Territories of resilience - European Geoparks: European Geoparks Magazine Issue 18 - European Geoparks Network
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European Geoparks Magazine ● Issue 18 European Geoparks: Territories of resilience
THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS
NETWORK
www.europeangeoparks.org
Geoparks:
Territories of resilience
CALENDAR
FORWORD
CALENDAR European
Geoparks Network
2021 Magazine T he European Geoparks Network (EGN) is one of
four regional networks of the Global Geoparks
Network (GGN) which includes all areas designated
invited listeners to join audio tours. Virtual reality
models illustrate the landscape’s history in Rokua
UGGp. Geotourism provision is increased by a new
March 2021: 3nd European Geoparks Network Digital Issue No 18 / 2021 as UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps). guided tour in Eisenwurzen UGGp, the promotion of
Forum Published by: In 2020, the Covid -19 global pandemic and lesser known geosites in Bohemian Paradise UGGp
April 2021: 211th Session of UNESCO Executive Board – Natural History Museum devastation of the travel, tourism and hospital- and the completed section of the Via GeoAlpina
Nomination of New UNESCO Global Geoparks. of the Lesvos Petrified Forest ity industries curtailed activities in European Ge- in Sesia Val Grande UGGp. Ore of the Alps UGGp
on behalf of the European Geoparks Network oparks. The biannual EGN Coordination Commit- advocates mythogeography as the motto for pro-
22nd April 2021: International Mother Earth Day - Geopark
activities tee meetings were substituted by digital fora and moting resilience in adults and children.
Executive editor: Nickolas Zouros
scheduled evaluation and revalidation missions
18th May 2021: International Museum Day - Geopark were postponed. Nonetheless, the Basque Coast
Marketing and promotion are essential activities.
Publication Editor: Tony Ramsay The ‘’Photo Marathon’’ is a successful marketing
activities UGGp celebrated its 10th year as a member of the
22nd May to 6th June: European Geoparks Week 2021 tool in Novohrad–Nógrád UGGp. Promoting agri-
Editorial board: EGN and the Black Country UGGp (UK), Djerdap
cultural products contributes to marketing Cilento,
7-20 June 2021: Digital Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks Tony Ramsay, Jutta Weber, Nickolas Zouros UGGp (Serbia), Estrela UGGp (Portugal), Granada
Vallo Di Diano and Alburni and Villuercas-Ibores-
2021, Lesvos Greece. UGGp (Spain), Lauhanvuori - Hämeenkangas UGGp
Contributors:
(Finland) and Yangan Tau UGGp (Russian Federa- Jara UGGps. Online marketing prepares the Burren
5th June 2021: World Environment Day - Geopark activities Tony Ramsay, Kristin Rangnes, Charalampos and Cliffs of Moher UGGp for the resumption of
8-11 June 2021: 45th European Geoparks Network Meeting Fassoulas, Barnabás Korbély, Christophe Lansigu, tion) joined the Network together with Maestrazgo
(Spain), one of the founding members of EGN. The tourism.
Imre Szarvas, Naomi Foster, Konstantinos Perakis,
– Papuk UNESCO Global Geopark, Croatia. Haritakis Papaioannou, Georgia Kitsaki, Aristotelis range of articles also confirms that through net- The quality of a Geopark’s infrastructure is
9 September 2021: World CleanUp Day - Geoparks activities Stagikas, João Alves, Blanka Nedvědická, José working and collaborating European Geoparks fundamental to the success of tourism provision.
9-15 September 2021: 9th International Conference on María Barrera, Javier López, Iván Cortijo, Siegfried remained resilient, resourceful and creative in the Bergstrasse - Odenwald UGGp uses its Geodata-
Roth, Charlotte Olsen, Thea Krossøy, Eva Maria
UNESCO Global Geoparks – Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Vorwagner, Dr. Eamon Doyle, Alain Petit, Serge
face of adversity. base to monitor its infrastructure and initiated
11 September 2021: 46th European Geoparks Network Delaby, Simon Vankeerberghen, Sophie Justice, In response to Covid-19, Luberon UGGp initiated an interactive SDG platform highlighting projects
Meeting – Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Jóhannes M. Jóhannesson, Dr. Ahmet Serdar Aytaç, “Luberon Gratitude” to thank pandemic frontline and activities in its member communities. A new
Prof. Dr. Tuncer Demir, Elena Mateo-Mederos, workers. Chablais UGGp provided practical infor- Geopark Visitor Centre in Central Catalunya UGGp,
13 September 2021: 3rd Global Geoparks Network Ordinary Santina La Spada, Cathrine Johannessen, Sara
General Assembly – Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. mation to a population under lockdown and the GeoMÔn UGGp’s redesigned Visitor Centre and “The
Gentilini, Horst Ibetsberger, Athina Pavlidou, Mikko
residents of Katla UGGp enjoyed almost empty Trail Running Centre Allepuz-Maestrazgo Geopark”
13th October 2021: International Day for Disaster Kiuttu, Vesa Krökki, Kyösti Koskela, Julia Franzen,
Felipe González, Antonio Camacho, Antonio García, tourist destinations. Interviews with leading sci- are significant developments. De Hondsrug UGGp’s
Reduction - Geopark activities. entists provided a digital experience of the English
Mojca Gorjup Kavčič, Nina Erjavec, Tobias Fischer, exhibition “Farming in the Hondsrug’’, and the fossil
November 2021: 41st General Conference of UNESCO. Julia Kaiser, Melanie Schnieders, Giulia Castello, Riviera UGGp. exhibition in the Harz- Braunschweiger Land - Ost-
11th December 2021: International Mountain Day - Claudia Fiori, Carlos Neto de Carvalho, José Manuel
All Geoparks engage in formal and informal falen UGGp are new attractions. Newly installed
Pires, Luigi Bloise, Egidio Calabrese, Carmine
Geopark activities. education. Terras de Cavaleiros UGGp diversified toposcopes enable visitors to read landscapes in
Apollaro, Francesco Muto Francesco, Ilaria Fuoco,
Luigi Marini Luigi, Vespasiano Giovanni, Xavier by creating online lessons. Park guides and com- the Massif des Bauges UGGp. The Olimpline is
munications staff in Beigua UGGp produced digital
2022
M. Pellicer, Albert G. Sellés, Àngel Galobart, Colin an exciting attraction in Karawanken/Karavanke
Jago, Stewart Campbell, Esther Czymoch, Ángel events for children. Eight interactive games can UGGp. Naturtejo UGGp solved a geotechnical prob-
Hernández, Luis Mampel, Chesús Izquierdo, Wytse be downloaded from Famenne - Ardenne UGGp’s
Sikkema, Liesbeth Simon, Martina Grimaldi, Chiara
lem with a 200 m² diagram of an active fault.
