, Spain; Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark, Spain;Hong Kong Geopark, HongKong S.A.R. China; MurotoGeopark, Japan; andTianzhushan Geopark, China. The conference concludedwith two days of fieldtrips inthe Gea Norvegica Geopark.Many delegates participated.On the first day, 160 guestschose between two boat

trips: one sailed along thecoast to Jomfruland Island,and the other went inland toUlefoss along the TelemarkCanal. On the second day offieldtrips, 90 guests chosebetween bus tours combin-ing various nature and cul-tural experiences. Visits weremade to all the owner-municipalities of theGeopark, eight in total, all ofthem participated in this partof the programme.

The use of wateras a source of

energy and fortransportation.

The lock systems at

Ulefoss, theTelemark Canal,

part of GeaNorvegica

Geopark

Kristin Rangnes

Field excursionto the islandJomfruland, partof the lateQuaternary endmoraine. A site with an importantcoastal history

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:21 Page 11

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

S

12

AC

TIVI

TIES

The July meeting of Spanish and PortugeseGeoparks

GEO-EMPLOYMENTGeodiversity as a source

of employment

In the European GeoparksNetwork (EGN) one of themost pressing concerns inthese financially difficulttimes is its capability togenerate economic benefitsand establish a develop-ment strategy to reinforcethe local economies. Inorder to address theseissues, Spanish, Portugueseand Rumanian geoparkshave joined with local andrural development groupsto provide their expertise

and counselling in an inter-territorial and transnationalcooperation project called"GEOEMPLEO: La Geo-diversidad como Yacimientode Empleo" (Geo-employ-ment: Geodiversity as asource of employment).This project has, among itsmembers and collaborators,fifteen rural and local devel-opment groups, nine geop-arks from Spain andPortugal, and Spain's HighCouncil for ScientificResearch, the TourismInstitute and the GeologicalSurvey. The main goals of Geo-employment are to pre-serve the Geodiversity andGeological heritage, enhanceGeotourism in the IberianPeninsula and to create andsupport employment atlocal levels. The project isdivided in two phases overa period of four years(2011-2014). The firstphase is dedicated to devel-oping the project's pro-gramme and to establishingthe requirements of eachmember. The subsequentexecution phase is expect-ed to have the followingoutcomes:

Consolidate theNational Iberian forums ofGeoparks in Spain andPortugal.

Develop the Geo-park Guide initiative to pro-mote the Geological heri-tage and boost the localeconomy.

Enhance environ-mental education with

emphasis on Geodiversityand Sustainability.

Develop high quali-ty Geotourism throughimplementation of theEuropean Charter forSustainable Tourism andthe creation of a qualitybrand.The legal frame of theSpanish law 42/2007 thatrecognizes Geoparks for thefirst time at a national levelas internationally protectedareas is worth mentioning.At the regional level theAndalusian Strategy ofIntegrated Management forGeo-diversity provides theframework for the protec-tion and evaluation ofGeodiversity. Finally, Geo-employment is an exampleof how the EGN and theNational forums of Geoparksare recognized as role mod-els for the conservation ofthe geological heritage andfor the region al develop-ment of a territory.

Pablo Rivas Palomopablo.rivas.ext@juntadeandalucia.es

Poster for theGeoemployment project

c

G

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:21 Page 12

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

13

e

A spectacularcolumnar basalt

on theReynisfjara

coast, near thevillageVik in

Myrdal, KatlaGeopark,

Iceland

The 21m highPanga cliff on

the west-coastof Saaremaa

island(Saaremaa

Geopark Project,Estonia)

A school classvisiting Blafjellabandonedmine, walkingon pureIlmenitein MagmaGeopark,Norway

In 2011 the project "TheNordic Geo Guide School"was launched in Norway,Iceland and Estonia with theaim of providing quality edu-cation for geopark guides. Itis the first initiative of its kindin the Nordic countries andhas been awarded a grantfrom the Nordplus AdultFramework Programme. Itwill also be supported by theRegional DevelopmentProgramme of RogalandCounty (Norway), VocationalEducation Fund (Iceland)and the EnvironmentalInvestment Centre (Estonia).The project is targeted atmembers of local communi-ties. An intensive 36 hourtraining programme will bedeveloped by the Universityof Stavanger (Norway). Itwill provide in-depth knowl-edge about geology, culture,nature, ecology and wildlife,teach how to interact withthe environment and will dis-

cuss issues concerning cli-mate change, the impact ofman's activities, protectionand conservation and therole of tourism in destinationdevelopment. This project will enableNordic geoparks to deliverbetter services and becomebetter visitor attractions. It isbeing created and developedby three organisations repre-senting present and futuregeoparks.

The leading organisation isMagma Geopark (Norway).In March 2010, MagmaGeopark became the secondEGN Geopark in Scandinavia. The Icelandic partner organi-sation, University Centre ofSouth Iceland, was foundedin December 2007 and is sit-uated in Katla Geopark. Thisbecame the first IcelandicEGN member in September2011. The Estonian partner organi-sation, Saaremaa LocalGovernments Association,represents the interests oflocal governments on theisland of Saaremaa. Theaspirational Silurian IslandsGeopark has been estab-lished and is currentlyinvolved in producing anapplication for membershipin the EGN. Saaremaa aimsto become the first EGNGeopark in the Baltic coun-tries.

Skirmante Stasenaite Pal Thjomoewww.magmageopark.compost@magmageopark.com

Nordic Geoparks Nordic Geoparks will train guideswill train guides

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:22 Page 13

14

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

The internationally importantarchaeological remains ofthe Greek city of Elia(= Roman Velia) in southernItaly, is also a geosite of pri-mary and paleoenvironmen-tal importance. An analysis

of sediments fromthis site allows thereconstruction of thee n v i r o n m e n t a lchanges of this areaduring the past3,500 years. In 540B.C. the Phocaeansfounded the city ofElea, which became

renowned for itsPhilosophical School, estab-lished by Parmenides andthe philosopher Zeno whobecame a member of thisSchool. Originally the citywas divided into three sec-tions, two of these are stillrecognizable and contain amilitary port, an "agora", a

thermal bath, a Sanctuary,an Acropolis and a small the-atre. The "Porta Rosa",thejewel of the ancient city, isthe most important Greekcivil monument to be foundin Magna Graeca (GreatGreece) the name given tothe coastal areas of southernItaly colonized by theGreeks. It consists of a hugefront wall with a centralarched entrance. For thesereasons this geo-archaeolog-ical site was declared a"World Heritage" site byUNESCO.It's possible to distinguishfive main phases in the envi-ronmental evolution of thearea of Elea-Velia: VI century B.C. TheSouthern Quarter was estab-lished in a coastal zone onalluvial sediments and ondune and beach deposits.The Acropolis was located ona coastal promontory sepa-rating two bays. The coast-line was located 700 metersland wards of its currentposition.V-IV cent. B.C. (climaticphase cold-humid) Theurban area was influencedby the deposition of approxi-mately 4 metres of alluvialsediments. This resulted inthe elevation of the ground

surface and the retreat ofthe shorelines. The baysbecame lagoons in responseto the formation of an off-shore sand bar which lappedonto the promontory of theAcropolis.IV cent.B.C. and V cent.A.D.The area was no longeraffected by floods and/orinvaded by the sea. Re-build-ing of the new city in theSouthern Quarter.V-VIII cent. A.D. (climaticphase cold-humid) Floodingof the Southern Quarter andall the coastal areas of Veliawas accompanied by theadvance of the coastline.VII-XIV cent. A.D. The re-building of the area duringthis period demonstratesfavourable environmentalconditions between the 8thand 11th centuries A.D. Inthe period between the 11th

and 14th centuries A.D. werecorded aeolian sands simi-lar to those found in manyarchaeological sites in theMediterranean which areattributed to the medievalheat wave.

Elea - Velia:an UNESCO Geo-archaeological site

A view of theAcropolis at Velia

The evolution of the coastline

at Elia-Velia

Aloia Aniello a.aloia@cilentoediano.itDe Vita Angelo direttore@cilentoediano.itPositano M.Patrizia p.positano@cilentoediano.it

Cilento

e Vallo

di Diano

Geopark

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:22 Page 14

15

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

In August 2011, during the"Earth Festival", the annualsummer celebrations in theLesvos Petrified ForestGeopark, significant new dis-coveries were presented forthe first time. A small tempo-rary exhibition with explana-tory posters and a presenta-tion entitled "New discoveriesof animals from the PetrifiedForest" were prepared, bothintroducing the fossil micro-inhabitants of the PetrifiedForest to the visitors of theNatural History Museum ofthe Lesvos Petrified Forest.The audience attending thepresentation on the 3rd

August, as well as visitors tothe museum during August,had the opportunity tobecome acquainted with thesnails and fish of the greatlake that covered NW Lesvosabout 20 million years ago,the terrifying alligators whichhid and captured their prey inthe lake waters, the ham-

sters, moles and insectivoroussmall mammals living aroundthe lake, the dormice con-structing their nests in thetrees and the bats flying inthe night sky above the sub-tropical forest; a peaceful set-ting full of life. Nothing couldforetell the onset of the disas-trous volcanic eruptions thatdevastated the area approxi-mately 20 million years ago.During the exhibition, visitorshad the unique experience ofobserving the new tiny fossilsof all these animals using spe-cial stereoscopic microscopes.Even though the plant fossilsof the Lesvos Petrified Foresthave been known for cen-turies, its animals have onlyrecently begun to berevealed. In 1999, the firstanimal fossil was found: thelower cheek teeth of adeinothere, one of the oldestproboscidean fossils found inEurope. During subsequentyears studies in the area

unearthed more animal fos-sils. Finally in 2007, a layer ofsediments was located in NWLesvos containingfossil lake gas-tropods and iso-lated remains offresh water fish,small reptiles,small lizards andmicro-mammals.The new discoveryis of great impor-tance, since itreveals some ofthe oldest vertebrate fossilsfound so far in Greece andcan provide information con-cerning the migration ofmammals between Asia andEurope, as well as contribut-ing to more accurate recon-structions of the subtropicalforest ecosystems of the east-ern Mediterranean area 20million years ago.A poster

exhibitionintroduces

children to theanimal fossils

The newmicrofossilsthrough themicroscope

The micro-inhabitants of the LesvosPetrifiedForest

Observation of thenew microfossilsthrough microscopes

New discoveries in the Lesvos Geopark

Katerina Vasileiadouk.vasileiadou@geo.aegean.gr

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:22 Page 15

16

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

The occurrence of a largeand prosperous fortified set-tlement, rich grave goods-from elite burials, whichinclude exclusive and presti-gious goods from distantareas, highlight the immense

scientific and culturalpotential of Kaptolin the PozegaValley (Croatia),as one of themost impor-tant CentralE u r o p e a nEarly Iron Agesites.This is whythe southernmostcultural group of theHallstatt CulturalComplex was namedafter this site. The

earth mounds covered wood-en chambers surrounded bydry stone walls, containingrich cremation burials.Sometimes these construc-tions reached monumentalproportions with long cere-monial passages. Fewer than20 of these monuments,reserved for the Early IronAge elite, are known in con-tinental Europe, and one ofthe largest and probably thebest preserved was discov-ered a few years ago inKaptol.The power and glory ofKaptol warrior-princes wasprimarily reflected in theirweapons: spears, axes,whetstone-sceptres (a statussymbol in Balkans area), aswell as horse equipment, auniversal status symbol ofthe ruling warrior class in the

