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europeaneuropean Issue 11 GEOPARKSGEOPARKS
European Geoparks Magazine Geoparks: network Earth heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, environmental education and local development G A 1ENMG9qd 0121 11 Page2 EGN MAG11:EGN9.qxd30/1/20141:12

european EDITORIAL GEOPARKS The 12 members. (Italy); Kula Geopark (Turkey) reflectstheexpansionofEGNto58 (Slovenia); HondsrugGeopark(Netherlands);Sesia-Val Grande Geopark Karavanke/Karawanken Geopark(Slovenia &Austria);Idrija Geopark The inclusionofarticlesbysixnewmembers,AzoresGeopark(Portugal); Network andUNESCOtodevelop aUNESCOGlobalGeoparksInitiative. Conference andprogressindiscussionsbetweentheGlobalGeoparks Geopark’s useoftrained wardens inschoolsandRokua Geopark’s useof ships intheBurrenandCliffs ofMoherGeopark;Sierras Subbéticas Geopark’s useofchildren’s literature; theincreaseofeducationalpartner- described asIreland’s Pompei. EducationalactivitiesincludeArouca activities oftheirpaleolithicinhabitants.CopperCoastGeoparkhostsasite Archaeological studiesinEisenwurzenandVikos AoosGeoparksreveal the Geopark introducesitsprehistoricrockartheritagetolocalschools. artsfestival. Villuercas–IboresJara Geopark aimstostageasignificant Two Geoparksuseartfor promotionandeducation.TheEnglishRiviera geotrails todevelop aNorthAtlantic tourismbrand. of fossilization is explained.GeoparkShetlandhighlightsaninitiative using sitewheretheprocess GeoPark CarnicAlpsisdeveloping apetrified-forest congestion”, whileTerraVITA, describesanewsubterranean fossil trail. The uses submarinegeologicaltrails toaddresstheeffects of“tourismprovider the Geopark’s geologyanddramatic landscape.CabadeGataGeopark ucts for tourists.Participants inaneco-Marathon inMadonieexperience Geopark trains guidesinnatureconservation skills and developing prod- of theYear” programme tointroducegeologyawiderpublic.Vulkaneifel and managinggeosites.Bergstrasse Odenwald Geoparkusesits“Geotope visitorcentres,ageo-cycle-trail, information panels ing atourismoffice, inhabitants andvisitors.Methodsfor developing geotourismincludecreat- ing information delivers enjoyable andmemorable experiencestotheir geotourism. Theyshowthatworkingwithcommunitiesandcommunicat- conservation, educationandpromotingsustainabledevelopment through In thisissue37articlesdemonstrate howEuropeanGeoparkscontributeto excursions providing achoiceoffour venues. days offield Online dellaSocietàGeologicaItaliana.Theconference concludedwithtwo Proceedings’ E.Book.SelectedarticleswerepublishedintheRendiconti and morethan150shortarticlesarepublishedintheConference 2013. Theconference was attended by400delegatesfrom41countries of Cilento, Vallo diDianoandAlburni-Geoparkbetween4-7September sustainable useofournatural resources”was hostedbyTheNationalPark approach toraise publicawareness aboutgeohazards,climatechangeand European GeoparksWeek; thehighlysuccessful 12 European GeoparksNetwork(EGN)during2013.Theseincludecelebrating Magazine 11provides anoverview ofactivitiesandachievements inthe Foreword its Ice AgeLandscape.Fforest Fawr Geoparkhighlights its involvement with Cardiff University in a research project which benefits alocalbusi- Universitywith Cardiff inaresearchprojectwhichbenefits ness. TheBasqueCoastGeoparkpromotesitsproductsandgastro- nomic tradition, Sobrarbe Geopark shares the benefits ofbeinga nomic tradition, Sobrarbe Geoparksharesthebenefits Geopark withitsinhabitantsandstakeholders. Avisitor’s responseto th an event inMadonieGeoparkrepresentsanovel contributionto Geopark activitiesasdoestheApuanFarm’s, involve- European GeoparksConference entitled“Geoparksaninnovative ment inintroducingnewagronomictechniques.Cooperation between NaturtejoGlobalGeoparkandtheaspiring Bodoquena-Pantanal Geopark, Brazil, exemplifies internation- Bodoquena-Pantanal Geopark,Brazil, exemplifies al collaboration withintheNetwork.Developing andhosting the travelling exhibition“AEGEAN –TheBirthofan Archipelego” is a significant activity ofLesvos Geopark. Archipelego” isasignificant The GeoparkHarz•Braunschweiger Land •Ostfalen promotes theaimsofproject“Natura 2000” through anexhibition.TheNorthPennines AONB& Geopark teamisinvolved inremediatingheavy metal water pollution. The year 2013hasseenachangeintheEGN Structure. KristinRangnes, GeaNorvegica Geopark, Norway replacedAndreas Schüller,Vulkaneifel Geopark,Germany asthe EGN’s Vice-Coordinator. We congratulate Kristin andwishherevery successinher new role. Tony Ramsay,Memberofthe th European Geoparks Editorial Board Sobrarbe Geopark Cover photo: Print: Publication manager: Editing: Režun, Tullio Bagnati,EdoardoDellarole. Ángel Hernández,MojcaGorjupKavčič, Bojan Justice, AnneGuyomard, NatachaNugue, Gretha Roelfs, CathrienPosthumus, Sophie Machado, JoãoCarlosNunes,Harrie Wolters, Gümüş, SelimAşkın,Eva Lima,Marisa Vodovnik Primož,Varch Christian,Erdal Lenka, BedjaničMojca,HartmannGerald, Barnabás Korbély, Fajmut ŠtruclSuzana,Rojs Julio GarcíaArranz, HipólitoColladoGiraldo, Riccardo Cinelli,EleniKotjabopoulou, José Barquero, TimoKluttig, Alessandra Casini, Conde, LourdesGuerra González,AliciaSerna Kiuttu, Sara Gentilini,Robina Barton,AnaRuiz Tooze, ElizabethPickett, István Kéri,Mikko Soriano Soares,JoanaRodrigues, Sarah Jagiełło, CarlosNetode Carvalho, Afrânio Mario Casserà,NancySauer, Katarzyna Diliberti, Pasquale LiPuma,PietroCasserà, Andreas Schüller, StéphaneLegal,Charles Hreinsdóttir, Nikolaos Zouros, AchimHerf, Ortner, HansPeter Schönlaub, Steingerður Ramsay, TimJones,Peter Brabham, Gerlinde Campbell, AnneSchäfer, David Hull,Tony Melanie Border, MargaretWood, Stewart Kollmann, ThomasDrechsler, IrmiAuer, Lemon, AnielloAloia,AngeloDeVita,Heinz Anne Guyomard, Jean-PierreFillion,Kirstin Fernández deMolina,Pablo Rivas Palomo, Weber, EamonDoyle, JoséManuelQuero Anna Knauer, Leire,AsierHilario, Jutta Neves, Vera Magalhães,BarnabásKorbély, Rocha, ArturSá,AntónioDuarte,Ricardo Antonio Bartelletti, GiuseppeOttria, Daniela Alessia Pica,Vajolet Masè,AlessiaAmorfini, Contributors: Nickolas Zouros Tony Ramsay, Jutta Weber, Editorial board: Executive editor: Geoparks Network Forest onbehalfoftheEuropean Petrified Natural HistoryMuseumoftheLesvos Published by: Issue No11/2014 tronic databaseandcopyingon cdrom.c2014 includes commercialreproduction asanelec- written approval ofthepublishers.Thisalso zine may becopied orreproducedwithoutthe protected bycopyright.Nopart ofthismaga- tions andillustrations containedthereinare Copyright: European Geoparks Network Magazine Epikinonia S.A Tony Ramsay The magazineandallthecontribu- European GeoparksWeek at Heinz Kollmann, Nickolas Zouros Antonis Georgiou EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:12 Page 3

Shetland Geopark

UNESCO and Geoparks Regional development for the Eyjafjallajökull 04 Towards the UNESCO Global Geoparks 36 area - Katla Geopark Initiative - UNESCO’s Executive Board and

General Conference Aegean - The birth of an Archipelago CONTENTS 37 TEMPORARY EXHIBITION – Lesvos Geopark 12th European Geoparks Conference 08 in Cilento and Vallo di Diano Geopark The Certified Nature and Geopark Guide Tourism and Environmental Education in the The European Geoparks 2013 38 12 Anyone can be a fan of rocks, sustainability Volcanic Eifel Region (Vulkaneifel) of local products and local traditions! Ocher by bike - Luberon Geopark, France PARKS Developing strong cooperation in the Year 39 14 of Brazil Portugal between Naturtejo Global Geopark and the Bodoquena - Pantanal A Visitors’ Response to an Alternative Event Geopark 40 in Madonie Geopark

Northern Georoutes: Geoparks develop North Ecological Marathon in the heart of the european GEO 15 Atlantic tourism brand - Magma Geopark – 41 Madonie Geopark Norway, Katla Geopark – Iceland, Stonehammer Geopark – Canada, Metal Mine Water Treatment in the North Geopark Shetland) 42 Pennines AONB & Geopark A tidal flat from down under TERRA Vita Tourism developmental project in the Novohrad 16 Geopark, Germany 43 – Nógrád Geopark based on the Hungarian Government’s decision A new Visitor Centre and activities 17 in Bakony Balaton Geopark, Hungary Tuskan Mining Geopark, Italy 44 And now…..CETS! The enhancement of a geotourist trail in the 18 Adamello Brenta Geopark Environmental Education in Rokua Geopark, “Enjoy the geology”! in the Apuan Geopark 45 Finland 19 Farm The partner enterprises of Sobrarbe Geopark: Children's literature: an important 46 How to share the benefits of a Geopark with 20 educational tool fostered by Arouca Geopark its society and stakeholders New interactive tourism office in Arouca Training for the protection of the Geopark 21 Geopark 47 Sierras Subbéticas, Spain GeoGourmet, the most select products Hunters of the last ice age in the Vicos-Aoos 22 of the Basque Coast Geopark 48 Geopark, NW Greece Earth History for the Public: the Geotopes of Garden of Stones: “Geólogo Juan Paricio”. 23 the Year in the Global and European Geopark 49 Alcorisa (Teruel) Bergstrasse-Odenwald ‘Learning by doing’ - especially for young Increasing Educational Partnerships in the 50 school children Muskau Arch Geopark, 24 Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Poland-Germany Cabo de Gata-Níjar Geopark steering new 25 strategies in sustainable tourism: The Chablais Geopark Georoute: SUBMARINE GEO-ROUTES 51 Multi-stakeholder Mediation Adventure Geology and Cultural Heritage: Rock Art in the The Chablais Geopark Here, he Alps tell 26 Villuercas – Ibores – Jara Geopark (Cáceres, 52 Spain) Azores Geopark Portugal - “9 Islands, Rewriting the history books: revealing the hid- 53 1 Geopark” - Come to visit the Azorean 27 den landscapes of the Marble Arch Caves volcanoes and enjoy an eruption Global Geopark …of Flavours, Smells and Experiences! Eisenwurzen New evidence of human Geopark Karavanke/Karawanken 28 presence 30.000 years ago 54 Geopark Festival to be major UK art event Geopark Idrija - Experience of natural 29 55 and cultural heritage The European Geoparks Network today The Hondsrug Geopark, the first Geopark in 31 56 the Netherlands GeoMôn Launches of Information Boards 32 and Trails at Cemaes Bay and Llanbadrig 57 Sesia-Val Grande Geopark Beech tree, Natura 2000 and rocks 33 A new exhibition at Stolberg Castle 58 Kula Geopark - From Strabo to Yunus Emrex Partnership between Fforest Fawr Geopark and 34 Cardiff University benefits a loca business 59 Geopark Conferences 35 The petrified trees of the GeoPark Carnic Alps 3 EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:12 Page 4

UNESCO and Geoparks Towards the UNESCO Global Geoparks Initiative GLOBAL NETWORK GLOBAL UNESCO’s Executive Board and General Conference PARKS UNESCO, the United Nations Geoparks Network (GGN), UNESCO Executive Board Organization for Education, formed on February 12th The outcomes were to be Culture and Education, is gov- 2004, has matured and as reported back for further con- erned by two decision making more Global Geoparks have sideration at the 190th Session

european GEO bodies, the General developed, the case for coop- of the Executive Board in Conference and the Executive eration with the GGN was October 2012. Board. considered at the 36th In October 2012, the The General Conference con- UNESCO General Conference Executive Board approved sists of representatives from in September 2011 where a unanimously the decision pro- all Member States. It meets Resolution concerning the posed (190 EX/Decisions), every two years and each need to further define the outlined in Magazine 10, country has one vote, irre- relationship between UNESCO 2013, where UNESCO’s spective of its size or the and the GGN was adopted Director-General, Irina extent of its contribution to (the results outlined in EGN Bokova, reported to Member UNESCO’s budget. The magazine No 9). States on consultations Executive Board consists of 58 While acknowledging the undertaken to improve coop- countries from six parts of the value of Geoparks, their out- eration between UNESCO and world. It meets twice a year reach and successful “bottom- the GGN and the possibilities to prepare the work for the up approach”, it was recog- for formalizing Geoparks with- General Conference and to nized by the Member States, in UNESCO. She emphasized ensure that its decisions are that further work was neces- the fact that the existing ad properly implemented. sary to consider the possibility hoc cooperation between Geoparks have been dis- of Geoparks becoming an Geoparks and UNESCO pre- cussed several times, both by International UNESCO cludes either organization the Executive Board and the Geoparks Programme or from capitalizing on the General Conference. In 2001, Initiative and to evaluate the potential benefits of a more the Executive Board decided opportunities for a formal formalized UNESCO Global to offer “ad hoc” support to partnership between UNESCO Geoparks Initiative. Oppening ceremony individual Geoparks. and the GGN. Encouraged by the progress of the 37th General However, as the Global made in defining a potential Conference UNESCO structure and mechanism for the proposed Initiative, the Executive Board invited the Director-General to submit a more comprehensive proposal concerning such an initiative and the formalization of its relationship with the Global Geoparks Network. This included an analysis of budg- etary implications, mecha- nisms for strengthening UNESCO’s oversight role, capacity-building and knowl- edge-transfer dimensions, possible operational guide- lines, management of long- term development of the Global Geoparks Network, as well as a review of the conse- quences of accepting sites already designated under existing Global Geoparks

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Network criteria and to report decision would lie with the the parameters of a possible back to the 191st session in Director-General. UNESCO Geoparks Initiative. April 2013. The Director-General, in her She encouraged further dis- At its 191st session in April reply submitted to the 192nd cussions with the 2013 the Executive Board session of the Executive International Union of requested that the Director- Board, expressed her appreci- Geological Sciences (IUGS) General establish a Working ation for the work undertaken and closer relationships NETWORK GLOBAL Group on Global Geoparks by the Working Group on between Geoparks and Man consisting of Member States, Geoparks but considered that and the Biosphere Reserves. nd the Global Geoparks Network the proposal to create such an At its 192 session, in PARKS and UNESCO’s Secretariat for advisory body would, in addi- October 2013 the Executive further discussions concern- tion to placing undue depend- Board examined the progress ing the agenda and legal ence on her office, also have report regarding the possible implications of a proposed budgetary implications for formalization of Global

UNESCO Global Geoparks UNESCO. She also believed Geoparks within UNESCO, the european GEO Initiative and its programmat- that, given the Organization’s recommendations of the ic and legal implications, with current circumstances and the UNESCO Director-General and a view to producing recom- presence of several formal the summary of the proceed- mendations thereon, and to and legal difficulties, it was ings of the meetings of the submit a comprehensive pro- necessary to examine further Working Group. posal on a UNESCO Global Geoparks Initiative to the Global Geoparks Network Executive Board at its 192nd The Global Geoparks Bureau session in September 2013. This item was also included Jeju island, September 10, 2013 on the agenda of the 37th ses- sion of the General Conference in November The GGB Bureau Jeju Island Statement 2013. The Global Geoparks Bureau examined at its annual meeting, organized during 3rd The Working Group meetings Asian Pacific Geoparks Network Jeju Symposium, held from September 7-13, 2013 in held in 2013 (during June and the Jeju island Global Geopark, Republic of Korea, attended by 560 delegates from 25 July) made great progress concerning the possible for- countries, the progress and latest developments regarding Global Geoparks and malization of Global Geoparks UNESCO. within UNESCO. After deliberation, the members of the Global Geoparks Bureau agreed on the following The discussions focussed in statement: detail on the proposed opera- We, congratulate the highly successful and rapidly evolving Global Geoparks Network, tional guidelines and adminis- initiated in 2004 with the support of the Earth Sciences Division of UNESCO, which trative framework of the expanded to include 100 members during the 3rd APGN Jeju Symposium. Initiative. The main issues in revising the operational Global Geoparks are territories with a geological heritage of significant international guidelines were concerned importance which implement a holistic, innovative and integrated management strat- with retaining the GGN’s light egy that is respectful of local traditions and desires and is holisticaimed at promoting bottom-up structure while their heritage and sustainable development. providing Member States and We, fully endorse current efforts made following the decision of the 36th General UNESCO with adequate over- Conference of UNESCO to improve cooperation between UNESCO and Global Geoparks sight and control. The Working Groups proposed through the establishment of a UNESCO Geoparks Programme or Initiative. that an international advisory We very much welcome the increasing levels of support for Global Geoparks within body, similar to the Category UNESCO, we acknowledge the results of the consultations made by the Working Group V Committee of UNESCO’s on Geoparks formed following the decision of the 191ExB meeting and hope that the "Memory of the World" present strong relationship between the Global Geoparks and UNESCO will be strength- Programme, could provide a ened even further during the 37th General Conference. suitable structure to consoli- In particular, we advocated that Global Geoparks should be totally and exclusively date UNESCO’s role in Global Geoparks, but that the under the umbrella of UNESCO, with the Global Geoparks and UNESCO working together Director-General’s approval in tandem to continue the development of Global Geoparks around the World. This is would be required. specifically important in those areas of the world with the highest poverty level Africa, A Category V Committee Latin America and South and South-East Asia. would mean that a group of experts would make recom- Assoc. Prof. Nickolas Zouros mendations concerning new Chair of the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Global Geoparks Bureau applications etc., but the final

