European Magazine●Issue 13

UNESCO Global Geoparks THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK www.europeangeoparks.org

2016 European CALENDAR 20-30 June 2016 Geoparks Network International Intensive Course on Geoparks Magazine UNESCO Global Geoparks Lesvos Island UNESCO Global – . http://www. Issue No 13 / 2016 petrifiedforest.gr/geoparks2016/ Published by: July 2016: Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Italian Geoparks Conference Petrified Forest on behalf of the European Geoparks Pollino UNESCO Global Geopark - Network 27-28 July 2016: Executive editor: Nickolas Zouros The Geoparks Niigata International Forum Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark, Niigata City, . Publication Editor: Tony Ramsay http://www.city.itoigawa.lg.jp/geopark-forum/en/index.html Editorial board: 27 August - 4 September 2016: Tony Ramsay, Jutta Weber, Nickolas Zouros International Geological Conference Cape Town, South , http://www.35igc.org/ Contributors: Tony Ramsay, Vesa Krökki, Mikko Kiuttu, Barnabás 1-10 September 2016: Korbély, Florian Dierickx, Irina Pavlova, Sarah IUCN World Conservation Congress Gaines, Staridas Spyros, C. Fassoulas, Melanie Hawaii - USA. http://www.iucnworldconservationcongress. Border, Annie-Marie Donslund, Ana Lima, Diamantino Pereira, Sílvia Marcos, Mojca Gorjup org/ Kavčič, Bojan Režun, Nina Erjavec, Jaka Kenk, 25th-26th September 2016: Sanja Marija Pellis, Eamon Doyle, Tiffany Sarre, 38th European Geoparks Meeting Sophie Justice, Mona Holte, Andreas Schüller, Julia English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark - UK Franzen, Luis Alcalá, Luis Mampel, Francisco Javier Verdú, Guiseppe Mogavero, Pasquale Li Puma, Abu 27th-30th September 2016: Sharib, T. Blenkinsop, Alessandra Casini, Armando 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global Costantini, Giancarlo Pagani, Maria Kamilari, Eleni Geoparks Koumoutsou, Gregoris Iatrou, Pietro Marescotti, Timo Kluttig, Ánchel Belmonte Ribas, Siegfried English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark - UK, http:// Roth, Dana Pietsch, Hans-Jürgen Stede, Thomas ggn2016.com/ Beisswenger, Mariana Vilas Boas, Ana Valente, November 2016 Carlos Neto de Carvalho, Joanna Rodrigues, Sara Gentilini, Pål Thjømøe, Heta Toivonen, Pierre International Intensive Course on Geoparks Prouillac, Erdal Gumus, N. Zouros, I. Valiakos, Management and Development Chiara Grassi, Giuliana Pincelli, Roberto Zoanetti, Vajolet Masè, Alessia Amorfini, Antonio Bartelletti, Guiseppe Ottria, António Duarte, Ricardo Neves, Vera Magalhães, João Carlos Nunes, Eva Lima, Marisa Machado, Manuel Paulino Costa, Anna Knauer, J.-L. Desbois, C. Lansigu, Jutta Weber, Cristina Rubio 2017 Segura, Irmgard Auer, Heinz Kollmann, Clemens Eibner, Richard Watson, Edoardo Dellarole, Patakos March 2017: Dimitris, Andrew Bratton, Nikki Maguire, Robina 39th European Geoparks Meeting Barton, Asier Hilario, Leire Barriuso, Wessel van Vliet, Eggert Sólberg Jónsson, Luise Bloise, Egidio Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, Calabrese, Efthymios Tsiolakis 20-30 June 2017: International Intensive Course on Geoparks Editing: Tony Ramsay

Lesvos Island, Greece Publication manager: Ch. Paraskevaidis September 2017: 14th European Geoparks Conference Print: Epikinonia Aigaiou S.A September 2017: Cover photo: Apuan Alps, English Riviera Geopark, 5th Asian Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium Tuscan Mining Park, Natur-und Geopark Steirische Eisenwurzen, Sobrarbe Geopark, Reykjanes Global Geopark, Arouca Geopark, Parco Naturale Adamello Brenta, Bakony-Balaton 2018 Geopark, Global Geopark. Copyright: The magazine and all the contributions and il- lustrations contained therein are protected by copyright. No September 2018: part of this magazine may be copied or reproduced without 8th International Conference on UNESCO Global the written approval of the publishers. This also includes commercial reproduction as an electronic data base and Geoparks copying on cd rom. © 2016 2 UNESCO GEOPARKS GLOBAL Global Geoparks