Hallstatt Culture. Theextreme importance ofKaptol became obvious fol-lowing the discovery of twoprincely graves with uniquesets of defensive weaponsAmong other luxurious itemsthey con-tained twoGreek hel-

mets, thenorthernmost finds of Greekhelmets in Europe! One ofthe most important gravesfrom the Hallstatt culturewas discovered in 2005revealing almost thirty richlyornamented pottery vesselsas well as bronze situla(bucket shaped containers)and armour including ab u r n e db o w l -shapedhelmeta n dt h ehubcubsfrom thewhee l sof a char-iot! However,the most astonish-ing finds weretwo rich sets of

weapons spears, battle axes,extremely rare swordstogether with horse equip-ment.The unique shapes andexquisitely decorated pot-tery, such as pots with bull-head decorations discoveredat Kaptol, are defining cha-racteristics of the KaptolGroup of the Halstatt cultureduring the Early Iron Age in

central Europe. Most ofthe fine pottery is coat-ed with graphite which

gives them a specialmetallic sheen. One of the

impo r -t a n t

sources ofwealth and

power of theKaptol princes must havebeen the graphite mineswhich were still active in themid-20th century.

Grave goodsfrom theprincely burialin Tumulus X.

Aerial view of tumulus IIIat Kaptol -Cemernica

THE PRINCESFROM KAPTOL

Iron Age

Burial

Mounds

in Papuk

Geopark

THE PRINCESFROM KAPTOL

Pot ornamented with bull-heads -

Tumulus - Kaptol -Gradci

T

Hrvoje Potrebica. Ph.D.hpotrebi@ffzg.hr

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:22 Page 16

17

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

Education is a main key-wordin the range of activities pro-moted in Arouca Geopark.Since the 2008/2009 schoolyear the Educational Serviceof Arouca Geopark intro-duced educational pro-grammes and projects.Various educational pro-grammes swhich are devel-oped every year, alwaysinvolve the holistic perspec-tive of the Geopark concept.Geology, biology, history,geography, culture andsports provide the themesexplored in several fieldtripsand workshops. These havealready brought thousandsof pupils and their teachersto the territory all eager toexperience new challengesthrough activities involvinglearning and discovery.During the school year

2010/2011 several activitieswere developed to addressthe scope of the Inter-national Year of Biodiversity.The exhibition of "Biodiver-sity in the Paleozoic" provid-ed the main theme for acolourful and fun carnivalparade organized by theschools in the territory.The annual school contestsproject was developed inpartnership with thePortuguese Commission forUNESCO under the auspicesof the UNDESD - UnitedNations Decade of Educationfor Sustainable Development(2005-2014) and thePortuguese Geoparks Forum.This noteworthy project aimsto raise awareness amongschool students, teachersand local communities aboutGeoparks.In a territory famous nation-wide for its pursuit of adven-ture sports (rafting, canoe-ing, canyoning and rockclimbing), and with a net-work encompassing 14 trails,10 with significant geotouris-tic interest, the visitors candiscover and becomeacquainted with the majorityof the geosites, enjoybreathtaking landscapes,meet local people and expe-rience local traditions. The

training course "AroucaGeopark Interpreters", con-sisting of four training mod-ules about "Geodiversity andGeological Heritage", "Cul-tural Heritage", "Biodiversityand Natura 2000 Network "and "Tourism and Sustain-ability ", was initiated toincrease the expertise ofindividuals who work or willwork in the tourism sector ofthe Arouca Geopark territory.The organization of theInternational Congress"Arouca 2011 - Geotourismin Action", the highlight of2011, provided a forumwhere the concept and scopeof Geotourism and its rele-vance for the regional sus-tainable development wasdiscussed and analyzed.

Arouca Geopark: an Educational and Geotouristic Destination

Discoveringthe secrets

around the Mizarela

Waterfall

Antonio Duarteaduarte@geoparquearouca.com

The flight of theCarboniferous

dragonflyMeganeura

White-water raftingand adventure sportwhich raises theadrenaline level

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:22 Page 17

18

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

"Young people are at theheart of the local communi-ties living in and around pro-tected areas. They are alsothe future advocates,guardians and potentialemployees of these areas. Byproviding young people withopportunities to participatein their work, protectedareas fulfill their educationalrole whilst enhancing individ-uals understanding of theiraims and appreciation of thenatural and culturalresources they protect."(Federico Minozzi,www.europarc.org).With a strong belief in theabove statement, theAdamello Brenta Geoparkjoined the Junior RangerProgramme in 2008.Hundreds of children havealready participated in thisprogramme which was initi-ated by EUROPARC, the"Federation of Nature andNational Parks of Europe", in2002. The project aims to educateyoung people about the rolethat Parks play in the conser-vation of protected areas and

their importance for recre-ational activities, for employ-ment and the local economyand in increasing environ-mental awareness.The children, together withtheir teachers, adopt a studyarea inside the Park associat-ed with their home munici-pality. In a project whichlasts for a whole year, thechildren discover how humanactivities within the Parkinteract with geology, floraand fauna, history and leg-ends. Consequently they willbecome aware of the rulesthat everyone should followin order to safeguard andpreserve the territory (bothinside and outside the Park).The project starts at thebeginning of the school year,when the children meet thePark Ranger at school, whotalks to them about theAdamello Brenta Geoparkand the role of the Rangers.Following this, they spend awhole day outdoor discover-ing the study area. In the fol-lowing days, the Park's envi-ronmental educator helpsthem to process the data col-

lected during the excursionand to organize the researchprogramme which they,together with the teacher,will pursue during the follow-ing monthsAt the end of the school year.there is a big award ceremo-ny to which the families, thelocal administrators andPark's authorities are allinvited: the children will betheir guides and will receivetheir Junior Ranger certifi-cates. In this way the youngpeople learn to take respon-sibility for protecting theirown territory.

The Junior Ranger project

in the Adamello Brenta Geopark:

Schools adopt the territory

Vajolet Masevajolet.mase@pnab.it

A future "JuniorRanger" studying the geology of the BrentaDolomites

The schoolchildrenwith a Park

Ranger explainingthe rules inside

the protected areahelped by

"Osvaldo Bear",the Park's mascot

Junior Rangersduring theaward ceremonywith their family, local administratorsand the Park'sauthorities

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:23 Page 18

In 2011, the InternationalYear of the Forests, the Dayof Biodiversity on 20 Maywas dedicated to ForestBiodiversity. More than 70%of the Nature - and GeoparkEisenwurzen is covered byforests. It was thereforenecessary for the team ofthe Nature and Geopark tocontribute to this importantday together with the

Forest Administration of theprovince of Styria and otherpartners. Booths set up inthe main square of St.Gallen conveyed a broadrange of topics to childrenand adults. Interactive pre-sentations introduced thevarious trees of the forests,the animals which live inthem, working with woodand, last but not least,security measures for thosestrolling through theforests. The demonstrationof microscopic animals liv-ing in forest soils by forestryschool students was a spe-cial source of fascination forthe participants. Food prod-ucts from the natural land-scape served by NaturePark Partners contributed tothe overall success of theevent.Over the whole summer aminiature forest erected onthe market square of St.Gallen was a reminder ofthe importance of forestsfor the global climate andfor the region in particular.Small slices of tree-trunks,cut and polished by stu-

dents were attached to thetrees with messages of theirdesires for the future of theregion and expressed spe-cial concern for the conser-vation of nature and thequality of life in theEisenwurzen region.

19

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

r

Celebrating the International Day of Biodiversity in the Eisenwurzen

Irmi Auer Heinz Kollmanni.auer@eisenwurzen.co

Dried flowersfrom hay

packed intosmall bags are

reminiscent of the scent

delicious herbsof farm

orchards

Childrenattach slicesof woodwith theirdesires forthe future of theEisenwurzenregion totwigs of theminiatureforest

Working withwood needsspecial skills

y

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:23 Page 19

20

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

'HINT' (Heritage Inter-preta-tion using New Technologies)is a two year cooperativeproject, partly funded byLEADER, a European fundingprogramme. Geopark She-tland, North Pennines AONB,Chablais Geopark and theaspiring de HondsrugGeoparks are exploitingrecent developments in digi-tal technology to add to'panel/exhibit' type interpre-tation and take an innovativeapproach to communicatingwith a range of audiences.Each partner is undertaking apractical pilot project to trial aparticular approach in theirown region. Lead partner GeoparkShetland (Scotland) is build-

ing a Smartphone applicationusing Google maps linked tomobile phone GPS system.The application introducesusers to Geopark Shetlandand helps them to explore theislands through a range ofinterpretive information aboutgeological heritage sites andtrails.North Pennines AONBGeopark (England) is usingnew technology to allow visi-tors to access informationwhen a local visitor centre isclosed. A unit accessed bymobile phone allows users todownload webpages, walksand essential tourist informa-tion. This information will alsobe accessible through tech-nology which turns a window

into a touchscreen.Chablais Geopark(France) is devel-oping a 'GeoRoute' using flashcode technology.An infrared beamfrom a Smart-phone reads a barcode at each sitealong the route toaccess interpretivei n f o r m a t i o n .A series of downloadable /phone accessible itineraries isalso being created.Aspiring Geopark deHondsrug (The Netherlands)is developing a 'digital table'to tell the story of theHondsrug area. The table is acomputer with a touchscreenwhich can be used simultane-ously by several people toobtain information andexchange ideas. It can beupdated with new informa-tion via an internet connec-tion.An exchange of knowledgeand ideas, along with part-nership meetings and practi-cal workshops is helping thepartners to develop bestpractice in the use of thesenew technologies. A keyproject aim is to share thelessons learned withGeoparks across Europe.The progress of the pilot proj-ects can be followed atwww.hintproject.eu. It ishoped that this informationwill help others who wish todevelop similar projects. Thepartners aim to give a pres-entation on their progress atthe 2012 EGN conference inArouca Geopark, Portugal.