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Following its deliberations, declaring “We very much wel- the Executive Board adopted come the increasing levels of a decision which requests the support for Global Geoparks Director-General to further within UNESCO, we acknowl- consult with Member States edge the results of the con- and the Global Geoparks sultations made by the GLOBAL NETWORK GLOBAL Network on the proposed Working Group on Geoparks Initiative and to report the following the decision of the conclusions of the Working 191ExB meeting and hope

PARKS Group to the Executive Board that the present strong rela- at its 194th session. tionship between the Global Geoparks and UNESCO will be GGN contribution strengthened even further The results of the work under- during the 37th General

european GEO taken by the Working Group Conference. on Geoparks, in which GGN In particular, we advocated Oppening representatives actively par- that Global Geoparks should cooperation between UNESCO ceremony th ticipated, was also discussed be totally and exclusively and the Global Geoparks of the 37 th General during the 12 European under the umbrella of Network and endorsing the Conference nd Geoparks Conference held in UNESCO, with the Global decision taken at the 192 UNESCO Cilento e Vallo di Diano Geoparks and UNESCO work- Executive Board, called on the Geopark, Italy and the 3rd ing together in tandem to Director-General of UNESCO Asian Pacific Geoparks continue the development of to present to the 194th ses- Network – Jeju Symposium, Global Geoparks around the sion of the Executive Board in Rep. of Korea, in September World. This is specifically April 2014 recommendations 2013. In Cilento the European important in those areas of on possible ways to protect Geopark representatives con- the world with the highest and strengthen brand recog- firmed the principals of the poverty levels including nition of various designations Irina Bocova in relationship between Africa, Latin America and in particular with regard to the meeting of Geoparks and UNESCO South and South-East Asia.” Biosphere Reserves, World the Science included in the Arouca decla- Heritage Sites and proposed Commission ration 2012. 37th General Conference UNESCO Global Geoparks. during the presentation In the Asian-Pacific Geopark The General Conference in During the General of the Conference the Jeju November 2013 in its capacity Conference at the Natural International Declaration was agreed unan- as decision making body of Sciences Commission a sub- Year of water imously by the participants UNESCO, while recalling the stantial debate took place for cooperation half a day, during which more than 30 Member States took the floor, some of them more than once and where a large majority of speakers support- ed the Global Geoparks Initiative. The delegates recalled the benefits of Global Geoparks for protecting geoheritage, building awareness of geo- hazards, local sustainable development, women’s empowerment, research and education. Delegates empha- sized the substantial progress of the Global Geopark Network in operating as a global platform for coopera- tion and its expansion, in less than 10 years, to include 100 members from 30 member states. Several speakers applauded the bottom-up approach of the Global Geoparks Initiative at the local level. Some

6 G A 1ENMG9qd 0121 11 Page7 EGN MAG11:EGN9.qxd30/1/20141:13 reserves, World Heritage recognition ofbiosphere protect andstrengthenbrand Board onpossibleways to session oftheExecutive General toreportthe194 calling ontheDirector- adopted withanamendment the draft resolutionwas at length,withtheresultthat Member Stateswas debated An amendmenttabledbytwo network’s maingoals. world, whichwas oneofthe countries fromallaroundthe expand themodeltoinclude dards; and(4)theneedto control tomaintainhighstan- issue ofbranding andquality tions for UNESCO;(3)the implica- additional financial cost-effective modelwithno Geoparks Initiative was a thattheGlobal firming issue,con- (2) thefinancial grammes suchastheIGCP; pro- with otherscientific designated sites,aswell Geoparks andotherUNESCO for greatersynergiesbetween were relatedto:(1)theneed Member States’concerns th (a) potentialchangestothe Board oninteralia: reports backtotheExecutive Group further discussesand requests thattheWorking Executive Board.Italso Director-General at the 192 Recommendations tothe issues referenced inthe details oftheoutstanding Working Groupwithfurther 2014, andprovide the before March to befinalized Geoparks, intimefor itswork the Working GrouponGlobal convene afurther meetingof the Working Group;alsoto Initiative alreadypreparedby UNESCO GlobalGeoparks Statutes oftheBoarda Guidelines andthedraft on thedraft Operational the proposedInitiative based Geopark Network(GGN)on States andtheGlobal to further consultMember requests theDirector-General The endorsedResolution The Resolution UNESCO GlobalGeoparks. properties andproposed nd an Initiative. (IGCP) may befostered under Geosciences Programme (MAB) andtheInternational and BiosphereProgramme grammes, suchastheMan relevant UNESCOpro- between GlobalGeoparksand (c) acloserrelationship ners; well asotherrelevant part- Geological Sciences(IUGS)as the InternationalUnionof under anInitiative, including future Geoparkpartners (b) theroleofexistingand V advisorybody; to thecreationofaCategory including possiblealternatives Director-General in192EX/9, the concernsraised bythe posal whichwouldaddress current Working Grouppro- Fforest Fawr Geopark,Wales, UK Bohemian Paradise Geopark, Lesvos Geopark,GREECE Gea Norvegica, NORWAY Martina Paskova Kristin Rangnes CZECH REPUBLIC Nikolas Zouros Tony Ramsay

european GLOBAL NETWORK 7 GEOPARKS EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:13 Page 8 EUROPEAN NETWORK PARKS

opening cerimony of conference european GEO

12th European Geoparks Conference in Cilento and Vallo di Diano Geopark

The National Park of Cilento, ral resources” was chosen to Conference was demonstrat- Vallo di Diano and Alburni - address these issues. ed by: Geopark had the honour of • The presence of 400 hosting and organizing the Aims of the conference: delegates from 41 countries 12th European Geoparks from 5 continents (this is a Conference (4-7 September 1. To verify how Geoparks record number of participant 2013), which highlighted the can disseminate the scientif- at an EGN conference). strategies developed by the ic knowledge of the academ- These countries included European and Global ic community concerning Italy, Germany, Norway, Geoparks Networks to pro- these issues; Estonia, Austria, Finland, mote an undersatanding of 2. To understand how Czech Republic, Portugal, geohazards and the sustain- Geoparks address these Iceland, Spain, England, able use of natural issues in the educational sys- Croatia, France, Hungary, resources. tem; Swiss, Wales, Slovenia, Geo-hazards and climate 3. To promote the role of Denmark, Romania, Northen change strongly affect all Geoparks on the public Ireland, Ireland, Bulgaria, human activities and can awareness and sustainable Poland, Greece, Algeria, severely influence the future use of natural resources. Netherlands, Turkey, Iran, of humanity. The 12th European Geoparks Brazil, Senegal, Cyprus, In this respect, geoparks and Conference, under the aegis Taiwan, Indonesia, Canada, scientists – coming from dif- of UNESCO, was held in Morocco, China, Japan, ferent backgrounds – can Ascea, a modern, touristic Tunisia, Chile, Saudi Arabia. improve society’s under- small town surrounding the • The large number of standing of how to face nat- Archaeological Park of “Elea”, submissions received. More ural geo-hazards and to the ancient Greek city than 150 short refereed con- manage the sustainable use renamed as “Velia” by the tributions are published in of natural resources. Romans. This ancient city the E.Book of the Conference The title of the conference, was one of the cradles of Proceedings. Selected arti- “Geoparks an innovative western philosophy and civi- cles were published in the approach to raise public lization, where the philoso- Rendiconti Online della awareness about geohaz- phers Parmenides and Società Geologica Italiana, ards, climate change and Zenone founded their school. an electronic journal of the sustainable use of our natu- The success of the 12th EGN Italian Geological Society.

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Keynote lectures: The first day began with a plenary session with the following keynote lectures: EUROPEAN NETWORK 1. Global Geoparks and World Heritage Sites: a comparison.- by P. Mckeever

2. Characteristics of PARKS recent geohazards and the roles of geoparks.- by S. Nakada 3. European

Geoparks: new challenges european GEO and innovative tools welcome • The involvement of Geoparks and Geo-hazards; towards Earth heritage speech by the scientific academies, includ- Geoparks and Climate management and sustain- Italian ing Italian and international Change; Aspiring Geoparks. Minister of able local development.- by Enviromment geological institutions / asso- The opening Ceremony of N. Zouros Andrea ciations. the conference was attended 4. Protected areas as Orlando The professional programme by A. Aloia (Chair of the 12th essential tools for the main- consisted of four parallel ses- European Geoparks tenance of ecosystem serv- sions over a period of two Conference); L. Orlando ices: the example of the days with oral presentation (Italian Minister for the National Park "Cilento, Vallo and a poster session. Enviroment - land and sea); di Diano e Alburni".- by A. These sessions provided the A. Troiano (President of the de Vita framework and platform for National Park of Cilento, Vallo 5. The contribution of informative presentations on di Diano and Alburni – the geo-scientific communi- issues such as: Sustainable Geopark); N. Zouros (EGN ty to resource and risk man- use of our natural resources Coordinator); K. Ragnes agement, education and in Geoparks; Education and (EGN Vice coordinator), P. dissemination in the Cilento, communication in the Mckeever (Chief of Section at Vallo Diano and Alburni - Geoparks; Geoparks and the Global Earth Observation Geopark (Southern Italy).- international cooperation and Section, UNESCO) and M. by D. Guida. sustainable tourism; Rizzo (mayor of Ascea).

Closing ceremony of the Conference at the geoarcheological site of Elea Velia

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The closing Ceremony and festive Conference dinner Revalidation of Madonie Geopark was held in the fantastic setting of the geo-archeolo- gial site of Elea-Velia.

EUROPEAN NETWORK During this ceremony six new members were wel- comed into the European Geopark Network: Azores

PARKS Geopark (Portugal); Karavake/Karawanken (Slovenia & Austria); Idrija Geopark (Slovenia); Hondsrug Geopark

european GEO (Netherlands); Sesia-Val Grande Geopark (Italy); Kula Geopark (Turkey). The conference concluded with two days of field trips in the Cilento and Vallo di Diano Geopark with two options for each day. Revalidation of gea Norvegica Geopark Approximately 300 delegates participated in the fieldtrips offered on day one and could choose between one of two options:

1. The karst system of Castelcivita-Ausino - Capodifiume Springs, the Paestum temples and Castelcivita caves including a karst system with springs. The Capodifiume Springs are characterized by highly mineralized water associat- ed with the precipitation of travertine deposits. Paestum is an ancient Greek city founded between VI and VII Century B.C., now recognised as a Cultural Heritage Site by Sessia - Val Grande Geopark receives the certificate as me new members of the Global Geoparks UNESCO. Network 2. The Bussento River Karst System. This excur- sion included the Mingardo River Gorge, the ancient abandoned village S. Severino di Centola; the sinkhole of the Bussento River that flows under- gound for 4 km; the geo- logical virtual museum in Caselle in Pittari; the Bussento Gorge system and the wonderful spring "Venere Hairs" and water- fall; Morigerati Gorge and Bussento River Cave)

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Capodifiume spring fieldtrip

On the second day ated in a typical example of culture (Mediterranean approximately 130 a Middle Pleistocene lacus- diet). guests were provided trine basin. The 12th European with a choice of two 2. A boat trip along Geoparks Conference options: the south Cilento coast. marks a successful develop- This excursion involved ment in the geopark con- 1. A bus tour to the many geosites including the cept and signifies an impor- Angel Caves in Pertosa- "liguride" rocks, marine ter- tant moment in cooperating Auletta and Padula races, coastal cliffs, natural to reach the unique objec- Monastery. Padula arches, a coastal landslide, tive: that geology is an Monastary, a UNESCO paleoeviromental geosites important component of World Heritage Site, was and marine caves. the economy. founded in 1306 and hosts During these fieldtrips the an archaeological museum participants met with local Aniello Aloia with exhibits from the pre- inhabitants, experienced [email protected] Angelo De Vita historic and Hellenistic peri- their cultural traditions and [email protected] ods. The monastery is situ- ate the food of the rural

boattrip alog cilento coast

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The European EUROPEAN NETWORK

PARKS 20132013 european GEO Adamello Brenta Katla Geopark Geopark Anyone can be a fan of rocks, sustainability of local products and local traditions!

Geodiversity is one of the motion of individual tial mission and this theme most important keywords in Geoparks, but celebrates was included in numerous the world of geoparks. It is links between the local com- activities. Many geoparks not an exaggeration to say munities and Planet Earth. organized fun-filled educa- that the rich contribution of There are almost an infinite tional programmes, “treasure European Geoparks Week number of ways to strength- hunts” or organized competi- reflects the diversity of rock en these links. During late tions for pupils and students formations within our conti- May and early June 2013, (or even for pre-school chil- nent. In addition, our land- members of the European dren). During walks, led by scapes, natural history and Geoparks Network and visi- dedicated local guides, one intangible heritage and local tors to their territories were could not only get to know traditions add many new able to demonstrate this suc- geosites but also obtain colours to this huge palette! cessfully. interesting information, for As geoparks are not just Increasing the awareness in example, on the geo-archae- about rocks, the Geoparks young people of the need for ological heritage of an area. Week is not about self-pro- geoconservation is an essen- Adventure seekers could join

Madonie Karavanke-Karawanken Katla Geopark Geopark Geopark

Sobrarbe Bakony-Balaton Magma Geopark Geopark Geopark

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Geoparks week EUROPEAN NETWORK PARKS european GEO Eisenwurzen Naturtejo English Riviera Geopark Geopark Geopark

Sierra Norte Catalunyia Mining and Geological de Sevilla Geopark Park of Sardinia

various geopark challenges with these sites were so pop- significant tasks of the mem- or even try abseiling on a cliff ular. bers of the European face. As the United Nations pro- Geoparks Network is making The Geoparks Week is also a claimed 2013 as the themselves “visible” which great opportunity for meet- International Year of Water means not only publishing ing people interested in Cooperation, several geop- and distributing tens of Earth science, geotourism, arks included activities not thousands of printed materi- nature conservation, educa- just about hydrogeology but als but a more and more tion and the sustainable pro- included events demonstrat- strongly developed and duction of local products. ing the vulnerability of water effective on-line presence Disused quarries and mines supply and aqueous habitats. including web sites, social are far more than just indus- The more than 1,000 events media and smart phone trial monuments. For many and activities of the apps.. people, they are part of a European Geoparks Week local communities’ past — attracted nearly 90,000 peo- Barnabás Korbély that is why events connected ple in 2013. One of the most [email protected]

Basque Coast Sierras Subbeticas EisenGea Norvegica Geopark Geopark Geoparkwurzen Geopark

a Villuercas North Pennines Bergstrasse- k Geopark Geopark Odenwald Geopark

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Finding tools to communicate geotourism - Buraco das Araras

Inspection the geopark concept and to visit to the

GEOPARK COOPERATION GEOPARK Ichnological Developing strong develop best practices in the Park of Penha region.

PARKS Garcia, The Technical Course for Naturtejo cooperation in the Tourism Guides at the Global Federal University of Mato Geopark Year of Brazil Grosso do Sul, is one of the many projects and activities european GEO involving the Bodoquena- Portugal between Pantanal Geopark team in cooperation with the Naturtejo Global Government of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, through the Foundation for the Geopark and the Development of Education, Science and Technology Bodoquena - (FUNDECT) In this project 40 new tourism local guides were taught about the geo- Pantanal Geopark logical heritage and geot- ourism potential of the Brazil and Portugal celebrat- Brazil, are developing a Geopark project and the ed the Year of Brazil twinning agreement aimed GGN concept. Another Portugal/Portugal Brazil at increasing and improving important project is being th between 7 September active cooperation. developed with the munici- 2012 (Brazil’s Independency Cooperation between these pality of Nioaque and local th Day) and 10 June 2013 territories started in 2012 schools, including (Portugal’s National Day). with an exchange of visits Guilherme Corrêa da Silva, The two countries, united by the scientific coordina- Odete Ignêz Restel Villas by culture and the tors. Carlos Neto de Bôas State and 31 Março Portuguese language, are Carvalho was invited to Indigenous schools. Sixteen seeking to develop future present the European pupils including members of understanding and coopera- Geoparks Network and the Terenas tribe were rd tion beyond the exchange of Naturtejo Geopark to the 3 awarded a one-year grant cultural and business events Bodoquena-Pantanal for young scientists. They which present Portugal and Geopark Regional Meeting will participate in the devel- Brazil to their citizens as during the FestinBonito opment of the Geopark proj- countries that are modern, Winter Festival. During ect in their region and in innovative and receptive to Afrânio Soriano Soares’ researching newly discov- new ideas. Naturtejo Global reciprocal visit to Naturtejo ered dinosaur track sites. A Geopark in central-eastern Geopark, it was decided to similar project in Corumbá Portugal and the aspiring strengthen cooperation with the support of the Bodoquena-Pantanal through the direct transfer municipality and 10 pupils Young Geopark located in the State of know-how from Naturtejo from Cyriaco Félix Toledo scientists of Mato Grosso do Sul, Global Geopark to support from Nioaque School involves didactic and the Bodoquena-Pantanal scientific activities related to Geopark’s application for the famous Ediacaran fauna membership of the Global at Cacimba da Saúde and Geoparks Network. For one Marina Gatas – Canal do year Naturtejo Geopark’s Tamengo – Paraguai River expert in geoconservation protected areas. and educational activities, Joana Rodrigues, was hired Carlos Neto de Carvalho to work with the team from [email protected] Bodoquena-Pantanal Afrânio Soriano Soares [email protected] Geopark to implement the Joana Rodrigues GGN Charter, disseminate [email protected]