embers of the European Geoparks Net- resource for use by schools and universities. Mwork celebrate becoming UNESCO Global Geoparks increase and improve their geo- Geoparks within UNESCO’s new International tourism activities either by extending their ter- Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), ritory, e. g. Hondsrug and Naturtejo Geoparks, which is the first initiative of its kind to be estab- by adding new facilities or by developing their lished by UNESCO for 40 years. We congratulate resources. Levos Geopark has a new attraction our EGN and UNESCO colleagues for their hard – the Nissiopi Marine Petrified Forest Park; the work and dedication in achieving this success- Madonie Astronomical Park is an exciting addi- ful outcome. tion to tourism provision in Madonie Geopark. The reports of activities and achievements of Bakony Balaton Geopark introduces its geo- the European Geoparks Network (EGN) during logical wonderland. Bronze Age mining tech- 2015 include the 36th EGN Coordination Com- niques and a reconstructed Neolithic funeral mittee Meeting and the 13th EGN Conference monument are examples of the importance of hosted by Rokua Geopark, and European Geopa- prehistory and intangible heritage in Ore of the rks Week. In 2015 the EGN grew to 69 members Alps and Luberon Geoparks respectively. Beigua with the inclusion of Reykjanes Geopark, , and Tuscan Mining Geoparks present aspects Pollino Geopark, Italy, Sitia Geopark, Greece and of their mineralogy. Maestrazgo Geopark de- Troodos Geopark, . The Magazine also in- scribes the fascinating discovery of a forms that English Riviera Geopark will host the nursery. Swabian Albs Geopark emphasises the 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global importance of developing partnerships with Geoparks on the 27th – 30th September 2016. working quarries. Catalonia and Eisenwurzen In this issue, 43 articles explain how European Geoparks highlight the importance of gastrono- Geoparks contribute to conservation, education my in geoparks. Psiloritis, Troodos and Shetland and promoting sustainable development through Geoparks demonstrate the importance of col- geotourism. They demonstrate how sharing in- laborating to promote their cultural and geologi- formation and working with communities, busi- cal heritage. The Azores Geopark proposes a new nesses and educational establishments safe- networking initiative by exchanging memories guards sustainable development in geoparks. between geoparks. Magma Geopark emphasizes Adamello–Brenta, Apuan Alps, Arouca, Bauges, the importance of developing business and fund Kula, Marble Arch and Sobrarbe Geoparks high- raising strategies. Sesia val Grande Geopark light the importance of managing access to their shows that participating in events, e. g. the Mi- territories by improving and/or developing new lan EXPO, raises a geoparks visibility. Psilortitis geotrails. The contribution of onsite guides and Geopark introduces an exciting new promotional community participation is emphasized by Berg- tool – the UNESCO Global Geoparks Web Map. strasse Geopark. TERRA.vita Geopark The role of geoparks in conservation is de- shows how a conflict between professional and scribed in articles by the Basque Coast and volunteer guides can be resolved. Chelmos Vouraikos Geoparks. Evaluating natu- All geoparks engage in formal and informal ral hazards in UNESCO Global Geoparks, a new educational projects. Burren and Cliffs of Mo- development, is described in an article by our her Geopark describes an exciting project that UNESCO colleagues. The articles by Reykjanes, raises awareness in primary schools of ground- Pollino, and Troodos Geoparks shows the con- water issues. Chablais, Gea Norvegica , tributions that these new geoparks can make Odsherred, Terras de Cavaleiros use educational to the development of the EGN and UNESCO programmes to develop an appreciation of their Global Geoparks. geological and cultural heritage. Vulkaneifel Our grounds for celebration are, however, Geopark highlights the importance of network- tinged with sadness by the the death of a dear ing in integrating educational provision within colleague, Tomáš Řídkošil, Director of the Bo- a geopark. The sustainable development of hemian Paradise European and Global Geopark. geoparks is also dependent on research. Fforest Fawr Geopark describes a collaborative project Tony Ramsay with Cardiff University to create an educational Member of the Editorial Board 3

UNESCO Global Geoparks Calendar The geo-trails network of Sobrarbe UNESCO 02 37 Global Geopark: 30 new ways to enjoy UNESCO Global Geoparks: A new milestone for the Partnerships between geoparks and earth and 05 growing Geoparks Networks! 38 stone industries – benefits in geo-education and geotope protection 36th EGN Coordination Meeting: The Coordination 07 Committee of the European Geoparks Network Expanding Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark to visiting Rokua Geopark, 39 include the natural lands of the Iberian Lynx European Geoparks Conference September 3rd- Possibilities for business in Geoparks 08 6th 2015 Rokua Finland 40 The Magma UNESCO Global Geopark Case

GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL Geoparks: Networking and Society Rebuilding a Neolithic funeral monument: 10 4th Asian Pacific Geoparks Network San’in Kaigan 41 The dolmen of Ubac in the municipality of goult Symposium. Japan The European Geoparks Week 2015: Take a walk 42 Explore the Kula UNESCO Global Geopark 12 on the geo-side… Nissiopi Marine Park in the Lesvos Petrified Forest: 43 A new attraction with glass bottomed boat tours GLOBAL GEOPARKS in Lesvos UNESCO Global Geopark Natural Hazards in UNESCO Global Geoparks Footpaths for Everyone: Adamello Brenta UNESCO 16 44 Global Geopark 18 The UNESCO Global Geoparks Network Web Map Discovering the “Giants’ Potholes”: A new geotrail 45 in the Apuan Alps UNESCO Global Geopark Welcome to GGN2016 in the English Riviera! 19 GGN2016, will be hosted in the cosmopolitan The Suspended Walkway of Paiva River seaside resort of Torquay, 46 Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark - ” “Exchanging memories”a networking initiative of GEO EDUCATION 47 the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark GEOKIDS: An Educational Programme in UNESCO How to be a geotourist in a geological 21 Global Geopark Odsherred, 48 wonderland? Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark, Discovering a territory through Educational 22 Programmes A free caving trail : An underground and pedagogical adventure Educational Programmes for elementary schools 49 23 in Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark - increasing “Geopark-on-site-Guides” preservation of the the awareness among children and 50 intangible heritage and community participation at teachers its best - Bergstrasse-Odenwald UNESCO Global Geopark, Transmitting Groundwater Awareness from 24 Universities to Primary Schools: A Secondary The First Gastronomic Fair of Central Catalonia School Project in the Burren, Ireland 51 UNESCO Global Geopark Focus 2015: Action Education Benefiting from a protected Biodiversity: 25 Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, 52 Natur- und Geopark Styrian Eisenwurzen UNESCO Global Geopark Students doing landscape analyses 26 in Gea Norvegica UNESCO Global Geopark The Copper Ore from Mitterberg, a Hot Spot in the European Bronze Age The first “Parcours on Environmental Education” in 53 27 Vulkaneifel UNESCO Global Geopark Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark: 54 Managing visitor pressures in a protected natural RESEARCH area A Dinosaur Nursery in the Maestrazgo UNESCO 28 Global Geopark (Teruel, ) NETWORKING Madonie Astronomical Park Raising awareness and visibility: crucial goals in 29 Ιn an advanced stage of completion today, it will 55 Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark become a key site for astronomy with links GEOCREATING: an art exhibition in UNESCO Global to Earth science​! 56 Geoparks Troodos, Cyprus and Psiloritis, Greece The Swansea Valley Disturbance Revisited: Drifting Apart – Working Together Shetland, 30 A collaborative project between Fforest Fawr 57 Magma, Stonehammer, Marble Arch Caves, North UNESCO Global Geopark and Cardiff University to West Highlands and Reykjanes UNESCO Global investigate the Nature and Origin of Anomalous Geoparks Folds in the South Wales Coalfield Great little treasures to know: GEOCONSERVATION 31 Ores of the Tuscan Mining UNESCO Global Working to reinforce the value of Geoparks as a Geopark – Italy 58 useful tool for Geoconservation. A major success in the Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark 32 The European Geoparks Network today Chelmos – Vouraikos UNESCO Global Geopark: PRESENTATION 34 “Monitoring and Evaluation of the conservation Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark goes urban: status of the European Priority Habitat Types and 59 The extension and completion of the first Dutch Species” Geopark Garnets, hidden treasures Reykjianes UNESCO Global Geopark: Where 35 in Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark 60 Mysterious Landscapes and Icelandic Fishing Traditions Meet GEO TOURISM Pollino UNESCO Global Geopark: Experience nature Volunteer Tour guides vs. Professional Tour guides: 61 and cultural heritage in a Mediterranean Territory Problems and solutions in a Geopark´s visitor-mine 36 Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark: a very promising TERRA.vita UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany 62 geotouristic destination

4 UNESCO Global Geoparks A new milestone for the growing Geoparks Networks! GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL n November 17 2015, the 195 Member from 3 to 18 November 2015. OStates of UNESCO ratified the creation of UNESCO Global Geoparks tell the 4,600 a new label, the UNESCO Global Geoparks. This million year story of Planet Earth and of the expresses governmental recognition of the im- geological events that shaped it, as well as the portance of managing outstanding geological evolution of humanity itself. Not only do they sites and landscapes in a holistic manner. show evidence of past climate changes, they In doing so, it has legally endorsed the exist- also inform local communities of present day ing 120 Global Geoparks to become UNESCO challenges and help them prepare for hazards Global Geoparks with immediate effect. such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic The strong efforts of the European Geopa- eruptions. rks Network and the Global Geoparks Network, UNESCO Global Geoparks strive to raise

UNESCO Global Geoparks

the systematic work at the local, national and awareness of geo-diversity and promote pro- international level, the effective networking tection, education and tourism best practices. among Geoparks and Geopark partners, the Together with World Heritage Sites and Bio- concrete results on geo-conservation, geotour- sphere Reserves, UNESCO Global Geoparks ism development, environmental education and form a complete range of tools for sustainable sustainable local development led to Geoparks development and make an invaluable contribu- becoming the third international site designa- tion to the realization of the 2030 Sustainable tion of UNESCO, together with World Heritage Development Goals by combining global and lo- Sites and MAB’s. cal perspectives. The perfect preparation of the new UNESCO This new branding formalizes the rela- Global Geoparks Programme documentation tionship, first established in 2001, between by the UNESCO Secretariat and the Working Geoparks and UNESCO. At that time, Geopa- Group on Geoparks, together with the contribu- rks were only established in . In 2004, tion of the Member States, the Global Geopa- however, 17 European and 8 Chinese Geoparks rks Network, the IUGS and the IUCN resulted came together at the UNESCO headquarters in the final unanimous approval of this new in Paris to form the Global Geoparks Network UNESCO designation. (GGN). Since then, Geoparks through the Global The outcome of seven meetings of the Geoparks Network have grown to include 120 Working Group on Geoparks proposed the sites in 33 countries around the world, includ- parameters of UNESCO Global Geopark ing 69 in Europe. activities within an International Geoscience In September 2014, the Global Geoparks Net- and Geoparks Programme (IGGP). The final work (GGN), working for the official ratitifica- decision was taken by Member States at tion of it’s relationship with UNESCO, became UNESCO’s General Conference, the governing a non-profit, non-governmental organization body of the Organization, which met in Paris subject to French legislation based on the 1901