March 2022: 47th European Geoparks Network Meeting – website. Idrija and Magma UGGps promoted the
Grassi, Leire Barriuso, Asier Hilario, Marine Bettant All Geoparks value their geological, cultural and
Hondsrug UGGp, Netherlands,co-organized with TERRA. du Breuil, Tanguy Leblanc, Ferran Climent Costa, effectiveness of the TeachOUT app. Kula – Salihli
natural heritage. Troodos UGGp documents the
vita UGGp, Germany. Bet Mercadé Carranza, Marcus Seuser, Jutta Weber, UGGp provided online training on global climate
change. Six summer educational programmes in restoration of an asbestos mine. Swabian Alb UGGp
September 2022: Asian Pacific Geoparks Network Mareike Müller, Aniello Aloia, Giovanni Ciano,
highlights the vulnerability of its calcareous tufa
Giovanni Ciano, Efthymios Tsiolakis, Christodoulos Lesvos Island UGGp and the virtual gymkhana in
Coordination Committee Meeting – Satun UNESCO Global Hadjigeorgiou, Vasilis Symeou, Jean-Noël Baudin, terraces. In 1730 farmers transformed agricul-
Sierras Subbéticas UGGp are examples of exciting
Geopark, Thailand Melanie Border, Gerald Hartmann, Darja Komar,
new developments. Pollino UGGp focused on rock ture following a volcanic eruption in Lanzarote and
September 2022: 7th Asian Pacific Geoparks Network Danijela Modrej, Antonia Weissenbacher, Graham
types and groundwater composition. Advancing Chinijo Islands UGGp. The tree Abies nebrodensis
Worton, Colin Prosser, Sanja Đokić, Nikola Vuković,
Symposium – Satun UNESCO Global Geopark, Thailand Emanuel de Castro, Gonçalo Vieira, Hugo Gomes, Earth science and environmental education within is an example of resilience in nature in Madonie
September 2022: 48th European Geoparks Network Fábio Loureiro, Pasi Talvitie, Terttu Hermansson. the framework of the UNs’ Sustainable Develop- UGGp. Sitia UGGp demonstrates the relationship
Meeting – Sesia – Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark, ment Goals are objectives in TERRAvita, Trollfjell between geology and architecture in Zakros Village.
Editing: Tony Ramsay and Vulkaneifel UGGps. A recovered stolen fossil of a crocodile in Origens
Italy
By initiating new projects and developing online UGGp draws attention to the effect of a collectors’
September 2022: 16th European Geoparks Conference – Publication manager: Christos Paraskevaidis
activities, Geoparks addressed the impact of Cov- market for fossils.
Sesia – Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy
Print: Epikinonia Aigaiou S.A. id-19 on geotourism. Via its “ParKeeper” project, The Geoparks’ varied and imaginative responses
tourists can become citizens of the Adamello Bren- to the Covd-19 pandemic demonstrate their po-
2023
Cover photo: Papuk ta UGGp. Psiloritis UGGp developed the initiative tential to participate in the international coopera-
UNESCO Global Geopark, Croatia
“Psiloritis Supports its Supporters”, while Vikos- tion essential for dealing with the environmental
March 2023: 49th European Geoparks Network Meeting – Aoos UGGp organized an event to encourage vol- and economic effects of the global climate change
Copyright: The magazine and all the contributions unteering in the local community. Rocca di Cerere crisis.
Hateg UGGp, Romania and illustrations contained therein are protected by UGGp promoted its cultural heritage in the Rimini
September 2023: International Conference location copyright. No part of this magazine may be copied or TTG Travel Experience Trade show. North Pennines
reproduced without the written approval of the publish-
to be decided during the 9th UNESCO International ers. This also includes commercial reproduction as an AONB & UGGp provided online talks for The North Tony Ramsay
Conference, Jeju Island, Republic of Korea electronic data base and copying on cd rom. © 2021 Pennines Stargazing Festival, and Beaujolais UGGp Publication Editor
3
EUROPEAN GEOPARKS
02 39
Digital Meetings,
Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark, Slovenia
Calendar
GLOBAL GEOPARKS The TeachOUT App, an Opportunity for Fun Science Education in
03 FOREWORD
Geoparks: Territories of resilience
the UNESCO Global Geoparks
40 TERRA.vita UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany
Advancing environmental education within the framework of the
Global Geoparks
a new communication
Sustainable Development Goals during and after the Covid-19
05 Digital Meetings, a new communication tool for the EGN in
difficult times
pandemic
41 Parco del Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy
07 The European Geoparks Week 2020 When the going gets tough, Beigua Geopark gets smart!
EARTH HERITAGE
RESILIENCE
tool for the EGN
42 Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal
11 Massif des Bauges UNESCO Global Geopark, France
Increasing awareness about the geological framework and
From a geotechnical potential hazard to an innovative
interpretation tool: the active Ponsul Fault
climatic changes
43 Pollino UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy
12 Novohrad–Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, Hungary – Slovakia Each rock has its own water
in difficult times
The transnational Photo Marathon during the Covid-19
Pandemic 44 Orígens UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain
The stolen fossil of a new species of crocodile described in
13 North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark, UK
North Pennines Stargazing Festival gets remote
Orígens Geopark returns home
45 GEOMÔN UNESCO Global Geopark
Geology and climate change on the isle of Anglesey
14 Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece
Facing the consequences of COVID-19 in Psiloritis UGGp
46 UNESCO Global Geopark Harz - Braunschweiger Land - Ostfalen,
Germany
15 Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece
Geology Shapes Local Architecture and Vice Versa: The Example The renewed fossil exhibition
of Zakros Village in Sitia Geopark
47 Maestrazgo UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain
Maestrazgo Geopark Trail Running Centre (Allepuz, Spain): A
16 VIKOS- AOOS UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece
Informing the business community and the local population of
Global Geosite with the elite of mountain athletics
the Vikos- Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark GEOTOURISM
17 Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal
Resilience to adversity in the Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO
48 De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark, Netherlands
The Expedition gateway ‘Farming in the Hondsrug’ is opened
Global Geopark
49 Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy
18 Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark, Czech Republic
Geopark UNESCO Bohemian Paradise in the Covid Period
Rimini TTG Travel Experience hosts Rocca di Cerere UNESCO
Global Geopark: Sicilian cultural heritage
19 VILLUERCAS-IBORES-JARA UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain
Resilience activities in Villuercas-Ibores-Jara UGGp
50 Adamello Brenta UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy
Tourists become ParKeepers in the Adamello Brenta UNESCO
Global Geopark!