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Magma Geopark – Norway, Katla Geopark – Iceland, Stonehammer Geopark – Canada, Geopark Shetland – Scotland Northern Georoutes: GEOPARK COOPERATION GEOPARK

Geoparks develop North PARKS Atlantic tourism brand

Magma Geopark (Norway) holders in the partner european GEO is leading an exciting Geoparks, including accom- tourism based project in modation and hospitality partnership with Geopark providers, tour operators, Shetland (Scotland), Katla transport businesses and Geopark (Iceland) and marketing organisations. The Stonehammer Geopark questionnaire aimed to (Canada). Funding was gauge interest in the project, secured from the NORA to discover what stakehold- Hiking on “Magni” – formed in the (Nordic Atlantic ers could offer to support the 2010 eruption of Fimmvörðuháls in Cooperation) fund in 2012 project, and to find out what Katla Geopark, Iceland to develop a holiday book- they would hope to gain from ing system for Geoparks in participation. The informa- the North Atlantic Region tion gathered was used to and connect tourist routes work with stakeholders to in this area. develop a 3-day themed This three-phase project package for each Geopark. aims to capitalize on the A ‘Northern Georoutes’ brand unique landscapes and nat- was established, comprising a ural assets in each of the logo, website with tour search four Geoparks to stimulate engine, and Facebook page, geo-tourism by developing where the regions and the Stromatolites viewed by kayak in 3-day tour packages in packages can be promoted. Stonehammer Geopark, Canada each area that can be pro- Phase two of the project, moted and sold online. launched in Katla Geopark in Tours are being developed November 2013 is focussed in collaboration with stake- on the implementation of an holders in each region and online booking system, in will be enhanced by innova- accordance with the legal tive new tourism products requirements of each coun- including Geopark try, and development of asso- SmartGuide and TurfHunt ciated tourism products. apps. Phase three will involve The overarching aims of development of further pack- "The Migaren" Via Ferrata the project are to promote ages and dissemination of in Jøssingfjord, Magma Geopark, Norway the North Atlantic Region project results to a wider as the ‘destination of audience – specifically mem- choice’ for a niche tourist bers of the Global Geoparks market through develop- Network. It is hoped that the ment and promotion of a Northern Georoutes project distinct brand, support local could be a precursor to a businesses in each Geopark wider ‘Global Georoutes’ through coordination of brand involving Geoparks tourism activities and con- from around the world. tribute to sustainable and www.northerngeoroutes.com affordable global tourism. Sara Gentilini North Atlantic storm beach at Grind o da The first phase of the proj- [email protected] Navir in Geopark Shetland ect began with a question- Robina Barton naire to all potential stake- [email protected]

15 G A 1ENMG9qd 0121 11 Page16 EGN MAG11:EGN9.qxd30/1/20141:14 horseshoe crabs the tunnelwalls Reconstructions dinosaurs and were foundin whose traces of thesmall 16 european ACTIVITIES GEOPARKS use thelimestoneaditasa From thenon,batsstartedto water becamevisible. that usedtobedeepunder level was low, thegallery tions. Intimes,whenthe continuously withinterrup- started tofall –slowlybut In the1980’s, thewater level Osnabrück. Hüggel-Mountain southof “Silver Lake”, situatedinthe The lake was knownasthe was trapped . inacolddrift underwater gallerywhilehe drowned insomeeerie tank, andofsomeone told ofasubmergedBritish and mysterious. Storieswere limestone quarry, was deep The lake, situatedinanold swim, relaxandhave fun. people metinthesummerto bathing lakes, whereyoung of thosemoreorlesslegal In thelatesixties,itwas one under from down A tidalflat TERRA.vita Geopark TERRA.vita Geopark under from down A tidalflat exploit thelimestonemine developed aprojectto The TERRA.vitaGeopark Triassic tidalflat. dolomite –remainsofa steeply tiltedlimestoneand at therocks,inthiscase gallery totake acloserlook could walk throughthe water level was low, visitors idea. Intimeswhenthe cleared theway for another Obviously, thisdecision cial trap. the batsaccesstothisartifi- tunnel withagridanddeny to closetheentrance tothe Consequently itwas decided no chancetosurvive. nel. Thehibernatingbatshad reach theceilingoftun- water level roseagainto some winters,whenthe Hundreds ofbatsdrownedin with aterribleoutcome: winter habitat–sometimes Geopark. organized bytheTERRA.vita ited duringguidedtours, mine willbereadytovis- From spring2014on,the be found here. relicts ofearlytimescanstill corals andotherfascinating shoe crabs, ripple-marks, dinosaurs, traces ofhorse- of relatives oftheearly crabs andlobsters,footprints burrowsofformer filled mine contained:Sediment geological treasuresthatthis mainly taken becauseofthe the decisiontodosowas is just200meterslong.But eral years, even thetunnel if something thatcantake sev- ing aminetothepublicis and hadtolearn,thatopen- [email protected] Timo Kluttig, tunnel wall rocks inthe examine Experts EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:15 Page 17

View of the plan for the new visitor centre at Lake Cave of Tapolca ACTIVITIES

A new Visitor Centre A new Visitor Centre PARKS andand activitiesactivities inin BakonyBakony

BalatonBalaton Geopark,Geopark, HungaryHungary european GEO

Bakony–Balaton Geopark is summer 2014). While this not only famous for its hills show cave and Lóczy Cave which are the remains of are open to the general pub- ancient volcanoes, Europe’s lic, there are mazes of under- largest warm lake or the ground passages for adven- gorges of Bakony Mountains, ture seekers. In Csoda- but is also renowned for its bogyós Cave and Kőlik Cave karstic phenomena. There of Szentgál overalls, helmets are 700 caves within the and headlamps are provided Geopark, four of these are for the visitors These tours open to the public. are guided by trained local Balaton Uplands National cavers, under a contract with Park Directorate (BUNPD), the BUNPD. the leading organization of The designation “Geosite of munity, the Geopark’s man- Volunteer the Geopark, has a long tra- the Year in the Bakony – agement and students and students from dition of geological nature Balaton Geopark” acknowl- became a venue for geo- Steiner Schools conservation and interpreta- edges the activities of com- at Felsőörs, the activities. Felsőörs also fea- tion. The most popular site in munities in the conservation Geosite of the Yea tures a rock ridge, wonder- our National Park and and sustainable utilisation of fully preserved travertine Geopark is the Lake Cave of a geosite and promotes the dams and a 13th C. church Tapolca where one can go by site as a destination for geo- built on beautifully exposed, boat beneath a town: this tourism. In 2014 this desig- dipping dolomite strata. geosite attracts 110,000 visi- nation was given to the geo- Geotours, activity days, a tors annually. Via a success- logical heritage of Felsőörs, a field trip for geological ful EU project, coordinated charming village near Lake experts draw attention to the by the Department of Balaton. The spectacular Geosite of the Year. Ecotourism and outcrop of Forrás Hill is of The number of geotour- Environmental Education of international significance. A guides increased, thanks to BUNDP, a new visitor centre geological trail interprets the the training course held this is being developed which will petrified world of the Triassic spring in the northern, less also be the Western Gate to Sea and volcanic activity. frequented area within the the Geopark. Wonderful With funds, mostly from the Geopark. A Geopark Partner , Karst, an interactive exhibi- local government, the trail the Friends of Bakonyalja tion will be installed here has been renovated and Association, applied and (opening is expected in the maintained by the local com- obtained the funding for the course. Another training pro- gramme was announced this year in Keszthely Hills in the western region of the A field trip Geopark. during the course Barnabás Korbély for geotour [email protected] guides, Anna Knauer Tapolca Basin [email protected]

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One of the selected geosites for the geotourist trail: Campanil Basso

PARKS The enhancement of a geotourist trail european GEO in the Adamello Brenta Geopark

Geoparks are among the oped by Gregori & Melelli seasons and the visitors’ abil- The geotourist most suitable organizations to (2005). Alessia Pica used ity. The accessibility of trail proposed test new systems developed ArcMap to choose ‘geosites geosites is particularly high. by universities for the evalua- near shelters, which have a Three trails have been pro- tion of geosites and to apply medium or high geotouristic posed for educational proj- new methods in geotourism. value and are quite accessi- ects for high schools and Alessia Pica, a PhD candidate ble’, the selection is based on Universities and for Alpine from the Earth Sciences three queries in G.I.S. Using Society of Trentino excursions Department of ‘La Sapienza’ the two tools in G.I.S. ‘Select and training courses. Other University of Rome, devel- by location’ and ‘Select by means of adding value oped a geotouristic trail in attribute’, we decided to include the Dolomiti Brenta Adamello Brenta Geopark select geosites within a dis- Trek project (www.dolomiti applying a new methodology tance of 3 km from shelters, brentatrek.it), interpretive to the 13 geosites in the with VSG values greater than panels in the shelters and Brenta Dolomites UNESCO 14 and within a distance of meetings with the shelters’ World Heritage Site. The 0.3 km from paths. The managers to explain the idea geosites evaluation model, resulting geosites (Agola that ‘territory=development applied to the UNESCO Glacier, Fossil Bed, Val opportunity’. Table 1. Schematic Dolomites geosites, is based Ambiez, Campanil Basso) are synthesis of the Alessia Pica evaluation model. on the Geosite Geotourist connected by a circular route Vajolet Masè Table 2. Value index (VSG): consisting of trails for hikers [email protected] Evaluation results: The relational database for with mountaineering equip- References 10 geosites with the Dolomite’s geosites con- ment. In fact, the high alti- medium geotourist tains the VSG evaluation tude of the study area and GREGORI L. & MELELLI L. (2005)- value and results (Tab. 1), which have the roughness of the terrain “Geotourism & Geomorphosites: the 3 geosites with G.I.S. solution”. IlQuaternario, Italian high geotourist been processed in G.I.S. determine the nature of Journal of Quaternary Sciences, 18(1), value applying the procedure devel- excursions depending on the Volume Speciale.

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People PARKS in traditional costumes near the historical building in Bosa european GEO di Careggine “Enjoy the geology”! in the Apuan Geopark Farm

The Apuan Geopark Farm in construction of dry-stone Bosa di Careggine is a rural walls and in the nature and district site used for experi- distribution of agricultural mentation. Here it is possible cultivation techniques..Even to maintain and look after old the choice of crops takes into and local cultivars and consideration the geology of breeds, promote typical agri- the site and its bioclimatic cultural and food products conditions. In Bosa, the best and introduce new agronom- quality performance is sought ic techniques and plant and by paying attention not only animal varieties suitable for to the soil but also to pedo- the specific environmental genic processes, to the and climatic conditions. degree of exposure and angle The Geopark Farm’s agro- of slope and to the morpho- nomic mission is aimed at logical evolution of the moun- disseminating the results of tain slopes. Drinking Bosa wine is like Children during the introduced changes and In the Geopark Farm, agro- tasting its geology…and so the “Cave Bear” the potential economic nomic experimentation which everybody drink the wine and tour opportunities to the Apuan has challenged traditional “enjoy the geology”. Alps area, for the benefit of beliefs by introducing cultiva- both old and new businesses. tion has demonstrated the Alessia Amorfini [email protected] The work is being carried out close relationship with geolo- Antonio Bartelletti abartellet- in an ethical context of gy. Due to climate change, [email protected] The grape harvest organic farming, good prac- vines (Vitis vinifera L.) have Giuseppe Ottria in the Geopark tice and the sustainable use been planted at 850 metres, [email protected] Farm of natural resources. This at the tolerance limit of the emphasizes the added value species . A good soil and that geological backgrounds, hence a “good geology” pro- soils and landforms can give vide us with a good wine. to the natural and human And wine is the product that aspects of the Geopark Farm. best incorporates and repre- The geology of the farm is a sents the nature of its geo- prominent recurrent feature logical background. The in the description of the phys- oenological value of wine is ical landscapes, the nature linked to its place of origin route and the museum tour. and its taste becomes unique The geology is evident in the and unrepeatable if the vines study of the architecture of grow in a limited and defined human settlements, in the area.

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Children's

ACTIVITIES literature: an important educational tool PARKS fostered by Arouca Geopark

european GEO During the last decades the In fact these books allow Planet Earth. issues related to environ- children to learn about some The book, The tale of the mental education had a con- valuable facts, such as a Black Stone was launched on siderable impact on the respect for nature and/or the 8th of June 2013 during the growth of children's litera- need for healthy eating. celebrations of the European ture. Arouca Geopark has These literary resources can Geoparks Week 2013. It is a contributed to this trend in stimulate a child's imagina- tale about one of the most bringing geology to society tion and creativity by reveal- important geosites of the through the publication of ing the meaning and signifi- Arouca Geopark: the “giving the children's books Hands cance of situations not birth to stones”. This beauti- on the Jelly Land (“Mãos na directly experienced. fully illustrated book, which Terra da Gelatina”) and The Furthermore children and is written by a teacher, is tale of the Black Stone (“O adults reading together intended to raise Children’s Enigma da Pedra Negra”). leads to the development of awareness of the importance mutual understanding of the geological heritage. between generations. Both books were made avail- The book, Hands on the Jelly able to the municipal library Land relates in a playful and and to all school libraries in pedagogic way the relation- the Arouca region. ship between "Mrs. Earth" Additionally several educa- and the “Arouca Geopark” tional activities, involving through a set of gelatin more than 3000 children, recipes that attempt to were promoted in an explain some of the most attempt to instill reading important geological phe- habits and a respect for nomena in the region. At the nature. The Arouca Geopark same time it tries to promote children's literature which is healthy eating habits. This on sale in the Geopark’s children's book was written Information Centre is an by a geologist and a phar- example of good practice in macist and was presented to education for sustainable the public on 21st of development. November 2009, during the Daniela Rocha “Planet Earth Lisbon Event”, Artur Sá the official closing ceremony António Duarte of the International Year of [email protected]

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New interactive tourism european GEO office in Arouca Geopark

The new ‘Welcome Centre - vides an educational and tions of local and regional Arouca Geopark’ is integrat- training component, based products, major activities ed in the newly developed on the natural and cultural and equipment and a per- Regional Tourism Entity heritage. formance by a traditional Porto and Northern Portugal. This new equipment includes chorus introduced atten- It is designed for the promo- an auditorium, where visitors dants at this event to some tion of tourism and uses up- can enjoy a documentary of the cultural assets of to-date technologies in order about the natural and cultur- Arouca Geopark, a destina- to publicize regional tourism. al history of Arouca. This tion for geotourism. This interactive space is new "gateway" for nature Antonio Duarte based on a strategy of net- tourism in the region of Ricardo Neves working involving sustain- Porto and Northern Portugal Vera Magalhães able tourism with a strong was opened on September [email protected] connection with the regional 19th 2013. The inauguration and local economy. ceremony was attended by The centre reveals all the Alvaro Carvalho, Vice The success potential of the Arouca terri- President of CCDR-N on is networking. tory and works as an asset behalf of the Minister for for the region in which its Regional Development, The concept cultural identity is marked by Melchior Moreira President of is interactivity. its rusticity, its customs and the Regional Tourism Entity The destination its communities. Equipped Porto and Northern Portugal, with a set of new technolog- Artur Neves Mayor of Arouca Geopark! ical aids (promotional Arouca, and Margarida videos, interactive maps and Belém President of the Board routes, virtual tours, 3D ani- of Directors of AGA - Arouca mation, smartphone applica- Geopark Association. At the tions, among others) it pro- end of the ceremony, exhibi-

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Latxa sheep, a native breed GeoGourmet,

ACTIVITIES the most select products of the PARKS Basque Coast

european GEO Geopark

The Basque Coast Geopark Rural development and, young, fruity semi-sparkling contains a treasure trove of specifically, the enhacement wine produced from locally different chapters of Earth of local products, is one of grown grapes , protected and human history. Its natu- the main aims of our Designation of Origin, ral and cultural heritage Geopark. Under the name Getariako Txakolina. takes us on an exiting jour- GeoGourmet, the Geopark • Natural ecological ney through geological time, markets a selection of the cider produced by traditional in which we can enjoy a cul- most typical food products methods from 100% locally tural landscape full of history produced by the farmers and grown apples. Apple growing traditions and gastronomy. fishermen. The selection and cider making has been The gastronomic tradition includes a “Guide for tast- one of the activities which is and richness of the Basque ing” in four languages; most deeply rooted in the Country are known world- English, French, Basque and culture and economy of the wide because of its modern Spanish. rural environment of the and innovative approach, • Latxa sheep´s Geopark. which is based on fresh, nat- cheese (a native breed) pro- The selections of local prod- ural and seasonal products. duced in a traditional way ucts are sold in the tourist None of this would have and on a small scale with the offices of Zumaia, Deba and Apple growing been possible whithout the Protected Designation of Mutriku and are designed as and cider direct involvement of local , Origin, Idiazabal. a wonderful present not only making, has arrantzale and baserritarra • Tinned Tuna from for the Geopark’s tourists but been one of (fishermen and farmers) who the north in extra virgin olive also for the townsfolk and the activities which is most make up the primary sector oil, caught singly in a tradi- local companies. deeply rooted of our area and also consti- tional sustainable way, with in the culture tute the main guarantee for traditional fishing tackle and Leire Barriuso and economy GeoGourmet the conservation of a unique without nets by Basque [email protected] of the rural selection, culture, landscape and lan- arrantzale(fishermen). Asier Hilario environment a welcome guage. • Txakoli, a white, [email protected] of the present Geopark

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(Geotop-2010- european GEO celebration-2): Participants at (Geotope-des- the ceremony Earth History for the Public: Jahres-poster): for WHS Each year, the Messel Pit as Geopark offers Geotope 2010 the Geotopes of the Year in the Global and a geotope poster with an overview European Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald of the awarded geotopes: here the poster high- Geotopes are special windows which reflects the Geopark´s A detailed framework of lights the geot- into our planet’s past and pro- holistic approach to Earth his- preparation, organization, opes from 2002 vide opportunities to interest tory, nature and culture. The publications, and public rela- to 2013 and fascinate the general geological State Department tions provided by the Geopark public in Earth history. is involved in the procedure, ensures, that the event is (Deckblatt-flyer- geotop-2013): In response to the “Day of the and the event is listed on the highly visible in the media, Each “Geotope Geotopes”, a German-wide “Day of the Geotope” internet and that the “Geotope of the of the Year” is event sponsored by the platform of the German Year” becomes a well-known communicated German Society for Society for Geosciences and attractive annual event. to the public by Geosciences and the State (DGG). After 12 years of continuous an individual brochure, which Departments of Geology, the The official celebration during celebration and presentation, highlights the Geopark Bergstrasse- the “Day of the Geotopes” is the “Geotope of the Year”, is geological Odenwald designates, annual- an event, where representa- considered as one of the most development ly, one extraordinary Geotope tives from the State successful geo-traditions, of the locality as “Geotope of the Year”. Government, partners from which have been implement- The selection of the geotope universities and politics as ed by the Geopark with high is based on a special combi- well as local stakeholders are media presence and outreach. (Geotope- 2009-visitors): nation of geological charac- invited to give short talks to The “Geotopes of the Year” Field trip to teristics such as the geologi- the public. This official event are the most popular windows discover the cal time interval, lithology, is also important as an into the geological history of geology, min- genesis, environment, and expression of appreciation of the Geopark and provide the ing history uniqueness. Additionally, the the partners’ commitment visitor with a fascinating jour- and fauna of (Geotop-2013- the Geotope geotope should show a clear and supports the regional ney through 500 million years certificate): Local 2009, a relic relationship with the natural identity of the Geotope. The involving the dynamic devel- stakeholders and of a volcanic environment, local history or official activities are followed opment of our planet. honorary guests eruption 280 economic history. Thus, the by an interdisciplinary field receive the Jutta Weber million years geotope of the year is a site, trip through the Geotope certificate ago [email protected] demonstrating its various Geotope 2013 geological, natural and cultur- al aspects. Related to the event, the Geopark presents an official certificate to the local part- ners, a geotope brochure, and a geotope poster. Additionally, each “Geotope of the Year” is included in the the Geopark’s webpage and equipped with an on-site Geopark informa- tion panel.

