Territories of Resilience

European Geoparks Magazine ● Issue 18

European Geoparks: Territories of resilience THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK Geoparks: www.europeangeoparks.org CALENDAR European Territories of resilience Geoparks Network FORWORD CALENDAR Magazine he European Geoparks Network (EGN) is one of invited listeners to join audio tours. Virtual reality Tfour regional networks of the Global Geoparks models illustrate the landscape’s history in Rokua 2021 Network (GGN) which includes all areas designated UGGp. Geotourism provision is increased by a new Issue No 18 / 2021 March 2021: 3nd European Geoparks Network Digital as UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps). guided tour in Eisenwurzen UGGp, the promotion of Forum Published by: In 2020, the Covid -19 global pandemic and lesser known geosites in Bohemian Paradise UGGp April 2021: 211th Session of UNESCO Executive Board – Natural History Museum devastation of the travel, tourism and hospital- and the completed section of the Via GeoAlpina Nomination of New UNESCO Global Geoparks. of the Lesvos Petrified Forest ity industries curtailed activities in European Ge- in Sesia Val Grande UGGp. Ore of the Alps UGGp on behalf of the European Geoparks Network 22nd April 2021: International Mother Earth Day - Geopark oparks. The biannual EGN Coordination Commit- advocates mythogeography as the motto for pro- tee meetings were substituted by digital fora and moting resilience in adults and children. activities Executive editor: Nickolas Zouros scheduled evaluation and revalidation missions International Museum Day - Geopark Marketing and promotion are essential activities. 18th May 2021: were postponed. Nonetheless, the Basque Coast Publication Editor: Tony Ramsay The ‘’Photo Marathon’’ is a successful marketing activities UGGp celebrated its 10th year as a member of the tool in Novohrad–Nógrád UGGp. Promoting agri- 22nd May to 6th June: European Geoparks Week 2021 Editorial board: EGN and the Black Country UGGp (UK), Djerdap cultural products contributes to marketing Cilento, 7-20 June 2021: Digital Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks Tony Ramsay, Jutta Weber, Nickolas Zouros UGGp (Serbia), Estrela UGGp (Portugal), Granada Vallo Di Diano and Alburni and Villuercas-Ibores- 2021, Lesvos Greece. UGGp (Spain), Lauhanvuori - Hämeenkangas UGGp Contributors: (Finland) and Yangan Tau UGGp (Russian Federa- Jara UGGps. Online marketing prepares the Burren 5th June 2021: World Environment Day - Geopark activities Tony Ramsay, Kristin Rangnes, Charalampos and Cliffs of Moher UGGp for the resumption of 8-11 June 2021: 45th European Geoparks Network Meeting Fassoulas, Barnabás Korbély, Christophe Lansigu, tion) joined the Network together with Maestrazgo (Spain), one of the founding members of EGN. The tourism. – Papuk UNESCO Global Geopark, Croatia. Imre Szarvas, Naomi Foster, Konstantinos Perakis, Haritakis Papaioannou, Georgia Kitsaki, Aristotelis range of articles also confirms that through net- The quality of a Geopark’s infrastructure is 9 September 2021: World CleanUp Day - Geoparks activities Stagikas, João Alves, Blanka Nedvědická, José working and collaborating European Geoparks fundamental to the success of tourism provision. 9-15 September 2021: 9th International Conference on María Barrera, Javier López, Iván Cortijo, Siegfried remained resilient, resourceful and creative in the Bergstrasse - Odenwald UGGp uses its Geodata- UNESCO Global Geoparks – Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Roth, Charlotte Olsen, Thea Krossøy, Eva Maria face of adversity. Vorwagner, Dr. Eamon Doyle, Alain Petit, Serge base to monitor its infrastructure and initiated 11 September 2021: 46th European Geoparks Network Delaby, Simon Vankeerberghen, Sophie Justice, In response to Covid-19, Luberon UGGp initiated an interactive SDG platform highlighting projects Meeting – Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Jóhannes M. Jóhannesson, Dr. Ahmet Serdar Aytaç, “Luberon Gratitude” to thank pandemic frontline and activities in its member communities. A new 13 September 2021: 3rd Global Geoparks Network Ordinary Prof. Dr. Tuncer Demir, Elena Mateo-Mederos, workers. Chablais UGGp provided practical infor- Geopark Visitor Centre in Central Catalunya UGGp, Santina La Spada, Cathrine Johannessen, Sara mation to a population under lockdown and the GeoMÔn UGGp’s redesigned Visitor Centre and “The General Assembly – Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Gentilini, Horst Ibetsberger, Athina Pavlidou, Mikko residents of Katla UGGp enjoyed almost empty 13th October 2021: International Day for Disaster Kiuttu, Vesa Krökki, Kyösti Koskela, Julia Franzen, Trail Running Centre Allepuz-Maestrazgo Geopark” tourist destinations. Interviews with leading sci- Reduction - Geopark activities. Felipe González, Antonio Camacho, Antonio García, are significant developments. De Hondsrug UGGp’s Mojca Gorjup Kavčič, Nina Erjavec, Tobias Fischer, entists provided a digital experience of the English exhibition “Farming in the Hondsrug’’, and the fossil 41st General Conference of UNESCO. November 2021: Julia Kaiser, Melanie Schnieders, Giulia Castello, Riviera UGGp. exhibition in the Harz- Braunschweiger Land - Ost- Claudia Fiori, Carlos Neto de Carvalho, José Manuel 11th December 2021: International Mountain Day - All Geoparks engage in formal and informal falen UGGp are new attractions. Newly installed Geopark activities. Pires, Luigi Bloise, Egidio Calabrese, Carmine Apollaro, Francesco Muto Francesco, Ilaria Fuoco, education. Terras de Cavaleiros UGGp diversified toposcopes enable visitors to read landscapes in Luigi Marini Luigi, Vespasiano Giovanni, Xavier by creating online lessons. Park guides and com- the Massif des Bauges UGGp. The Olimpline is M. Pellicer, Albert G. Sellés, Àngel Galobart, Colin munications staff in Beigua UGGp produced digital an exciting attraction in Karawanken/Karavanke Jago, Stewart Campbell, Esther Czymoch, Ángel events for children. Eight interactive games can UGGp. Naturtejo UGGp solved a geotechnical prob- 2022 Hernández, Luis Mampel, Chesús Izquierdo, Wytse be downloaded from Famenne - Ardenne UGGp’s lem with a 200 m² diagram of an active fault. March 2022: 47th European Geoparks Network Meeting – Sikkema, Liesbeth Simon, Martina Grimaldi, Chiara website. Idrija and Magma UGGps promoted the Grassi, Leire Barriuso, Asier Hilario, Marine Bettant All Geoparks value their geological, cultural and Hondsrug UGGp, Netherlands,co-organized with TERRA. effectiveness of the TeachOUT app. Kula – Salihli du Breuil, Tanguy Leblanc, Ferran Climent Costa, natural heritage. Troodos UGGp documents the vita UGGp, Germany. Bet Mercadé Carranza, Marcus Seuser, Jutta Weber, UGGp provided online training on global climate restoration of an asbestos mine. Swabian Alb UGGp September 2022: Asian Pacific Geoparks Network Mareike Müller, Aniello Aloia, Giovanni Ciano, change. Six summer educational programmes in Giovanni Ciano, Efthymios Tsiolakis, Christodoulos highlights the vulnerability of its calcareous tufa Coordination Committee Meeting – Satun UNESCO Global Lesvos Island UGGp and the virtual gymkhana in Hadjigeorgiou, Vasilis Symeou, Jean-Noël Baudin, Sierras Subbéticas UGGp are examples of exciting terraces. In 1730 farmers transformed agricul- Geopark, Thailand Melanie Border, Gerald Hartmann, Darja Komar, new developments. Pollino UGGp focused on rock ture following a volcanic eruption in Lanzarote and September 2022: 7th Asian Pacific Geoparks Network Danijela Modrej, Antonia Weissenbacher, Graham Chinijo Islands UGGp. The tree Abies nebrodensis Worton, Colin Prosser, Sanja Đokić, Nikola Vuković, types and groundwater composition. Advancing Symposium – Satun UNESCO Global Geopark, Thailand Emanuel de Castro, Gonçalo Vieira, Hugo Gomes, Earth science and environmental education within is an example of resilience in nature in Madonie September 2022: 48th European Geoparks Network Fábio Loureiro, Pasi Talvitie, Terttu Hermansson. the framework of the UNs’ Sustainable Develop- UGGp. Sitia UGGp demonstrates the relationship Meeting – Sesia – Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark, ment Goals are objectives in TERRAvita, Trollfjell between geology and architecture in Zakros Village. Editing: Tony Ramsay Italy and Vulkaneifel UGGps. A recovered stolen fossil of a crocodile in Origens UGGp draws attention to the effect of a collectors’ September 2022: 16th European Geoparks Conference – Publication manager: Christos Paraskevaidis By initiating new projects and developing online market for fossils. Sesia – Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy activities, Geoparks addressed the impact of Cov- Print: Epikinonia Aigaiou S.A. id-19 on geotourism. Via its “ParKeeper” project, The Geoparks’ varied and imaginative responses tourists can become citizens of the Adamello Bren- to the Covd-19 pandemic demonstrate their po- Cover photo: Papuk ta UGGp. Psiloritis UGGp developed the initiative tential to participate in the international coopera- UNESCO Global Geopark, Croatia 2023 “Psiloritis Supports its Supporters”, while Vikos- tion essential for dealing with the environmental March 2023: 49th European Geoparks Network Meeting – Aoos UGGp organized an event to encourage vol- and economic effects of the global climate change unteering in the local community. Rocca di Cerere Hateg UGGp, Romania Copyright: The magazine and all the contributions crisis. and illustrations contained therein are protected by UGGp promoted its cultural heritage in the Rimini September 2023: International Conference