20 Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany
Corona virus or the rediscovery of home in the Swabian Alb
Geopark
51 Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy
The Via GeoAlpina: geotrekking for sustainable development
21 Trollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark, Norway
Towards a more resilient future – Nordic youths encounter past
52 Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain
The Basque Coast Geopark celebrates its 10th anniversary
and future climate changes
53 Beaujolais UNESCO Global Geopark, France
22 UNESCO Global Geopark Styrian Eisenwurzen, Austria
Resilience in adversity
Seducing local travellers - from digital tours to micro-adventures
23 Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Ireland 54 Catalunya Central UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain
Montserrat, a reference point for promoting the Catalunya
The value of a Geopark business network during times of crisis:
an example from the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UGGp, Ireland Central Geopark to millions of people
24 Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global Geopark, Belgium 55 Bergstraße-Odenwald UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany
Involving local communities - geodata management and Global
Reinventing the Geopark’s activities during the crisis: Famenne-
Ardenne for Children Agenda 2030 platform
25 Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, France 56 Cilento, Vallo Di Diano and Alburni UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy
Best practices for sustainable development in Cilento, Vallo Di
Innovation and Adaptation in the Chablais UGGp in the Face of
Unprecedented Challenges Diano and Alburni UGGp: the GeoPark brand and Mediterranean
Diet taste network
26 Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Iceland
57
A
Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark, Cyprus Image from the
Rediscovering one’s own country during Covid-19 s we welcomed the New Year 2021, most unable to hold physical meetings, conferences or
The restoration of mining heritage sites as a powerful tool for screen during
27 Kula- Salihli UNESCO Global Geopark,Turkey
Activities in Kula-Salhili Geopark during the Covid-19 pandemic
geotourism: A case study of the historical Asbestos Mine that of us were probably more than happy to say training courses during this period, and scheduled
the first EGN
became a model for future restoration projects in Cyprus. goodbye to 2020. Corona virus, pandemic, Cov- evaluation and revalidation missions were post- Digital Forum
28 Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain
La Geria, an example of resilience in adversity 58 Luberon UNESCO Global Geopark, France id-19, these must have been the most frequently poned. However, we have managed, we have es- meeting.
Luberon Gratitude, an initiative from geopartners and tourism used words during the last 12 months. We have all tablished other ways to keep in contact!
29 Madonie UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy
Abies nebrodensis an example of “Resilience in Nature”
professionals from the Luberon UNESCO Global Geopark to
thank the pandemic frontline workers experienced the consequences and restrictions, in The 20th anniversary of the EGN 20, planned
our private and working lives. The EGN, as the ac- to be celebrated in Papuk UGGp, had to be de-
EDUCATION 59 English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, UK
The Geopark In Focus tive Global Geopark Network in Europe, has been ferred, at first for some weeks and months but
30 Magma UNESCO Global Geopark, Norway
The TeachOUT App: an example of resilience activities in 60 Karavanke/Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark, Slovenia– will now hopefully take place in 2021. When we
education Austria realized that the Covid-19 situation would stay
Olimpline - new adrenaline attraction in the Karavanke/
with us for a longer time than foreseen, we invit-
31 Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark, Austria
Mythogeography - Storytelling with a realistic background
Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark
ed all European Geoparks to the first EGN Digital
32 THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK TODAY 61 UNESCO designates 15 new Geoparks in Asia, Europe, and Latin
America Forum. Not as a replacement for the EGN Coor-
dination Committee Meetings, the Forum is not
34 LIST OF THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK TODAY PRESENTATION
a decision-making body, but an important tool to
35 Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece
Summer Educational Programmes 64 Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark, UK
Introducing the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark
meet, to hear from each other, to share informa-
tion and updates and to feel connected.
36 Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark, Finland
An innovative tool kit for geoheritage interpretation in Rokua 65 Djerdap UNESCO Global Geopark, Serbia
“It is magnificent to stand on the banks of the Danube...”
The first Digital Forum took place on 5th June
UNESCO Global Geopark 2020 and almost all Geoparks were present. It
37 Vulkaneifel UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany 66 Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal
A New Portuguese UNESCO Global Geopark: Estrela - was important to discuss the future meeting cal-
Vulkaneifel UGGp`s new field guide course integrates.
Sustainable Development Goals
a mountain of resilience endar, clarify the nature and possibilities for fu-
ture digital meetings and of course get updates.
38 Sierras Subbéticas UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain
Virtual gymkhana connecting students with geoheritage
67 Lauhanvuori - Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark, Finland
From mountains to mires Naturally, most colleagues were concerned about
4 5
The European
EUROPEAN GEOPARKS
EUROPEAN GEOPARKS
Image used in
the presentation
by Benjamin
Van Wyk De
Geoparks Week
2020
Vries (IUGS)
outlining the
role of the IUGS
Heritage Sites
and Collections
Subcommission
established in
2016 to review
applications for
Global Geopark
membership.
the UNESCO Global Geoparks procedures, such
as revalidations and evaluations, but another im-
portant issue on the agenda was “Geoparks and
resilience” – a theme that has become the signa-
ture for Geopark activities which also points into
the future. Already during this first Digital Forum
Papuk Geopark, Croatia
we started to talk about “The World after” – in a
context closely connected to the UN’s Sustain-
able Development Goals. Geoparks can play an
active role in supporting resilience in local com-
munities. We also summarized feedback on the
structure and organization of future meetings, a
Cabo de Gata -Nijar Geopark, Spain
process that will continue, as soon as we are able
to meet again, as a full decision-making body in
the Coordination Committee. The 3rd Digital Forum is scheduled for 26th
During the second Digital Forum on 15 Sep- January 2021. As coordinators we are looking
tember, it was a pleasure to welcome six new forward to meet again in this new format, to
Geoparks and two new member states into our discuss further the developments and directions
network. The Russian Federation and Serbia both for Global Geoparks – but most of all we hope to
have their first UNESCO Global Geopark! We meet everybody face to face during 2021!
agreed “business as usual” concerning the EGN
communication tools, the EGN Newsletters and Kristin Rangnes and Charalampos Fassoulas,
the EGN Magazine. EGN Coordinators
Sitia Geopark, Greece
E very year European Geoparks Week (sometimes called
the Geoparks Festival) is held during late May and
early June. The dates for Geoparks Week are a major
item in the calendar of annual events for all European
Origens Geopark, Spain Geoparks. This European-wide festival aims to raise pub-
lic awareness about Geoparks, their role in conserving
the geological heritage, in educational activities and how
they endeavour to provide economic benefit for the local
people by promoting geotourism. It also demonstrates
to communities that they are part of a wider European
Image used in Network. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, na-
the presentation tionwide lockdowns and the breakdown of international
by Sophie Justice
and national tourism, 2020 was not a “normal year” for
(Chablais UGGp)
summarizing
European Geoparks. In previous years EGN Week activi-
the results and ties included group participation in outdoor activities,
recommendations e. g. guided tours, cycling and photography, as well as
of the EGN Survey indoor activities such as talks and social events. In 2020
undertaken with the possibility for group activities during EGN Week was
Chris Woodley- either restricted or prohibited. Consequently, some pro-
Stuart (North
grammes involved online provision or combined online
Pennines UGGp). Central Catalunia Geopark, Spain
with outdoor activities.