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UNESCO Global Geoparks GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

law on associations. ment of Geoparks in Europe Recognising the very and the world. The EGN strong role networking should also produce com- has played in the suc- mon Geopark activities, cess of the Geoparks events, exhibitions, promo- movement, the GGN en- tional tools, educational courages the strength- and geotourism activities ening of Regional Geopa- and guarantee high quality rk Networks that include experiences for Geopark all the existing GGN visitors in Europe. members at a regional or During the 38th ses- continental level. Regional sion of UNESCO’s Gen- Geopark Networks serve eral Conference, Member for the coordination of States also decided to GGN activities at a regional endorse the statutes of or continental level for the a new international pro- exchange of information gramme: the Interna- and co-operation between tional Geoscience and Global Geoparks and Global Geoparks Programme Geopark professionals in the (IGGP). This allows the organiza- region. tion to reflect more closely the societal chal- At its 35th session 31 March – 1 April 2015, lenges of Earth Science today, to facilitate In- the European Geoparks Network Coordination ternational cooperation in geological research Committee decided to become officially the (IGCP) and to provide an international status to GGN Regional Network in Europe and thus to the members of the Global Geopark Network, become part of the official structure of the In- the network of territories hosting sites of geo- ternational Association. logical significance. Following the adoption of the new UNESCO UNESCO Global Geoparks have become an Global Geoparks Programme, the main aim of increasingly important tool for UNESCO to en- the European Geoparks Network (EGN) is to gage Member States and their communities in concentrate on networking, on common pro- the Earth Sciences and their geological heri- motional activities and cooperation projects tage. Moreover, it has been recognized that this and the exchange of best practice and expe- branding could also be of clear advantage for rience between Geoparks. In order to achieve the development of Global Geoparks in those this, the EGN should remain active and creative, regions where none currently exist and for the searching for solutions to problems which may Secretariat’s fundraising scheme which will be occur and organize conferences, meetings and the main source of funding to assist countries capacity building activities for the develop- in the development of Global Geoparks.

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UNESCO Global Geoparks 36th EGN

Coordination Meeting GEOPARKS GLOBAL The Coordination Committee of the European Geoparks Network visiting Rokua Geopark, Finland

he 36th EGN Coordination Committee Meet- were considered, fifteen were successful and -ac Ting was held from 1 - 2 September 2015 in cepted as EGN/GGN members for another four the Rokua Health & Spa Hotel, Rokua, Finland. years. Requests from Hondsrug Geopark, Holland About 100 representatives of the European and Naturtejo Geopark, Portugal to extend their Geoparks from 21 different countries discussed territories were the accepted. the outcomes and issues arising from reports The first day of 36th European Geoparks Com- concerning European Geoparks Week, forthcom- mittee Meeting was followed by a dinner in the ing meetings, EGN regulations and promotional Vaala School Centre, Vaala municipality. After the activities and presentations by the GGN-EGN Na- dinner the participants were given an opportunity tional Geopark Fora. to attend a guided tour in the school centre. The most important issues concerned the re- The successful 36th European Geoparks Meet- ports on the evaluation missions from ten new ing was, however, tinged with sadness by the aspiring geoparks who applied to join the EGN/ death of a dear colleague Tomáš Řídkošil, Di- GGN in 2014 – 2015. The EGN has, with the ac- rector of the Bohemian Paradise European and ceptance of the applications from Reykjanes Global Geopark. The meeting began with a one Geopark, Iceland, Pollino Geopark, Italy, Sitia minute’s silence in his memory and delegates Geopark, Greece and Troodos Geopark, Cyprus, were invited to contribute their memories of expanded to include 69 members. The recom- Tomáš in the book of condolences to be given to mendations from sixteen revalidation missions his family.

7 GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

Four hundred participants from all around Europe and the World gathered at the Conference to listen to the opening ceremonies in the Saalasti Hall of Oulu University.