Geopark Shetland, North Pennines AONB

Geopark and Chablais Geopark

work with aspiring Geoparkde Hondsrug on the HINT Project

Design mock-up for GeoparkShetlandSmartphoneapp

Robina Barton robina@shetlandamenity.org

The digital table

Tourists explore a digital trail

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:23 Page 20

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

S

21

AC

TIVI

TIES

Since becoming a memberof the EGN one of the maingoals of the SierrasSubbeticas Geopark was todesign comprehensivelyinterpreted routes thatfocused attention on theGeopark's geological her-itage. Recently, two geolog-ical trails were established:"El Rio Bailon" and "LaTinosa", which provide abasic infrastructure for thedevelopment of geologicaltourism in this territory. Aseries of basic steps havebeen adopted for the designand interpretion of the geo-logical routes.

Choosing the content:

- Geological Heritage shouldbe the main factor in sele-cting points of interestalong the trail (views ofunique or outstandinglybeautifull and scapes andinteresting outcrops). It isstrongly recommended thatnatural or cultural sitesshould also be included.- The selection of ecologi-cally or geologically vulner-able sites should be avoid-ed, or at least managed bylimiting the maximum num-ber of visitors per day/tour. - If the route coincides withalready existing trails thenmaximum use should bemade of pre existing infor-mation and infrastructure.- Guarantee the generalacceptance of landownerswho may be affected by the

creation of the route.- A clear interpretation ofthe trail is essential, as abasis for the creation ofinterpretative panels, thedesign of leaflets andbooklets in order to providebasic information for theGeopark's guides andmanagers.

Interpretation of geological heritage:

- Review the existing scien-tific literature, select of themost interesting geositesand present information interms that are understand-able to the non specialist. - Search for and emphasizethe relationships betweengeological heritage andaspects of natural history,culture and daily life. - Search for features in thenatural environment (rocks,plants and animals), as evi-dence of processes thatmay provide clear and suit-able examples for interpre-tation.- Identification of currentgeological processes inorder to prove that geologyinvolves on going processesand is not simply a record ofpast events.The opening of these twogeological routes occurredduring European GeoparksWeek 2011. They comple-ment the activities on offerin the Sierras Subbeticas,respond to the demands bythe local population to gaina more in depth knowledge

of their natural environmentand enhance the signifi-cance and visibility of theGeopark.

La Nava polje is one of the

most importantand spectacular

geosites in the route

"El Rio Bailon"

The design of geological routesin Sierras Subbeticas

The presence of the caddis fly in its protective caseindicates the purity of water. The variety of grainsin caddis fly cases reflects the geodiversity of thesediment sources

Carbonate precipitation in a stream producestufa. The processes and the product can beobserved in the route La Tinosa

Baldomero Moreno Arroyo baldomero.moreno.arroyo@juntadeandalucia.esAlicia Serna Barquero asbarquero@yahoo.es

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:23 Page 21

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

22

Oleiros, one of the 6 munici-palities within NaturtejoGeopark, Portugal, has pro-duced a tourism map - theMountains Tour which

organizes the territorialresources and the availabletourism facilities within asingle document. Within theGeopark's Mostly pene-plained territory, the product

of at least 150 million yearsof erosion, the mountainousregion of Oleiros providesevidence for events duringthe Alpine orogeny. Thisregion, which is an impor-tant source for many rivers,a land of extensive forestswhere "living" fossils stillpersist and a barrier whichled to the isolation of a dis-tinctive culture, only openedto tourism in very recenttimes. Thus, the tourismstrategy for this region ofthe Geopark needs toembrace the mountainouslandscape, biodiversity andculture. The 100 km-longroad tour invites the visitorto organize his/her timeaccording to personal inter-ests. Therefore the maphighlights only the bestexperiences together withavailable services in themunicipality (accommoda-tion, restaurants, informa-tion points, health care andpetrol stations).By providing the locations ofGeo-monuments, view-points, native forests, fluvialbeaches, monuments andhiking trails, together withthe sources of handicraftsand local products, theMountains Tour is designedto encourage tourists toenjoy extended visits andcontribute to the widereconomy of the region. Formarketing purposes theregion's image focuses onthe figure of a local hero,Antonio de Andrade, a Jesuitpriest who climbed theHimalayas in 1624 to reachthe Kingdom of Guge inTibet. His pioneeringdescriptions had a signifi-cant impact on the Europe

of that time. The sloganused for the Mountains Touris "The avoidance of same-ness". Four agro-productsare also being used withremarkable success topromote Oleiros: theroasted lamb and thehistorical wine "Calum"(unique in Portugal),the strawberry-treeand chestnut fruits(products of the nativeforest). These productsof the mountain arethe basis for thematicfairs and gastronomyweeks that becamepart of the cultural calendarof Oleiros and foster thelocal economy.The Mountains Tour is thefirst stage in a more ambi-tious project, the MountainMuseum, which is consid-ered strategic for the wholeof Portugal's Central Regionand is hoped will serve as abridge between nature andculture in mountain commu-nities all around the world.

The Mountains Tour: The Mountains Tour: Organizing tourism resources

on offer in Naturtejo Geopark

The Renaissance Fairduring EuropeanGeoparks Week,

community celebrates

the travels ofAntonio de Andrade

Mountains Tour, a demonstrationof making seatsof cork (tropecos)

Week of theChestnut and StrawberryTree: localrestaurantsserve thematic menus(Maria Pinha)

Carlos Neto de Carvalho carlos.praedichnia@gmail.comJoana Rodrigues joana225@gmail.comInes MartinsFilomena Fernandescomunicacao@cm-oleiros.pt

Living Fossils at Fraga da Agua

d'Alta geosite(Prunus

lusitanica lusitanica)

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:23 Page 22

With a surface of 6400square kilometres theGeopark Swabian Alb is a rel-atively extensive Geoparkwith a large variety ofgeosites ranging fromMesozoic to Pleistocene inage but dominated by sitesfrom Jurassic times. One ofthe most ambitious tasks isto provide visitors with infor-mation concerning the nec-essary aspects of all geositeswithin the Geopark. This is

achieved through a systemof 17 infostations distrib-uted across the area ofthe Geopark.

The infostations, which areincreasing in number, areestablished mostly in muse-ums, but also in caves, cas-tles, in companies producingregional food or material formedical treatment, in an oldtrain station and in a bios-phere centre. The opening ofthe latest infostation on 4October 2011 was accompa-nied by a Celebration in thecastle of Brenz on the south-ern border of the Geopark.Each infostation has a maintheme, e.g. diversity of fossillife in the Jurassic, effects ofa meteoritic impact, volcanicactivity, cave formation, theinfluence of Karst on hydrolo-gy (karst wells), buildingstones, the impact of thesubsurface on agriculture and

cu l t u r e ,early set-t lementof theSwabianA l b

(archaeology),development of

the landscape andthe interdepend-

ence of soil and vegetation. We aspire to provide the infostations with a commondesign, which is adapted tothe local conditions. Part ofthis design is a paneldemonstrating the differenttypes of rocks from theSwabian Alb, a display pro-viding local information andinformation for the other infostations including a leafletexplaining their special quali-

ties. General information con-cerning the Geopark includespublications and a geot-ourism map of the SwabianAlb. The homepages of theinfo stations are linked with

those of the Geopark to guar-antee the most efficient flowof information. Each year theannual Geopark Festival isorganized by a different infostation.The system of info stations iscrucial for the developmentof the Geopark. The repre-sentatives of each stationmeet regularly to discussproblems, to exchange ideasand to organise programmessuch as the EuropeanGeoparks Week. Their enthu-siasm is one of the drivingforces of the Geopark.

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

23

Infostations - an internal network withinthe Geopark Swabian Alb

Elmar P.J. Heizmannelmar.heizmann@smns-bw.de

Map of theGeopark Swabian Alb indicat-ing the locations of the 17 info stations. Green colour: area of theGeopark. Yellow colour: the districtswhich contribute to the Geopark

The Infocentre at the Centre for Protection of Nature at Schopfloch

Info stationCastle

Katzenstein: a panel

demonstratingthe different

types of rocksand fossils

in the Geopark

Opening ceremony at Brenz Castle

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:23 Page 23

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

S

24

AC

TIVI

TIES

Parys Mountain, the world'slargest producer of copper atthe turn of the 18/19th cen-turies, was so important inthe local economy that it waspermitted to mint its owncoinage that was accepted aslegal tender on Anglesey andin London. This is the onlycompany ever to be grantedthis privilege in England andWales. The mine is a Kuroko typeexhalative deposit on theperiphery of a Silurian vol-canic structure comprizingmainly copper and lead sul-phides but also traces ofmany other metals. It hasbeen exploited since BronzeAge times, during the Romanoccupation, but mainly duringthe 17th, 18th and 19th cen-turies. A large opencast mineremains together with tracesof renewable power systemsand a fine harbour construct-ed specially for the export ofcopper ore.Large numbers of miners arereputed to have moved into

the area to work the mines,some from Cheshire andinevitably some fromCornwall. There is a long tra-dition of Anglesey farmersworking over the winter inmines in Snowdonia andreturning home to their farmin summer. All pretence atmining ceased long ago andthe local town, Amlwch,dwindled in importance. Anew EU INTERREG project isresurrecting the story of theminers; GeoMon staff will beworking to document thegenealogy of the local area,track down any incomingminers in local records andfind out if these incomershave left a legacy within thelocal community. We will alsodevelop trails showing thegeology, industrial archaeolo-gy and mining legacy of ParysMountain, and train local peo-ple to guide interested visi-tors around their heritage.This project is led by theRoyal Commission on Ancientand Historic Monuments

Wales in association withCopper Coast Geopark in theRepublic of Ireland,Glendalough and PentirPumlumon. It aims to exam-ine whether there was a'trade' in miners across theIrish Sea, as the prosperity ofthe various mines waxed andwaned and, to investigate thelegacy the miners have leftbehind. Local people will betrained in genealogical andarchaeological research, andin leading guided walks. It ishoped that various business-es will be revitalised by theproject and already potteryand glass are being madeusing pigments and materialsfrom the mine.