location copyright. No part of this magazine may be copied or TTG Travel Experience Trade show. North Pennines reproduced without the written approval of the publish- Tony Ramsay to be decided during the 9th UNESCO International ers. This also includes commercial reproduction as an AONB & UGGp provided online talks for The North Conference, Jeju Island, Republic of Korea electronic data base and copying on cd rom. © 2021 Pennines Stargazing Festival, and Beaujolais UGGp Publication Editor 3 Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark, Slovenia Calendar 02 39 The TeachOUT App, an Opportunity for Fun Science Education in 03 FOREWORD the UNESCO Global Geoparks Geoparks: Territories of resilience 40 TERRA.vita UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany Advancing environmental education within the framework of the Digital Meetings, Global Geoparks Sustainable Development Goals during and after the Covid-19 05 Digital Meetings, a new communication tool for the EGN in pandemic difficult times 41 Parco del Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy 07 The European Geoparks Week 2020 When the going gets tough, Beigua Geopark gets smart! a new communication EARTH HERITAGE RESILIENCE Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal Massif des Bauges UNESCO Global Geopark, France 42 From a geotechnical potential hazard to an innovative EUROPEAN GEOPARKS EUROPEAN GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL 11 Increasing awareness about the geological framework and interpretation tool: the active Ponsul Fault climatic changes 43 Pollino UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy tool for the EGN 12 Novohrad–Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, Hungary – Slovakia Each rock has its own water The transnational Photo Marathon during the Covid-19 Orígens UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Pandemic 44 The stolen fossil of a new species of crocodile described in 13 North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark, UK Orígens Geopark returns home North Pennines Stargazing Festival gets remote 45 GEOMÔN UNESCO Global Geopark in difficult times 14 Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece Geology and climate change on the isle of Anglesey Facing the consequences of COVID-19 in Psiloritis UGGp 46 UNESCO Global Geopark Harz - Braunschweiger Land - Ostfalen, Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece Germany 15 Geology Shapes Local Architecture and Vice Versa: The Example The renewed fossil exhibition of Zakros Village in Sitia Geopark Maestrazgo UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain 47 Maestrazgo Geopark Trail Running Centre (Allepuz, Spain): A VIKOS- AOOS UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece Global Geosite with the elite of mountain athletics 16 Informing the business community and the local population of the Vikos- Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark GEOTOURISM Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark, Netherlands 17 Resilience to adversity in the Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO 48 The Expedition gateway ‘Farming in the Hondsrug’ is opened Global Geopark Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark, Czech Republic 49 Rimini TTG Travel Experience hosts Rocca di Cerere UNESCO 18 Geopark UNESCO Bohemian Paradise in the Covid Period Global Geopark: Sicilian cultural heritage VILLUERCAS-IBORES-JARA UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Adamello Brenta UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy 19 Resilience activities in Villuercas-Ibores-Jara UGGp 50 Tourists become ParKeepers in the Adamello Brenta UNESCO Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany Global Geopark! 20 Corona virus or the rediscovery of home in the Swabian Alb Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy Geopark 51 The Via GeoAlpina: geotrekking for sustainable development Trollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark, Norway Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain 21 Towards a more resilient future – Nordic youths encounter past 52 The Basque Coast Geopark celebrates its 10th anniversary and future climate changes Beaujolais UNESCO Global Geopark, France UNESCO Global Geopark Styrian Eisenwurzen, Austria 53 Seducing local travellers - from digital tours to micro-adventures 22 Resilience in adversity Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Ireland 54 Catalunya Central UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain 23 The value of a Geopark business network during times of crisis: Montserrat, a reference point for promoting the Catalunya an example from the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UGGp, Ireland Central Geopark to millions of people Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global Geopark, Belgium 55 Bergstraße-Odenwald UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany 24 Reinventing the Geopark’s activities during the crisis: Famenne- Involving local communities - geodata management and Global Ardenne for Children Agenda 2030 platform Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, France 56 Cilento, Vallo Di Diano and Alburni UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy 25 Innovation and Adaptation in the Chablais UGGp in the Face of Best practices for sustainable development in Cilento, Vallo Di Unprecedented Challenges Diano and Alburni UGGp: the GeoPark brand and Mediterranean Diet taste network Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Iceland 26 Rediscovering one’s own country during Covid-19 Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark, Cyprus s we welcomed the New Year 2021, most unable to hold physical meetings, conferences or Image from the 57 The restoration of mining heritage sites as a powerful tool for Kula- Salihli UNESCO Global Geopark,Turkey screen during geotourism: A case study of the historical Asbestos Mine that Aof us were probably more than happy to say training courses during this period, and scheduled 27 Activities in Kula-Salhili Geopark during the Covid-19 pandemic the first EGN became a model for future restoration projects in Cyprus. goodbye to 2020. Corona virus, pandemic, Cov- evaluation and revalidation missions were post- Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Digital Forum Luberon UNESCO Global Geopark, France id-19, these must have been the most frequently poned. However, we have managed, we have es- 28 La Geria, an example of resilience in adversity 58 meeting. Luberon Gratitude, an initiative from geopartners and tourism used words during the last 12 months. We have all tablished other ways to keep in contact! 29 Madonie UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy professionals from the Luberon UNESCO Global Geopark to Abies nebrodensis an example of “Resilience in Nature” thank the pandemic frontline workers experienced the consequences and restrictions, in The 20th anniversary of the EGN 20, planned our private and working lives. The EGN, as the ac- to be celebrated in Papuk UGGp, had to be de- EDUCATION English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, UK 59 The Geopark In Focus tive Global Geopark Network in Europe, has been ferred, at first for some weeks and months but Magma UNESCO Global Geopark, Norway 30 Karavanke/Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark, Slovenia– will now hopefully take place in 2021. When we The TeachOUT App: an example of resilience activities in 60 education Austria realized that the Covid-19 situation would stay Olimpline - new adrenaline attraction in the Karavanke/ Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark, Austria with us for a longer time than foreseen, we invit- Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark 31 Mythogeography - Storytelling with a realistic background UNESCO designates 15 new Geoparks in Asia, Europe, and Latin ed all European Geoparks to the first EGN Digital THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK TODAY 61 32 America Forum. Not as a replacement for the EGN Coor- dination Committee Meetings, the Forum is not LIST OF THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK TODAY PRESENTATION 34 a decision-making body, but an important tool to Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark, UK meet, to hear from each other, to share informa- 35 Summer Educational Programmes 64 Introducing the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark tion and updates and to feel connected. 36 Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark, Finland Djerdap UNESCO Global Geopark, Serbia An innovative tool kit for geoheritage interpretation in Rokua 65 “It is magnificent to stand on the banks of the Danube...” The first Digital Forum took place on 5th June UNESCO Global Geopark 2020 and almost all Geoparks were present. It Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal Vulkaneifel UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany 66 A New Portuguese UNESCO Global Geopark: Estrela - was important to discuss the future meeting cal- 37 Vulkaneifel UGGp`s new field guide course integrates. a mountain of resilience endar, clarify the nature and possibilities for fu- Sustainable Development Goals ture digital meetings and of course get updates. Sierras Subbéticas UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain 67 Lauhanvuori - Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark, Finland 38 Virtual gymkhana connecting students with geoheritage From mountains to mires Naturally, most colleagues were concerned about 4 5 The European