(Photo: Juha Kalaoja). okua Geopark hosted the 13th European Esker and Dune area. The Geopark’s theme is RGeoparks Conference from 3 - 6 Septem- Heritage of the Ice Age, as traces of the last ber 2015. The conference, with the theme “The Ice Age are exceptionally well preserved in this Responsible Use of Natural and Cultural Heri- area. The bedrock of the Geopark is among tage”, was attended by approximately 400 del- the oldest examples in Europe and dates back egates from 37 countries. During the three day to 2.7 billion years. Besides the geology, the meeting, 107 oral presentations and 27 poster area has a significant cultural and biological presentations were delivered. The Conference heritage. took place in Oulu University in the city of Oulu. The Conference began in Oulu University However, the field trips and evening venues oc- on Thursday, 3 September, with welcoming curred within the boundaries of Rokua Geopark. speeches by members of the Finnish Parlia- The Geopark, which is situated in Northern ment, Oulu University, the Oulu region and Finland, close to the city of Oulu, is currently the organizations supporting the Geopark. the northernmost Geopark in the World. The The greetings were followed by a presenta- tion explaining Rokua Geopark’s role as part Geopark consists of three regions, Lake Ou- of the Global Geoparks Network and a cultural lujärvi, the River Oulu Valley and the Rokua programme delivered by the children of Vaala School and Youth Choir. Ms. Satu The welcoming addresses were followed by Hietala from two keynote speeches informing the audience the Geological about the development of the Global Geopa- Survey of rks Network and the proposed UNESCO IGGP Finland guides conference (International Geoscience and Geoparks Pro- delegates gramme). through the On Friday, 4 September, the Conference Utajärvi participants were given the opportunity to ex- Geological Time plore Rokua Geopark during three mid confer- Trail ence field trips. The field excursions concen- Photo: Vesa Krökki trated on three regions within the Geopark / Rokua Geopark. (Photo: Juha Kalaoja). and were attended by about 300 participants. 8 On Saturday, 5 September, the conference programme continued at Oulu University with almost seventy oral presentations cover- ing the following themes: Aspiring Geoparks; Geoparks and Tourism; Regional and Global Geoparks Networks and Collaboration; Geopa- rks Conservation; Geoparks and Regional and Local development; Education and Educa- tional Programme Development; Science and Future Science Need and Interpretation and GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL Executive Participants on the River Oulujoki Valley Communication. Director Vesa Field Trip were introduced to some of the geo- The Conference closing dinner was served Krökki from diversity, biodiversity and cultural history of at the Rokua Health & Spa–Hotel in Rokua. Rokua Geopark the valley by following the beautiful Lemmon- During the dinner, the guests had the op- and Muhos portunity to eat local delicacies, such as elk Mimmi from polku Trail. The trail ends at Leppiniemi, the the municipality site of a power plant and settlement designed and reindeer meat, vendace (a sub-species of of Muhos by the famous Finnish architect Aarne Ervi. salmon) and pike from Lake Oulujärvi with lo- opening the Ice The visit to Utajärvi provided an opportunity cal mushrooms. The desserts were made of Breaker evening to visit the Geological Time Trail, which pres- berries gathered from the forests of Rokua. programme in The Conference tour to Rokua Esker and Montta Active ents the geological history of Finland using 50 Dune area on Sunday, 6 September, was at- Camping, in large examples of Finnish bedrocks. This was Muhos. The followed by an opportunity to see and experi- tended by 40 participants. On this tour the site is situated ence how environmental education is delivered participants were transported to the Rokua in the River National Park, and, from there, hiked back to Oulujoki Valley in the Geopark through close cooperation with the Utajärvi School Centre. The pupils of the the Rokua Health & Spa Hotel. On this tour the very close to participants had an opportunity, in refreshing- the edge of the local schools operated as guides during parts Muhos Formation of the excursion. The day ended with a visit ly cool air with some rain showers, to explore an important to the beautiful Muhos Church. Completed in the formations and forests of Rokua in detail. component in 1634, it is the oldest wooden church in Finland The day’s hiking was rewarded by visits to the the geological and is open all year round. saunas and pools of the hotel and finally sit- history of Rokua ting next to an open fire in the wooden cabin Geopark. During the Rokua Esker and Dune Area field trips, the participants were taken to see the next to the Ice Age kettle lake Ahveroinen. Photo: Mikko Kiuttu / To conclude, the organizers felt honoured Rokua Geopark. (Photo: massive landforms created during the last Ice Mikko Kiuttu). Age. Participants visited the Rokua National to host the Geoparks community’s visit to Park and saw the permanent exhibition show- Finland and Rokua Geopark. The meetings Ms. Riitta ing the origin of Rokuanvaara Hill entitled and conference days, as well as the field trips Nykänen from occurred in nice autumn weather, shared in a the Parks & “Rokua – an Island that the Sea Abandoned” A guided visit to Wildlife Finland at the Suppa Visitor Centre. These field trips very friendly atmosphere by the participants Muhos Church explains the also included visits to the Utajärvi Geological and the organizers. As an extra treat some of during the River Oulujoki story of the local Time Trail and Muhos Church. the participants saw the northern lights and a geoheritage big fire ball falling from the Nordic night sky. Valley field trip. During the Lake Oulujärvi District excursion, The church, with some We, the organizers, hope that the success of rock samples conference delegates were taken to see the built in 1634, this conference is a good sign for the future on the River oldest part of Rokua Geopark, the old Archean is the oldest Oulujoki Valley Kilonniemi Gneiss bedrock dating back some of the Geoparks Network, possibly operating functional wooden church field trip at the 2.7 billion years. The participants also visited under the umbrella of the UNESCO IGG pro- Liimanninkoski gramme. in Finland and Rapids Geosite in Lamminaho, a unique 16th century rural court- is open all year Muhos. yard and the geo-cultural site of Säräisniemi round. Church. The church is built on a rock founda- Vesa Krökki, [email protected] Photo: Mikko Kiuttu / Mikko Kiuttu, [email protected] Photo: Mikko Kiuttu Rokua Geopark. (Photo: tion quarried from a local site known as the / Rokua Geopark. Mikko Kiuttu). devils rocks. www.rokuageopark.fi (Photo: Mikko Kiuttu).

9 GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL Geoparks: Networking and Society 4th Asian Pacific Geoparks Network San’in Kaigan Symposium. Japan