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University students on fieldwork in the Burre Adult Evening Course field trip looking at coastal biokarst Increasing Educational Partnerships in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark

Over the last five years the the last two years we have cles, books, reports and Burren and Cliffs of Moher worked with the school to maps relevant to the Burren Geopark has developed a incorporate more geology- region and making many of number of education initia- related projects. them available in full on our tives aimed at promoting This year we will also be website (http://www.burren- Earth Science awareness in working with the school to geopark.ie/what-we- the region. These initiatives launch an environmental do/research-archive/). We are aimed at three main cat- awareness project aimed at are grateful for the support egories of stakeholders; the highlighting the sensitivity of of the Geological Survey of local schools, the general groundwater in the Burren Ireland (www.gsi.ie) and the public and visiting research karst region as well the many publishers who gave institutions. Integrating impact of littering. us permission to use their these three groups in an Our Adult Evening Course, articles. interconnected network has “Understanding the Burren Eamon Doyle been a challenge which Landscape”, is an introducto- [email protected] involved developing a num- ry level geology course deliv- ber of partnerships. The ered in collaboration with the results of these initiatives are Burren Outdoor Education taught classes, publications, Centre web-based resources and (www.burrenoec.com). The access to expertise. course consists of a series of Lisdoonvarna Secondary two hour classes for five School is the only secondary evenings with an invited school within the area of the guest lecture on the final Burren and Cliffs of Moher night, plus a one-day field Geopark. They have a long trip. history of participation and Making the results of success in the BT Young research undertaken in the Scientist of the Year competi- Burren generally available tion (organized by BT has been a priority. We have Ireland, a telecommunica- just launched the first phase tions company) particularly of this process by compiling The Burren is a natural outdoor classroom for school children in the biology category. Over a database of research arti-

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The Orange unnel ACTIVITIES Cabo de Gata-Níjar Geopark

steering new strategies PARKS in sustainable tourism: european GEO GEOSUB, SUBMARINE GEO-ROUTES

Cabo de Gata-Níjar, the first Níjar Geopark’s new products Marine and Terrestrial such as the columnar jointing Natural Park in the Iberian route, gold mining route and Peninsula, an exceptional the alum route are included territory, has gained recogni- in the tourism provision of tion for its contribution to local enterprises. environmental conservation, Through Geosub involving Natura 2000, Special geological submarine routes, Protected Areas (SPA, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Geopark European Directive on the contributes to the MedPAN Conservation of Wild Birds), (Marine Mediterraean four routes in Spanish and Cover page Special Protected Areas of Natural Protected Areas) English is as a clear example for the GeoSub Mediterranean Importance project of the General on how a Geopark, by widen- booklet (SPAMI, Bracelona conven- Department of Natural ing geotourism provision, tion) RAMSAR (Convention Protected Areas of the promotes and contributes to on Wetlands of International Andalusia Goverment to cre- sustainable economic devel- Importance, 1971), to man- ate an innovative geotourism opment and strengthens the agement models such as product. Geosub involves relationship with its inhabi- Reserve of the Biosphere four underwater routes deliv- tants. (MAB) and to tourism e.g. ered by specialized enterpris- The brouchure can be down- the European Charter for es designated with the loaded from the “Ayuda al Sustainable Tourism (ECST). “Andalusian Natural Park” empleo” section of the and “European Charter of Geopark’s website: So, what is the role of the Sustainable Tourism” brands. www.juntadeandalucia.es/m Geopark in such territory? It represents the first geot- edioambiente/cabodegata- ourism product focused on nijargeopark Experience in Cabo de Gata- the underwater environment, Níjar Natural Park and and thus opens a new win- José Manuel Quero Fernández Biosphere Reserve demon- dow for future initiatives. de Molina Participants strates that the Geopark has The routes were developed [email protected] in GeoSub Cabo a key role in the manage- in collaboration with an Pablo Rivas Palomo de Gata Nijar ment of the territory, and is expert from the University of [email protected] Geopark capable of establishing multi- Granada, at four iconic sub- ple synergies, mainly involv- marine sites, “The French ing MAB and ECST. Also in Cave”, “Los Escullos”, motivating the development “Carnaje” and “Orange of innovative solutions for Tunnel”add to diving activi- problems arising from a ties. Divers explore ancient reduction in the competitive- volcanic eruptions, fossil ness of local enterprises due reefs and exciting submarine to nearby mass touristic des- tunnels, through an alterna- tinations. Thanks to its mem- tive tourism and educational bership of the Global and experience. European Geoparks The digital publication of Networks, Cabo de Gata- booklet with a guide to the

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Geology and Cultural Heritage:

ACTIVITIES Rock Art in the Villuercas – Ibores – Jara Geopark (Cáceres, Spain) PARKS until the 1980’s. During this period the Autonomous Government of Extremadura put their policies into prac- european GEO tice and included rock artin the geological, ecological and landscape places to visit in the area. In this respect these actions contribute to Facilities pro- viding access the tourism and economic to the Chiquita recovery strategies of rural Cave rock areas and they will be put shelter near into practice by the manage- the River ment of sustainable inherit- Ruecas, in Cañamero ed resources. Some of the most emblemat- Rock Art is a cultural her- plexes of Rock Art in the ic decorated rock shelters itage connected to the geo- Southwest Iberian Peninsula. are located in several logical and environmental These rock paintings and geosites such as “Cancho de values of a landscape. These engravings date from the la Sábana”, “Cancho del paintings and engravings Upper Paleolithic to the Iron Reloj” and in the “Ruecas produced by our remote Age. The schematic cave River Gorge” Others can be ancestors and drawn on rock paintings occur on rock faces found in the Geopark’s edu- surfaces inside caves and and cavity wallsin the cational routes and provide natural rock shelters are quartzite crests of the additional cultural value.With important graphic images Geopark’s mountain ranges respect to educational activi- drawn from European and also at the bases of ties, cave paintings are one Prehistory. The artists creat- large blockfields which char- of the most important sub- ed pigments from mineral acterize its granitic land- jects taught in schools, both substances like ochres, scape. in specific lessons and in art hematite, manganese oxide The area of the Villuercas – classes which involve repro- Students and white quartzs which Ibores – Jara Geopark from ducing these wonderful a local were found abundantly in became famous in 1916 due images. school the area. to the investigations of the José Julio García Arranz reproducing The Villuercas – Ibores – French archaeologist Henri [email protected] rock art Jara Geopark houses one of Breuil. However, the rock art Hipólito Collado Giraldo using motifs the most interesting com- was not studied intensively [email protected] from the Geopark

Schematic rock paintings from the Cancho del Reloj, in Cabañas del Castillo

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Deciphering the different layers of history found at the site ACTIVITIES PARKS Rewriting the history books: european GEO revealing the hidden landscapes of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

Enniskillen in County as the most important A decorated bone Fermanagh is the gateway to archaeological discovery of comb, one of the the Marble Arch Caves Global recent years. many fascinating Geopark. It is located on an Crannógs, or man-made finds from the island in the River Erne and islands are not unusual in Drumclay Crannóg excavation has a complex history of set- Ireland and can vary in age tlement, trade and transport. from the Neolithic Period to 30 wooden houses. Some of Plan view New light has been shed on the early 18th century. the most striking finds are a of the entire this history with the excava- Typically they are built by wooden bowl with a cross Drumclay tion of the Drumclay driving a circle of wooden carved into its base, parts of Crannóg site Crannog, regarded by some poles into a lake bed and then wooden vessels with inter- filling this with brush, stone laced decoration, and combs or timber. made from antler and bone Few crannógs have ever been that date from between 1000 excavated as they are difficult and 1100. Many of the finds to access. However, the low- show international influences ering of the River Erne during indicating that the settlers the past 200 years has had links with Scandinavia exposed previously sub- more than 1,000 years ago. merged land. The location of While many of the finds are the crannog was lost due to unremarkable, it is the lay- the changing urban land- ered record of settlements scapes of Enniskillen, but the that is proving to be so construction of a new road exceptional. The degree of required that its exact posi- preservation is so good that tion had to be determined. It detailed information about was only then that the true diet, economy, agriculture secrets of this ancient site and social structures can all were discovered. be extracted. This evidence of Archaeologists have deter- everyday life has yielded so mined that the crannóg was much information that it has occupied continuously from been described as Ireland’s the 8th century to the 17th Pompeii and has rewritten the century leading to its complex history books on ancient Irish layered history. Over 5,000 life. artefacts have been recov- Kirstin Lemon ered including the remains of [email protected]

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Work team european GEO in the Eisenwurzen Arzberg cave New evidence of human presence 30.000 years ago

The community of Wildalpen Professor of Palaeontology at illegally from the cave about located in the spectacular the University of Vienna and 30 years ago. This provided Salza valley is not only his students began scientific new impetus for the excava- famous for its huge springs excavations in the cave tions and has finally resulted which provide Vienna with in the discovery of a second most of its drinking water. tool. Both tools were made The Arzberg Mountain also of radiolarite which is similar contains two sites of special to the more familiar flint- geological interest: The stone. Numerous traces of remains of an iron mine, chipping at the margins are active in the 17th century, definitely of human origin. and the Arzberg cave. This Both tools were scrapers cave, accessible only via a which were obviously used to narrow, steep trail, is located free skins from the remaining in a very secluded area on meat and fat. the steep side of the moun- The size and shape of the tain about 200 m above the scrapers are typical for the valley floor. late Palaeolithic period The occurrence in this cave Scraper from the Arzberg cave (Aurignacien and Gravettien, of bones of cave bears and between 35,000 – 20,000 Gernot rock surfaces in narrow pas- which continued during sum- years ago). Radio carbon Rabeder sages polished by the fur of mer months until 2012. dates of bear bones from the in front of a rock polished the passing bears have been Gernot Rabeder has, for same cave have yielded by passing known for many years. In many years, studied the fos- approximate ages of 29,000 cave bears 2008, Gernot Rabeder, sil remains of mammals liv- and 36,000 years. These ing in the Alpine caves during sensational finds extend our the Great Ice Age and it was knowledge of human pres- more or less routine for him ence in the Eisenwurzen to conduct excavations in the region for almost 30.000 Arzberg cave. Together with years. The warm climate his team he recorded large which prevailed for a rather numbers of skeletal remains short interval within the lat- of Ursus ingressus which est glacial period enabled the characterized the Alpine cave bears to inhabit caves at high populations during the later altitudes in the Alps. Ice Age. It became thrilling when one of the citizens of Heinz Kollmann Thomas Drechsler the village produced a stone Irmi Auer tool which he had removed [email protected]

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Geopark Festival

to be major UK art event ACTIVITIES Εnglish Riviera

The English Riviera Global PARKS Geopark has long recognised the value and importance of using innovative ways to engage with the public, from

the imaginative Geoquest european GEO project in 2010 that lead to the production of the popu- lar Geopark Rock Songs (www.englishrivierageopark. org.uk/geoquestSongs.cfm) to the creation of the chil- drens playpark, the Geoplay Using creativity to engage on Park. the English Of course sharing the experi- Riviera Global ence of working with the Geopark creative and artistic sector with the rest of the Global tion, have been awarded the exceptional landscape and Network has been consid- contract to develop a world heritage of the English ered essential and thanks to class artistic vision for the Riviera Geopark – a ‘must Arts Council for England Geopark and the Geopark see’ event in the UK arts cal- funding this was possible at festival for the future. endar which will attract new the 5th International Situations previously worked types of returning visitors to UNESCO Conference on with the Geopark and the the English Riviera as well as Geoparks in 2012. A new Geo-Collective when they engaging local residents to short film “Geo-Collective brought “Nowhereisland”, a become involved in making goes to Japan” is now avail- floating island into the and experiencing each able which documents this Geopark as part of the 2012 event. journey (www.youtube.com/ Cultural Olympiad. If you The report from this work watch?v=5Eo2uXjGcBs). “Like” the English Riviera will advise a way forward, to However, the English Riviera Global Geopark Facebook enable us to make more of, The first of many page you can see photos of better promote and raise Global Geoparks creative discussions with work is about to enter a new the NowhereIsland Project awareness of our Global Situations to and exciting phase. arriving in the Geopark. Geopark Status, alongside inform the Thanks to further Arts Ultimately the shared vision having a positive social, cul- development Council for England support, that Situations are helping tural and economic impact. of a world class develop is to stage an inter- artistic vision Situations, a dynamic and for the English inspiring South West nationally significant arts Melanie Border Riviera Global England based arts organisa- Festival event rooted in the [email protected] Geopark Festival

The Geopark welcome for NowhereIsland, one of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad projects

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TheThe EuropeanEuropean GeoparksGeoparks NetwNetw

TheThe NetworkNetwork consistsconsists ofof 5858 GeoparksGeoparks inin 2121 EuropeanEuropean cc www.europeangeoparks.org EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:20 Page 31

1. Reserve Geologique de Haute - Provence FRANCE 2. Vulkaneifel European Geopark GERMANY tworktwork today...today... 3. Petrified Forest of Lesvos GREECE 4. Maestrazgo Cultural Park ARAGON, SPAIN 5. Psiloritis Natural Park GREECE 6. Terra.Vita Naturpark GERMANY 7. Copper Coast Geopark IRELAND 8. Marble Arch Caves European Geopark NORTHERN IRELAND & IRELAND 9. Madonie Geopark ITALY 10. Rocca di Cerere Geopark ITALY 11.Naturpark Steirische Eisenwurzen AUSTRIA 12.Geo-Naturpark Bergstrasse Odenwald GERMANY 13.North Pennines AONB ENGLAND, UK 14.Park Naturel Regional du Luberon FRANCE 15.North West Highlands SCOTLAND, UK 16.Geopark Swabian Albs GERMANY 17.Geopark Harz Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen GERMANY 18.Hateg Country Dinosaurs Geopark ROMANIA 19.Beigua Geopark ITALY 20. Fforest Fawr Geopark WALES, UK 21.Bohemian Paradise Geopark CZECH REPUBLIC 22.Cabo de Gata - Nijar Natural Park ANDALUCIA, SPAIN 23. Geopark Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional PORTUGAL 24.Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park ANDALUCIA, SPAIN 25.Sobrarbe Geopark ARAGON, SPAIN 26.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. Massif des Bauges Geopark FRANCE 47. Apuan Alps ITALY 48. Villuercas Ibores Jara Geopark SPAIN 49. Carnic Alps Geopark AUSTRIA 50. Chablais Geopark FRANCE 51. Central Catalonia Geopark SPAIN 52. Bakony – Balaton Geopark HUNGARY countriescountries (January(January 2014)2014) 53. Azores Geopark PORTUGAL 54. Karavanke/Karawanken SLOVENIA & AUSTRIA 55. Idrija Geopark SLOVENIA 56. Hondsrug Geopark NETHERLANDS 57. Sesia - Val Grande Geopark ITALY 58. Kula Geopark TURKEY EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:20 Page 32 ACTIVITIES A prominent GeoMônGeoMôn LaunchesLaunches dyke bordered by Information Boards raised Information Boards margins

PARKS of baked andand TrailsTrails atat CemaesCemaes BayBay limestone, looking towards andand LlanbadrigLlanbadrig Wylfa headland european GEO