Image used in the presentation by Benjamin EUROPEAN GEOPARKS EUROPEAN EUROPEAN GEOPARKS EUROPEAN Van Wyk De Geoparks Week Vries (IUGS) outlining the role of the IUGS Heritage Sites and Collections Subcommission established in 2016 to review applications for 2020 Global Geopark membership.

the UNESCO Global Geoparks procedures, such as revalidations and evaluations, but another important issue on the agenda was “Geoparks and resilience” – a theme that has become the signa- ture for Geopark activities which also points into the future. Already during this first Digital Forum Papuk Geopark, Croatia we started to talk about “The World after” – in a context closely connected to the UN’s Sustain- able Development Goals. Geoparks can play an active role in supporting resilience in local communities. We also summarized feedback on the structure and organization of future meetings, a Cabo de Gata -Nijar Geopark, Spain process that will continue, as soon as we are able to meet again, as a full decision-making body in the Coordination Committee. The 3rd Digital Forum is scheduled for 26th During the second Digital Forum on 15 Sep- January 2021. As coordinators we are looking tember, it was a pleasure to welcome six new forward to meet again in this new format, to Geoparks and two new member states into our discuss further the developments and directions network. The Russian Federation and Serbia both for Global Geoparks – but most of all we hope to have their first UNESCO Global Geopark! We meet everybody face to face during 2021! agreed “business as usual” concerning the EGN communication tools, the EGN Newsletters and Kristin Rangnes and Charalampos Fassoulas, the EGN Magazine. EGN Coordinators Sitia Geopark, Greece

very year European Geoparks Week (sometimes called Ethe Geoparks Festival) is held during late May and early June. The dates for Geoparks Week are a major item in the calendar of annual events for all European Origens Geopark, Spain Geoparks. This European-wide festival aims to raise public awareness about Geoparks, their role in conserving the geological heritage, in educational activities and how they endeavour to provide economic benefit for the local people by promoting geotourism. It also demonstrates to communities that they are part of a wider European Image used in Network. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, na- the presentation tionwide lockdowns and the breakdown of international by Sophie Justice and national tourism, 2020 was not a “normal year” for (Chablais UGGp) summarizing European Geoparks. In previous years EGN Week activi- the results and ties included group participation in outdoor activities, recommendations e. g. guided tours, cycling and photography, as well as of the EGN Survey indoor activities such as talks and social events. In 2020 undertaken with the possibility for group activities during EGN Week was Chris Woodley- either restricted or prohibited. Consequently, some pro- Stuart (North grammes involved online provision or combined online Pennines UGGp). Central Catalunia Geopark, Spain with outdoor activities. 6 7 The European Geo parks Week 2020 EUROPEAN GEOPARKS EUROPEAN EUROPEAN GEOPARKS EUROPEAN

Terras de Cavaleiros, Portugal Chelmos Vouraikos Geopark, Greece El Hierro Geopark, Spain