The summit of ParysMountain is capped by a large windmill, one of over a 100 on theisland, whichwas used to power windingengines and drain the mine prior to the building of a coal firedsteam engine

The main opencast mineon ParysMountain; the colours are mainlydue to oxidizediron from the roasting of sulphidesores, prior to leaching out of the copper vitriol

John Conway john.conway@rac.ac.uk Margaret Wood college@btinternet.com

World's largest World's largest copper mine supports copper mine supports a new Geopark projecta new Geopark project

Porth Amlwch, constructed

for the exportof copper ore

along a naturalinlet in the

Cambriangreen schists

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:24 Page 24

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

S

25

AC

TIVI

TIES

Students in their third yearof secondary school andtheir guests recently walkedthe red carpet atWolsingham School andCommunity College in theNorth Pennines AONBGeopark (UK) at a 'Premiere'of the films which they madein association with theGeopark managers of theNorth Pennines AONBPartnership. The pupilsmade two films as part of aproject exploring their locallandscape and geology andlearned new skills in tech-nology, science, literacy andart.Half of the class made a filmentitled 'Rockbound' basedin Weardale. It features thepupils talking about theirexperiences of the land-scape, accompanied by theiranimations of the history ofthe creation of the NorthPennines over hundreds ofmillions of years. The otherhalf of the class turned theAONB Partnership's'Blanchland Geological Trail'into a downloadable audio-visual trail for use by visitorsand local people. The head of Expressive Arts,Andrew Fowler, who champi-oned the project from thebeginning, said:"The project has really

helped the students cometogether as a group. Sincetheir work on this project,many of their teachers andparents have commented onimprovements in the chil-dren's behaviour, concentra-tion and self-confidence."As well as discovering abouttheir local landscape andgeology, the pupils learnedmany technical aspects offilm-making as they had todo all the work themselves.They were responsible forcamera work, voice-overs,presenting, animation, con-tinuity and all the differentskills required in the produc-tion of a film. The work,supported by the HeritageLottery Fund and the aggre-gates industry, and film-

makers from SH! TV andJack Drum Arts, celebratesthe area's internationallyimportant geology. As partof the project, pupils fromLangkawi Geopark inMalaysia were contactedand asked to make a filmabout their own environ-ment. This film produced asa video to music, was alsoshared with the Wolsinghampupils on their premierenight in an 'e-twinning' exer-cise. The Wolsingham filmshave been sent to theMalaysian pupils and thelonger-term aim is to put thetwo groups of young peoplein touch with each other.

North Pennines AONB Geopark

Student starsshine at filmpremiere

Cover for the

Blanchland geological walk

And... action! Year 9 pupils from Wolsingham School and CommunityCollege filming on location at Shildon Engine House, Blanchland © NPAP/Chris Woodley-Stewart

Chris Woodley - Stuartchris@northpennines.org.uk

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:24 Page 25

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

The Paignton CommunityPartnership has shown greatstrength of support andbelief in the Geopark whichled to a successful, commu-nity driven funding applica-tion to create a Geoparkthemed play area in a cen-tral seafront location in thetown of Paignton. Thewhole design of the park isbased on the EnglishRiviera's geological history. The toddler area representsthe Devonian Period whenthe area was south of theequator and under tropicalcoral seas. Toddlers will beable to ride on a trilobite orgoniatite seesaw and enjoycoral shaped spinner bowlsand trampoline. The juniorarea has a giant climbing

net symbolising a time dur-ing the Carboniferous Periodwhen two major continentscollided and the Geoparkwas caught in the middle ofthe collision. A major moun-tain range was formed -hence the mountain shapednet. The sand and waterplay area represents thePermian Period when theGeopark was just north ofthe equator and all of ourred sandstone and brecciarocks were formed. Flashfloods occurred after violentstorms in the distant moun-tains and giant millipedescrawled around! This areahas a purpose built waterchannel for children topump and dam water anddigging equipment andtables for sand play. Thenonto the Quaternary Periodwhich is the teen play zoneand links with Kents Cavernfrom a geological perspec-tive. The Neanderthals andearly humans who shelteredin the caves would have hadto exert themselves physi-cally to survive and the ideahere is that our young peo-ple are challenged by theirenvironment in a similarway. The Park is a project costing

half a million pounds. Themajority of the funding -£447,000 - is being providedby the Big LotteryCommunity Spaces GrantFund. Torbay Council arecontributing £50,000 ofmatch funding and theCommunity Partnership ismaking up the small bal-ance. Melanie Border,Geopark Coordinator said"The partnership has showngreat determination andcommitment to the projectand we are all now veryexcited that the projectbuild has started on site.We can't wait to see thechildren playing!"

PaigntonCommunityGeoplay parkdesign

Members of Paignton Town Partnership,local authority councillors and the contractors doing the first dig at theGeoplay Park site

Melanie Border m.border@englishrivierageopark.org.uk

Paignton Geoplay ParkPaignton Geoplay Park

A Community Project in theEnglish Riviera Global Geopark

Winners of the Geoplay Park colouring competitionwhose pictures now decorate the hoardings aroundthe site where the park is under construction

26

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:24 Page 26

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

S

27

AC

TIVI

TIES

The Upper Harz was onceone of the most importantmining regions in Germany.The famous Rammelsbergmines are the only mines inthe world which were inuninterrupted operation forover 1000 years. Togetherwith the medieval Old Townof Goslar they were placedon the UNESCO WorldHeritage List in 1992. Majormining products included sil-ver and lead, followed bycopper, iron and zinc. In theeighteenth century theUpper Harz generated morethan 50% of the totalGerman silver production.The taxes raised from thiscontributed significantly tothe revenue of the princelyhouses in Hanover andBrunswick-Wolfenbuttel andhelped to secure their posi-tions of power and influencewithin the Holy RomanEmpire. This generation ofwealth justified a high com-mitment in terms of invest-ment and effort. Thus theUpper Harz mining industryproduced a considerablenumber of innovations andinventions, including suchimportant advances as theman engine, an ingeniousmethod using linked pump-ing-rods and interchangeablemovable and fixed platformsfor descending into andascending from the mine.The man engine replaced asystem involving ladders anddid not require the use of acage and cable.The mineralization in theUpper Harz occurs in waterbearing veins which follow

zones of structural weak-nesses, i.e. mining theseveins was always connectedwith the problem of keepingthe mines dry. The only ener-gy available to pump out thewater, was derived fromwater wheels using surfacewater. Therefore a sophisti-cated system of integrateddams, 143 dammed ponds,500 km of ditches, 31 km oftunnels or aqueducts wasbuilt to supply the main min-ing area with the energyrequired for pumping. Fromthe Middle Ages onwards thissystem provided the majorsource of energy for over 800

years and was historically theworld's largest and mostimportant mining watermanagement system. It wasgranted UNESCO WorldHeritage status in 2010.Due to the sheer number ofstructures and the length ofthe ditches the Water Systemis best explored on foot. Alarge number of watersidefootpaths, the so-called"Wasserwanderwege", havebeen created in recent years.Visitors can learn about thetypical elements that makeup the Upper Harz WaterSupply System from theinformation panels along theclearly marked routes. With afew exceptions, most of theponds can be used by swim-mers during the summermonths. The Upper HarzWater Supply System isincluded in the GeoparkHarz. Braunschweiger Land.Ostfalen website (http://www.geopark-harz.de).

The Lower,Middle and

UpperPfauenteiche

(PeacockPonds)

The Upper Harz Water Supply Systemnew World Heritage Site

Equipment for regulatingthe flow of water

The Rehberg Ditch

Entrance to the UpperHasenbacher Tunnel

Heinz-Gerd Rohling Justus Teicke Friedrich-Wilhelm Wellmerheinz-gerd.roehling@lbeg.niedersachsen.de

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:24 Page 27

28

The first international bienni-al exhibition of rock-saltsculpture, "SALT … DESIREFOR ART", was conceivedand presented in theMadonie Geopark from 12 to21 August 2011. It was aunique event of its kind dur-ing which the village ofPetralia Soprana was turnedinto a sculpture studio for theten artists who each carved ablock of rock-salt. The sculp-tures, following their appreci-ation by thousands of visi-tors, were finally placedinside the mine to join threepermanent art installationsrepresenting the genesis ofthe mineral through themovement of water, how

man extracts salt from waterwith the help of solar energyand the nature and risksinvolved in mining. Theevent, was organized andsupported by the MadonieGeopark and made possiblethrough the cooperationbetween the "Art andMemory of the Territory"association in Milan and thelocal "Under Salt" associa-tion. It was designed to initi-ate geotourism and providean enjoyable undergroundexperience in a salt mine inthe Madonie Geopark.Another source of artisticinspiration, based on thetheme "MAKING THEATRE:ECOLOGICAL FABLES -

Puppets and marionettes atthe Sicilian Puppet Museum(MOPS)", resulted in the cre-ation of workshops for eightyyoung students, led by theMaster Puppeteer AngeloSicilia and by Sicilian FolkPuppetry, from 18 July to 5August 2011, at the CivicMuseum in Calta-vuturo. Thechildren created and stageda number of different storiesafter building the little the-atres and marionettes, andthe puppets from leftovermaterial. The charactersincluding rocks, trees, dropsof water, the sun, the moun-tain and forest animals,became the subjects for skil-ful games, theatre, manualability, drawing and stage-craft. The authorities presentat the final performancewere thus inspired to initiate,through a special draftagreement, a programme ofEnvironmental Educationopen to all schools in Sicilythat will involve MOPS/ theCivic Museum in Caltavuturoand the Madonie GeoparkMuseum in Petralia Sottanafor the school year 2011-2012 and for the years tocome. What can one say? Itwas a great success!

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

Pasquale Li Pumauob5@parcodellemadonie.it

The MasterPuppeteer A.Sicilia (right)and P. Li Puma(left), in one ofthe workshopswith marionettesand puppets to represent and narrate ecological and geologicalfables

Permanent artisticinstallation

highlighting thegeological

processes thathave formed saltthat is 99% pure

and man's attemptto imitate this by

extracting saltfrom sea water

that is much lesspure

The geology of the Madonie Geopark:

a source of inspiration of art,sculpture and theatre

One of the salt statues created

to facilitate geo-touristic

enjoyment of theWonders of the

mine: "cui prodest?"Many visitors have

answered the samequestion, "who does

it benefit?", with "why,

our community"!