an’in Kaigan Global Geopark in Japan hosted Sthe 4th APGN Symposium from 16 to 20 September 2015. San’in Kaigan Geopark is one of the most popu- lar Global Geoparks in Japan. It is located on the South Western coast of Honshu Island, and has a unique natural environment, cultural heritage and geological features of international value, which provide evidence of the origin and formation of the Sea of Japan. The rocks and strata in San’in Kaigan Global Geopark reveal the history from the time when the Japanese archipelago was part of the Asian continent, through the formation of the Sea of Ja- pan to the present day. Beautiful landscapes fea- turing various kinds of rocks, coastal landscapes, hot springs as well as inland waterfalls and valleys can be observed in San’in Kaigan Global Geopark. Making use of such features, the inhabitants of the region developed a highly characteristic way of life. As a volcanically active area, San’in Kai- gan boasts some of the best natural hot springs in Japan and in the world. Referred to as «onsen», these geothermally heated springs are scattered all across the San’in Kaigan Global Geopark, both in indoor and outdoor facilities. The overall theme of the conference focused on Networking and Society. Geoparks are concerned with Networking between territories, communi- ties and stakeholders for the enhancement and promotion of the Earth’s heritage, managing the natural environment and cultural heritage in a ho- listic manner and connecting people to the Earth in a way that is meaningful to them and which serves society. The Symposium, which was held jointly in Toyooka Citizen’s Hall and Tottori University of world not only for the preservation of geographi- Environmental Studies, attracted 618 delegates cal and geological features but also because more from 21 countries including Japan, Australia, Chi- people have come to understand our belief that na, Egypt, France, Greece, , , Kenya, the development of the Earth and human activi- Republic of Korea, , , , ties are closely connected. I think that the attrac- Spain, Taiwan, , , Uruguay, Viet- nam and the special administrative Region of tion of Geoparks is to be able to see, eat, and Hong Kong. Over 2500 citizens participated in the learn about geo-resources with the local people open events organized during this international actually living there. The purpose of the -Pa- Geopark meeting. cific Geoparks Network Symposium is to provide As the President of the Organizing Commit- a networking platform. I hope that each Geopark tee of the 4th APGN Symposium Professor Kazuo in the Asia-Pacific region will discuss deeply about Oike stated in his opening remarks « I believe that Geoparks by considering local circumstances and Geoparks have been spreading throughout the problems and exchanging opinions.» 10 GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

Themes for oral presentations and poster submissions were as follows:

A. Geoparks Management and Networking B. Aspiring Geoparks C. Conservation and Interpretation of Nature D. Education E. Sustaining Local Communities F. Improvement based on Assessment and Recommendation G. Geotourism H. Cultural Heritage and Living Human Treasures I. Geo-hazard Risk Reduction, Prevention and Mitigation Sitia - Greece The 4th APGN Symposium hosted six Key-note Gunung Sewu - Indonesia Lectures, open events, field trips and parallel meet- Pollino - Italy ings of the Global Geoparks Network Bureau, APGN Mount Apoi - Japan Coordination Committee, APGN Advisory Commit- tee and Japanese Geoparks Network. Many aspiring Geoparks also participated in the During 4th APGN Symposium, nine new mem- conference. The bers were warmly welcomed into the Global The Conference also adopted the San’in Kaigan Coordination Declaration. Committee of Geopark Network raising the total number of the APGN met members to 120 Geoparks from 33 countries. The http://apgn2015-eng.com/items/declaration_ in Toyoka city, new Geoparks are: en.pdf Sanin Kaigan Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands - Spain The 4th Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network San’in Geopark, in Reykianes - Iceland Kaigan Symposium celebrated the successful parallel with the 4th APGN Dunhuang - China development of the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Net- Symposium Zhijindong - China work and its contribution to the expansion of the 2015. Troodos - Cyprus Geopark concept.!

11 The European Geoparks Week 2015 Take a walk on the geo-side… GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

Parco Del Beigua ITALY Traditional flower decorations Parco Naturale Adamello Brenta ITALY (Corpus Domini holy day) in Sassello Children looking for the geo-treasures of Adamello Brenta Geopark, Italy

Burren and Cliffs of Moher IRELAND Taking part in Poc Fada (trans “The long hit”); the ancient Irish sport of Hurling

Arouca Geopark PORTUGAL Meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of Europe and

Bergstrasse-Odenwald Geopark GERMANY Hiking Day with opening of a new trail with 150 participants

Cabo de Gata – Nijar Natural Park ANDALUCIA, SPAIN Night hiking in the mining village of Rodalquilar and stargazing

Azores Geopark PORTUGAL A trip on the Furnas Volcano Azores Geopark

Bohemian Paradise Grand opening, external exhibition

Karavanke/Karawanken SLOVENIA & Bakony-Balaton Geopark HUNGARY Idrija Geopark SLOVENIA Open day for local schools Observing the sun 12 The European Geoparks Week 2015 Take a walk on the geo-side… GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

Carnic Alps Geopark AUSTRIA English Riviera Geopark UK Show workshops in the primary schools in Carinthia on Heading off on an English Riviera Global Geopark Festival adventure occasion of the IYS (International Year of Soils 2015) copyright ™Reach Outdoors

Chelmos – Vouraikos Geopark GREECE Lesvos Geopark GREECE Parque Cultural del Maestrazgo SPAIN Birdwatching for teachers of Environmental Exhibition The animals of the Petrified Awards for What is a geopark for you? Education at Lake Doxa Forest of Lesvos School of Berge, Maestrazgo Geopark he 17th November was undoubt- Tedly the most momentous occa- sion in 2015 for all the 69 members of the European Geoparks Network when they were accepted as UNESCO Global Geoparks. More than half of the Geoparks on Planet Earth can be found in Europe, demonstrating that this net- work still plays an important role in this new organization. Once again European Geoparks Week Hondsrug Geopark is another highlight in the calendar The Culinairy Flint Trip: In several places people were invited to taste local dishes Magma Geopark NORWAY of European Geoparks. Almost 1,300 events and activities attracted nearly 120,000 people in 2015 across the EGN. In some geoparks the events and activi- ties extended over a period of more than seven days between late May and early June. European Geoparks Week was ad- vertised by 170,000 printed programme flyers, but also in a sustainable way via on-line marketing using websites, social media, smart phone apps and mailing lists. The kaleidoscope of colourful pro- grammes during the EGN Week is not Katla Geopark ICELAND Chablais Geopark FRANCE just about rocks. They also perfectly re- A photo of the frosty but very happy 7. km race It’s a prize winning class in our Geopark mascotte flect the inclusive approach of the Net- around the Geosite Hjörleifshöfði (Hjorleifshofdi) competition. The whole class won a day trip to a work. This festival offers a wide-ranging during our last Geoweek this year. geosite of thier choice with our Geopark guides. 13 The European Geoparks Week 2015 GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