Idrija Geopark, Slovenia Las Loras Geopark,Spain Katla Geopark, Iceland

TERRA.vita, GEOPARK, Germany

Chablais Geopark, France Group participation in 2020 EGN Week programmes include introducing participants to geo-routes, activities with children and involvement in World Cleanup Day and the opening event for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Ac- tion Week 2020. Guided tours provided Cabo de Gata – Nijar UGGP, Novohrad–Nógrád UGGp, Sitia UGGp and Vikos – Aoos UGGp Geopark Harz Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen, Germany Novohrad-Nograd Geopark, Hungary-Slovakia with an opportunity to showcase landscapes and geological features in their territories. Harz-Braunschweiger Land – Ostfalen UGGp explored its georoutes with children and used the opportunity to monitor informa- Naturtejo Geopark, Portugal tion provided at its geosites. The Geopark’s Geoguides recorded videos of “Geopoints’’ in the territory. Magma UGGp’s Viking Tour provided an opportunity for school children to explore the cultural history of Egersund City. Vis Archipelago UGGp organized kindergarten outings to a museum and a beach Vikos - Aoos Geopark, Greece Rokua Geopark, Finland Sobrarbe- Pirineos Geopark, Spain and, together with Kula–Salihli UGGp, par- ticipated in UN World Cleanup Day in their territories. The newly renovated House nine videos celebrating the International Year of tions included an introduction to Katla UGGp and of the Pannonian Sea Information Centre Plant Health. European Geoparks were celebrated its geology and geological history. Las Loras UGGp provided Papuk UGGp with the venue for a in Chablais UGGp in an online travel blog celebrat- provided talks, videos and photographs of Spanish presentation to schoolchildren. ing the 20th anniversary of the European Geoparks and European Geoparks. Video presentations of Online programmes were very varied. Network. Chelmos Vouraikos UGGp organized and geosites in Rokua UGGp received almost 20,000 Central Catalunya UGGp broadcast the judged the results of photographs submitted for the views. Sierras Subbeticas UGGp organized a virtual narration of a tale about the Geopark and 1st Chelmos Vouraikos Amateur Photo Competition. gymkhana with five challenges and a diploma for developed an experiment for viewers to un- The Webinar VII Conference on the Geological Herit- successfully completing the gymkhana. The “Written derstand subsidence of the ground’s surface age of the Canary Islands was included in El Hierro in Rocks” exhibition in the new Idrija UGGp’s Visitor which is common in the territory. Origens UGGp’s online activities. Sobrarbe–Pirineos UGGp Centre was promoted in a virtual tour. The Geopark UGGp produced a play for families that ad- organized a web conference on “Glaciers and Karst” also promoted its trails with the TeachOut App on dressed problems associated with emotional and combined with Causes du Quercy UGGp in web Idrija UGGp trails. Sierras Subbeticas Geopark, Spain management and health and also produced conferences and other activities. Online presenta- Opportunities for self-guided tours are highlight- 8 9 Massif des Bauges UNESCO Global Geopark, France Increasing awareness about the geological framework and climatic changes RESILIENCE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS EUROPEAN

Kula SALIHLI Geopark, Turkey Magma Geopark, Norway

Tamié Géosite. Trollfjell Geopark, Norway Vis Archipelago Geopark, Croatia View of the ed by TERRA.vita UGGp in its hiking fun booklet age inflicted by fires in 2017. Mont Blanc The variety of activities delivered, despite Cov- Massif and “Wanderpass-Wanderspaß”. The Geopark also toposcope about developed a unique activity involving handicrafts id-19, is testimony to the Geoparks’ resilience and the Grand Arc using natural materials. Trollfjell UGGp developed inventiveness. We look forward to building on these Massif and the achievements in hopefully a more “normal year” and encouraged self-guided GeoBike cycle tours. Isère Valley. for European Geoparks Week 2021. Photo by C. Lansigu. During nationwide lockdown Naturtejo UGGp improved its Orvalho GeoTrail and planted thou- Tony Ramsay - [email protected] n 2020 new toposcopes for reading landscape were public to search for clues about the geological and

sands of native tree species addressing the dam- Barnabás Korbély - [email protected] 2020 Week Geoparks European The Iinstalled in the Bauges Massif Geopark. The Tamie glacial heritage at this geosite. Fort toposcopes, are located at a recreational site The second set of three toposcopes is installed at with fantastic panoramic views of the Mont Blanc the iconic site of the Nivolet Cross which dominates NATURAL Massif. The fort is a former 10 sites defence system the town of Chambery. Former dilapidated toposcopes HISTORY around the town of Albertville. Over a long period, were removed many years ago depriving the public

United Nations Adamello Brenta MUSEUM Educational, Scientiﬁc and UNESCO with declining visitor numbers, the fort was, for a few of descriptions of the amazing Alpine scenery and Cultural Organization Global Geopark OF THE LESVOS PETRIFIED FOREST years, well known for a treetop adventure course. Un- the Le Bourget Lake. The Nivolet Cross is one of the fortunately, in 2019 the adventure course equipment hiking hot spots, both in summer and in winter with was badly damaged in a storm which threatened the snowshoes. Each toposcope deals with one specific Digital Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks 2021 economic value of the site. In a demonstration of re- theme. The Sire toposcope explains the geological silience the company that manages the site, decided, framework that determined the location and the UNESCO Global Geoparks and Sustainability with the help of the Geopark to improve the site. This characteristics of the Le Bourget Lake, one of the project included new signage, welcome panels and a two largest lakes of glacial origin in France. The lake map of the site. Two trails are now accessible to the occupies a depression in molasse deposits and is sited public to discover both the historic and landscaped between two folds associated with thrust faults. The areas of the site. It also included two toposcopes other two topscopes, located near the foot of the 20 indicating significant features in the landscape. The metres high cross, concern the deglaciation history first shows the glacial history of the Isere Valley, one of the Le Bourget Lake and more recent collapse of LESVOS ISLAND of the largest glacial valleys in the Alps. The location The Granier Mountain due to a substantial landslide in and development of the valley was created mainly 1248 respectively. The new set of toposcopes allows by the geology. The second toposcope shows the dif- the public to appreciate the physical and historical 7-20 June 2021 ferent facets of human occupation in the perched characteristics of the area, and to be better prepared valley of Tamié, including a rich and specific water to adapt to the ongoing climatic change. resource. This project should be completed in 2021 GREECE with a geological orienteering race to encourage the Christophe Lansigu - [email protected]

Registration: http://www.petrifiedforest.gr/geoparks2020/ Le Sire Information - Secretariat: information [email protected] | [email protected] panel which shows the geological Detail of the framework of geology shown the Le Bourget on the Le Sire Lake. toposcope. Photo by B. Photo by B. Tiberghien. Tiberghien.