In April 2014 GeoMôn, section of coastal path and first chime from a Time and together with the Llanbadrig foreshore that has been used Tide Bell (The St Patrick Bell) Community Council and Isle to create part of the geotrail in Cemaes Harbour. The bell of Anglesey County Council, showcasing all of Anglesey’s was made and donated by shared a triple launch at main rock types. These are the sculptor Marcus Vergette three iconic Anglesey sites exhibited on a series of stone and is set in a structure built that showcase the best in the plinths arranged according to by apprentices at the Nuclear island’s heritage and geolo- their geological period. The Power Station. gy. site also contains two infor- GeoMôn together with its Over the past two years the mation boards, two stone partners has created a cliff partnership has worked tables with benches and four walk with a view of the cave together to create two trails, wooden benches, installed and well. The church con- one concentrating on the by the Community Council, tains two rocks found in the geology at Bonc y Mor, a affording splendid views rubble of the old church small headland on the north- from the headland. when it was rebuilt in 1884. ern end of Cemaes Bay At the eastern side of the bay One, the Ichthus Stone, is a Harbour that exhibits some in Llanbadrig a small stone picrite erratic with early of the finest British examples church, originally built from Christian carvings of loaves of 860Ma stromatolitic lime- mud, twigs and stones,was of bread, vines and other stone clasts contained within founded by St Patrick in 440 markings. Behind the altar a mélange. It also hosts a AD. The saint was ship- and inset beneath an alcove series of dykes perfect for wrecked on Middle Mouse, a is a well-worn piece of sand- schools to study the effects small rock in the sea near the stone that shows two carved of the Caledonian Orogeny. headland, during his journey intertwined snakes, the sym- These dykes are bordered by to convert Ireland. Patrick bol of St Patrick. This would chilled edges with raised managed to get ashore and probably have been sited margins of baked limestone lived for a while in a cave beneath a statue of St creating perfect walled track- close to a well. He built the Patrick. ways. makeshift church in thanks- Margaret Wood Horizon, the current owners giving for his rescue. [email protected] The revalidation of the nearby Wylfa Nuclear The celebratory launch will team at Stewart Campbell Bonc y Mor Power Station, donated a include the installation and [email protected]

The viewpoint over St Patrick’s Cave and Well, Llanbadrig

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Beech tree,

Natura 2000 ACTIVITIES and rocks PARKS A new exhibition

at Stolberg Castle european GEO Beech forests growing on gypsum karst A well known German saying the Geopark Harz at higher altitudes in the Harz form a rare advises you to seek shelter • Braunschweiger Land region. The globally known habitat underneath a beech tree dur- • Ostfalen. With the project term greywacke refers to a ing a thunderstorm. This ‘NATURA 2000 in the Nature special kind of sandstone and dubious advice illustrates the Park Harz’ the Regional was first used by miners in long history between man Association Harz aims to pro- the Harz region. The most and the beech tree. Germanic mote the acceptance and common beech forest, tribes carved their first letters awareness for the Natura belonging to the Asperulo- into beech wood sticks; the 2000 sites in the region. Fagetum type, grows on first book was made from From October 2013 the more nutrient rich loess soils. bound beech-wood panels. beech tree Fagus sylvatica In the southern Harz the mid- In addition to this mutual his- has centre stage within the dle-European limestone tory, however, the beech tree venerable Stolberg Castle. An beech forests of the Fagus sylvatica deserves exhibition explains the proj- Cephalanthero-Fagion type closer attention. More than ect Natura 2000 and shows grows on gypsum karst. The 10.000 native plants, animals the typical birds, insects, high solubility of the gypsum and fungi thrive in the beech plants and fungi of our beech creates a unique karst land- woods on our doorsteps. The forests, as well as shedding scape with caves, lakes and conservation of these forests light on the cultural, econom- karst cones. is essential for the preserva- ic and historical bonds Information about the work tion of our European biodi- between beech and man. and the publications of the versity. The establishment of Since there is a relationship Geopark is provided on the European-wide network between flora and fauna and www.harzregion.de of nature protection areas - the underlying geology, the The exhibition at the Stolberg Natura 2000 - represents one exhibition explains the geolo- Castle can be visited during approach to achieving this gy of beech forests and the castle opening hours: The goal. use and genesis of the vari- Tuesday to Friday from 11 picturesque The Regional Association ous minerals beneath the a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and town Harz promotes the protection trees. The native Luzulo- Sundays from 11 a.m. to of Stolberg of the natural environment Fagetum beech forests grow 5 p.m. is surrounded with activities in the Nature on the acid, nutrient-poor Anne Schäfer by extensive [email protected] beech forests Parks of the Harz region and soils which overlie greywacke

The minister for the environment of Saxony Anhalt, Dr. Hermann Onko Aeikens (r.), takes a close look at the exhibition

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The Welsh Whisky Company’s blends of world class whisky Penderyn Distillery, the only and spirits. distillery in Wales, is situated The steep-sided alluvial chan- in Fforest Fawr Geopark with- nel was probably eroded by a ACTIVITIES in the picturesque Brecon sub-glacial stream flowing at Beacons National Park. The the base of a glacier during distillery provides employ- the last Ice Age. The channel ment and, through its sediments consist of soil and Exhibition Centre with more gravel (3m), gravel and clay

PARKS than 20,000 visitors annually, with water (6m), sand gravel it contributes significantly to and silt (19m) clay and gravel tourism activities in Fforest (7m ) and limestone frag- Fawr Geopark. ments and sand with water In July 2013 the distillery which line the base (1m) and

european GEO doubled its use of water by walls of the channel. Groundwater is pumped from sediments below the water Partnership table at a depth of approxi- provides localised recharge to Water seepage mately 15m below surface. the ground and surface through waters. The results of the a vertical between Fforest The 19m thick sand gravel joint in the and silt layer, probably the research project show that, Carboniferous Fawr Geopark and main component of the based on calculations from a Limestone aquifer, stores and transmits well pumping test, the water fast enough to supply groundwater flow rate of Cardiff University the pumping well. 166,400m3/day, 60, 745,000 The groundwater at Penderyn m3/year through the alluvium benefits a local Distillery has two potential channel aquifer is sufficient renewable sources of to sustain the distillery’s business recharge. These are primary increased use of water water flow to the alluvial through expanding produc- adding a second still. To channel through bedding tion. ensure that the increased planes, joint planes and karst Penderyn Distillery has an extraction of water is sustain- features in the Carboniferous informative exhibition centre able, the distillery requested Limestone bedrock. Further which, with at least 20,000 a geo-environmental investi- study is required to assess visitors annually, contributes gation of the surrounding the groundwater contribution significantly to tourism activi- area which was undertaken of a karstic component. ties in Fforest Fawr Geopark. as a research project by Primary flow through the Through its Icons of Wales Cardiff University with sup- bedrock occurs through verti- Series consisting of individual port and participation by cal fractures and along malt whiskys each one cele- Fforest Fawr Geopark. inclined bedding planes. Field brating a person, milestone The distillery is sited on a nar- observations suggest that or event from Welsh history row, alluvium filled, approxi- recharge through the bedrock with international significance mately 40m deep steep-sided to the alluvium aquifer is min- the Distillery promotes Wales channel incised into the imal. It has been established through its world class prod- Carboniferous Limestone that the groundwater is ucts. Geology of the floor of a glacial valley. The recharged primarily through David Hull Penderyn area distillery draws groundwater surface waters percolating [email protected] and the alluvium from a 39m deep well drilled into the groundwater along Tony Ramsay aquifer [email protected] into the alluvium to create is the length of the alluvium Tim Jones channel associated with the [email protected] Nant Cadlan stream. Rainfall Peter Brabham in the 12km2 catchment area [email protected] The sediment sequence in Penderyn Distillery borehole

34 EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:20 Page 35 ACTIVITIES PARKS One of the petrified trees of Laas

The petrified trees of european GEO the GeoPark Carnic Alps

Even though petrified forests received protection status. tributed to the project with a occur worldwide, they are Since then this site has also supervised Bachelor Thesis rare and there is only one been accessible to visitors. which is available as a down- site in Austria where such an During the last decades addi- load (http://www.geopark- accumulation of petrified tional fossil trees were dis- karnische-alpen.at/filead- trees occurs. This site is covered. Some close to the min/geopark/Forschung). located in the GeoPark Carnic first occurrence, some sever- This study showed that the Alps in the small village of al hundred metres apart. In original cell structure of the Laas. most cases the few centime- trees is perfectly preserved The first tree trunk was dis- tres which protruded from and that all pores are filled Experts in covered accidentally at the the host rock were not very with quartz which probably fossil end of the nineteen-twen- obvious. In 2012 the originated from volcanic preparation ties, when local people quar- GeoPark Carnic Alps initiated exhalations during the Lower from the ried rocks for a hospital. This a project with the aim of Permian. All trees are Museum of Natural trunk has a length of about excavating the trees in the assigned to the Cordaitales History Vienna nine meters and is the vicinity of the first find to species Dadoxylon schrol- remove excess largest plant fossil recorded improve their visibility and a lianum which is related to material in Austria. In the 1960’s it path linking all the fossil early conifers. covering was declared a natural mon- trees was constructed. The Two information panels the petrified trees ument and therefore University of Innsbruck con- explain the petrification process, the depositional environment and the compo- sition of the trees. The site is now part of the geo-cultural hiking path of Laas, one of the five geotrails in the GeoPark Carnic Alps.

Gerlinde Ortner Hans Peter Schönlaub [email protected]

Microscopic image of the petrified trees from Laas: the porous wood tissue is clearly visible

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ACTIVITIES An information panel in Katla Geopark PARKS Regional development for

european GEO the Eyjafjallajökull area

Katla Geopark, Iceland´s The key goals of the Geopark products. In addition to the first geopark, received a are to protect the natural improvement of the physical grant from the Instrument environment, promote local infrastructure on the differ- for Pre- sustainable development, to ent geosites in the Geopark Accession introduce local culture to one of the most important Assistance tourists and place a strong aspects of the IPA project is Katla [IPA] fund emphasis on geo-tourism. the development of a man- from the Although the Katla Geopark agement plan including a European region has experienced marketing plan and market- Geopark Union. During important developments in ing strategy. the last year terms of tourism during the The project has already pro- Katla Geopark past few years, there are gressed considerably and if has, with the help of this some key challenges that everything goes according to fund, developed 15 geosites need to be addressed. These plan before the end of the with information panels, pic- include diversifying tourism year, Katla Geopark will have nic tables, accessible car provision as well as strength- a licence to be a travel parks and hiking routes and ening year round activities agency that promotes and provided one geosite with through a stronger focus on sells local products, locally toilet facilities. Over the next off-peak tourism that will made travel packages with 10 months the Geopark aims support whole year business local guides in cooperation to develop another 10 to 15 opportunities and jobs. with local businesses, local sites. In addition the IPA One of the most important inhabitants, schools, infor- fund has made it possible for effects of the project is to be mation offices and knowl- Katla Geopark to work on able to promote Katla edge centres with the aim to customized student material Geopark as an attractive des- provide a better service. Revealing one Improvements as well as promotional mate- tination that supports local Steingerður Hreinsdóttir of the signs in to the geotrail rial for the area. businesses and uses local www.katlageopark.is Kirkjubæjar- at Skógafoss klaustur

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Aegean PARKS The birth of an Archipelago european GEO

In order to raise awareness comprehensive and appeal- ents the impressive record of of the need to protect and ing way, the creation of the biodiversity in the Aegean promote the sustainable Aegean Sea, the history of region which is demonstrat- exploitation of our unique processes that sculpted the ed by the richness of plant Earth heritage to visitors and Aegean islands leading to the and animal fossils that bear residents of the Aegean creation of beautiful land- witness to the Islands, Lesvos Geopark scapes, and the development fascinating presents and supports the of a variety of modern natu- history of the Lesvos traveling exhibition "AEGEAN ral ecosystems. Visitors will evolution of – The Birth of an realize how the continuous life and Archipelago". The exhibition interaction between civiliza- ecosystems in was organized by the Natural tions ranging from prehistory the Aegean Geopark History Museum of the to the present day interacted basin during Lesvos Petrified Forest in col- with the environment creat- the last 150 million years. laboration with the ing a series of cultural land- The islands are home to the Universities of Thessaloniki, scapes, and their senses will fragments of past life that Crete and the Aegean and be filled with images of the spurred the human mind to

TEMPORARY EXHIBITION under the auspices of the islands and the life of this seek answers concerning the Ministry of Shipping Affairs ancient sea. origins of life and the world and the Aegean, the Ministry The exhibition is divided into from the "Cosmogony" of of Culture and Sport, the three main sections contain- Hesiod to the "Natural Greek National Tourism ing impressive topics and Philosophy" of Aristotle and Organisation and the interactive presentations: the treatise "On Stones" by Hellenic National The central section "GAIA Theophrastus. Commission for UNESCO. It MEMORIES: From Tethys to This travelling exhibition is combines exhibits with pho- the Aegean", presents the currently hosted by the city "AEGEAN - tographic and audiovisual complete geological history of Thessaloniki, Greece and Birth of an displays to present the 150 of the area from the vast is intended to present the Archipelago”. million years record of the Tethys Ocean that was part uniqueness and beauty of Impressive petrified tree evolution of the Aegean of today's Greece, the the Aegean Archipelago to trunk 14 islands and the history of the growth of the single mythi- the peoples of several coun- View of the meters long processes that created the cal land of Aegaeis and the tries around the world. exhibition from the islands, their spectacular shaping of today’s Greek "AEGEAN - Nikolaos Zouros Birth of an Petrified landscapes and geosites. archipelago. Forest of [email protected] Archipelago" Lesvos The exhibition presents in a The second section "The islands of Hephaestus and Poseidon" presents the geo- dynamic processes of the Aegean, the volcanic and seismic activity that created the archipelago. These processes were repeated through millions of years and continue until the present day. The third section, "GAIA: from myth to science" pres-

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Successful alumni of the training course "Nature- and Geopark PARKS Guides Vulcano-Eifel"

european GEO The Certified Nature and Geopark Guide Tourism and Environmental Education in the Volcanic Eifel Region (Vulkaneifel)

The Vulkaneifel Nature and concept has been developed ment of communication Geopark, one of the stake- that goes beyond the 170- skills. holders in the LEADER hour training programme by In the course of the project region, has defined environ- also addressing marketing the participants develop mental education as one and networking by the par- products for tourists, such as field of action and one of the ticipants and the Nature and guided tours and workshops, mainstays of its master plan. Geopark. Over a period, ini- whose suitability for the mar- In order to be in a position to tially for three years, partici- ket is then assessed in co- convey the contents to the pants are provided with the operation with the key play- people living in the region knowledge and tools of the ers in the tourist branch of and, of course, to the trade they need regarding the region in an evaluation region’s guests, well quali- nature conservation. The process consisting of a num- fied personnel are needed guides, who are already ber of stages. who can act as the interface skilled and well-educated The deployment of the 22 between the public, the when they join the project, people who have successful- Geopark and the environ- are trained in geology, flora ly completed the course is ment. and fauna, and the history of not only restricted to the Within the framework of the the region, both theoretically tourist sector - accompany- EAFRD Initiative “Clever in and in practical exercises in ing guided tours and being the Countryside: Learning for the field, combined with present at selected Geopark the future of rural areas”, a extensive further develop- Hotspots during special events - but also in the field of environmental education in schools and kindergartens in the Vulkaneifel. The certi- fied Nature and Geopark guides assist the staff of edu- cational institutions with top- ics that are in the process of being compiled as part of an environmental education pol- icy and in doing so also con- tribute to the creation of a regional identity.

Proud to be a of Nature- Achim Herf and Geopark Andreas Schüller Volcano-Eifel www.geopark-vulkaneifel.de

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Visiting the ochre outcrop Ocher by bike by bike with Ocher by bike a smartphone european GEO

accessed. It can, among Luberon Geopark, France others, be either a text, a video or a game. The con- The Luberon Geopark offers When tourists on bicycles tent is accessible to all audi- visitors a new free mobile approach a point, with the ences, covering aspects of application to discover the GPS switched on, informa- geology, geography, history ochre outcrop by bike. This tion is auto- and the economy. protected area, one of the matically The application and its mul- highest timedia content are fully places in the download- Geopark, able from extends for the Apple more than 20 Store and kilometers. It Google Play, is exceptional in French and not only for its English. A unique geolo- mobile web- gy, but also for site also pro- its outstanding vides access to scenic land- information on scape, its indus- other system trial history and devices. its economic In addition to impact on the delivering a new inhabitants in the tourism offer, the 19th and early 20th aim is to provide centuries. cultural informa- Currently, parts of tion to schools this feature are visit- using a tool they ed annually by more can appreciate and than 600.000 also to promote tourists. sustainable mobility The mobile applica- (cycling) in a pro- tion proposes four itin- tected site with too eraries, on quiet roads, many cars during along routes involving the tourist season. between two to five hours This application was created cycling (9 - 40 km). Four with the support of the themes were identified, the European Agricultural Fund history of the ochre industry, for Rural Development geological and human time, (EAFRD) together with fund- being a geologist and cross- ing from local authorities. ing landscapes. Forty geo-referenced inter- Stéphane Legal pretation points are defined. [email protected]

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The small Raffo village, in a rural area of the PARKS AA Visitors’Visitors’ ResponseResponse Madonie Geopark. All around the toto anan AlternativeAlternative EventEvent world, it is easy to discover european GEO in Madonie Geopark discover an in Madonie Geopark EGN or a GGN Geopark