6 7
The European Geo parks Week 2020
EUROPEAN GEOPARKS
EUROPEAN GEOPARKS
Terras de Cavaleiros, Portugal
Chelmos Vouraikos Geopark, Greece El Hierro Geopark, Spain
Idrija Geopark, Slovenia Las Loras Geopark,Spain Katla Geopark, Iceland
TERRA.vita, GEOPARK, Germany
Chablais Geopark, France
Group participation in 2020 EGN Week
programmes include introducing partici-
pants to geo-routes, activities with children
and involvement in World Cleanup Day and
the opening event for the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Ac-
tion Week 2020. Guided tours provided Cabo
de Gata – Nijar UGGP, Novohrad–Nógrád
UGGp, Sitia UGGp and Vikos – Aoos UGGp Geopark Harz Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen, Germany Novohrad-Nograd Geopark, Hungary-Slovakia
with an opportunity to showcase landscapes
and geological features in their territories.
Harz-Braunschweiger Land – Ostfalen UGGp
explored its georoutes with children and
used the opportunity to monitor informa-
Naturtejo Geopark, Portugal
tion provided at its geosites. The Geopark’s
Geoguides recorded videos of “Geopoints’’
in the territory. Magma UGGp’s Viking Tour
provided an opportunity for school children
to explore the cultural history of Egersund
City. Vis Archipelago UGGp organized kin-
dergarten outings to a museum and a beach Vikos - Aoos Geopark, Greece Rokua Geopark, Finland Sobrarbe- Pirineos Geopark, Spain
and, together with Kula–Salihli UGGp, par-
ticipated in UN World Cleanup Day in their
territories. The newly renovated House nine videos celebrating the International Year of tions included an introduction to Katla UGGp and
of the Pannonian Sea Information Centre Plant Health. European Geoparks were celebrated its geology and geological history. Las Loras UGGp
provided Papuk UGGp with the venue for a in Chablais UGGp in an online travel blog celebrat- provided talks, videos and photographs of Spanish
presentation to schoolchildren. ing the 20th anniversary of the European Geoparks and European Geoparks. Video presentations of
Online programmes were very varied. Network. Chelmos Vouraikos UGGp organized and geosites in Rokua UGGp received almost 20,000
Central Catalunya UGGp broadcast the judged the results of photographs submitted for the views. Sierras Subbeticas UGGp organized a virtual
narration of a tale about the Geopark and 1st Chelmos Vouraikos Amateur Photo Competition. gymkhana with five challenges and a diploma for
developed an experiment for viewers to un- The Webinar VII Conference on the Geological Herit- successfully completing the gymkhana. The “Written
derstand subsidence of the ground’s surface age of the Canary Islands was included in El Hierro in Rocks” exhibition in the new Idrija UGGp’s Visitor
which is common in the territory. Origens UGGp’s online activities. Sobrarbe–Pirineos UGGp Centre was promoted in a virtual tour. The Geopark
UGGp produced a play for families that ad- organized a web conference on “Glaciers and Karst” also promoted its trails with the TeachOut App on
dressed problems associated with emotional and combined with Causes du Quercy UGGp in web Idrija UGGp trails.
Sierras Subbeticas Geopark, Spain
management and health and also produced conferences and other activities. Online presenta- Opportunities for self-guided tours are highlight-
8 9
EUROPEAN GEOPARKS
Massif des Bauges UNESCO Global Geopark, France
The European Geoparks Week 2020
Increasing awareness about
the geological framework
RESILIENCE
and climatic changes
Kula SALIHLI Geopark, Turkey Magma Geopark, Norway
Tamié Géosite.
Trollfjell Geopark, Norway Vis Archipelago Geopark, Croatia
View of the
ed by TERRA.vita UGGp in its hiking fun booklet age inflicted by fires in 2017. Mont Blanc
Massif and
“Wanderpass-Wanderspaß”. The Geopark also The variety of activities delivered, despite Cov-
toposcope about
developed a unique activity involving handicrafts id-19, is testimony to the Geoparks’ resilience and the Grand Arc
using natural materials. Trollfjell UGGp developed inventiveness. We look forward to building on these Massif and the
achievements in hopefully a more “normal year” Isère Valley.
and encouraged self-guided GeoBike cycle tours.
for European Geoparks Week 2021. Photo by C. Lansigu.
During nationwide lockdown Naturtejo UGGp
improved its Orvalho GeoTrail and planted thou-
sands of native tree species addressing the dam-
Tony Ramsay - tonhel@btinternet.com
Barnabás Korbély - korbely@geopark.hu I n 2020 new toposcopes for reading landscape were
installed in the Bauges Massif Geopark. The Tamie
Fort toposcopes, are located at a recreational site
public to search for clues about the geological and
glacial heritage at this geosite.
The second set of three toposcopes is installed at
with fantastic panoramic views of the Mont Blanc the iconic site of the Nivolet Cross which dominates
NATURAL
Massif. The fort is a former 10 sites defence system the town of Chambery. Former dilapidated toposcopes
HISTORY around the town of Albertville. Over a long period, were removed many years ago depriving the public
United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Adamello Brenta
UNESCO
MUSEUM with declining visitor numbers, the fort was, for a few of descriptions of the amazing Alpine scenery and
Cultural Organization Global Geopark OF THE LESVOS
PETRIFIED FOREST
years, well known for a treetop adventure course. Un- the Le Bourget Lake. The Nivolet Cross is one of the
fortunately, in 2019 the adventure course equipment hiking hot spots, both in summer and in winter with
Digital Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks 2021 was badly damaged in a storm which threatened the
economic value of the site. In a demonstration of re-
snowshoes. Each toposcope deals with one specific
theme. The Sire toposcope explains the geological
UNESCO Global Geoparks and Sustainability silience the company that manages the site, decided,
with the help of the Geopark to improve the site. This
framework that determined the location and the
characteristics of the Le Bourget Lake, one of the
project included new signage, welcome panels and a two largest lakes of glacial origin in France. The lake
map of the site. Two trails are now accessible to the occupies a depression in molasse deposits and is sited
public to discover both the historic and landscaped between two folds associated with thrust faults. The
areas of the site. It also included two toposcopes other two topscopes, located near the foot of the 20
indicating significant features in the landscape. The metres high cross, concern the deglaciation history
LESVOS ISLAND first shows the glacial history of the Isere Valley, one
of the largest glacial valleys in the Alps. The location
of the Le Bourget Lake and more recent collapse of
The Granier Mountain due to a substantial landslide in
7-20 June 2021
and development of the valley was created mainly 1248 respectively. The new set of toposcopes allows
by the geology. The second toposcope shows the dif- the public to appreciate the physical and historical
ferent facets of human occupation in the perched characteristics of the area, and to be better prepared
GREECE
valley of Tamié, including a rich and specific water to adapt to the ongoing climatic change.
resource. This project should be completed in 2021
with a geological orienteering race to encourage the Christophe Lansigu - c.lansigu@parcdesbauges.com
Registration:
http://www.petrifiedforest.gr/geoparks2020/
Le Sire
Information - Secretariat: information
ml.faber@unesco.org | lesvospf@otenet.gr panel which
shows the
geological Detail of the
framework of geology shown
the Le Bourget on the Le Sire
Lake. toposcope.