Molina and Alto Tajo Geopark SPAIN Odsherred Geopark DENMARK Several geologists explain the characteristics ™The Dragon at Vejrhojî made by local famer on the of a fossil forest. highest point in Geopark Odsherred, Denmark

Sesia - Val Grande Geopark ITALY Erz der Alpen AUSTRIA Val Toppa mine guided visit during the two days Bronze-Age-cooking. Prof. Eibner cuts the bread event on ™Gold of Monte Rosaî with a copper blade knife, as in prehistoric times.

Naturtejo Geopark PORTUGAL Novohrad – Nograd Geopark HUNGARY – 10th anniversary of the Orvalho GeoTrail At the border of Hajnáčka

Papuk Geopark Students from Zagreb University (Faculty of Science Geology department) at the unique Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands Geopark SPAIN Papuk “Geopark Square” 14 Natur-und Geopark Steirische Eisenwurzen AUSTRIA Villuercas-Ibores-Jara SPAIN

Edible Landscape. Herbs for your “Geoconvivencia” More than 500 students from different schools of our GEOPARKS GLOBAL well-being, collecting herbs Geopark in front of Monastery of Guadalupe, UNESCO Human Heritage Site

North West Highlands Geopark Scotland, UK Terras de Cavaleiros Geopark PORTUGAL Local Mountaineering Instructor Tim Hamlet Commemoration of the World runs a “Come and Try Climbing” session on a Environmental Day with a march realized outcrop of Lewisian Gneiss near Kinlochbervie by the students of the territory of the on behalf of the North West Highlands Geopark Terras de Cavaleiros Global Geopark Rokua Geopark FINLAND During the Geopark week Rokua Geopark organized a guided geotour in Rokua National Park together with Parks & Wild life Finland. Here couple of the participants are hiking by a kettle lake called Lake Pitkäjärvi in the hearth of the National Park.

series of events, above and beyond the celebration of our diverse geological heri- tage, by involving the local communities and their traditions. The growth of interest and Geopark Shetland SCOTLAND – UK Swabian Albs Geopark GERMANY the year-on-year increase in the number Puffins at Sumburgh Head. A stone age activity. of visitors demonstrates the effectiveness Photo by Yolanda Bruce The copyright is with the urmu Urmu©2015 of the European Geoparks Week. Naturally, the continuous search for new methods of promoting and arousing the curiosity of potential vistors presents huge challenges. Geoparks, therefore, continuously search for effective advertising techniques for cre- ating identity awareness and “customer” memory. Every member of the European Geoparks Network maintains that the Eu- ropean Geoparks Week is predominantly not designed for Earth scientists with PhD degrees but for anyone who has an open mind and wants to enter the real and vir- Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park SPAIN Tuscan Mining Park ITALY tual gates of the geoparks, which are open Scholars activity June 4 Two young fans of geology explore a wider than usual during the festival. Inside small karst cave geoparks there is a unique world with many paths through breathtaking landscapes, with calm places, hospitable local people, fine food and where understanding Planet Earth is real fun. So please accept the invi- tation from the European UNESCO Global Geoparks to take a walk on the geo-side, which is really not a wild one!

Barnabás Korbély Bakony–Balaton Geopark, Hungary Sobrarbe Geopark ARAGON, SPAIN Vikos – Aoos Geopark GREECE [email protected] Speleological visit to the Cave Moliniαs Drakolimni on Mount Smolikas. A residue in Fosado village, guided by the Scientific from the last glacial period. A permanent Speleological Association Cotiella (ACEC). “heart”, is a famous destination for climbers. 15 Natural Hazards in UNESCO Global Geoparks GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

Exposure of UNESCO Global Geoparks to geophysical and hydro- meteorological hazards in Asia and Europe.