On Saturday September 28th beautifully interrupted by aged from 6 to 10 reminded 2013, my wife Pam and I, dozens of happy children us of its great importance, along with our friend Mark running and chasing each the geological history and Marcelli, were invited to the other. As Mark pointed out countless applications. Premier screening of Children one of the highlights of the Throughout the ages salt has in Folk's presentation of “The evening was watching the been a food enhancer, this Story of Salt” and “The Salt in children play and enjoy we all know, but it was also our Story”. To be honest themselves on screen. Salt, integral in many aspects of when we first arrived in Raffo, a small village in the Madonie Geopark, were not sure what to expect. You see we, the three of us, are Through song, descendants from this region dance, story- but were all born in the USA telling and of and have a great interest in course acting our ancestral history. The these future screening, sponsored and Al Pacino's and Julia promoted by four local social Robert's of the With a long blue clubs, was given in what was world told the and silky wave and once an elementary school. “The Story of the sound created According to the Raffo Sport Salt” and “The from blue bottles Club Association's President Salt in our containing salt Story” crystals children, the project was started as a during their way for the children to inter- previous brilliant act with each other, have one of the most important day to day life, most impor- performance in some fun, and possibly learn minerals in the history of tantly as a food preservative. front of about 1000 people, rebuilt the a thing or two, which I am mankind, played the starring Another interesting titbit of ancient sea the sure they did. When we first role in this beautiful and edu- which I was made aware is of source of the salt, arrived we met many friendly cational presentation. salt’s use as a deterrent to ill now buried deep people, as is the case in most Through song, dance, story- will from others. I was also within a mountain of Sicily, and greetings were telling and of course acting taught that in Japan, prior to these future Al Pacino's and a performance, salt is sprin- Julia Robert's of the world kled on stage for good luck. told the story of salt. At this Pretty cool. All in all it was a point I need to add that Raffo beautiful evening that the is located less than a kilome- Madonie Mountains, Geopark tre from one of the largest and EGN also can be proud salt mines in Europe where, of. Oh, to be a child in a for exceptional geological cir- Geopark! Sincerely Charles cumstances, the mineral is Diliberti. pure at 99.9%. So, needless Charles Diliberti to say, there is a special con- [email protected] nection with salt in this Pasquale Li Puma region. More than 40 children [email protected]

40 EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:22 Page 41 ACTIVITIES A view of the Quacella sierras, a symbolic landscape and one of the most charming in the Madonie Geopark thanks to its geology and the presence of a flora rich in endemic plants PARKS Ecological Marathon

in the heart of the european GEO Madonie Geopark

Today “eco-marathons” are increasing as a specialty in parallel to the usual road marathons. These are events that combine the charm of the race of Pheidippides and the magic of running immersed in natu- ral environments. They are one of the best ways to raise Marathon awareness, promote respect, runners along the natural and appreciate the cultural, path of the natural and human resources Madonie along routes through the Eco-marathon landscapes. The Ecomaratona Madonie (Eco- and the “race of In about 5 hours they trav- marathon of the Madonie Pheidippides,” along a 42- elled through the 200 million Mountains), now in its sev- kilometre route with roads years of geological history in enth year, has achieved an rising and falling hundreds the Madonie Geopark, the international reputation. On of metres through the scenic basis for the nature of the Sunday, 9 June 2013, more Madonie Geopark, showed varied natural landscape. In A marathon off its finest sites. These addition to the charm of the runner near than 300 contestants from Vallone no fewer than 12 countries, included Piano Noce, Piano sea, our Sicily, and in partic- Madonna degli Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Cervi, Timpa da “Miennula” ular the Madonie, has a cul- Angeli, the France, Holland, Malta, Peru, Quacella, Vallone Madonna ture involving the moun- last station Mexico, USA, Ukraine, degli Angeli, Monte San tains, and rural and agricul- where the Hungary and Italy lined up at Salvatore, Monte Alto and its tural areas, which guards valuable and shrine, Monte Cavallo, the treasures and traditions that now very rare the start in the historic part local endemic of Polizzi Generosa (Palermo famous Abies Nebrodensis can surprise you and make plant Abies Province). The race, by trees that are unique in the you fall in love. The Madonie Nebrodensis blending the charm of nature world and the famous south- Eco-marathon produces grows ernmost European beech for- irrefutable data, thanks to est. A 23-km race (Abies the tireless efforts of firms, Trail) and a non-competitive Madonie citizens and public walk of 14 km occurred at administrations. Promoting the same time as the 42-kilo- the territory with sports metre “marathon”. In the events of this nature is an enchanting Madonie setting excellent recipe for boosting coloured with spring hues the local economy. heralding the summer, the eco-marathon runners had a Pietro Casserà chance to absorb the atmos- [email protected] Mario Casserà phere of an unknown Sicily. [email protected]

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The North Pennines is famous for its mineral deposits and long history of mining. Lead mining was the ACTIVITIES most important industry for centuries but many other minerals, including zinc and iron ores, fluorite and baryte, were also mined at different

PARKS times. The landscape is dot- ted with old mine sites, which give fascinating insights into a once-impor- tant industry.

european GEO However, the advantages of this rich heritage are also Work along associated with some disad- the River vantages. The old lead Metal Mine West Allen, including mines, which were aban- efforts to doned over 100 years ago, stabilise mine are one of the most signifi- Water spoil and also cant pollution threats in the protect North Pennines. The dis- historic mine charge of mine water con- Treatment remains taining heavy metals such as lead and zinc has resulted in some river stretches failing in the North Pennines to meet the water quality tar- gets of the EU Water AONB & Geopark Framework Directive. The legal position in the UK the range of legal designa- ural environment and her- is such that no-one can be tions, land rights and inter- itage, local authorities, land The River West held liable for the pollution ested bodies and individuals owners and others with land Allen flowing from mines that closed adds to the challenge of try- rights. In addition, it is through old ‘washing floors’ before 1999. In the North ing to clean up any pollution. important to consult local and other lead Pennines this accounts for all Using our local knowledge, residents and interest mining remains the metal mines. In addition, the Geopark team is working groups. For these reasons it with the Environment Agency is estimated that it will take and The Coal Authority, the five years to progress the organisations tasked with metal mine treatment cleaning up heavy metal scheme. Watch this space water pollution. Funding is and do get in touch if you are provided by the govern- interested. ment’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Sarah Tooze Old lead mine Affairs. [email protected] Elizabeth Pickett entrance and The Geopark team is [email protected] spoil heaps involved in a case study on at Nenthead the River West Allen. Work to stabilise a contaminated spoil heap will be followed by con- struction of a mine water treatment scheme. The tech- nology to build this scheme is being developed by Newcastle University and has yet to be fully tested. The complexity of the construc- tion is matched by the chal- lenge of obtaining the con- sents required from govern- ment agencies responsible for the protection of the nat-

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Model of the ACTIVITIES Novohrad - Nógrád Geopark Control Research and Education PARKS Centre Tourism developmental european GEO project in the Novohrad – Nógrád Geopark

based on the Hungarian Government’s decision

The Novohrad – Nógrád the Novohrad – Nógrád a future date. Geopark’s Management, Geopark will have it’s own Aspects which could not be Nonprofit Ltd., and the centre, just one kilometre included in the budget of the Council of Salgótarján, the away of it’s symbol, the project described above, can geopark’s largest city, have a Castle of Somoskő. The cen- be realized with the support common project with a tre will govern the park, will of two LEADER projects, with budget of 614 million Forints control the education, and a budget of 100 million (ca. 2,05 million EUR) to will be responsible for Forints (ca. 340 000 EUR). develop the areas tourism. research/exploration duties. These projects contain Due to the large size of the The City of Salgótarján will Geopark events, information budget, the Hungarian save a more than 100 years panels in all settlements and Government’s decision was old bulding from devastation, other marketing activities. needed, especially from the with the help of the project. As János Lóska, director of Ministry of Economics and After the completion of the Novohrad – Nógrád the Ministry of reconstruction, the former Geopark Nonprofit Kft. said Developement. The contract headquarters of mining, a at the press conference: „The for „GeoTur”, supported by symbol of recent mining volume of support received the „ Novohrad – Nógrád activity, will be the Visitor for the Novohrad - Nógrád Geopark ecotourism devel- Centre. Geopark to date can be opement”, was signed on As a result, we will establish viewed with pride for Lóska, 30.11.2012 by the contract- or renew nine study trails on Hungarian and European director of ing partners. The expected the Hungarian side of the relations”. the Novohrad date for the completion of Geopark, according to our István Kéri – Nógrád the project is 30.06.2014. standard design. We will [email protected] Geopark With the help of the project, make the entrance to an old Nonprofit Kft mine in the vicinity of a small mining settlement within the Geopark’s territory accessi- ble. Additionally, we will acquire all the equipment and tools are needed for our pro- grammes and tasks, and of course develop marketing strategies. With respect to marketing, we will create a Model of the Novohrad - Nógrád website, and a mobile appli- Geopark Visitor Centre cation, which will be linked at

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Tuscan Mining Geopark. Italy

ACTIVITIES And now …..CETS!

The European Charter for bodies,and industries. ronment and the wonderful Sustainable Tourism in All the interested participants geosites. The three basic PARKS Protected Areas (CETS) is a (about 60) contributed to concepts on which to devel- practical instrument and an producing the Park's Plan of op the plan of action are: impetus for improving the Action and attended a con- CULTURE, HIGH QUALITY management of protected ference on the CETS issues. AGRICULTURE, SUSTAIN- areas for the development of .Apart from the stimulating ABLE TOURISM. european GEO sustainable tourism. work of coordination and The fundamental character- planning, the results of this Alessandra Casini istic of the Charter is the col- of this exercise and confer- [email protected] Riccardo Cinelli laboration between all the ence are clear. The Park now [email protected] parties interested in develop- has a better understanding ing a common policy and a of how it is perceived by the plan of action for the people and the mistakes in enhancement of tourism, communication made in the starting from an in-depth past. It can therefore now analysis of the local condi- comply with the needs of this tions based on the 10 CETS “thinking green” issue. Principles regarding sustain- ability. Its aim is to safeguard THE ECONOMIC AND the natural and cultural her- SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF itage and to continuously THE GEOPARK improve tourism manage- Thanks to the procedures ment in the protected area of required by the CETS in the environment, for the order to formulate the policy local population, tourism document and the Plan of providers and tourists. Action, we can now consider and appreciate how much TUSCAN MINING GEOP- the social and economic ARK AND CETS structure of the Metalliferous The Tuscan Mining Geopark Hills has changed. The min- began to organize the neces- ing world – the supporting sary procedures, in order to economic base of the area obtain the Charter, over the centuries – is at risk, The project was presented to it could be totally forgotten all the invited stakeholders of and the Park's role, in this the Colline Metallifere area issue is vital. The local popu- involving approximately 800 lation and the economic participants including operators feel the need for a tourism and cultural agen- park that engages with them cies, associations, public and which protects the envi-

The landscape of the Geopark

A conference of CETS

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Environmental Education in Rokua ACTIVITIES Geopark, Finland PARKS european GEO

exploring groundwater in a kettle hole pond during a summer camp

Rokua Geopark explores the not be achieved without fascinating environment. heritage of the last Ice Age. quality educational materials The development of certain The characteristic features of and close cooperation with materials is completed and the area are the glacial schools and other education- already in use. For instance a ridges, pine and lichen-clad al organizations. board game called “On the heaths and kettle holes with During the autumn of 2013 traces of the Ice Age – crystal clear ponds. Deep Rokua Geopark organized for Adventure game in the sandy gullies provide unique example, workshops for Rokua Geopark” has been habitats for many rare plant teachers, theme days for used as teaching material in species. Rokua Geopark also schools and courses about schools but also as a recre- includes fascinating cultural local history and nature in ational activity for visitors by sites which have a history conjunction with the adult tourism providers. In addi- dating back to 8500 years. education center. The focus tion, teachers have been These natural and cultural of the workshops has been briefed to use the interactive environments create a spe- to distinguish similarities 3D models which can been cial laboratory for environ- between geopark themes found, like the board game, mental education activities. and curricula requirements via the Rokua Geopark web- Teachers To enhance these activities, and to identify the types of site. trying and practicing Rokua Geopark initiated an materials which are useful Mikko Kiuttu environmental education and necessary for schools. the Rokua [email protected] Geopark project during the summer These materials are currently www.rokuageopark.fi board game 2013. The project is funded being developed. During the by the Rokua Geopark and theme days some materials the European Union Regional and methods have been test- Development Fund. It will ed together with other continue until May 2015. organizations. The project aims to create a Several tourist companies model for permanent envi- within the area have been ronmental education activi- introduced to local environ- ties within Rokua Geopark ment and geopark themes so leading to an increase in that they can impart this knowledge and to strength- knowledge to visitors. Some ening pride in the local iden- enterprises are now develop- tity among students and ing adventure camps for chil- inhabitants. This work can- dren utilizing the Geopark’s

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tional material in order to complement their tourism provision. In this partnership, the col- ACTIVITIES laborating organization par- ticipates in the training cours- es organized by the Geopark and guarantees that its activ- ities agree with the Geopark’s

PARKS principles and objectives. The partner organization will profit from the Geopark’s national and international promotional activities.

european GEO Each partner enterprise has to attend the training courses organized by the Geopark, publicize the existence of the Geopark and its activities among its customers, and Partners attending present an annual report to the training course the Geopark to demonstrate that the requirements of the agreement for the Partner Enterprises are being ful- filled. Also a supervisor from The partner enterprises the Geopark visits each part- ner annually in order to ensure the fulfilment of the of Sobrarbe Geopark: protocol. The enterprises that have How to share the benefits signed the agreement include of a Geopark with its society hotels, camping sites, hos- tels, rural hotels, restaurants and stakeholders and traditional food produc- ers. Currently there are 113 part- Four years ago the Sobrarbe Sobrarbe Geopark created a ner enterprises and this proj- Geoapark initiated a new Protocol Agreement for the ect has proved to be a great project called “Partner partnership between the success to publicise the Enterprises of the Geopark”. Geopark and the collaborat- Geopark and its activities, The aim of this collaborative ing organizations. and also to promote aware- project was to improve the According to the terms of this ness of the importance of the quality of tourism provision agreement, the Geopark is Geopark and its geological in the area of the Geopark committed to promote the heritage to Sobrarbe’s inhab- and to promote geotourism, organizations collaborating in itants. linked to the geological her- the Geopark’s activities, and Ana Ruiz Conde itage. With this goal, the to provide them with promo- [email protected]

Signing of the agreement between Promoting local the partner food products enterprises

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Fieldtrip of the course for the Forest Wardens on the Geology

of the Sierras PARKS Subbéticas Geopark

Training for the protection european GEO of the Geopark Sierras Subbéticas, Spain

The Geopark Sierras text within the European Subbéticas, with talks on the Subbéticas was declared a Geoparks Network, especial- natural and cultural values of Natural Park in 1988 by the ly targeted at the wardens in the Geopark and highlighted regional government of order to facilitate their work. the importance of preserving Andalucia. This involves the The content of this course is the geological heritage. Planning of Natural theoretical and practical. It Moreover, the activity is Resources and a Master Plan provides information on the enlivened by using feathers, for Use and Management, geological history of the skeletons, animal tracks, with criteria that ensure the Sierras Subbéticas and the rocks and fossils. protection of the geological most interesting geological A crash course on the heritage throughout the areas with special emphasis Geopark’s geological values Geopark. on the Geopark’s most vul- has also been presented to The Geopark has a team of nerable sites and on identify- the local teaching communi- Teachers from Park Wardens, the authority’s ing potential threats to the ty, which aims to help this Primary and agents, who through their geological heritage. group in its task of training Secondary surveillance of the territory Since 2008, coinciding with primary and secondary Schools in the control and ensure compli- the European Geoparks school students. This well Picacho de Cabra Peak ance with the environmental Week, these wardens, attended and welcome during the regulations and therefore the together with Geopark staff course has been a great suc- Environmental course conservation of natural conduct an awareness envi- cess and is expected to be education delivered dur- resources. ronmental education cam- continued. activities ing the EGN The Geopark has organized paign called "The Wardens in a Sierras Week of 2013 and taught a course on the Visit our School." It sched- Lourdes Guerra González Subbéticas [email protected] school with the geology of the Sierras uled visits to schools in the Alicia Serna Barquero Forest Wardens Subbéticas and its Sierras [email protected] during the EGN con- Week of 2013

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The Klithi Upper Palaeolithic rockshelter ACTIVITIES HuntersHunters ofof thethe lastlast

PARKS iceice ageage in the Vicos-Aoos Geopark, NW Greece european GEO

In the Vikos-Aoos Geopark, of pioneer woodland and of and expanded into the high- an EGN and GGN member wild animal mountain lands by approximately 9.000 since 2010, archaeologists species, paleolithic bowmen years ago, the gorge envi- have unearthed rich evi- started to explore the new ronment became less dence about the life of habitat 17,500 years ago. For rewarding and the nomadic hunter gatherers at the end the next 7 millennia, families hunters obtained venison, of the pleistocene period. and/or hunting groups used fat, marrow, antlers and The fruitful collaboration with fault-controlled rock over- hides from migrating deer other disciplines, e.g. struc- hangs (e.g. Klithi, Boila, herds fording the river in the tural and glacial geology, Megalakkos) at the sidewalls nearby Konitsa plain. They geography and palynology, of the gorge as temporary also traversed ravines seek- resulted in an exceptionally abodes during spring/sum- ing resources and adven- detailed reconstruction of mer months. There they lit tures beyond the mountain palaeoenvironmental oscilla- fires for warmth, cooking, chain. tions, documenting the company and protection From 2014, Geopark visitors dynamic interplay between against carnivores (bears, can follow a designated itin- nature and past cultures in wolves, foxes and lynx). erary with information on the this rugged gorge landscape. They hunted the steep palaeolithic cultures and the During the peak of the last slopes for agile wild caprids pleistocene ecology along major glacial event (c. (goat-antelopes) namely ibex the Voidomatis river (Zagori The West 22,000 - 18,000 years ago), and chamois. The latter was and Konitsa municipalities). Entrance ice-sheets capped the sum- valued especially for its soft of the Eleni Kotjabopoulou Voidomatis mits (> 2500m) and karst hide. They also fished in the [email protected] Gorge plateaus of the western river and trapped beavers. Pindus mountain range Equipped with sophisticated enhancing the erosion of the technologies, they collected limestone and flysch bedrock flint (chert) pebbles from the and discharging massive vol- riverbanks or used animal umes of water into the bones to manufacture tools, Vikos–Voidomatis–Aoos river e.g. arrowheads, knives, system. Consequently natu- scrapers, borers, needles. ral resources and human They decorated clothes and activity were limited at this marked their bodies with time. beads made of fresh water With the gradual ameliora- shells and herbivore teeth, tion of the climate, melting and natural red ochre. of the ice and the expansion As the forest grew thicker