United Nations UNESCO Chair on Geoparks Educational, Scientific and and sustainable development 11 LESVOS Cultural Organization of insular and coastal areas. GEOPARK University of the Aegean, Greece Novohrad–Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark, UK Hungary – Slovakia North Pennines Stargazing The transnational Photo Festival gets remote Marathon during the Covid-19 to encourage visitors outside of the main tourist season. The long, dark evenings are also the perfect RESILIENCE RESILIENCE time for stargazing. Pandemic The dark skies are one of the effects of an upland landscape. The area has a small population and the he biannual cross-border Medves Photo Mara- distance from cities means that light pollution is Tthon is a popular best practice activity in the very low. Finding a clear night in the North Pennines Slovak-Hungarian transnational Novohrad-Nógrád isn’t always easy, but the reward of thousands of UNESCO Global Geopark. The programme is organ- stars and the misty band of the Milky Way above ized in the picturesque Medves Plateau. This is the the hills is well worth the wait. largest basalt lava plateau in Central Europe and a In 2020, like everything else, this event had to be protected landscape with a rich natural and cultural modified. Gathering groups of people in an inflat- heritage. able planetarium, a village hall, or even sharing a Unfortunately, due to the springtime Covid-19 re- telescope outdoors is a difficult and often impos- strictions most activities, including this planned pro- sible prospect at this time. The majority of the gramme had to be cancelled during EGN Week 2020. festival has therefore moved to remote activities However, the organizers did not abandon the for a North Pennines Stargazing Week. event, and sponsored by the Olympus Company, This year’s activities include daily star tips from held the 5th OLYMPUS Photo Marathon from 9 -11 a local astronomer, online talks with a series of October. The event was attended by 250 amateur expert speakers, how-to guides, an online exhibi- and professional photographers from Slovakia and tion of night photography, suggestions of where Hungary. Contributors included members of the 16th The Milky Way to go and what to look for, self-led activities for over High Force Honvéd Military Tradition Preservation Group and prize giving will be accompanied by an exhibition of The website families and lots of social media activity. Atten- Waterfall. the Börzsöny Heavy Infantry who enacted historical announcement tion is also focused on the North Pennines’ Dark the best work.. © Gary Lintern. events and posed as models for the photographers. The event proved to be an exceptionally effective for the Skies Discovery Sites – a selection of designated Photographers and contributors wore face masks, tool for raising public awareness of nature conserva- cross-border he North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural locations spread across the nearly 2000 square adhered to social distancing and had access to dis- Medves Photo Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark kilometres of the Geopark. These sites are fairly tion issues, for promoting the Geopark concept and Marathon. T infectants. sustainable tourism and for strengthening coopera- has some of the darkest skies in England. This is easy to access but the low levels of light pollution Unique and special events in Hungarian locations tion between the Geopark’s stakeholders and the one of the features that makes the area particu- make them perfect places to enjoy the night sky at its best. included photography in the House of Geowonders in local inhabitants. larly special, alongside its internationally acclaimed The necessary changes could mean missing Salgóbánya and in the nearby forests and mountain This event also provided amateur photographers geological heritage, unique combination of rare out this year on some of the physical experiences peaks. In the Salgo Fortress there was an opportunity with an opportunity to meet and photograph the flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes and fascinat- and emotional connections that looking through to photograph enactments of World War II images, natural, historical and cultural assets of this bordering cultural history. The AONB Partnership (which a professional telescope, visiting a planetarium, and armored knights stood guard in the castle. Sun- less and photographer-friendly Geopark. manages the Geopark) has organized a successful attending a hands-on event or spending a night rise and sunset tours were directed by local guides The multifaceted Photo Marathon is a very suc- Stargazing Festival annually since 2017, with the under the stars with dozens of others might bring. and a 27metre high platform served as a location cessful grassroots marketing tool. Images captured support of other organizations and partners. The However, it may also mean that more people, or for photographs from a bird’s eye view. during the event can be viewed by thousands of peo- aim is to inspire people to stop and take notice of Special events in the Slovak area of the Geopark a broader range of people, are inspired to get out ple using different social media platforms. these fantastic dark skies, to learn more about included an opportunity to take sunrise photos. In and experience the wonders of the dark night skies The event brings people of different inter- the world and the universe we live in, and above the afternoon’s location, the castle in Fülek/Fiľakovo, for themselves. Watch this space. ests together. Through their shared experi- all to enjoy the experience. The festival is held in photographers could take evening photos of enacted ences, participants can become advocates of October, to coincide with a school holiday week and Naomi Foster – [email protected] images based on the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch the Geopark by sharing their photos on their and of models in medieval dress. own websites and blogs. View the promotional Although the event itself is over, as a follow up a video of the event on https://www.youtube.com/ photo competition was declared for the best pho- watch?v=I5e3dmf5h3U&feature=emb_logo tographs in the categories of landscape, people and wildlife. The main prize, an OLYMPUS E-M5III 1240 Imre Szarvas - [email protected] Kit (E-M5 Mark III body, EZ-M1240PRO lens, charger, Bükk National Park Directorate battery, lens hood), was donated by the sponsor. As Novohrad-Nograd Geopark Headquarters. H-3100 Sal- is customary following the previous four events the gotarjan, Eresztvenyi ut 6, Hungary.

A lady and her knight modelled during sunset The night sky Amateur photography at Burnhope photographers in the castle in Reservoir. in action. Fülek/Fiľakovo. © Gary Lintern.

12 13 Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece Facing the consequences Geology Shapes Local of COVID-19 in Psiloritis UGGp Architecture and Vice Versa: The Example of Zakros Village RESILIENCE RESILIENCE in Sitia Geopark

Addressing the Covid-19 Addressing pandemic. the Covid-19 The Hellenic pandemic with Geoparks Forum the Hellenic campaign Geopark Forum’s entitled campaign “Experience “Experience with safety An image of with safety the Cultural Zakros village, the Cultural and Natural showing how and Natural Monuments of the settlement Monuments of the Greek and follows the river the Greek and Cyprus UGGps” channel. Cyprus UGGps” promotes the illages and groups of settlements are a large the river’s flow and blends with the earthen materials promotes dairy digital tools of Vpart of the image of Geoparks. There is a belief of the area. products. Psiloritis UGGp. that environment is the only factor which determines But this is just one side of the coin. The inhabitants siloritis UGGp was one of the Geoparks that faced ence with safety the Cultural and Natural Monuments the shape and the process of creating these compo- of Zakros made the choice to follow the river’s flow Pquite severe consequences of Covid-19. Following of the Greek and Cyprus UGGps”. Through the sum- nents of the image. Thinking in this way leads to the to accommodate the activities that they wanted to global lockdown, the opening of the tourism season mer the Geopark used its social media channels to conclusion that the environment and the conditions develop in this area. Milling cereals in watermills was was postponed for three months and the number of promote several of its partners and stakeholders. A that it provides are the only factors which determine the main, and initially, the only activity that occurred in visitors, participants, customers etc. was reduced short message was developed in Greek and English where the buildings are built, how they are built and Zakros. Furthermore, the local building materials were by up to 80% in most cases for most of the summer. for each case, accompanied with a few representa- how they are used. But what the eyes see within the used to support the economy. These prescribed choic- In adapting to the new situation, the Geopark used tive images. The posted messages were linked both landscape of a Geopark is the reflection of a dynamic es that initiated the creation of the village followed several tools for e-training and virtual visits developed with the promoted enterprise’s web site and social interrelationship between humans and the Earth. It metaphysical paths, became symbols and systems media pages, with the EGN’s web pages, and pages in an earlier INTERREG project. The GEO-IN. Psiloritis is the image of a dialogue between the inhabitants of significance and were produced and reproduced project produced the Geopark’s Interactive web-map of international projects such as RURITAGE, a project and their needs and the factors that the environment through time producing the image which we see today. focused on Rural regeneration through heritage in which allows visitors to interact with more than 200 provides at each place at a specific time. which the Geopark is involved. Concluding, what we see in the Geoparks is not virtual 360° panoramas and trips. The Geopark’s social Geology in fact influences the shape and the form media continuously promoted these tools during the The very successful campaign reached a broad do- merely the result of Earth processes. It is a dynamic of the environment. Taking the example of Zakros, it lockdown, increasing the visibility of the Geopark and mestic and international audience. At present we are reciprocal process between the environment, humans is possible to recognize the elements leading to some providing an opportunity to enjoy our heritage from a unable to assess its impact on the local economy and and their activities. The picture that our eyes see distance, even to groups with disabilities. how it may have supported the income of our stake- of the parameters which influence the architecture of and our minds observe is the product of a continuous However, overcoming the impact of the pandemic holders, but we can certainly claim that it increased the village. In Zakros the residential area follows the bidirectional interaction, in which environment and on the local economy presented the greatest chal- their, and the Geopark’s visibility. Tracking our social channel created by the river valley. What is more, the geology does not determine but evokes and provides lenge. To mitigate the impact and try to support its media statistics, we can identify some very important form of the buildings is influenced by the abundance opportunities, which people use for formalistic or Estimates partners and supporters the Geopark developed the facts. Firstly, the campaign appeared to have been of natural materials used in their construction. Stones symbolic aspects. of the number initiative “Psiloritis Supports Its Supporters” which appreciated by the enterprises, their followers and the from the limestone substrate and mortar from the of people who continued through the summer period. It was inaugu- general public. This can be estimated from the number clay and quartz soil that occur in this area, are the Konstantinos Perakis- Dipl. Product and Systems viewed any rated during EGN Week coinciding with the Hellenic of followers that these posts reached which, in most sources of the building materials. As a result, the Design Engineering & MSc Architecture Building and of the posts. Geoparks Forum’s wider campaign entitled “Experi- cases, were several times more than the normal posts image of the village is of a settlement, which follows Planning - [email protected] of the Geopark and stakeholders. Secondly, connecting the posts with the publicized enterprise’s social media also promoted the Geopark’s pages resulting in an increase in the number of the Geopark’s followers, which almost doubled, and in the number of people following the enterprises. Finally, we can recognize the Section of an strengthening of the bonds between the Geopark and old wall in Zakros showing its stakeholders, that is demonstrated for example the building through the increase of the Geopark’s post shared by materials from stakeholders during and after the campaign. stone and mortar derived One of the Charalampos Fassoulas - [email protected] from the local watermills in Psiloritis UGGp, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, area. Zakros.