Photo by B. Photo by B.
Tiberghien. Tiberghien.
L E S V O S
United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
UNESCO Chair on Geoparks
and sustainable development 11
Cultural Organization of insular and coastal areas.
G E O P A R K University of the Aegean, Greece
Novohrad–Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark, UK
Hungary – Slovakia
North Pennines Stargazing
The transnational Photo Festival gets remote
RESILIENCE
RESILIENCE
Marathon during the Covid-19 to encourage visitors outside of the main tourist
Pandemic
season. The long, dark evenings are also the perfect
time for stargazing.
The dark skies are one of the effects of an upland
landscape. The area has a small population and the
T he biannual cross-border Medves Photo Mara-
thon is a popular best practice activity in the
Slovak-Hungarian transnational Novohrad-Nógrád
distance from cities means that light pollution is
very low. Finding a clear night in the North Pennines
isn’t always easy, but the reward of thousands of
UNESCO Global Geopark. The programme is organ- stars and the misty band of the Milky Way above
ized in the picturesque Medves Plateau. This is the the hills is well worth the wait.
largest basalt lava plateau in Central Europe and a In 2020, like everything else, this event had to be
protected landscape with a rich natural and cultural modified. Gathering groups of people in an inflat-
heritage. able planetarium, a village hall, or even sharing a
Unfortunately, due to the springtime Covid-19 re- telescope outdoors is a difficult and often impos-
strictions most activities, including this planned pro- sible prospect at this time. The majority of the
gramme had to be cancelled during EGN Week 2020. festival has therefore moved to remote activities
However, the organizers did not abandon the for a North Pennines Stargazing Week.
event, and sponsored by the Olympus Company, This year’s activities include daily star tips from
held the 5th OLYMPUS Photo Marathon from 9 -11 a local astronomer, online talks with a series of
October. The event was attended by 250 amateur expert speakers, how-to guides, an online exhibi-
and professional photographers from Slovakia and tion of night photography, suggestions of where
Hungary. Contributors included members of the 16th The Milky Way to go and what to look for, self-led activities for
Honvéd Military Tradition Preservation Group and over High Force families and lots of social media activity. Atten-
prize giving will be accompanied by an exhibition of The website
the Börzsöny Heavy Infantry who enacted historical Waterfall. tion is also focused on the North Pennines’ Dark
the best work.. announcement
© Gary Lintern.
events and posed as models for the photographers. The event proved to be an exceptionally effective for the Skies Discovery Sites – a selection of designated
Photographers and contributors wore face masks,
adhered to social distancing and had access to dis-
infectants.
tool for raising public awareness of nature conserva-
tion issues, for promoting the Geopark concept and
cross-border
Medves Photo
Marathon.
T he North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark
has some of the darkest skies in England. This is
locations spread across the nearly 2000 square
kilometres of the Geopark. These sites are fairly
easy to access but the low levels of light pollution
sustainable tourism and for strengthening coopera-
Unique and special events in Hungarian locations tion between the Geopark’s stakeholders and the one of the features that makes the area particu- make them perfect places to enjoy the night sky
included photography in the House of Geowonders in larly special, alongside its internationally acclaimed at its best.
local inhabitants.
Salgóbánya and in the nearby forests and mountain geological heritage, unique combination of rare The necessary changes could mean missing
This event also provided amateur photographers
peaks. In the Salgo Fortress there was an opportunity flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes and fascinat- out this year on some of the physical experiences
with an opportunity to meet and photograph the
to photograph enactments of World War II images, and emotional connections that looking through
natural, historical and cultural assets of this border- ing cultural history. The AONB Partnership (which
and armored knights stood guard in the castle. Sun- a professional telescope, visiting a planetarium,
less and photographer-friendly Geopark. manages the Geopark) has organized a successful
rise and sunset tours were directed by local guides attending a hands-on event or spending a night
The multifaceted Photo Marathon is a very suc- Stargazing Festival annually since 2017, with the
and a 27metre high platform served as a location under the stars with dozens of others might bring.
cessful grassroots marketing tool. Images captured support of other organizations and partners. The
for photographs from a bird’s eye view. However, it may also mean that more people, or
during the event can be viewed by thousands of peo- aim is to inspire people to stop and take notice of a broader range of people, are inspired to get out
Special events in the Slovak area of the Geopark ple using different social media platforms. these fantastic dark skies, to learn more about and experience the wonders of the dark night skies
included an opportunity to take sunrise photos. In The event brings people of different inter- the world and the universe we live in, and above for themselves. Watch this space.
the afternoon’s location, the castle in Fülek/Fiľakovo, ests together. Through their shared experi- all to enjoy the experience. The festival is held in
photographers could take evening photos of enacted ences, participants can become advocates of October, to coincide with a school holiday week and Naomi Foster – naomi@northpenninesaonb.org.uk
images based on the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch the Geopark by sharing their photos on their
and of models in medieval dress. own websites and blogs. View the promotional
Although the event itself is over, as a follow up a video of the event on https://www.youtube.com/
photo competition was declared for the best pho- watch?v=I5e3dmf5h3U&feature=emb_logo
tographs in the categories of landscape, people and
wildlife. The main prize, an OLYMPUS E-M5III 1240 Imre Szarvas - office@nngeopark.eu
Kit (E-M5 Mark III body, EZ-M1240PRO lens, charger, Bükk National Park Directorate
battery, lens hood), was donated by the sponsor. As Novohrad-Nograd Geopark Headquarters. H-3100 Sal-
is customary following the previous four events the gotarjan, Eresztvenyi ut 6, Hungary.
A lady and her
knight modelled
during sunset The night sky
Amateur photography at Burnhope
photographers in the castle in Reservoir.
in action. Fülek/Fiľakovo. © Gary Lintern.
12 13
Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece
Facing the consequences Geology Shapes Local
of COVID-19 in Psiloritis UGGp Architecture and Vice Versa:
RESILIENCE
RESILIENCE
The Example of Zakros Village
in Sitia Geopark
Addressing
the Covid-19
Addressing pandemic.
the Covid-19 The Hellenic
pandemic with Geoparks Forum
the Hellenic campaign
Geopark Forum’s entitled
campaign “Experience
“Experience with safety An image of
with safety the Cultural Zakros village,
the Cultural and Natural showing how
and Natural Monuments of the settlement
Monuments of the Greek and follows the river
the Greek and Cyprus UGGps” channel.
Cyprus UGGps”
promotes dairy
products.
promotes the
digital tools of
Psiloritis UGGp.