Drilled fresh water shells (beads) for use as decoration (14,000 years BP)

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Garden of Stones:

“Geólogo Juan Paricio”. ACTIVITIES Alcorisa (Teruel) PARKS Alcorisa is located in the NE of the province of Teruel (Aragón, Spain). It is situat- ed in the eastern area of the Aragonese Iberian mountain european GEO range, in the northern part of Maestrazgo Geopark and on the southern edge of the Ebro Basin, where the Foto 2 Iberian (NW-SE and WNW- _Simulaci«¸n ESE) and Catalonian (NE-SW de suelo endurecido con and NNE-SSW) tectonic restos structures are seen to inter- ammonites_ de sect. Julio Guill«∏n The natural and geological heritage of the Geopark is unquestionably of tectonic, stratigraphic, geomorpholog- ic, paleontological, environ- mental and didactic interest. It is necessary to reveal and explain these for cultural and educational purposes, besides creating an addition- al tourist attraction. Samples of this heritage include the syntectonic discrepancy from Foto 3 El Calvario of Oligocene- _Unidad n∂ß 10 Miocene age and the marine en su emplaza- miento definitivo palaeodiversity of the Upper de Rosi Casas Jurassic which is reflected in 16 new ammonoideos kim- informative and didactic area years ago and not more than meridgienses taxa which are which will complement a 1 million years ago, repre- explained as endemic phe- recently completed garden sent all the geological inter- nomena. area next to the Guadalopillo vals since the end of the The “Garden of Stones from River (The lake park). Triassic to the present day. Alcorisa: Geólogo Juan It has been conceived and The Garden of Stones has Foto 1 built to contribute to the been created in recognition _Montaje del Paricio” is regarded as a per- monolito de manent exhibition of the geological knowledge and of the local geologist Luis bienvenida de existing stones in that locali- the geological history of the Moliner, with the support and Julio GuillǸn ty; It is conceived as an area using only some of the cooperation of Alcorisa’s features of the exposed Town Hall, Maestrazgo’s stones. Geopark and the altruistic This Garden of Stones con- and enthusiastic aid from sists of an itinerary with a many people with or without succession of fourteen sam- an intersest in geology. It is ples: twelve sedimentary also a posthumous homage stones arranged in strati- to a great person and a great graphic order and two pale- geologist from Teruel, Juan ontological sets, one marine Paricio Cardona. and the other continental. The exposed stones, which Ángel Hernández formed between 210 million [email protected]

49 G A 1ENMG9qd 0121 12 Page50 EGN MAG11:EGN9.qxd30/1/20141:23 country hostel lesson inthe A geography for school classes in Jerischke Centre of Geopark 50 european ACTIVITIES GEOPARKS new experiencesalongthe boxes orhave completely stones andminerals insand for small„treasures“oflocal for children.Theycansearch designed books specifically can leafthroughthematic sitting oncolourful cushions, even very young children, hands-on provision. Here Döbern withitsinteractive visit totheVisitorCentre instance werecommenda Geology? Inthefirst that -Natural Sciences? senses. Noidea...whatis environment usingalltheir want toexperiencetheir and taste–childrenalways read maps,feel, photograph To experiment,research, scape tothegeneral public. explain theGeopark’s land- cult butalsofascinating to siderably. Itistherefore diffi- changed thelandscapecon- and settlements have eral resources,roadbuilding ing for ligniteandothermin- agricultural use,historicmin- deforestation ofthelandfor Human activity involving during theHoloceneinterval. the warming oftheclimate became heavily woodedwith Muskau Archpushmoraine The Ice Agelandscapeofthe Muskau ArchGeopark,Poland-Germany especially foryoungschoolchildren ‘Learning bydoing’ take placefor the 6thtime. every year. In2014thiswill materials aresupplemented – Polish collaboration, these result oftheregularGerman lessons inschools.Asa developed for geography practical exercises have been hand lens.Work sheetswith or examiningrockswitha measuring thepHofwater for instancesievingsand, oped for workinginthefield, experimentation was devel- Economy, akitfor geological by theFederal Ministryfor the Countryside”supported hand. Inaproject,“Mediain maps ofthelandscapeto ogy andhas,ofcourse, explains geologicalterminol- ments andexperiments, the constructionofinstru- Geopark, provides ideasfor exciting destinationsinthe themost guide identifies The children’s excursion of former glassproduction. lignite quarriesortoplaces gravel pits,toabandoned and nowfloodedclay and the Drachenberge, totheold hills oftheendmoraine in children, for exampletothe Guides organizetoursfor German andPolish Geopark thing for themselves, to experienceanddosome- Since childrenalways want the region. historical information about interesting geologicaland Bad Muskaualsoprovide Centre oftheForest Railway Jerischke ortheVisitor Information Centrein „Rock Rally“. The scope ortake partinthe section throughamicro- is possibletolookatthin whom thisisnotenough,it geological timeline.For [email protected] and teachers. but notleastthechildren Natural Protectionandlast the Vattenfall Foundation for Ice AgeVillageKrauschwitz, class visitsinJerischke, the country hostelfor school Monument Protection,the thePolish Instituteof Office, These includetheGeopark and sandasraw materials from sandtoglass"-Clay 2015: "Fromclay tocup, tural history meaning intheregionalcul- ders" -Rocks andtheir 2014: "Ice Ageerratic boul- special theme: Every year thisprojecthasa Katarzyna Jagiełło Nancy Sauer Glacier at Muskau Mammoths near Łęknica (grandmother) "Babina" lignite mine a former at thesiteof Wood",a lake The "Sunken G A 1ENMG9qd 0121 12 Page51 EGN MAG11:EGN9.qxd30/1/20141:23 introduces the geosite which of thegeosite at theLacdu and duration The “Totem” presents the themes, site accessibility geosite and visit. SIAC. Montriond highlights Georoute, tion panels, and type ofinforma- itage topics,number ers togetherchosetheher- For eachsitethestakehold- geosite database. gy withintheGeopark using arigorousmethodolo- ticular geosite,asscored ofapar- deemed “interest” decisions weredriven bythe a largeextent,stakeholder and yet complementary. To representative, individual geosites consideredtobe tated theselectionof23 workstreams. Atemia facili- Atemia scopedtheGeoroute team andtheconsultancy “SIAC” in2009,theGeopark d’Amenagement duChablais Syndicate Intercommunal Following approval bythe and itsrichheritage. plete storyoftheChablais the 23geositestellcom- holders. Taken asawhole, scape, heritageandstake- which involves varied land- action withinaterritory been conceived asaunifying tation oftheGeopark.Ithas is theonlyphysical manifes- Chablais Geoparkbecauseit installation withinthe The Georouteisacrucial Multi-stakeholder MediationAdventure Georoute: The ChablaisGeopark sented ontheGeoparkweb- complete andsitesarepre- Over 90%oftheprojectis ensure contentconsistency. charter was imposedto ous images,aneditorial multiple authorsandnumer- over 180information panels, installation ofpanels.With but alsotheproductionand content andpresentation, not onlycover information er highquality resultsthat The Geoparkstrived todeliv- abled access. ings, aswellproviding dis- chateau intoitssurround- footpath willintegrate the activities. Thenewpublic ogy, anditswinemaking tors), presentthesite’s geol- castle (whichisopentovisi- has soughttointroducethe tion the“Fondation Ripaille” Using thegeorouteinstalla- example ofatypical site. The ChateaudeRipailleisan the Georoute. new technologyaspectsof els, thelandscaping,and tion oftheinformation pan- the manufacture andinstalla- were awarded in2012for second roundoftenders ture andsitelandscaping.A complementary streetfurni- 2013. SIAC. Vallon, summer group attheLacdu panel withaschool using aGeoroute Geopark guide An accredited [email protected] municated shortly. and theresultswillbecom- These arebeinganalyzed language ofotherdisciplines. compared tothetechnical standing ofgeologicalterms text, andthegeneral under- images andtext,quantity of guages, balancebetween of foreign lan- choice the vations: of obser- number on a reflected the team Georoute, ment ofthe develop- During the September. this Days event in theEuropeanHeritage guides andwas alsofeatured resource for ouraccredited map. TheGeorouteactsa site andtheChablaistourist [email protected] [email protected] Anne Guyomard Natacha Nugue Sophie Justice Marsh. SIAC. Maravant panel atthe the information The contenton european ACTIVITIES 51 GEOPARKS EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:23 Page 52

WELCOME The Chablais Geopark

ers include SA Evian® Natural almost complete succession of Map: The Mineral Water and the Alpine nappes. By unraveling Georoute: Here, 21 Remarkable Morzine-Avoriaz ski area and a cross-section of around 50 Geosites PARKS lifts. Despite the significant km we can see over 1000 km numbers who commute daily of Alpine history. The land- A Traditional the Alps to positions in Switzerland, scape of the Chablais was Sailing Boat “Le Savoie”, on over 60% of Chablais activity reworked during the Lake Leman is related directly or indirectly Quaternary by multiple glacia- (Lake Geneva). european GEO tell to tourism. tions giving rise to its truly The Chablais Geopark lies in a exemplary glacial landscape The Chablais Geopark is locat- remarkable natural landscape and distinctive hydrogeology. ed in the northern part of the which has permeated the cul- We have the remarkable French Alps in Haute-Savoie, ture and life of its inhabitants moraine complexes of the Bas eastern France and borders and numerous visitors. Chablais and our “Natural Italy and Switzerland Traditional architecture, the Castle of Water” featuring between Léman (Lake working of the land, the high some of the most unique Geneva) and Mont-Blanc. mountain farms, the stories aquifers of the world famous Extending over 832 km², the and legends, the natural rich- “Evian Water”. Geopark forms a naturally es of the Evian and Thonon Education and sustainable bounded territory at an alti- mineral waters bear witness to development are also key tude of 370 - 2400 m. With these strong links between activities of the Chablais 126, 834 inhabitants, it has a man and nature. Geopark. The Geopark’s net- high population density (152 Lying within the Forealps of works are working to develop people/km²). the Alpine mountain chain, the new geotourism initiatives to The Chablais Geopark sits geology of the region under- diversify the current tourist within the “Syndicat pins the distinct geography, base. Actions such as the Intercommunal cultural heritage and econom- structured training of moun- d’Aménagement du Chablais“ ic development of the territo- tain guides and other tourist (SIAC). Its mission is to deliv- ry. The quality and diversity of professionals have expanded er long-term economic devel- the local environment is rec- our network to over 84 opment whilst preserving the ognized in the Chablais accredited guides in France unique environment of the through the numerous desig- and Switzerland. Furthermore, Chablais by “Offering a high nated sites and biotopes at educational workshops standard of living and a quali- international (RAMSAR, approved by the National ty environment to the local Natura 2000) and national lev- Education Authority are now population and support and els (Natural Reserves). available to both local school promote the economic devel- The following themes gov- children and those on field opment of the Chablais.” erned the evolution of the trips at the Museum of The region features a strong, Chablais Forealps: Prehistory and Geology, the mixed economy of around - Dominated by marine sedi- Discovery Centre of the Valley 5000 enterprises: 1% agricul- ments, d’Aulps and the “Gorges du A moutain ture, 14% commerce, 7% - Deformed underwater (until Pont du Diable”. Guide leading construction, 19% industry, the late stages of the Alpine A major new communication a tourist group in the 28% service sector, 24% pub- Orogeny), tool, the Georoute, contains a field lic services. Principal employ- - The emergent Forealps series of 21 geosites distrib- Chablais Massif sculpted by uted throughout the territory. ice and water. Each of these small windows The Chablais has experienced permits the discovery of dif- a huge variety of geological ferent aspects of the geologi- settings: continent, rift, cal, cultural and natural histo- ocean, subduction zone and ry of the Chablais. These sites orogen. Each of these phases are being equipped with infor- can be explored through our mation panels and interpreta- geosites. Furthermore, the tive aids during 2012-2013. territory is a condensed model of the Alps because it has the Anne Guyomard Jean-Pierre Fillion very rare presence of an [email protected]

52 G A 1ENMG9qd 0121 12 Page53 EGN MAG11:EGN9.qxd30/1/20141:23 geothermal use! The Capelinhos of thevolcano: in apotburied by itsunique- and historical in theground characterised an important attraction in ness, scenic by theheat ingredients Geo-Cook”, the Azores, association beauty and with active are cooked The typical volcanism an unique Volcano, “Furnas tourist where several sites of scientific, edu- several sitesofscientific, geological heritagecontains geodiversity, andimportant The Azoresarchipelago’s rich contributes tothisdiversity. African tectonicplates,also North American,Eurasian and the triplejunctionof unique geotectonicsetting at weathering anderosion.Its tions, andtheprocessesof dynamics ofvolcanic erup- marily fromthenatureand and fault scarps)derived pri- canic caves, marinefossils thermalwaters, vol- fields, volcanoes, calderas, lava scapes andfeatures (suchas have awiderange ofland- Azorean territory, theislands Despite thesmallsizeof Azorean Heritage institutions. posed ofpublicandprivate GEOAÇORES Associationcom- managed bythenon-profit geosites. TheGeoparkis 10,560 km 2,324 km 12,884 km Geopark hasanareaof environment. TheAzores and maintainsrespectfor the well-being ofthepopulation strategy thatpromotesthe geological heritagesupportsa Azores Geopark’s exceptional 246,772 inhabitants.The es withapopulationof municipalities and156parish- archipelago includes19 islands andseveral islets.The region consistingofnine Portuguese autonomous The Azoresarchipelagoisa 1 Geopark” Portugal -“9Islands, Azores Geopark Azores Geopark 2 2 , consistingof 2 of land,and of marine raphy andarchitectureare The Azoreanculture,ethnog- Man andVolcanoes sites withintheterritory. are alsoimportantheritage Pico Island Vineyard Culture" and the"Landscapeof Heroísmo" onTerceira Island "Historical CentreofAngra do Heritage sitesofthe and theUNESCOWorld Flores andGraciosa islands Biosphere Reserves ofCorvo, Island Natural Parks. The under theauspicesof islands, currentlyprotected plant speciesinthedifferent numberofendemic nificant ty inEurope,supportingasig- the richestareasofbiodiversi- Verde. TheAzoresareoneof Madeira, CanariesandCape includes thearchipelagosof biogeographic regionthat belongs totheMacaronesia,a The Azoresarchipelago also undeniablysignificant. and intangibleheritagesare tural, cultural, ethnographic The richbiodiversity, architec- Geopark. activities intheAzores strategies andpromotional developing geo-conservation geosites 57wereselectedfor the islands.Of121 structure withsupportinall a decentralized management strategies, andiv)isbasedon servation andpromotion cal history, iii)involves con- ly 10millionyears ofgeologi- ritory, ii)reflectsapproximate- characterizes theAzoreanter- tance ofthegeodiversity that work, i)highlightstheimpor- tional relevance. This net- them ofnationalorinterna- rounding seafloor, mostof nine islandsandthesur- of 121geositeswithinthe Geopark supportsanetwork the region,Azores Given theinsularnatureof cational andtouristicinterest. geo-conservation. tect theenvironment andfor awareness oftheneedtopro- children contributetoraising guides andinformation for tional purposes.Teacher's and inguidedtoursfor educa- by theinhabitantsandvisitors Many oftheseroutesareused Georoutes. Route andtheUrban and InterpretationCentres Thermal Route, theScience Walking Trails Route, the Belvederes Route, the Volcanic Caves Route, the routes includethe Established geotouristic la oftheAzoresGeopark. mented undertheumbrel- in theAzoreswas imple- a strategy for geotourism geodiversity andheritage, Given theislands’rich volcanic eruptions. strophic earthquakes and lation faced withcata- thefaith ofapopu- affirm Spirit Festivities” that mentioning the“Holy Amongst thelaterisworth intangible heritage. geo-cook”), andalsointhe food (thefamous “Furnas various buildingstones,inthe architecture andtheuseof be observed intheregional The “geologicalfootprint” can socio-economic development. scapes, topromotetheir areas) andbeautiful land- ical resources(e.g.thermal soils (e.g.vineyards), geolog- taking advantage ofthefertile volcanoes andearthquakes, people learnedtolive with teenth century, theAzorean settlements inthefif- the first geology oftheislands.Since strongly influencedbythe João CarlosNunes Marisa Machado Eva Lima Experiences! and Smells …of Flavours, an eruption and enjoy volcanoes the Azorean Come tovisit geosites submarine islands) and areas (e.g.the includes land Geopark The Azores european WELCOME GEOPARKS EGN MAG 11:EGN MAG 9.qxd 30/1/2014 1:23 Page 54

On the peaks of the Geopark it sometimes Geopark still seems like being on an WELCOME island in the middle of the Karavanke/Karawanken Tethys Ocean