14 15 VIKOS- AOOS UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal Informing the business Resilience to adversity community and the local in the Terras de Cavaleiros population of the Vikos- Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark RESILIENCE RESILIENCE UNESCO Global Geopark

Presenting the THEMA app to the public. espite the circumstances resulting from Covid-19, the THEMA app, which combines information for the visi- Socially distanced Dduring spring and summer 2020, the Management tor with the possibility of playing (gamification) through visitors viewing group of the Vikos- Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark, Epirus a process involving enrollment and reward. The THEMA exhibits in the S.A.- Development Agency, continued with its planned app involves tourism entrepreneurs, attracts new audi- Geopark’s Visitor activities. However, most were inevitably digital involv- ences and at the same time offers quality and advanced Centre. ing online meetings and events. services to everyone including tourists, travel agents and owadays we are facing a global pandemic due offer, the Geopark engaged in partnerships with tour An exception was the event organized at the open tourism professionals operating in the area. Nto the Coronavirus outbreak and resilient ter- operators from the territory. These partnerships al- theatre of Monodentri (Monday, July 13, 2020) with the Apart from the presentation of the application, the ritories such as Geoparks have to adapt to this new lowed us to create a two-day package where a unique aim of informing businessmen and locals in the Geopark, other topic developed involved the opening of the reality. (Geo)tourism experience is provided, promoting the regarding the latest actions concerning the promotion Geopark to the local community through its participation In response to the pandemic, the Terras de Cavalei- history, the tradition, the culture and gastronomy of the area through the Vikos- Aoos UGGp. in the Volunteer and Business Networks of the Vikos- ros UNESCO Global Geopark has shown its readiness (GEOfood) of our territory. The event had a dual purpose; namely to motivate Aoos UGGp. by developing some initiatives, with the purpose of Therefore, the Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Glo- volunteering in the local community, and at the same This event was crowned with success due to the sig- minimizing the impacts of this crisis on the territory. bal Geopark delivers continuity to the learning proc- time to provide information about promoting tourism in nificant participation of the business community and Firstly, the Geopark created several touristic and ess, reinforcing the UNESCO pillars, Geoeducation, the area with new tools, such as the mobile application local people, who expressed their interest in participat- promotional videos, highlighting and advertising Geotourism and Geoconservation. THEMA App. This was developed within the project “New ing at all levels. Consequently (Monday July 20, 2020), a the territory’s rich heritage. Short videos presenting Technologies in the Service of Developing Interregional working meeting in the premises of Epirus SA- Develop- various aspects of the Geopark’s heritage were cre- João Alves - [email protected] Thematic Routes’’ with the acronym THEMA Project), ment Agency was held with representatives of all official ated, for example historical, cultural, gastronomic, and was implemented in the framework of the Interreg tourism agencies of Zagori. The purpose of the meeting religious and mining. These involved interacting with Greece - Albania Programme. was to strengthen the cooperation and association of the local inhabitants. More specifically, in order to highlight the special the management body of the Vikos- Aoos UGGp with The Geopark diversified its educational provision, geological, natural and cultural heritage of the area, the local business community through its official rep- creating some virtual lessons about the main themes thematic routes were designed and created, focusing resentatives and collective organizations involving the of the territory. These virtual lessons consist of video on nature and geology, culture and gastronomy, having Association of Tourist Enterprises of Zagori, the Federa- lectures given on digital platforms in which previ- as their central axis the Vikos- Aoos UGGp and the wider tion of Rooms to Let of Epirus, the Papigo Professionals ously provided scripts lead to a better understanding area of Zagori. The pioneering element of the project lies Association and the Municipality of Zagori. of the lesson delivered by the Geopark collaborators. in the presentation of cultural-thematic routes through The main topics discussed included the creation of Finally, in order to enrich and diversify the touristic a network of volunteers, the promotion of the Geopark through the business community, as well as the registration and promotion of the new THEMA App of the Vikos- Aoos UGGp. For your information, the email access addresses for the application are as follows: For visitors: https://play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.lime.thema&hl=en_US and https://apps. apple.com/us/app/thema-tourism-app/ id1515481330. A fieldtrip to a Adults and Testing the Haritakis Papaioannou - [email protected] geosite in Terras children visit a THEMA app in Georgia Kitsaki - [email protected] de Cavaleiros geosite in the the field. Aristotelis Stagikas - [email protected] UGGp. Geopark.

16 17 Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark, VILLUERCAS-IBORES-JARA Czech Republic UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Geopark UNESCO Bohemian Resilience activities Paradise in the Covid Period in Villuercas-Ibores-Jara UGGp RESILIENCE RESILIENCE tion with the Province, provided other measures concerning tourism. In this case joint marketing activities were proposed for companies in the Geopark. - The EU funded LEADER Group has received 83 applications for new entrepreneurial projects. More than 60 are new economic activities in the Ge- opark involving an investment of approximately €3,500,000.