he geoheritage celebrated at the core of ropean Global Geoparks indicate a profound and TUNESCO Global Geoparks can be a source of dynamic involvement of Global Geoparks in the pride, leisure, education and income, but also a activities of the GGN. source of risk. UNESCO is encouraging its Global The survey included a series of questions on Geoparks to develop management plans and three main topics related to natural hazards in communication tools about natural hazards, UNESCO Global Geoparks: hazard exposure, risk recognizing that these hazards are part of the management and awareness raising activities. identity of these special places and the com- Site managers were asked if their UNESCO munities that live in them. Global Geopark is at risk of geophysical (volcanic Many UNESCO Global Geoparks are defined eruption, earthquake, tsunami, mass movement by natural hazards such as the Katla Global or other geohazards) or hydro-meteorological Geopark, Iceland, whose Eyjafjallajökull eruption hazards (storms, flooding, drought, desertifica- in 2010 gained global fame, or the Unzen Vol- tion, extreme temperatures, snow/ice related canic Area Global Geopark, Japan, whose motto hazards, wildfire or other hydro-meteorological is ‘coexistence of people and an active volcano’. hazards). Respondents were further asked to In order to have a better understanding of the provide information on risk mitigation measures, exposure of UNESCO Global Geoparks to natural awareness raising programmes and educational hazards, the different types of risk management, activities. awareness raising activities and the existing In 84 % of the European and 94 % of the Asian good practices undertaken through the Global questionnaire responses, site managers indicat- Geoparks Network, the Earth Sciences and ed that natural hazards are an important issue in Geo-Hazards Risk Reduction team at UNESCO their UNESCO Global Geopark. According to site performed a thematic survey in coordination managers, mass movements – such as landslides with the secretariat of the European Geoparks and rock falls – and earthquakes are the main Network (EGN). The questionnaire was launched geophysical hazards, present in respectively 70 in April 2015 and an impressive 81 of the111 % and 40 % of UNESCO Global Geoparks. Around Global Geoparks responded. The total response 12 % of the UNESCO Global Geoparks are ex- rate of 73% from the Global Geoparks Network posed to volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. The (GGN) and a 66 % participation rate of the Eu- most frequently observed hydro-meteorological

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UNESCO Global hazards are floods (65 %) and wildfires (46 %), Geoparks in along with snow and ice related hazards (36 %). Asia (A) and Awareness raising activities related to natural Europe (B) hazards are carried out in many UNESCO Global interested in sharing good Geoparks. The majority, 69%, conduct educa- practices. tional activities, and 47% carry out prevention and mitigation awareness exercises. For ex- ample, the UNESCO Global Geoparks of Lesvos Island and Psiloritis in Greece contributed to the project “Raising earthquake awareness & coping with children’s emotions” which aims to reduce the emotional burden on children and help them to cope with disasters by raising awareness, improving knowledge of earthquakes and tsuna- mis and providing education on good practices and state of the art responses. UNESCO Global Geoparks are not only actively raising aware- ness about geophysical processes and risk, but should focus on evaluating the real situation in Exposure of they also cooperate in scientific research pro- UNESCO Global Geoparks through more detailed infrastructure grammes related to natural hazards. spatial hazard assessment and more detailed to geophysical Overall, 35 % of the managers responded that questioning of identified focus groups. A se- and hydro- they have good practices and are interested to ries of regional workshops with site managers meteorological share them with other UNESCO Global Geopa- hazards in Asian should be organized on prevention, emergency and European rks and UNESCO-designated sites. Of all the preparedness and recovery, maintenance and UNESCO Global respondents, 72% were interested in training in monitoring at each concerned site. The elabo- Geoparks. prevention and mitigation of natural disasters. rated methodology and associated tools should An important issue for the future of UNESCO reinforce the capacity of UNESCO-designat- Global Geoparks is their cooperation with other ed sites to deal with risk from disasters and, UNESCO-designated sites – World Heritage moreover, inform other institutions and the local Sites and Biosphere Reserves – especially where community about natural hazards and how to there is geographic overlap. At present, only 16 mitigate risks threatening their communities % of the UNESCO Global Geoparks cooperate and natural heritage assets. with other UNESCO-designated sites. As coop- UNESCO thanks all of its Global Geoparks who eration ensures the effective management of participated in the survey and looks forward to natural hazards, it is in the interest of UNESCO continued collaboration in this field. Global Geoparks and their communities to pri- oritize this in the future. Florian Dierickx, f.dierickx@.org; In conclusion, UNESCO Earth Sciences and Irina Pavlova, [email protected]; Geo-Hazards Risk Reduction will continue to Sarah Gaines [email protected] develop the initiative on risk assessment at UNESCO Section on Earth Sciences and Geo-Hazards UNESCO-designated sites. Future studies Risk Reduction, Natural Science Sector

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The Global Geoparks Network Web Map. The UNESCO Global Geoparks Network Web Map n 2015 the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network Iconsists of 120 members dispersed all around the World. All members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network are presented here in one powerful, interactive web map application. This web map was designed by the compa- ny STARIDAS GEOGRAPHY © in Greece with the collaboration of Psiloritis Geopark and is donated,without cost, to the Network. It was presented at the 13th European Geoparks Con- ference in Rokua Geopark (3rd to the 6th of Sep- tember 2015) and can be currently accessed at: Shows howwhen zooming to www.staridasgeography.com/world-geoparks large scales The web map displays all the 120 Global the web map Geoparks members as points, with distinct changes symbols, labels with each geopark’s name, a automatically pop-up window for every record linked to each feature functions only for the five geoparks in The pop-up the symbols of window for every the geoparks geopark’s official website or to the correspond- Greece and the Geopark in Cyprus. record which from points to ing pages of the Asian and European Networks’ Any geopark member can contribute to the links to each polygons. websites.It allows dynamic zoom in and out, a web map, at no cost, by sending details of their geopark’s official location search field boundaries directly to the email address below: website or to the and a geolocation [email protected] corresponding option to find each (Standards: 1) Vector type: polygon or polyline, page of the user’s current posi- 2) Projection: WGS 84, 3) Format: SHP or KML). European and tion. It also features Asian Networks The web map will be updated with the new data websites. a complete list of the every two months. 120 members which The web map can also be embedded in any interacts dynami- website via the following embed code which can cally with the map also be used free of cost: providing instant