C

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:24 Page 28

29

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

The first Rokua GeoparkChallenge adventure race-took place in July 2011.Almost 200 competitors fromall over Finland gathered inthe unique landscape ofRokua Geopark for a raceconsisting of two parts,Xtreme and Adventure. Inboth parts the competitorswere involved in a combina-tion of sports: Running, rollerskating, orienteering, kayak-ing/canoeing, swimming,

diving, mountainbiking events,climbing and avariety of othertasks demandingboth skill andknowledge.The 24 hour and240 kilometreslong Xtreme com-

ponent was designed forcompetitors looking to testthe limits of their enduranceand performance. The 6 hourand 60 kilometres longadventure component wasfor competitors looking for aunique experience in adven-ture racing. Before the racethe competitors had to famil-iarize themselves also withbasic information concerningthe Geopark since sometasks included questionsabout the special natural fea-tures of the area. The Rokua GeoparkChallenge race was the mostimportant adventure compe-tition in Finland during 2011and received extensivemedia coverage before andafter the event. The race wasbroadcast on the nationwidetelevision Channel Four andits sub channels as a onehour long summary. Thebroadcast included an inter-view with the Rokua Geoparkpersonnel as well as a pres-entation of the Rokua

Geopark and the Europeanand Global GeoparksNetworks. Rokua is Finland's first andonly European Geopark, andwas accepted as a memberof the EGN network inOctober 2010. The name andconcept of the GeoparksNetwork is new to Finlandand requires considerableeffort and publicity to get itmore widely recognized.Events like the ChallengeRace are very important inraising the awareness of ourunique area and the role ofthe EGN. Rokua Geopark consists ofthree landscape areas. The2011 race took place mostlyin the Rokua Esker and dunearea in the middle of theGeopark. In 2012, the racewill be based on the lakeOulujarvi area and in 2013 itwill be situated in theOulujoki river valley. Thethree competitions willenable Rokua Geopark topresent the possibilities forenjoying and using theGeopark's landscapes to anaudience interested in out-doors pursuits and sports.The broadcast can be seenon Youtube.

Vesa Krokkivesa.krokki@humanpolis.fi

es

Xtreme sports in a unique landscape

Almost 200 competitors tookpart into the twoseries, Adventureand the Xtreme

A competitorjumps into a riverfrom a 4 meterhigh cliff

Rokua

Geopark

Challenge

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:24 Page 29

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

S

30

AC

TIVI

TIES

Rocksbleached white

by gaseousacidic

emissions

Geothermal landscape

The Tuscan Mining Geoparkis located in the northernsector of the Grossetoprovince in Tuscany, centralItaly. The Geopark's geother-mal area is situated in a com-plex landscape with a geo-logical heritage of interna-tional significance and theremains of the first industrialproduction of electricityusing heat from the Earth. Inthis area there is significantevidence for and examples ofrecent and present geother-mal and hydrothermal activi-ty. These processes havecreated a unique geologicallyand visually significant land-scape in which pipelines forsteam generated by geother-mal activity together withalum quarries are distinctivefeatures. Biancane is one ofthe most interesting geologi-

cal areas. It has a network offootpaths which provideaccess to sites of geologicaland ecological interest andinformation panels are alsoprovided.

Geology of the Biancane

The "Biancane" is character-ized by geothermal fluidscontained in evaporitic - car-bonate - siliceous rocks(Mesozoic) overlain byTertiary impermeable rocks.This geosite covers a surfacearea of approximately 0.8km², and has a preferentialSW-NE orientation which fol-lows the direction of themain local fault system. Inaddition to dislocating therock succession, the faultsystem provides a conduitthrough which hydrothermalfluids with a temperatureover 100°C ascend to the

surface. These fluids consistof 95% water vapour, 5%carbon dioxide, hydrogensulphide, boric acid, andother minor components.The Mesozoic radiolariancherts (Diaspri Formation)have temperatures of around60°C. The gaseous emissionsare acidic due to the pres-ence of hydrogen sulphideand have, over time,bleached the surroundingrocks which are now charac-teristically white in colour. Atthe surface the gas emis-sions are associated withdeposits of native sulphurand other minerals and bymud springs which occupysmall craters approximately3m in diameter called"lagone". These pools arefed by upwelling thermalwaters, reaching tempera-tures between 100 and150°C.

Geothermal Area ofGeothermal Area of

TUSCAN MININGTUSCAN MINING

GEOPARKGEOPARK

A crater andmud spring,"lagone", At Biancane

Alessandra Casini parcominerario@comune.gavorrano.gr.itRiccardo Cinellir.cinelli@provincia.grosseto.it

Geothermalactivity in theBiancane area

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:25 Page 30

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

Heading for Tagging

Precise, quick and interestinglandscape interpretation is atthe core of the geopark con-cept. Consequently, in somerespects the traditional inter-pretation panels made ofwood, metal or other materi-als are becoming obsoleteand outdated. Firstly, theirmessage is limited in sizeand language, and maintain-ing or updating panels is nei-ther easy nor cheap.Secondly, the visitor has thechoice either to select whichkind of information she/hewants to access or to decidethat she/he doesn't need anyinformation at all. Finally, inthe absence of panels, thecharacter of the landscaperemains undamaged andunchanged. The internet is becomingladen with geodata and loca-tion based services, andelectronic documents arenow a widespread compo-nent of the traditional mediaspace. Electronic readers andmobile phones capable of

internet browsing arebecoming common; thetechnology of mobile codesmakes accessing informationwith a mobile device a one-click affair by fast linking tothe vast array of online digi-tal information. When a visi-tor with a mobile phoneequipped with a camera andinternet access enters a par-ticular area the phone can beused to retrieve all UniformResource Locators (URLs)associated with that area byusing the tag picture.Therefore, conventionalinformation panels for visi-tors can be extended with oreven replaced by so calledtaglists with the aim ofattracting geotourists to dis-cover less-known sites withinthe geopark. It adds anexciting dimension to tradi-tional interpretation. Taglistsare easy to use and under-stand, very cheap to pro-duce, they can be printed onalmost any material includingtextiles and due to theirsmall size they also can befixed to almost any surface.Tagging expands the possi-bilities of map/location dataand enlarges the informationframework for visitors and

local people to discover thelandscape. Tags are simplesmart pictures with a pieceof metadata that can conveya more meaningful experi-ence. Tags information iseasily accessible andportable because it can beloaded and kept for later use,shared with family, friends orwith the public through allsocial media channels.By exploiting the cur-rent boom in socialmedia, tagging canextend the possibili-ties for visitors toshare their observa-tions and experiences. TheBohemian Paradise Geoparkhas begun to use this deviceextensively within its territo-ry within the framework ofthe UNESCO supported proj-ect Information technologiesfor Geotourism developmentin Bohemian Paradise -European Geopark togetherwith a financial assistancefrom the Ministry of theEnvironment of the CzechRepublic.

Tomas Ridkosilridkosil@muzeum-turnov.czMartina PaskovaMartina.Paskova@mzp.cz

The distribution of Tag sites in theBohemian ParadiseGeopark

An example of a traditional

informationpanel

Downloading a Tag image

31

BohemianParadiseGeopark

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:25 Page 31

Information and Commu-nication Technology lies atthe heart of the new eco-nomic strategies acrossEurope. The Internet isgrowing very fast and cur-

rently has around 2,000million users worldwide(30% of the global pop-ulation). Online informa-tion is now the primaryinfluence on consumerdecisions in nearly allmajor markets. TheInternet has promoted

many existing initiatives aswell as creating new oneswithin the areas of communi-cation, social movements,culture and environmentalprotection. Attention shouldalso be drawn to anotherphenomenon: the emer-gence of social networks andUser-Generated Content(UGC), in addition to thearrival of Web 2.0. Thus, wecan conclude that the

Internet may prove to be agreat ally for the develop-ment of geoparks in generaland of many of their poten-tials in particular.In 2008, a successful geo-tourism thematic route wascreated within the BasqueCoast Geopark territory,together with a new website.After joining the EGN and theGGN in 2010. The geopark isnow working on a new web-site, with broader scope andobjectives. However, theplanning process for thiswebsite has raised manyimportant questions thatneed to be addressed. Forexample: What kind of publicshould the website target - alocal or an external one?Should it be a tourist destina-tion website and as such pro-mote and sell geotourismand local products, forinstance? Or should it try topromote other aspects such

as the dissemination of geo-logical, natural and culturalheritage, and the educationof the general public and stu-dents? Or should it focus onpromoting the involvementof the local inhabitants in theGeopark and local develop-ment? In short, all thesequestions related to objec-tives and the public, and thusto the content, highlight thecomplexity of creating awebsite for a geopark.Although every geopark isdifferent, they have commonobjectives and it would beuseful if geoparks couldshare a common perspectivewith regard to making themost of the Internet. Thiscould be a great opportunityfor establishing commonworking parameters forgeoparks.

Creating a Geopark website

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

32

BASQUE COAST

GEOPARK

Jon Paul Llordesjpllordes@yahoo.com

From Zumai to Deba, a boattour along the

geopark's famousFlysch Route

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:25 Page 32

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

33

Several papers and researchreports show that the majorcomplex of rupestrian inscrip-tions within the BeiguaGeopark territory provides avaluable record of the distri-bution of ancient settlementsin the area and is of signifi-cant value from a scientificand geo-archaeological pointof view. The presence ofthese rock inscriptions addsfurther value to the excep-tional wildlife and geologicalheritage of Beigua Geopark.These important inscriptionsare a subject which requiresa thorough study and anaccurate inventory, not onlyfor their protection, but alsofor using these engravings inthe rocks as a new tourismattraction.Therefore Beigua Geoparkhas launched a specific con-servation project with the sci-entific collaboration of theUniversity of Genoa -DIPTERIS, the technical sup-port of the InternationalInstitute of Ligurian Studiesand the supervision of theLiguria ArchaeologicalHeritage Department. Theproject aims to preserve andto enhance the Geopark'sgeo-archaeological heritagethrough a scientific survey

which involves cataloguing byusing a specialised methodalready practiced at a nation-al and international level.The project is divided intothree main actions:a) Inventory of rupestrianinscriptions in the BeiguaGeopark territory in order toimplement policies for theirprotection and raising inter-est in these features from atouristic point of viewb) Create educational andinformation materials to raisepublic awareness of the cru-cial role played by geo-archaeology in reconstructingthe distribution of ancienthuman settlements in theBeigua territoryc) The production of casts ofthe most significant rockengravings to be placedalong a new geo-archaeolo-gical thematic trail. Thus thedisturbance and destructionof the original sites will beprevented by observingmethods of good practicethat have proved successfulin other areas in Italy andabroad. This project for cataloguingand conserving the engravedrocks of the Geopark Beiguais designed to provide theregional and local agenciesand public bodies, responsi-ble for the protection of sitesof geo-archaeological value,with knowledge which is cur-rently unavailable. Thisknowledge is crucial for programming, planning andmanaging the geo-archaeo-logical heritage of the area. Itwill also provide the basis forpromoting new forms of geo-archaeological tourism ofmajor importance in con-tributing to the sustainable

economic development ofBeigua Geopark.