Secondly, the Geopark has been involved in some innovative initiatives for companies: - Integrating experiences of agri-food and tourism companies; increasing the partners associated in the Geopark Companies Association “Geovilluercas”. Children are shown how - Promoting the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Olive Oil Appellation of Origin and other National Trade to grind and The Geopark’s anaging a Geopark is certainly complicated Marks for chestnuts and local sausages. polish rocks for president Ms. during a pandemic when social mobility and making jewelry. M - Promoting a new Marketing Plan for promotion, Charo Cordero economic activities have suffered countless restric- branding and access to new markets, including inaugurates the tions. The educational centres have been closed n 2020, Bohemian Paradise UGGp focused its At thirteen sites, focused mainly on the geologi- Participants new itinerary the new Geopark webpage. most of the time although they are restoring class- activities on the promotion of lesser-known cal heritage of the Bohemian Paradise, participants in the the for La Villuerca. I room activities for the new school year. Field trips geosites in order to expand the domestic provision could make stone jewelry, try grinding grain on a Bohemian It is important to note the opening of the new Paradise and outdoor activities in the Geopark have been of tourist destinations during the Covid -19 stone mill, panning for Czech garnets, become ac- itinerary for the Villuercas Peak Trail following the Geopark Day restricted. For tourism companies, the impact was pandemic. On the website www.geoparkceskyraj. quainted with the gems of the Bohemian Paradise modification of the 11 km military track approved are introduced very serious during the spring and more benign cz the Geopark published 65 geological sites with and watch a demonstration of cutting and polishing by the Ministry of Defence as a part of the Geo- to gemstones during the summer season. This also had conse- photographs and descriptions in three languages precious stones. Other activities included: stringing from the Czech park’s tourism provision. This itinerary immediately quences for levels of employment, which fluctuated - Czech, German and English. These localities glass beads, making stone rings, carving sandstone Republic became the most visited site in the Geopark. strongly. The rate of unemployment increased by represent the enormous geological diversity of sculptures and making sand mandalas. Volunteers Regarding the Educational Project Geocentros, a more than 11% during the most critical period, the entire Geopark. Information about individual from the Centre for Ecological Education provided series of on-line activities were delivered. Among and increased by 8% during the rest of the year. geosites is regularly published on Facebook information about nature in the Bohemian Paradise them, a collection of sheets called “Learning with Agri-food companies performed well and had a together with a monthly talk by a geologist about UGGp. The puppet show “How glassmakers learned Geopaca” about the geological, natural and cultural significant role in the Geopark’s activities. one of the geosites recorded on the website. to melt red glass” was intended for the youngest heritage of the territory, and a word search puzzle In this situation, the Geopark and its partners have After the government relaxed first lockdown children. about the Geopark’s fossils. increased their joint activity for various purposes: measures in the summer, the Bohemian Paradise Prehistoric man introduced visitors to life in the Finally, the networking activities have provided Geopark, in cooperation with the Centre for Eco- Stone Age – hunting with spears and making fire many opportunities for exchange with other Euro- logical Education in the Sedmihorky Camp, organ- Firstly, the emergency measures taken by the pean, Latin American and Spanish Geoparks. They by rubbing sticks together received the most at- Geopark members as public administrators: ized the Bohemian Paradise Geopark Day. The rich tention. constitute not only a core activity for the UNESCO programme, set in a beautiful location framed by - The Province of Cáceres (responsible for the Global Geoparks Network but also a very important Families enjoy Visitors also obtained information about the Bo- the scenery of the Hruboskalsko Sandstone Rock Geopark’s management) provided grants to activity for engaging during the lockdown. the the puppet hemian Paradise Geopark through leaflets, maps Town and in sunny weather, attracted hundreds support companies. It also facilitated more than show “How and the Bohemian Paradise Tourist Newspaper, 60 opportunities for new jobs in the Geopark’s glassmakers of participants - especially families with children, as well as from the lecture given by the Geopark’s José María Barrera - [email protected] municipalities. Javier López - [email protected] learned to melt for whom the programme was mainly intended. geologist. red glass”. The event was also promoted by Czech Television. - The Government of Extremadura, in coopera- Iván Cortijo - [email protected] Geopark UNESCO Bohemian Paradise Bohemian Paradise is not only a picturesque combination of rocks, forests, ponds and folk architecture, but also a unique area with an extraordinary diversity of geological phenomena. It was the combination of biogenic and abiogenic processes together with human activity that gave this region a unique ‘’genius loci’’. Over hundreds of millions of years, the area has been at the bottom of seas and lakes, and subject to several episodes of volcanic activity. It is a geological textbook full of rock sandstone towns, ancient Agri-food honey “Learning with volcanoes, gorges, river valleys, caves, karst phe- producing Geopaca” sheets nomena and deposits of gems and fossils. companies are are available on new partners in the Geopark’s Blanka Nedvědická - [email protected] the Geopark. website.