V illages and groups of settlements are a large
part of the image of Geoparks. There is a belief
that environment is the only factor which determines
the river’s flow and blends with the earthen materials
of the area.
But this is just one side of the coin. The inhabitants
P siloritis UGGp was one of the Geoparks that faced
quite severe consequences of Covid-19. Following
global lockdown, the opening of the tourism season
ence with safety the Cultural and Natural Monuments
of the Greek and Cyprus UGGps”. Through the sum-
mer the Geopark used its social media channels to
the shape and the process of creating these compo-
nents of the image. Thinking in this way leads to the
conclusion that the environment and the conditions
of Zakros made the choice to follow the river’s flow
to accommodate the activities that they wanted to
develop in this area. Milling cereals in watermills was
was postponed for three months and the number of promote several of its partners and stakeholders. A that it provides are the only factors which determine the main, and initially, the only activity that occurred in
visitors, participants, customers etc. was reduced short message was developed in Greek and English where the buildings are built, how they are built and Zakros. Furthermore, the local building materials were
by up to 80% in most cases for most of the summer. for each case, accompanied with a few representa- how they are used. But what the eyes see within the used to support the economy. These prescribed choic-
In adapting to the new situation, the Geopark used tive images. The posted messages were linked both landscape of a Geopark is the reflection of a dynamic es that initiated the creation of the village followed
several tools for e-training and virtual visits developed with the promoted enterprise’s web site and social interrelationship between humans and the Earth. It metaphysical paths, became symbols and systems
in an earlier INTERREG project. The GEO-IN. Psiloritis media pages, with the EGN’s web pages, and pages is the image of a dialogue between the inhabitants of significance and were produced and reproduced
project produced the Geopark’s Interactive web-map of international projects such as RURITAGE, a project and their needs and the factors that the environment through time producing the image which we see today.
which allows visitors to interact with more than 200 focused on Rural regeneration through heritage in
provides at each place at a specific time. Concluding, what we see in the Geoparks is not
virtual 360° panoramas and trips. The Geopark’s social which the Geopark is involved.
Geology in fact influences the shape and the form merely the result of Earth processes. It is a dynamic
media continuously promoted these tools during the The very successful campaign reached a broad do-
of the environment. Taking the example of Zakros, it reciprocal process between the environment, humans
lockdown, increasing the visibility of the Geopark and mestic and international audience. At present we are
unable to assess its impact on the local economy and is possible to recognize the elements leading to some and their activities. The picture that our eyes see
providing an opportunity to enjoy our heritage from a
distance, even to groups with disabilities. how it may have supported the income of our stake- of the parameters which influence the architecture of and our minds observe is the product of a continuous
However, overcoming the impact of the pandemic holders, but we can certainly claim that it increased the village. In Zakros the residential area follows the bidirectional interaction, in which environment and
on the local economy presented the greatest chal- their, and the Geopark’s visibility. Tracking our social channel created by the river valley. What is more, the geology does not determine but evokes and provides
lenge. To mitigate the impact and try to support its media statistics, we can identify some very important form of the buildings is influenced by the abundance opportunities, which people use for formalistic or
Estimates partners and supporters the Geopark developed the facts. Firstly, the campaign appeared to have been of natural materials used in their construction. Stones symbolic aspects.
of the number initiative “Psiloritis Supports Its Supporters” which appreciated by the enterprises, their followers and the from the limestone substrate and mortar from the
of people who continued through the summer period. It was inaugu- general public. This can be estimated from the number clay and quartz soil that occur in this area, are the Konstantinos Perakis- Dipl. Product and Systems
viewed any rated during EGN Week coinciding with the Hellenic of followers that these posts reached which, in most sources of the building materials. As a result, the Design Engineering & MSc Architecture Building and
of the posts. Geoparks Forum’s wider campaign entitled “Experi- cases, were several times more than the normal posts image of the village is of a settlement, which follows Planning - konstantinos.perakis@outlook.com
of the Geopark and stakeholders. Secondly, connect-
ing the posts with the publicized enterprise’s social
media also promoted the Geopark’s pages resulting in
an increase in the number of the Geopark’s followers,
which almost doubled, and in the number of people
following the enterprises. Finally, we can recognize the Section of an
old wall in
strengthening of the bonds between the Geopark and
Zakros showing
its stakeholders, that is demonstrated for example
the building
through the increase of the Geopark’s post shared by materials from
stakeholders during and after the campaign. stone and
mortar derived One of the
Charalampos Fassoulas - fassoulas@nhmc.uoc.gr from the local watermills in
Psiloritis UGGp, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, area. Zakros.
14 15
VIKOS- AOOS UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal
Informing the business Resilience to adversity
community and the local in the Terras de Cavaleiros
RESILIENCE
RESILIENCE
population of the Vikos- Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark
UNESCO Global Geopark
Presenting the
THEMA app to
the public.
D espite the circumstances resulting from Covid-19,
during spring and summer 2020, the Management
group of the Vikos- Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark, Epirus
the THEMA app, which combines information for the visi-
tor with the possibility of playing (gamification) through
a process involving enrollment and reward. The THEMA
Socially distanced
visitors viewing
exhibits in the
S.A.- Development Agency, continued with its planned app involves tourism entrepreneurs, attracts new audi- Geopark’s Visitor
activities. However, most were inevitably digital involv- ences and at the same time offers quality and advanced Centre.
services to everyone including tourists, travel agents and
N
ing online meetings and events. owadays we are facing a global pandemic due offer, the Geopark engaged in partnerships with tour
An exception was the event organized at the open tourism professionals operating in the area. to the Coronavirus outbreak and resilient ter- operators from the territory. These partnerships al-
theatre of Monodentri (Monday, July 13, 2020) with the Apart from the presentation of the application, the ritories such as Geoparks have to adapt to this new lowed us to create a two-day package where a unique
aim of informing businessmen and locals in the Geopark, other topic developed involved the opening of the reality. (Geo)tourism experience is provided, promoting the
regarding the latest actions concerning the promotion Geopark to the local community through its participation In response to the pandemic, the Terras de Cavalei- history, the tradition, the culture and gastronomy
of the area through the Vikos- Aoos UGGp. in the Volunteer and Business Networks of the Vikos- ros UNESCO Global Geopark has shown its readiness (GEOfood) of our territory.
The event had a dual purpose; namely to motivate Aoos UGGp. by developing some initiatives, with the purpose of Therefore, the Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Glo-
volunteering in the local community, and at the same This event was crowned with success due to the sig- minimizing the impacts of this crisis on the territory. bal Geopark delivers continuity to the learning proc-
time to provide information about promoting tourism in nificant participation of the business community and Firstly, the Geopark created several touristic and ess, reinforcing the UNESCO pillars, Geoeducation,
the area with new tools, such as the mobile application local people, who expressed their interest in participat- promotional videos, highlighting and advertising Geotourism and Geoconservation.