Promoting the geo-archaeological heritage in Beigua Geopark

Maurizio Burlando direttore@parcobeigua.itMarco Firpo firpo@dipteris.unige.itCarmelo Prestipinoc.prestipino@virgilio.it

Ancient grooves discoveredin Sassello area

Engraved stone in the Piampaludogeo-archaeological site

Details of cup-marks

engraved on arock surface

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:25 Page 33

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

S

34

AC

TIVI

TIES

Imagine exploring theground together with ham-sters and moles, tracing thehistory of coal mining withhelmets and lamps, discov-ering exotic plants in thehouse of the tropical rainfor-est or investigating theexciting phenomenon ofnature like a scientist. Allthese things are possible inthe Town of Osnabrueck, ormore precisely on the 3 HillsSchuelerberg, Westerbergand Piesberg.The "3 Mountains-Project" inOsnabrueck, is managed byTERRA.vita and consists of anetwork of 8 institutions,which play an active part inenvironmental educationand sustainable develop-ment. The aim and the func-tion of the network is to givepeople an understanding ofnature and the environment,and raise awareness of thenecessity for the protectionof biological diversity anddevelop the required skillsfor future actions. For thispurpose the associate part-

ners were chosen for theirexpertise in developing andproviding education andleisure programmes. Inthese programmes the asso-ciate partners pool theirexpertise and knowledge toextend the provision of edu-cation and publicise theirindividual contributions. The education - and leisureprogrammes invite pupils,holiday makers or families todiscover the key topics"Energy and Climate","Biological Diversity" and"History of the Earth" whichare interdisciplinary compo-nents in every institution ofthe network. Additionalservices such as accommo-dation and catering areoffered in cooperation withlocal youth hostels. All activi-ties are suitable for one-dayfieldtrips or prolonged visitsand can be booked individu-ally.Visitors are invited to discov-er the institutions with theaid of GPS-Navigation. Aspecial audio-visual GPS-

Guide offers diverse infor-mation about nature, cli-mate change and geology.This exemplary collaborationwas honoured with theacceptance of the "3Mountains - Network" as aproject of the UN-International Decade 2010/2011 "Education for sus-tainable Development". Partners of the Network:Natur - und Geopark TERRA.vita, Museum am Schuler-berg, Zoo Osnabrueck,Botanischer Garten undBiologisches Schuelerlaborder Universitat Osnabrueck,Zentrum fur Umwelt kom-munikation der DBU,Museum Industriekultur,Kultur - und Landschafts-park Piesberg der StadtOsnabrueck.For further informationabout the network and itspartners check www.3-berge.de

TERRA.vita Geopark:

The "Three-Mountains-Project"

Inga Lehmkuhl, Inga.Lehmkuhl@Lkos.deElena WichertElena.Wichert@Lkos.de

Schoolchildren experience a coal mine in a full scalemodel in TERRA.vita Geopark

An exhibition providesan insight into aspectsof natural history

An exhibition providesan insight into aspectsof natural history

E

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:25 Page 34

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SAC

TIVI

TIES

35

During the evening of 14th

May 2011 more than 1400people entered and spentfour hours in the torch litgrounds of Fil'akovo Castle,Slovakia, during the "Nightof Museums and Galleries",an event organized for thefourth time this year. Theprogramme concentrated onthe values and contributionof the Novohrad - NogradGeopark.The evening was opened byErika Anderko and JanosLoska, the Slovakian andHungarian directors, whojointly control the operationof the Novohrad - NogradGeopark. They opened apermanent palaeontologicalexhibition entitled "TheRemnants of Petrified Life inthe neighbourhood ofFil'akovo", and Erika empha-sized the strength of therelationship between theGeopark and the CastleMuseum of Fil'akovo. JanosLoska discussed the ideals ofthe Geopark and in his pres-entation stated that "Ifbecoming a member of theEGN was good only for gath-ering so many people heretoday - even then it wasworth it"! His speech con-cluded by enumerating thegeological values of the

Geopark and by comparingthese and the aims of theGeopark with the castles ofEger and Fil'akovo. He statedthat the well-known quota-tion: "the power of the wallslies not in the stones but inthe souls of the defenders"can also be applied toNovohrad - Nograd Geopark.Visitors to this celebrationenjoyed the castle's exhibi-tions and events, attendedthe scientific and education-al lectures and becamefamiliar with the geologicalvalues of the Geopark aswell as with the procedureinvolved with becoming amember of the EGN. Duringthe opening of the new per-manent palaeontological

exhibition people had anopportunity to visit the onlycasemate (vaulted chamber)that remains intact in thelower castle. Dr. Lajos Gaal,who is a geologist, used thisromantic underground siteto deliver a lecture about thequarries containing sharkteeth, mastodon and otherprehistoric animal bones. Inthe middle part of the castlethe visitors were lectured to by members of theVolcanological Departmentof Eotvos Lorand University,who described the occur-rence of former volcanoes inthe region.

Record Interest in the Night

of Museums in Fil’akovo

Tibor Koblicek -master in folk-luthiering

Erika Anderkova,Janos Lposka

and Attila Agocs (director of theCastle Museum

of Fil'akovo) greet the

visitors

Istvan Keriinfo@nngeopark.eu

¨ ¨

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:25 Page 35

Fifty European Geoparks working

together on the conservation and the

appreciation of their geological heritage for

sustainable territorial development, are

pleased to welcome you.

We hope that you will enjoy a visit.

European Geoparks Network

European Geoparks NetworkWelcome to the

4 billion years of Earth History

to serve tomorrow

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:26 Page 36

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SWEL

CO

ME

The Burren and Cliffs of MoherGeopark joined the Europeanand Global Geopark Networkin September 2011. The word'Burren' comes from the wordBhoireann, an Irish (Gaelic)word meaning 'a place ofstone'. The Burren is locatedon Ireland's western Atlanticcoastline, in the administrativeregions of County Clare andCounty Galway. The Burren and Cliffs of MoherGeopark comprise an area ofapproximately 530km2, withover 100km of coastline. Thespectacular Cliffs of Mohermake up 8km of this coastline.Over 8000 people live in theGeopark. Population censusdata for 2006 showed thattourism (13%) and agriculture(13%) employed equal num-bers of people, and demon-strated the importance ofthese activities to the econo-my of the Geopark. The Burren comprises a land-scape of fossiliferousCarboniferous Limestone,overlain by Namurian shalesand siltstones, succeeded by aseries of Namurian mud-stones, siltstones and sand-stones. The limestone con-tains an abundance of coral,brachiopod, crinoid, and gas-tropod fossils. Goniatite andbrachiopod fossils are presentin the Namurian shale. Withover 100km2 of Atlantic coast-line, the effects of coastal ero-sion (cliffs, arches, stacks,sea-caves) and deposition(dunes, storm-beaches) areevident along the coastline.The glacio-karst landscape ofthe Burren is characterised byvast expanses of limestone

pavement, hundreds ofdolines and pol-

j e s

(enclosed depressions), lime-stone gorges, springs, swal-low-holes, dry valleys,tur-loughs (disappearing lakes),karren, and hundreds of kilo-metres of caves. The legacy ofthe Ice Age is evident in theabundant glacial striations,glacial boulders and erratics,drumlins and moraines. Local phosphorite depositswere mined on a small scalefrom the 1920s to the 1940sto provide fertilizer.Smalldeposits of calcite andfluorspar were also exploitedin the Burren, as were mineralveins containing lead, copper,zinc, galena, chalcopyrite,malachite, and sphalerite, par-ticularly in the 19th century.The Geopark contains over2,700 recorded archaeologicalmonuments dating back over6,000 years to the NeolithicPeriod and has been describedas 'one vast memorial tobygone cultures'.The flora in the Geoparkincludes 75% of the plantspecies recorded in Ireland.The Burren's unique floraincludes plant communitiesconsisting of Arctic/Alpinespecies found growing along-side Mediterranean species. The limestone hills have longsustained the region's farmingculture. The Burren's farmingtraditions are unique, particu-larly in the practice of 'over-wintering', whereby cattlegraze the hillsides in winter,enjoying a relatively warm,dry, source of calcium andmineral rich fodder. Management of the Burrenand Cliffs of Moher Geopark isprovided by Clare CountyCouncil, with the support ofthe Geological Survey ofIreland, and the Shannon

Regional Development agen-cy. The Geopark ManagementGroup comprises a SteeringGroup of statutory andregional stakeholders, andan Advisory Group of localcommunity representa-tives.Environmental conservationdesignations and initiativesin the Geopark include theIrish Geological HeritageProgramme, Special Areasof Conservation (SACs),Special Conservation Areas,the state-run Burren NationalPark and nature reserves, andNational Monuments Servicemanaged sites and monu-ments. Other environmentalconservation initiatives includethe Burren Connect Sustain-able Tourism Project, theFarming for ConservationProgramme and the Burren-beo environmental volunteerinitiative. The Burren Eco-tourism Network and FarmHeritage Tours Co-operativerepresent two of the manyinnovative initiatives intourism and sustainable eco-nomic development in theGeopark. There is also anactive network of visitor cen-tres and learning environ-ments in the Geopark.

Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark

The 6000 year oldPortal Tomb atPoulnabrone is oneof the 2700+archaeological sitesand monumentsfound throughoutthe Burren

The Burren'scalcium rich

grasslands support a

unique farmingculture.