PARKS The Geopark Karavanke/ Triassic Period (Carnian Stage) versity. Rare habitats have Karawanken is a cross-border sea floor between 228 and survived due to human activi- geopark named after the 216 million years ago. These ty and provide a refuge for alpine mountain chain, which contain some of the richest unique plant species such as connects the regions on both accumulations of Carnian crin- the endemic Zois’ bellflower,

european GEO sides of the border between ods in Europe (Helena Creek Kamnik orchid, Peca meadow Slovenia and Austria. The Valley) together with oat-grass, Wulfen's primrose Geopark area includes 13 ichthyosaurs bones and other and gentian. The Geopark is municipalities and extends abundant remnants of marine also important as a sanctuary over an area of 1000 km2 with life in the ancient Tethys for birds including endangered a population of 50. 000. It is Ocean. The occurrence of species of grouse (capercaillie, famous for its extraordinary Pillow lavas in the Obir Gorge black grouse, ptarmigan and geological structures and its and volcanic rocks in hazel grouse). Fens and wealth of geological as well as Smrekovec are evidence of streams are biogically impor- other natural and cultural submarine volcanism. The col- tant as well as sources of characteristics. People settled lision between the Adriatic clean water. in the area for its geological and the Eurasian plates result- The geologic features of this resources, i.e. coal deposits ed in the creation of the Alps area are part of a rich cultural and concentrations of miner- and the a several-hundred- heritage. The cultural heritage als including lead, zinc and kilometre long Periadriatic is presented in several muse- molybdenum. The “geopark” fault zone.The Geopark also ums, archaeological sites model seemed to be a good boasts one of the world’s five (Mountain of St. Hemma) and solution for the sustainable major deposits of dravite, a galleries, through everyday development of an area in sodium, magnesium alumini- customs and practices includ- which mining shaped and um silicate (tourmaline), the ing traditional local events and formed life on the surface. richest wulfenite (lead molyb- oral tradition of fairytales, The Geopark’s geology date) deposits in Europe and folktales and legends. The includes a variety of sedimen- one of the most famous in the territory is associated with tary, igneous and metamor- world. It also contains five industrial innovation due to phic rocks ranging in age from major lead-zinc ore outcrops the early development of Ordovician to Miocene which (galena and sphalerite) and industry and construction of were formed during late early Palaeozoic rocks contain- manufacturing plants. Caledonian, Variscan and ing pegmatite (schorlite). Today, visitors and scientists Alpine orogenic cycles. Some Some of these ores were are drawn to this area by the geological features in this area exploited beneath the slopes wealth of minerals in old are of extraordinary, even of the Peca and Hochobir mines, as well as by its out- world-renowned scientific mountains. Today we can standing natural resources importance. The predominant admire specimens of these and its people. All this is con- surface exposures of rocks in minerals in museums. Coal nected, presented and pro- the Geopark originated as mining was also important. moted by the Geopark. The Geo-experience sediments deposited on a late The coalmine in Leše was one existing tourist infrastructure in the Mežica mine of the largest and most mod- has been upgraded with geo- ern coalmines in Slovenia, and experiences, geo-education fuelled the most important and geo-interpretation and European ironworks. The sur- linked to the local economy, face as we see it today has culture and nature, which will been shaped over millions of undoubtedly contribute to fur- years, and subsurface erosion ther development of the formed the extraordinary karst region. caves of the Hochobir and the scenic Trögern glen. Fajmut Štrucl Suzana [email protected] Rojs Lenka [email protected] The varied geology con- Bedjanič Mojca [email protected] tributes to a range of habitats, Hartmann Gerald [email protected] and the Geopark’s rich biodi- Vodovnik Primož [email protected] Varch Christian [email protected]

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Geopark Idrija WELCOME

Experience of natural PARKS and cultural heritage

The 294 km2 Geopark Idrija sinkholes. Within a relatively responsible for Idrija kamšt european GEO located in the western part of small area visitors can (water pump), a collection of Slovenia includes the observe Carboniferous, mine machines and devices Municipality of Idrija with Permian, Triassic, Cretaceous in Francis’ Shaft, and the around 12,000 inhabitants. and Paleocene-Eocene rocks. Miner’s house. Its centre Idrija, the oldest The Geopark includes indi- In the Zgornja Idrijca Slovene mining town, devel- vidual nappes and intermedi- Landscape Park, encompass- oped concomitantly with its ate nappe horses as well as ing the upper reaches of the mercury mine. The Idrija normal faults and faults with Idrijca River and the Belca mercury ore deposit, the right-lateral displacement. Stream, the monumental most valuable and unique The most prominant and klavže water barriers testify feature of the Geopark, is the best known fault is the Idrija to the unique technology of world’s second largest ore Fault. The high Karst table- floating timber for use in the deposit in terms of mercury lands and mountain tops mine. The restored “Idrija concentration, after Almadén offer beautiful views from lauf” was the first forest rail- in Spain. Its rich and unusu- the Alps to the Adriatic Sea. way used to transport timber al ores include epigenetic The Geopark has an interest- to the river from where it and unique syngenetic sedi- ing cultural heritage linked to was floated to Idrija. mentary cinnabar ores and its mining tradition . Many Idrija also developed as a native mercury. rare and even unique exam- town with a range of educa- Mercury mining started in ples of its technical heritage tional institutions. Mining 1490 when mercury was dis- have been preserved. The activities provided jobs for covered by a now legendary town of Idrija and its sur- the male labour force, and by cooper as he was soaking a roundings feature a large developing the craft of lace- wooden tub in a stream. In number of cultural heritage making, women provided the second half of the 19th sites testifying to the signifi- miners’ families with an addi- century Idrija had one of the cance of this area for mercu- tional income. Today, Idrija best-equipped mines in the ry production. The old town lace is a significant part of Austro-Hungarian Empire. has a distinct mining charac- the Slovene cultural heritage with the best quality machin- ter. In the past, most of the that has been preserved and ery and equipment and con- buildings were used by the developed. stantly improving extraction mine, but today house muse- and refining processes. Idrija um collections, lace shops, Mojca Gorjup Kavčič [email protected] and Almadén were recog- cafés, and an aquarium. Bojan Režun nised in 2012 as a UNESCO Anthony’s Main Road, the [email protected] World Heritage Site. oldest part of the Idrija Mine, The Idrija region is situated is open to the public and dis- at the junction of the plays old and modern meth- Dinaride and Alpine moun- ods of mining. The 16th cen- tain ranges. Its exceptional tury Gewerkenegg Castle, geoheritage includesa deep which used to serve the mine gorges with remarkable for the storage of mercury stratigraphic cross sections, and as an administrative tectonic phenomena and building, now hosts Idrija’s mineral and fossil deposits. Municipal Museum present- Water shapes the landscape ing a comprehensive exhibi- with numerous springs, tion of the 500-year long his- rivers and karst features tory of the mine and the including poljes, caves and town. The museum is also

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WELCOME TheThe HondsrugHondsrug GeoparkGeopark PARKS The first Geopark in the Netherlands european GEO

It took a long time before we nomenon, the only other Netherlands can boast of 53 in the Netherlands dared to example being in the megalithic tombs (called apply to join the network of Dubawnt area of Northern hunebeds in Dutch) and 47 of European Geoparks. This is Canada. them lie within the Hondsrug perhaps partly because we The Hondsrug is dotted with region. often think that the pingo remnants, dead ice Other examples are the lay- Netherlands has no geolo- depressions and erratics. out of the typical farming vil- We are very proud gy – that is if we only think Push moraines are also pres- lages known as ‘esdorpen’ of becoming the of geology as ‘hard rocks’. ent. During the last ice age with their thatched farmhous- first Dutch member But in fact the Netherlands (Weichselian), cover sand es and village greens; the of the European and possesses some very was deposited and meltwater way farmers organised them- the Global Geopark remarkable geological and valleys and stream valleys selves into local groups Network. The proj- ect partners also are geomorphological phe- were formed. During the known as ‘boermarken’; the of course very nomena and this is partic- Holocene period, high moor history of the extensive peat pleased. But the ularly true of the northeast peat deposits and drift-sands industry; local art, nature and partners also realise of the country, the were created. modern-day culture; and that this milestone Province of Drenthe, in the Another interesting geological many other aspects of life. is not the end but area known as the feature is the stream valley of Walking on the Hondsrug only one stage in the process. From Hondsrug region. the Voorste Diep. This is a takes us past 5,500 years of now on a lot of hard The region in question is break through in the human history! work will be done to approximately 70 kilome- Hondsrug, a depression So there is a very strong rela- strengthen the sus- tres in length and 15 km formed by a process of salt tionship between the cultural tainable develop- wide. It has a surface area tectonics during different history and the far longer his- ment of the region. We are very aware of 930 square km and lies geological periods as well as tory of the formation of the of what we need to in the east of the Province erosional and depositional local landscape. And yet do for the future. of Drenthe not far from events during glaciations. there is something strange We shall focus on the border with Germany. The Hondsrug is only one - here. Everyone knows this promoting the The region has 180,000 albeit important - element of region, tourists as well as the Geopark philosophy, not only here in the inhabitants living in more a regional landscape that inhabitants. But the story of Hondsrug region but than 50 villages within five includes stream valleys, peat the region is far less well throughout the local authority areas. reclamation areas and the known, and there is little Netherlands and The Hondsrug-complex is remnants of the high peat awareness or appreciation of even further afield. made up of a number of moors. There are many any regional identity. till ridges (also called important nature reserves on Also, the region faces various megaflutes) that trend NW the Hondsrug which docu- problems such as unemploy- - SE across the province. It ment various aspects of the ment, a shrinking economy, a is one of the most signifi- till deposits, the peat areas decline in the number of cant geographic features and the cover sands. young people and an ageing in Drenthe and the But it is not only its geomor- population. Hondsrug itself is the most phology which makes this The Geopark offers an excel- distinct of these till ridges. region important – its cultural lent opportunity to change They were formed some history is also very special. this situation. 150,000 years ago during Many prehistoric monuments the final phase of the last (such as megalithic tombs, Harrie Wolters but one ice age, the burial mounds and celtic [email protected] Gretha Roelfs Saalian. Research has shown fields) are to be found on the [email protected] that this particular area is an ridges, following the lines of Cathrien Posthumus almost unique geological phe- prehistoric routes. The [email protected]

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The mighty Monte Rosa, the greatest massif in the Alps, as it Sesia-Val Grande WELCOME appears during a sunny sun- rise from the Val Grande Geopark National Park PARKS

The Geopark is located on erupted approximately 280 numerous sites of ecological the north-east of the million years ago forming a interest: the Val Grande Piemonte Region, NW Italy, huge caldera, the remains of National Park, the largest and encompasses areas of this and its magmatic plumb- wilderness area of the Alps, european GEO the Verbano Cusio Ossola, ing system are clearly visible three regional parks (Alta Biella, Novara and Vercelli today. Valsesia, Monte Fenera, Alta Provinces. Its 213,959 The accessibility of the area Val Strona) and 12 Sites in hectares include 85 munici- and the organization and the Nature 2000 Network of palities with a population of infrastructure of the Geopark the European Union. 152,813 inhabitants. Within allow visitors to observe the The occurrence and availabil- 60 km the territory ranges geological processes that ity of different lithologies and from the Gnifetti Peak at affected the continental crust environments fostered a cul- 4,554 m. a.s.l. to Lake over hundreds of millions of ture of stone that is reflected Maggiore at the 190 m a.s.l. years. Visitors can walk on not only in the Geopark, but making this the highest and fragments of sub-continental also in the greatest architec- the steepest geopark in mantle, they can visit the tural achievements such as Europe. contact between a massive the Duomo of Milan with pink The geopark’s territory has gabbro intrusion and the marble of Candoglia, or the been the object of intense rocks of the deep crust to see Basilica of St. Paul Outside and continuing scientific how they interacted generat- the Walls in Rome with gran- interest for decades because ing granitic magma. They can ite of Montorfano. Fine exam- the association of rocks from visit the roots and roof of a ples of the extensive influ- the deep, middle and upper granitic pluton and admire ence of the culture of stone crust provide an unprece- the chaotic breccias pro- in the arts and architecture dented, accessible reference duced by the explosive super can be found in every corner section for interpreting geo- eruption that formed a of the geopark, from the physical data involving the caldera at least 15-km in small Walser villages around structure of the continental diameter. Thrust sheets of the Monte Rosa, to the crust. These rocks were rocks derived from Europe medieval boroughs along exposed by the collision, over and Africa which were Sesia and Ossola Valley, ter- the past 100 million years, stacked to form the Alps are minating with the UNESCO between the continents of wonderfully displayed on the World Heritage sites of the The dolomitic Africa and Europe during the Monte Rosa massif and along two Sacred Mounts of Varallo Monte Fenera Alpine orogeny. The bound- the lower Val d'Ossola. To the and Ghiffa. arises from ary between the continents, northwest of the Canavese Mysterious carvings on the red rhyo- the Insubric line, is called the Line, the public can visit out- Tullio Bagnati lites of the Ceneri gneiss Canavese Line in this crops of ultra-high-pressure [email protected] supervolcano Edoardo Dellarole with Lake along the region.In the same area, the metamorphic rocks and frag- [email protected] Maggiore in the Sesia River Supervolcano of the Sesia ments of the Tethys oceanic background crust that once separated Europe and Africa. Extending from the Po Valley to the peaks of the Alps, the Sesia-Val Grande Geopark allows visitors to observe the effects of climate change involving the Pleistocene geomorphology, the recent retreat of glaciers, and pat- terns of human settlements dating from the Paleolithic. The Geopark also includes

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Sandaldivlit cinder cone KULA GEOPARK and its lava flow WELCOME From Strabo to Yunus Emre

PARKS The Kula Geopark is situated years of Earth history, from distance of the town. Kula in the Aegean Region of the Palaeozoic crystalline represents well-preserved Turkey in Western Anatolia, rocks and Ophiolitic melange monuments from Turkey’s within Manisa Province. The to Holocene volcanism. Kula 18th century Ottoman urban Geopark covers an area of is the youngest volcanic architecture. Here the houses

european GEO 300 km2 and has 50,000 region in Turkey. reflect the architectural style inhabitants. Currently 64 geosites have and provide an impression of In September been identified in Kula the social life in Ottoman Strabo (63 BC - 24 2013 the Kula Geopark. These include the cities. Today 800 of 3000 his- AD) Geographica: Geopark became following outstanding exam- torical buildings, including …After this region one the first Turkish ples of structures associated mosques, churches, foun- comes to the Geopark in the with volcanic and igneous tains and famous mansions, Katacecaumene coun- European and the processes: 8 spatter cones, 5 are designated as Kula Urban try… the whole of it is Global Geoparks maars, successive lava flow Sites. without trees except the Network. plains, lava caves and tubes, The Geodiversity in Kula vine that produces the The outstanding craters, basalt columns, 79 Volcanic Geopark has deeply Katacecaumenite wine, volcanic struc- small monogenetic cinder influenced the rural architec- which in quality is inferi- tures in the Kula cones aligned along a fissure, tural style and building mate- or to none of the Geopark area ash deposits, xenoliths and rials. Kula Geopark hosts the notable wines. The sur- have been known contact metamorphism. The sacred tombs of the famous face of the plains is cov- for at least two landscape contains waterfalls Turkish poet and Sufi mystic ered with ashes, and the thousand years. in volcanic canyons, karst Yunus Emre and his teacher mountainous and rocky The great ancient features including caves, Tabduk Emre. Kula has, due country is black, as Geographer badlands with fairy chimneys to the legacy of Yunus Emre, though from conflagra- Strabo, named and mesas. Kula Geopark is retained its attitude for hos- tion… There are to be Kula as the land of miniature volca- pitality and tolerance for cen- seen three pits, which “Katakekaumene” noes with cinder cones not turies. This is reflected in the are called Physse, or (fire-born) higher than 150m. As a coexistence of Churches and breathing holes… Above because of the result, the geosites are easy Mosques. them lie rugged hills, occurrence of coal to access and visiting the Kula Geopark offers indoor which are reasonably black lava. The area requires very little risk, and outdoor guided tours for supposed to have been geological signifi- effort and time which makes tourists and regular geo-edu- heaped up by the hot cance as well as the area excellent for geot- cation programmes for stu- masses blown forth from the cultural rich- ourism and geoeducation. dents via thematic geotrails the Earth… ness of Kula was In addition to its outstanding and the Geopark Visitor mentioned by natural and geological her- Centre “Katakekaumene”. many foreign trav- itage, Kula Geopark reveals ellers and researchers. rich cultural, architectural, Erdal Gümüş Outdoor Kula Geopark area is charac- historical, archaeological, and [email protected] geoeducation Kula Geopark terized by high geodiversity paleontological monuments. Selim Aşkın activities Visitor Centre [email protected] at thematic “Katake-kaumene” representing 200 million The prehistoric inhabitants in geotrails the Geopark area witnessed the last eruptive period between 12-15 thousand years ago. They left a record of unique fossilised human footprints on volcanic ash and primitive cave paintings. Kula, one of the oldest municipalities in Turkey, was established in 1866 and is sit- uated at the heart of the Geopark. The majority of key geosites are within walking

58 G A 1ENMG9qd 0121 12 Page59 EGN MAG11:EGN9.qxd30/1/20141:25 Geoparks September 2015:4 Rokua Geopark–Finland 1-6 September2014:34 Lesvos islandGeopark–Greece 24 June–4July2014:InternationalIntensiveCourseonGeoparks 3-6 September2015 Lesvos islandGeopark–Greece 23 June–3July2015:InternationalIntensive CourseonGeoparks 24 May–9June2014 Sobrarbe Geopark–Spain 26-29 March2014:33 March 2015:35 http://www.geoparks2014.com/main.html Stone HammerGeopark–Canada 19-22 September2014:6 Geopark HarzBraunschweiger LandOstfalen-Germany San’in -Kaigan Geopark–Japan May -June2015 Μagma Geopark-Norway www.europeangeoparks.org events andactivities their territoriesarepleasedtowelcomeyou totheircommon heritage throughtheintegrated andsustainabledevelopment of 58 Europeanareasworkingtogethertovalorize their geological THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK www.europeangeoparks.org www.europeangeoparks.org th – European GeoparksMeeting European GeoparksWeek2015 th : Asian 13 rd : European GeoparksWeek2014 th th European GeoparksMeeting th CALENDAR European GeoparksConference European GeoparksMeeting International UNESCOConferenceon – Under theauspicesofUNESCO Pacific GeoparksConference Affiliated Organization In collaboration with

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Fifty eight European Geoparks working together on the conservation and the appreciation of their geological heritage for sustainable territorial development, are pleased to welcome you. 44 billionbillion yearsyears ofof EarthEarth HistoryHistory toto serveserve tomorrowtomorrow WelcomeWelcome toto thethe EuropeanEuropean GeoparksGeoparks NetworkNetwork

We hope that you will enjoy a visit European Geoparks Network www.europeangeoparks.org