THEMA App. This was developed within the project “New ing at all levels. Consequently (Monday July 20, 2020), a the territory’s rich heritage. Short videos presenting
Technologies in the Service of Developing Interregional working meeting in the premises of Epirus SA- Develop- various aspects of the Geopark’s heritage were cre- João Alves - geoeducacao@geoparkterrasdecavaleiros.com
Thematic Routes’’ with the acronym THEMA Project), ment Agency was held with representatives of all official ated, for example historical, cultural, gastronomic,
and was implemented in the framework of the Interreg tourism agencies of Zagori. The purpose of the meeting religious and mining. These involved interacting with
Greece - Albania Programme. was to strengthen the cooperation and association of the local inhabitants.
More specifically, in order to highlight the special the management body of the Vikos- Aoos UGGp with The Geopark diversified its educational provision,
geological, natural and cultural heritage of the area, the local business community through its official rep- creating some virtual lessons about the main themes
thematic routes were designed and created, focusing resentatives and collective organizations involving the of the territory. These virtual lessons consist of video
on nature and geology, culture and gastronomy, having Association of Tourist Enterprises of Zagori, the Federa- lectures given on digital platforms in which previ-
as their central axis the Vikos- Aoos UGGp and the wider tion of Rooms to Let of Epirus, the Papigo Professionals ously provided scripts lead to a better understanding
area of Zagori. The pioneering element of the project lies Association and the Municipality of Zagori. of the lesson delivered by the Geopark collaborators.
in the presentation of cultural-thematic routes through The main topics discussed included the creation of Finally, in order to enrich and diversify the touristic
a network of volunteers, the promotion of the Geopark
through the business community, as well as the regis-
tration and promotion of the new THEMA App of the
Vikos- Aoos UGGp.
For your information, the email access addresses for
the application are as follows:
For visitors: https://play.google.com/store/apps/
details?id=com.lime.thema&hl=en_US and https://apps.
apple.com/us/app/thema-tourism-app/ id1515481330.
A fieldtrip to a Adults and
Testing the Haritakis Papaioannou - h.papaioannou@epirussa.gr geosite in Terras children visit a
THEMA app in Georgia Kitsaki - gkitsaki@epirussa.gr de Cavaleiros geosite in the
the field. Aristotelis Stagikas - telis@epirussa.gr UGGp. Geopark.
16 17
Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark, VILLUERCAS-IBORES-JARA
Czech Republic UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain
Geopark UNESCO Bohemian Resilience activities
RESILIENCE
RESILIENCE
Paradise in the Covid Period in Villuercas-Ibores-Jara UGGp
tion with the Province, provided other measures
concerning tourism. In this case joint marketing
activities were proposed for companies in the
Geopark.
- The EU funded LEADER Group has received 83 ap-
plications for new entrepreneurial projects. More
than 60 are new economic activities in the Ge-
opark involving an investment of approximately
€3,500,000.
Secondly, the Geopark has been involved in some
innovative initiatives for companies:
- Integrating experiences of agri-food and tourism
companies; increasing the partners associated in
the Geopark Companies Association “Geovilluercas”.
Children are
shown how
- Promoting the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Olive Oil
Appellation of Origin and other National Trade
M
to grind and The Geopark’s anaging a Geopark is certainly complicated
polish rocks for president Ms. Marks for chestnuts and local sausages.
during a pandemic when social mobility and
making jewelry. Charo Cordero - Promoting a new Marketing Plan for promotion,
economic activities have suffered countless restric-
inaugurates the branding and access to new markets, including
tions. The educational centres have been closed
I n 2020, Bohemian Paradise UGGp focused its
activities on the promotion of lesser-known
geosites in order to expand the domestic provision
At thirteen sites, focused mainly on the geologi-
cal heritage of the Bohemian Paradise, participants
could make stone jewelry, try grinding grain on a
Participants
in the the
Bohemian
new itinerary
for La Villuerca. most of the time although they are restoring class-
room activities for the new school year. Field trips
the new Geopark webpage.
It is important to note the opening of the new
Paradise and outdoor activities in the Geopark have been
of tourist destinations during the Covid -19 stone mill, panning for Czech garnets, become ac- itinerary for the Villuercas Peak Trail following the
Geopark Day restricted. For tourism companies, the impact was
pandemic. On the website www.geoparkceskyraj. quainted with the gems of the Bohemian Paradise are introduced modification of the 11 km military track approved
very serious during the spring and more benign
cz the Geopark published 65 geological sites with and watch a demonstration of cutting and polishing to gemstones by the Ministry of Defence as a part of the Geo-
during the summer season. This also had conse-
photographs and descriptions in three languages precious stones. Other activities included: stringing from the Czech park’s tourism provision. This itinerary immediately
quences for levels of employment, which fluctuated
- Czech, German and English. These localities glass beads, making stone rings, carving sandstone Republic became the most visited site in the Geopark.
strongly. The rate of unemployment increased by
represent the enormous geological diversity of sculptures and making sand mandalas. Volunteers Regarding the Educational Project Geocentros, a
the entire Geopark. Information about individual more than 11% during the most critical period,
from the Centre for Ecological Education provided series of on-line activities were delivered. Among
geosites is regularly published on Facebook and increased by 8% during the rest of the year.
information about nature in the Bohemian Paradise them, a collection of sheets called “Learning with
together with a monthly talk by a geologist about Agri-food companies performed well and had a
UGGp. The puppet show “How glassmakers learned Geopaca” about the geological, natural and cultural
one of the geosites recorded on the website. significant role in the Geopark’s activities.
to melt red glass” was intended for the youngest heritage of the territory, and a word search puzzle
After the government relaxed first lockdown In this situation, the Geopark and its partners have
children. about the Geopark’s fossils.
measures in the summer, the Bohemian Paradise increased their joint activity for various purposes:
Prehistoric man introduced visitors to life in the Finally, the networking activities have provided
Geopark, in cooperation with the Centre for Eco- Stone Age – hunting with spears and making fire many opportunities for exchange with other Euro-
logical Education in the Sedmihorky Camp, organ- Firstly, the emergency measures taken by the pean, Latin American and Spanish Geoparks. They
by rubbing sticks together received the most at- Geopark members as public administrators:
ized the Bohemian Paradise Geopark Day. The rich tention. constitute not only a core activity for the UNESCO
programme, set in a beautiful location framed by - The Province of Cáceres (responsible for the Global Geoparks Network but also a very important
Families enjoy Visitors also obtained information about the Bo- Geopark’s management) provided grants to
the scenery of the Hruboskalsko Sandstone Rock hemian Paradise Geopark through leaflets, maps activity for engaging during the lockdown.
the the puppet support companies. It also facilitated more than
show “How Town and in sunny weather, attracted hundreds and the Bohemian Paradise Tourist Newspaper,
of participants - especially families with children, 60 opportunities for new jobs in the Geopark’s José María Barrera - jmbarrera@dip-caceres.es
glassmakers as well as from the lecture given by the Geopark’s
learned to melt for whom the programme was mainly intended. municipalities. Javier López - javier@aprodervi.com
geologist. - The Government of Extremadura, in coopera- Iván Cortijo - icortijo@dip-caceres.es
red glass”. The event was also promoted by Czech Television.