Traditionalfarming

practices arekey to

conserving biodiversity

Ronan Hennessy cgleeson@burren.iePat O'Connorpatrick.oconnor@gsi.ie

A NewAtlantic-EdgeGeopark in Ireland

Aclassic limestone pavement by the Burren'sAclassic limestone pavement by the Burren'sAtlantic coast, with the magnificent Cliffs Atlantic coast, with the magnificent Cliffs of Moher in the backgroundof Moher in the background

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:26 Page 37

The 2.544 km² Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark is situat-ed in a mountain range in thesouth-east of the province ofCaceres (Extremadura,Spain). Villuercas-Ibores-Jarahas nineteen municipalitiesand twenty-six residentialcentres and a population of14.658 inhabitants.Las Villuercas has a moun-tainous core surrounded byancient peneplains, and ischaracterized by a series ofparallel ridge-and-valley sys-tems aligned in a northwest-southeast direction. The rocksof the region were folded dur-ing the Hercynian Orogenyleveled by erosion during theMesozoic and Cenozoic eras,and rejuvenated by fracturingwith the formation of horst

and graben during the AlpineOrogeny. Finally, the estab-lishment of the current rivernetwork in this intensely fold-ed and fractured territoryresulted in the characteristictopography of the region,which is generally referred toas an "Appalachian relief".The fossils and rocks bear wit-ness to one of the mainevents in the evolution of life:the Cambrian explosion. Thelimestone deposits includeabundant examples of thegenus. Cloudina, a fossil char-acteristic of the EdiacaranPeriod between 635-542 mil-lion years ago. Cloudina is theearliest animal with a mineral-ized exoskeleton. The Edia-caran deposits are comple-mented by the fossil richOrdovician rocks (GreatOrdovician Radiation). TheOrdovician sediments includefossil-bearing layers with anabundance of trilobites, bra-chiopods, bryozoans, echino-derms, mollusks (bivalves andcephalopods), and grapto-lites.Forty - four cataloguedgeosites include ridges, hillsand mountains, mines, faults,river valleys, fossildeposits orareas with special geomor-phological features such assynclines and anticlines.Remarkable features of geo-logical significance include thepeak of La Villuerca, theSanta Lucia Syncline or thePena Amarilla. Many geositesare also of cultural interestand are associated with rockshelters and cave paintings.The Costanaza mine inLogrosan is representative ofthe old mining industry in the

region and Castanar de Iborcave with its impressive for-mations of aragonite crystalswas declared a natural monu-ment in 1997.Its natural heritage has beenrecognized by the EuropeanUnion Habitat Directive: eightSites of Community Import-ance and seven SpecialProtection Areas for Birds.They give the opportunity toobserve species such as theabundant cranes and raptorslinked to the quartzite out-crops of the sierras, griffon,black and Egyptian vultures,black storks, eagle owls andgolden eagles. More thanforty cultural sites and eventsalso provide significant attrac-tions for visitors to the region.The Royal Monastery ofGuadalupe is of special signif-icance and was designated asa UNESCO World Heritage sitein 1993.

38

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SWEL

CO

ME

THE VILLUERCAS -IBORES - JARA GEOPARK

A rock shelter in the Pena Amarilla geosite

A view from theSanta LuciaSyncline

Juan GilJugimo@gmail.comJose M. Barrerajmbarrera@dip-caceres.esJose M. Corralescorrales@unex.esJavier Lopezjavier@aprodervi.com.es

Aragonite crystals in theCastanar de Ibor cave

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:26 Page 38

The Bauges Massif Geopark,with a surface of 856 km², islocated in the northernFrench Alps, astride theSavoie and Haute-Savoiedepartments. The populationof more than 60 000 inhabi-tants unevenly distributednbetween the populated outercrown and the sparsely pop-ulated inner mountainouscore. The Bauges MassifGeopark is also a dynamicrural mountainous area withpeaks rising to heights above2000m bordered by populat-ed valleys at altitudes ofapproximately 250m abovesea level.The Geopark is administeredby the Regional Nature Parkwhich through its charteraims to preserve its naturaland cultural heritage andpromote sustainable localeconomic development. Geologically, the geopark islocated within the subalpinemassifs and is characterizedby limestone and marls dat-ing from the Mesozoic andCenozoic eras. In the west-ern part of the massif thetectonic structures create aconformable relief. Theinverted relief of the easternarea is characterized byperched synclines. The erod-

ed limestone is associatedwith a subterranean karstnetwork and numerous deepand narrow canyons andwaterfalls which supplywater to the two largest nat-ural lakes in France (Annecyand Bourget). Climatically, the massif issubjected to three influ-ences: to the west, hill zonetemperate climate speciesare well represented includ-ing roe deer, deer, grouse,lynx or erythrone (leaf hop-per) and cyclamen. The high-er altitudes of the easternside, are characterized bysubalpine and mountainspecies such as blue thistle,Potentilla, chamois, blackgrouse and the short-toedsnake eagle. On the southernside, species such as Osyris(sandalwood), bladder sennaor the green lizard and cica-da express the Mediter-ranean influence.The rural character of theBauges Massif has influencedthe landscape considerablyand is associated with a veryspecial architecture and life-styles. During the harvest,families leave the core of theMassif to live in "Sartos" andGrangettes in the southernfoothills. During the summerthey still relocate to chaletsat different altitudes to followthe grazing herds. Natura 2000, and biotopdecrees protect the richnessof the natural heritage of theterritory. A national huntingand wildlife reserve includes6 areas of special protectionwhere no access is allowed.Pedagogical activities, con-ferences and scientificresearch promote knowl-edge and the conservation ofgeo-heritage.Agriculture, the timber indus-

try and tourism contribute tothe economic development.Local cheeses and wines areparticularly known for theirquality, and are labelledrespectively with the "Tomedes Bauges" and "Vins deSavoie" and "Vignoble etd?couverte" denominationsof origin. The timber industryalso is an important resourceand a balance is maintainedbetween exploitation andbiodiversity. Tourism is themajor activity with attractivedestinations such as Annecyor Aix-les-Bains. The territoryhas 4 traditional family skiresorts including the firstFrench site for cross-countryskiing.

39

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SWEL

CO

ME

Massif des Bauges Geopark: the northern French Alps is home to France's third Geopark

Jean-Luc Desbois jl.desbois@parcdesbauges.comStephanie Gallinos.gallino@parcdesbauges.com

Water from the undergroundkarst system flows to the surface at a resurgence in flood

The perchedsyncline

of Arclusaz

Chalets situatedwithin a pasture

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:26 Page 39

The Geopark is situated incentral Italy in the mountain-ous Apuan Alps and it coin-cides with the territory of thehomonymous Regional Park,for about 500 km2, including20 municipalities in theprovinces of Lucca andMassa Carrara. The Geoparkhas approximately 16,150inhabitants and an averagepopulation density of 32.7inhabitants/km2.The Geopark's geologicalheritage is particularly signi-ficant because the tectonicwindow in the centre of theApuan ridge displays the old-est geological formations ofthe whole Apennine range.Its complex geological histo-ry is responsible for the greatdiversity of rocks, tectonicstructures and minerals inthe territory. The approxi-mately 200 minerals record-ed from the area include 19mineral species which werefirst discovered anddescribed from the ApuanAlps. Moreover, the impor-tance of the geological her-itage is evident in the karstphenomena, especially thehypokarst features createdby water at depth, in thesigns of major climatechanges, and in the archaeo-logical and historical-culturalremains linked to mining andquarrying activities. TheGeopark's 253 geosites vary

in significance. The twenty-nine categories in whichthese sites fall under havebeen selected as representa-tive of the main geologicalprocesses.The biological diversity of theApuan Alps is also remark-able. Almost half of theseven thousand Italian plantspecies grow in this area andfor this reason the Geoparkcontains as many as 10 Sitesof Community Interest,together with a wide andoften overlapping area ofSpecial Protection, and a Siteof National Interest protect-ed by Italian legislation.The Apuan people survivedfor a long time on subsis-tence agriculture. Farmingwas accompanied by indus-trial activity. The intensesearch for metals and mar-bles, initiated during theMiddle Ages, fuelled theindustrial activity whichdeclined during the 20th cen-tury. Numerous abandonedmines and quarries bear wit-ness to this "industrial age".The Apuan Alps area includesmore than 200 small villageswhich developed during theMiddle Ages. The Geoparkalso contains several monu-ments of architectural value,such as churches, castles,fortified villages, towers andbridges. The ancient marbleand sandstone sculptures onthe facades of many build-ings reflect the significantheritage of stone culture inthe Apuan Alps territory.The Geopark is an organiza-tion within the TuscanyRegion and is subject toRegional legislation. Its man-agement structure consistsof approximately 50 peoplefrom political and otheradministrative organizations. The Geopark uses a wide

variety of ways to establish abasis for encouragingtourism activities as well asfor the promotion of educa-tion about natural historyand the environment. The Geopark's main facilitiesinclude the CorchiaUnderground System andPalaeontological Park of theCaves of Equi terme withspeleological trails, quicksil-ver mines, marbles under-ground quarries, museums,caves of palaeotnological andpalaeontological interest andkarst and thermal springs.