Geopark UNESCO Bohemian Paradise
Bohemian Paradise is not only a picturesque
combination of rocks, forests, ponds and folk ar-
chitecture, but also a unique area with an extraordi-
nary diversity of geological phenomena. It was the
combination of biogenic and abiogenic processes
together with human activity that gave this region
a unique ‘’genius loci’’.
Over hundreds of millions of years, the area has
been at the bottom of seas and lakes, and subject to
several episodes of volcanic activity. It is a geologi-
cal textbook full of rock sandstone towns, ancient
Agri-food honey “Learning with
volcanoes, gorges, river valleys, caves, karst phe- producing Geopaca” sheets
nomena and deposits of gems and fossils. companies are are available on
new partners in the Geopark’s
Blanka Nedvědická - info@geoparkceskyraj.cz the Geopark. website.
18 19Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany Trollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark, Norway
Corona virus or Towards a more resilient
the rediscovery of home future – Nordic youths
RESILIENCE
RESILIENCE
in the Swabian Alb Geopark encounter past and future
climate changes
Geopark arranged an excursion for the local stu-
dents to mount Torghatten, a residual mountain
on the strandflat. Torghatten is an extraordinary
example of Quaternary landscape evolution which
makes it a perfect site to observe the effects of
climate change. Waves, frost and salt have eroded
the hard granite rock during long periods over the
last 2-3 million years. The distinctive hole in the
mountain is a marine abrasion cave that has bro-
ken through the mountain itself. The area includes
raised shorelines with pebbles, beaches and traces
of Stone Age settlements, and is a great site to
learn about the first human settlements along the
Norwegian coast 10 - 11, 000 years ago.
The caves and the ancient shorelines reveal a his-
tory of climate change and sea-level change. Field
Sinter terraces activities play an important role in understanding
W
are typical A limestone ith 1,8 billion of the world’s population be- geological history and are a key source for teaching
Mount
geosites in the terrace, badly tween 10 and 24 years old we now have the and motivating the students to engage with the
Torghatten - a
Swabian Alb damaged by national tourist largest youth population in human history. Under- challenges in tomorrow’s climate. Student
UGGp. intense footfall. attraction with standing the commitment and contribution from excursion at
I n spring 2020, the pandemic severely restricted some of these entries with recommendations for a prominent sea young people is necessary in working towards a Charlotte Olsen - charlotte.olsen@trollfjellgeopark.no Torghatten.
the social life and people’s mobility in Germany. bathing are illustrated on Google Maps. The high cave created by more sustainable future. Thea Krossøy - thea.krossoy@trollfjellgeopark.no Photo by
marine erosion. Trollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark
Many people used the freedom to move, regained number of visitors poses significant problems for Trollfjell Geopark (Norway), Katla Geopark (Ice- Trollfjell
Photo by Bjørn http://www.trollfjellgeopark.no/ Geopark.
after lockdown, to explore destinations in their own tourist organizations. Increasingly, the Geopark Henrik Ormø. land) and Rokua Geopark (Finland) have joined
country. This included the Geopark Swabian Alb – is receiving inquiries about how to deal with the forces, providing students in the Nordic countries
which is at first sight absolutely positive. On the problem on site. with an active role in building a more resilient fu-
other hand, the Geopark was confronted with a What to do? The most obvious solution is to ture. Developing a better understanding of past
frequently recurring problem. Currently, the high erect prohibition signs at sensitive geotopes. As and future global climate change and how to work
number of visitors on calcareous tufa terraces first experiences show, many visitors are barely towards achieving the UNs Sustainable Develop-
results in considerable damage to these sensi- deterred by signs. Prohibition signs do not explain ment Goals (SDGs) is essential in this context.
tive geotopes. The challenge is to reconcile the to visitors why entering the terraces is not allowed. A coalition between the three Geoparks, three
interests of the visitor with those of nature and Together with the communities of Lenningen and local upper secondary schools and one national
environmental protection. Bad Urach, the Geopark Swabian Alb is trying to park have established a Nordplus Junior-project
Calcareous tufa terraces are living geotopes. take a different approach to the problem. Instead which aims to study the parallel and interactive
They are deposited from cool karstic spring water of bans, the Geopark focuses on education. In many development of nature, landscape and human cul-
rich in dissolved calcium carbonate. Limestone pre- places, information panels will be erected to explain tures in Nordic rural regions, in the framework of
cipitation is supported by mosses and algae. The to visitors that entering the terraces damages the selected SDGs.
growing terraces provide sites for the formation flora and thus destroys the geotope. In parallel, rope Climate change worries young people because it
of natural water basins. Many limestone sinter routes will be installed along sensitive sections of is such a complicated phenomenon. Understanding
terraces are protected as natural monuments or the terraces to guide visitors through the sensi- the functioning of Earth’s natural processes is a
as geotopes within a nature reserve. This does not tive areas. The designation of water playgrounds, prerequisite for students to be able to understand
prevent many visitors from using the water basins where bathing pleasure can be combined with the the role of human activities in climate change and
as swimming pools and playgrounds during hot provision of information through interactive media, the importance of recycling in the use of natural
days. The flora of the terraces is often affected by is also under discussion. resources. Six of the United Nations’ SDGs (Goals 6,
footfall, sometimes resulting in irreparable dam- In addition to the rope routes and the information 7, 8, 12, 13 and 14) have been chosen as the main
age to the geotopes. In the meantime, bathing in panels, the Geopark also relies on the educational principles for the project.
the sinter terraces has reached such a scale that input from responsible guests who point out the The project includes a student exchange pro-
many are permanently damaged due to the high negative consequences to uninformed visitors gramme with visits to all three countries. Due to
number of visitors. and often achieve the desired positive change in the Covid-19 pandemic, this autumn’s Icelandic visit
Social media activities by private individuals behaviour. This kind of social control should not was conducted digitally with live-streaming and
and bloggers increasingly contribute to the high be underestimated. Certainly, all of the suggested digital groupwork across the countries. The stu-
number of visitors to the terraces. Within seconds, measures are not always successful, but it is to be dents worked with Global Goal 13, climate action.
suggestions for bathing with amazing photos of expected that the damage to the geotopes will be They were focusing on climate changes, how they
the attractive terraces are posted to followers, can be seen in Iceland and the impact of climate
reduced to a sustainable level.
who in turn, after a nice bathing experience, send changes in all the Nordic countries.
these impressions to their followers. In addition, Siegfried Roth - roth@geopark-alb.de As part of the work on climate change, Trollfjell
20 21You can also read