40

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SWEL

CO

ME

The Apuan Alps Geoparkopens a window on Geodiversity

Educational activ-ity in a pot-holein Equi Terme

A beech forest ina doline duringautumn

Alessia Amorfiniaamorfini@parcapuane.itAntonio Bartellettiabartelletti@parcapuane.itGiuseppe Ottriaottria@dst.unipi.itThe natural arch

of Mt. Forato

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:26 Page 40

41

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SWEL

CO

ME

v-

n

The Katla European andGlobal Geopark was formallyestablished on November 19,2010. Its purpose, amongothers, is to protect anddevelop the region's geologi-cal assets in order to promotesustainable economic devel-opment. Currently this mag-nificent area of approximately9542m2, i.e. almost 10% ofthe islands surface, is occu-pied by an aging and decreas-ing population of only 2700people. The establishment ofthe Geopark is the inhabitants‘response to demographicchanges in the population.Therefore it was agreed bythe governments of the threelocal municipalities, Rangar-thing eystra, Myrdalshreppurand Skaftarhreppur, to unitein working towards reversingthis trend by making use of atleast three active volcanoes,glaciers and the exciting his-tory of the area. The ground-work for founding KatlaGeopark was initiated in 2008with a project led by theUniversity Centre of SouthIceland and later was partlyfunded by the GrowthAgreement Project for theSouthern Region of Iceland. The geological history of thearea is interesting and

diverse. The region is charac-terized by landscapes thathave been sculpted by gla-ciers and volcanic activitywhich has had an immenseinfluence on human habita-tion. Katla Geopark, for exam-ple, contains the infamousEyjafjallajokull volcano whichdisrupted air traffic aroundthe globe when it erupted in2010. Although this event wasunplanned by the marketingteam of Katla Geopark andpostponed the formal estab-lishment of the Geopark formonths, it was a great way tomake the area well known tothe public. Living conditionsat the time were unfavourableand for months falling ashcovered every inch of thearea. However, the ash hasproved to be a good fertilizerfor grass and barley. Nature, in its various forms, isthe main attraction of KatlaGeopark. Internationaltourists and people fromother parts of Iceland cometo enjoy nature by sightsee-ing and also by engaging invarious outdoor activities.There are a few very popularhiking trails in the area, forexample Fimmvorduhals, a 21km long route across a ridgebetween two glaciers,Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdals-jokull, ascends from Skogarand ends in Thorsmork.Following the eruption ofEyjafjallajokull Volcano in thespring 2010 the trail nowcrosses the new lava flowbetween the two new cratersModi and Magni. TheLaugavegur trail, which is byfar the most popular hikingtrail in Iceland, traverses partof the area. The Laugavegur

trail is a 55 km long hike fromLandmannalaugar toThorsmork. There are numer-ous huts for accommodationen route. Sveinstindur toHolaskjol is a 40 km long hikein the eastern part of KatlaGeopark, near Langisjor andnot far from Lakagigar. Thistrail is becoming increasinglypopular as it is more remoteand demanding than theother trails. In addition tothese longer routes there aremany shorter walking andhiking trails for the wholefamily to enjoy. During summertime peoplefrom all over Iceland andfrom abroad enjoy fishing forsalmon, char and sea trout inthe area’s rivers and lakes. Inthe fall and winter people alsocome from other parts ofIceland for bird hunting.Glacier walks and ice climbingin Solheimajokull are avail-able all year round. Trips forfour wheel drive jeeps ondesignated routes in the high-lands of Katla Geopark arealso popular throughout theyear. Katla Geopark offers,without a doubt, an unequalexperience for every type oftourist.

The magnificentThe magnificentoutdoor life outdoor life of the dynamic of the dynamic Katla Geopark Katla Geopark

Eyjafjallajokull eruption 2010

Steingerdur Hreinsdottirsteingerdur@sudur.is

View from theshore in Vik

Langisjpor-a popular

area forhiking and

fishing

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:27 Page 41

42

euro

pea

nG

EO

PA

RK

SWEL

CO

ME

The "Sierra Norte of Seville"Natural Park and Geopark, inthe province of Seville, wasdeclared a Natural Park by theParliament of Andalucia in1989. It is one of the largestnatural parks in Andalusia,covering 1774.84km² andincludes, either totally or par-tially, ten municipalities thatare home to more than29,000 inhabitants.The Geoparkis located in themountain ranges of SierraMorena, between the geologi-cal zones of Ossa-Morena andSudportuguese (in the west-ern area). The geology con-sists predominantly of rocksof Precambrian, Palaeozoic,Permian and Lower Triassicages, with some Miocene sed-imentary rocks in the south-eastern area. The Geopark'srich geological, archaeologicaland mining history has result-ed in the recognition of atleast 32 sites of geologicalinterest and several geo-touristic routes and includethe following:

Precambrian andPalaeozoic rocks of the Ossa-

Morena and Sudportuguesezones.

The karst and mine com-plex at El Cerro del HierroNatural Monument includes aspectacular palaeokarstorigi-nating from Middle-UpperCambrian erosion of a LowerCambrian limestone.

A site containing the high-est concentration of impres-sions of Lower Cambrian jelly-fish, recorded in the IberianPeninsula.

The Valley Syncline:Ordovician to Devonian sedi-mentary rocks with an abun-dance of pelagic fossilspecies.

The beautiful crag-landlandscapes in the Geopark'sabundant igneous rock out-crops.

The "Beja - Acebuches"amphibolites representing theremains of an ancient oceanfloor and a suture betweentectonic plates.

Permian and the Triassiccontinental deposits with anabundance of fossil plants.

The waterfalls and traver-tine deposits in the HueznarRiver.

Mines and quarries, withover 30 ancient and recentmines.The geopark's lowland vege-tation is adapted to aMediterranean climate withdry, hot summers and mildwinters, the holm oak and thecork oak are the most charac-teristic species. Upland areasare characterized by morewet-loving species such as thegall oak and the Pyreneanoak. The black stork and theSpanish imperial eagle, boththreatened with extinction,build their nests in the SierraNorte landscape. The high-lands are characterized bytheir gentle topography andconsist of hillocks, typical ofold massifs subjected to ero-sion over a long period oftime. The Viar, Retortillo andHu?znar rivers contribute tothe geopark's drainage sys-

tem.Since ancient times, the west-ern part of Sierra Morena wasan area of important econom-ic activity due to mining. Itwas situated in close proximi-ty to the Roman Way knownas the "Silver Route" and,owing to its strategic locationserved as a defensive positionduring the Late Middle Ages.This region linked the west ofAndalucia and Castile andserved as a conduit for popu-lation migration and for thetransfer of cultural ideas fromthe north. The Geopark is alsorich in archaeological sites:dolmens used as burialplaces, castles, buildings andchurches, as well as numer-ous settlements and cemeter-ies from Roman times.The Natural Park and Geoparkis managed by theDepartment of Environment,and has a fixed budget fromthe Regional Government: theJunta de Andalucia. A manag-er, together with a team of 11people, is responsible for themanagement of the NaturalPark. Several action plansserve as guidelines for thenext years including frequent-ly organized activities promo-ting conservation of the geo-logical heritage and the deve-lopment of a sustainable eco-nomy based on geotourism.

General view of thekarst and mine

complex at El Cerrodel Hierro Natural

Monument

Landscape in the uppersection of theViar river

Geological excursion at theGeological excursion at theGreen Way (old railway) in theGreen Way (old railway) in theSeville Geological-Day of 2010Seville Geological-Day of 2010

SierraNorte deSevilla

Gil Toja, A. agil3@tragsa.esCuenca Bonilla, I. inmaculada.cuenca@juntadeandalucia.esPerez Villalba, M.milagros.perez.villalba@juntadeandalucia.es

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:27 Page 42

GEOPARK CONFERENCES

12 - 15 May 2012 5th International UNESCO Conference on GeoparksJapan - Unzen Geoparkwww.geoparks2012.com/

2 - 10 August 2012 The 34th International Geological Congress (IGC) Brisbane, Australia. www.34igc.org

19 - 21 September 2012 11th European GeoparksConference - Arouca Geopark Portugal www.2012egnconference.com

September 2013 12th European GeoparksConference in Cillento e Valle Diano Geopark - Italy

September 2014: 13th European Geoparks Conference in Marble ArchCaves Geopark - N. Ireland & Republic of Ireland

September 2015: 14th European Geoparks Conference in RokuaGeopark - Finland

European Geoparks Meetings

September 2012: Arouca Geopark - Portugal

March 2013: UNESCO - Paris FranceSeptember 2013: Cilento e Valle Diano Geopark - Italy

March 2014: Sobrarbe Geopark - SpainSeptember 2014: Marble Arch Caves Geopark - N. Ireland & Republicof Ireland

GE

OPA

RK

CO

NFE

RE

NC

ES

GE

OPA

RK

CO

NFE

RE

NC

ES

www.europeangeoparks.org

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:28 Page 43

1. Reserve Geologique de Haute - Provence FRANCE2. Vulkaneifel European Geopark GERMANY3. Petrified Forest of Lesvos GREECE4. Maestrazgo Cultural Park ARAGON, SPAIN5. Psiloritis Natural Park GREECE6. Terra.Vita Naturpark GERMANY7. Copper Coast Geopark IRELAND8. Marble Arch Caves European Geopark NORTHERN IRELAND & IRELAND9. Madonie Geopark ITALY10. Rocca di Cerere Geopark ITALY11. Naturpark Steirische Eisenwurzen AUSTRIA12. Naturpark Bergstrasse Odenwald GERMANY13. North Pennines AONB ENGLAND, UK14. Park Naturel Regional du Luberon FRANCE15. North West Highlands SCOTLAND, UK 16. Geopark Swabian Albs GERMANY17. Geopark Harz Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen GERMANY18. Hateg Country Dinosaurs Geopark ROMANIA19. Beigua Geopark ITALY20. Fforest Fawr Geopark WALES, UK21. Bohemian Paradise Geopark CZECH REPUBLIC22. Cabo de Gata - Nijar Natural Park ANDALUCIA, SPAIN23. Naturtejo Geopark PORTUGAL24. Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park ANDALUCIA, SPAIN25. Sobrarbe Geopark ARAGON, SPAIN26. Gea Norvegica Geopark NORWAY

27. Geological, Mining Park of Sardenia ITALY

28. Papuk Geopark CROATIA

29. English Riviera Geopark ENGLAND, UK

30. Adamello - Brenta Nature Park ITALY

31. Geo Mon WALES, UK

32. Arouca Geopark PORTUGAL

33. Shetlands SCOTLAND - UK

34. Chelmos Vouraikos GREECE

35. Novohrad - Nograd Geopark HUNGARY & SLOVAKIA

36. Magma Geopark NORWAY

37. Basque Coast Geopark, Pais Vasco SPAIN

38. Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano, Campania ITALY

39. Rokua Geopark FINLAND

40. Tuscan Mining Park, Toscana ITALY

41. Vikos - Aoos Geopark GREECE

42. Muskau Arch Geopark POLAND & GERMANY

43. Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park, Andalucia SPAIN

44. Burren and Cliffs of Moher REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

45. Katla ICELAND

46. Bauge FRANCE

47. Apuan Alps ITALY

48. Villuercas-Ibores-Jana SPAIN

49. Carnic Alps Geopark AUSTRIA

50. Chablais Geopark FRANCE

www.europeangeoparks.org

The European GeoparksNetwork today...The European Geoparks Network today...

The Network consists of 50 Geoparks in 18 European countries (March 2012)

EGN MAG 9.qxd 10/5/2013 10:28 Page 44