18 19 Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany Trollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark, Norway Corona virus or Towards a more resilient the rediscovery of home future – Nordic youths in the Swabian Alb Geopark encounter past and future RESILIENCE RESILIENCE climate changes Geopark arranged an excursion for the local students to mount Torghatten, a residual mountain on the strandflat. Torghatten is an extraordinary example of Quaternary landscape evolution which makes it a perfect site to observe the effects of climate change. Waves, frost and salt have eroded the hard granite rock during long periods over the last 2-3 million years. The distinctive hole in the mountain is a marine abrasion cave that has broken through the mountain itself. The area includes raised shorelines with pebbles, beaches and traces of Stone Age settlements, and is a great site to learn about the first human settlements along the Norwegian coast 10 - 11, 000 years ago. The caves and the ancient shorelines reveal a history of climate change and sea-level change. Field Sinter terraces activities play an important role in understanding are typical A limestone Mount ith 1,8 billion of the world’s population be- geological history and are a key source for teaching geosites in the terrace, badly Torghatten - a tween 10 and 24 years old we now have the and motivating the students to engage with the Swabian Alb W damaged by national tourist largest youth population in human history. Under- challenges in tomorrow’s climate. UGGp. intense footfall. Student attraction with standing the commitment and contribution from excursion at n spring 2020, the pandemic severely restricted some of these entries with recommendations for a prominent sea young people is necessary in working towards a Charlotte Olsen - [email protected] Torghatten. Ithe social life and people’s mobility in Germany. bathing are illustrated on Google Maps. The high cave created by more sustainable future. Thea Krossøy - [email protected] Photo by Many people used the freedom to move, regained number of visitors poses significant problems for marine erosion. Trollfjell Geopark (Norway), Katla Geopark (Ice- Trollfjell UNESCO Global Geopark Trollfjell Photo by Bjørn http://www.trollfjellgeopark.no/ Geopark. after lockdown, to explore destinations in their own tourist organizations. Increasingly, the Geopark Henrik Ormø. land) and Rokua Geopark (Finland) have joined country. This included the Geopark Swabian Alb – is receiving inquiries about how to deal with the forces, providing students in the Nordic countries which is at first sight absolutely positive. On the problem on site. with an active role in building a more resilient fu- other hand, the Geopark was confronted with a What to do? The most obvious solution is to ture. Developing a better understanding of past frequently recurring problem. Currently, the high erect prohibition signs at sensitive geotopes. As and future global climate change and how to work number of visitors on calcareous tufa terraces first experiences show, many visitors are barely towards achieving the UNs Sustainable Develop- results in considerable damage to these sensi- deterred by signs. Prohibition signs do not explain ment Goals (SDGs) is essential in this context. tive geotopes. The challenge is to reconcile the to visitors why entering the terraces is not allowed. A coalition between the three Geoparks, three interests of the visitor with those of nature and Together with the communities of Lenningen and local upper secondary schools and one national environmental protection. Bad Urach, the Geopark Swabian Alb is trying to park have established a Nordplus Junior-project Calcareous tufa terraces are living geotopes. take a different approach to the problem. Instead which aims to study the parallel and interactive They are deposited from cool karstic spring water of bans, the Geopark focuses on education. In many development of nature, landscape and human cul- rich in dissolved calcium carbonate. Limestone pre- places, information panels will be erected to explain tures in Nordic rural regions, in the framework of cipitation is supported by mosses and algae. The to visitors that entering the terraces damages the selected SDGs. growing terraces provide sites for the formation flora and thus destroys the geotope. In parallel, rope Climate change worries young people because it of natural water basins. Many limestone sinter routes will be installed along sensitive sections of is such a complicated phenomenon. Understanding terraces are protected as natural monuments or the terraces to guide visitors through the sensi- the functioning of Earth’s natural processes is a as geotopes within a nature reserve. This does not tive areas. The designation of water playgrounds, prerequisite for students to be able to understand prevent many visitors from using the water basins where bathing pleasure can be combined with the the role of human activities in climate change and as swimming pools and playgrounds during hot provision of information through interactive media, the importance of recycling in the use of natural days. The flora of the terraces is often affected by is also under discussion. resources. Six of the United Nations’ SDGs (Goals 6, footfall, sometimes resulting in irreparable dam- In addition to the rope routes and the information 7, 8, 12, 13 and 14) have been chosen as the main age to the geotopes. In the meantime, bathing in panels, the Geopark also relies on the educational principles for the project. the sinter terraces has reached such a scale that input from responsible guests who point out the The project includes a student exchange pro- many are permanently damaged due to the high negative consequences to uninformed visitors gramme with visits to all three countries. Due to number of visitors. and often achieve the desired positive change in the Covid-19 pandemic, this autumn’s Icelandic visit Social media activities by private individuals behaviour. This kind of social control should not was conducted digitally with live-streaming and and bloggers increasingly contribute to the high be underestimated. Certainly, all of the suggested digital groupwork across the countries. The stu- number of visitors to the terraces. Within seconds, measures are not always successful, but it is to be dents worked with Global Goal 13, climate action. suggestions for bathing with amazing photos of expected that the damage to the geotopes will be They were focusing on climate changes, how they can be seen in Iceland and the impact of climate the attractive terraces are posted to followers, reduced to a sustainable level. who in turn, after a nice bathing experience, send changes in all the Nordic countries. these impressions to their followers. In addition, Siegfried Roth - [email protected] As part of the work on climate change, Trollfjell

20 21 UNESCO Global Geopark Burren and Cliffs of Moher Styrian Eisenwurzen, Austria UNESCO Global Geopark, Ireland Resilience in adversity The value of a Geopark business network during RESILIENCE RESILIENCE times of crisis: an example from the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UGGp, Ireland tourism businesses that adhere to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Code of Practice for Sustain- able Businesses: www.burrengeopark.ie/management-partnerships/the-geopark-code-of-practice/ The imposition of national and local lockdowns has resulted in a reduction in capacity and income during the normally busy tourist season; for example the world famous Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience was operating at 20% capacity during peak season Wolfgang Riedl - “Stone and Time this year. – Interpreter for During the period of Covid-19 restrictions the geology”. Burren Ecotourism Network produced a number of Photo by Stefan initiatives to keep the Burren to the fore as a tourist Leitner – NP Gesäuse. destination and will continue to roll out online mar- his year, 2020 is a year that will make history keting over the winter so when visitors are able to T– so why not use Earth’s history for resilience travel again, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark in adversity? For several years the UNESCO Glo- will be at the forefront of booking destinations. bal Geopark Styrian Eisenwurzen has focused on Initiatives include: the field of nature-education. For example, a new • Producing high quality promotional videos for guided tour through the so-called “Valley of But- each Network member, these will be shared across terflies” - the Spitzenbach Gorge in the municipality social media over the winter period to encourage St. Gallen - was developed. An essential component bookings for 2021. of this guided tour focuses on the geology and the Equipment used • Participation in a photo shoot for the EU Inter- on the guided Burren history of the gorge. The corona virus crisis in the reg Atlantic Geoparks Project which has developed tour “CSI- ICE Ecotourism Styrian Eisenwurzen was consequently used to ex- AGE”. Network online the new European Atlantic Geotourism Route app initiative. pand the provision of nature education and geology Photo by Stefan (Geotours) available on Google playstore which in the nature tourism programme. Therefore, the Leitner – NP Gesäuse. esilience is the ability to recover quickly from promotes local tours in each member Geopark in UGGp is delighted to have gained a new partner a trained and experienced geologist, he is also an Radversity and can only be tested during difficult Ireland, UK, Spain, Portugal and France. Visit www. and a new Geopark destination with Mr. Wolfgang interpreter of “the language of rocks” and provides conditions. For most tourism businesses across the geotourismroute.eu for more information about this Riedl, “Stone and Time – Interpreter for geology”. As interpretation services for technical questions on world, 2020 has been extremely difficult and it is transnational European Geotourism route. geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, en- likely that this will continue in 2021. Even if the direct • The annual Burren Food Fayre will be an online vironmental geology or other information about impact of Covid-19 is considerably reduced in 2021 event this year with cooking demonstrations from the subsurface. In addition, there is a wealth of (and that is very uncertain) most tourism businesses local chefs using local products each evening for a interesting information that can be extracted from rely on bookings that are made months in advance. week at 7pm. the rocks and he is the ideal person to provide it. These bookings are not being made at present due • A series of promotional competitions with local Geo-interpretation and nature education gained a to the uncertainties concerning international travel, Burren Giveaway Prizes such as free weekends at local Hylands Hotels, Doolin2Aran Ferry cruises, Aillwee new focus within the Styrian Eisenwurzen area with The ‘Burren quarantines, lockdowns etc. the help of Mr. Riedl. We are very lucky to provide Basket’. The Burren Ecotourism Network is a group of 50 Cave Hawk walks, Burren Farm Experience tours, Burren Smokehouse VIP behind the scenes tours and two of his programmes. In his guided programme lunch, Doolin Cave tour. Visit www.Facebook.com/ “Geology on a plate” you acquire geological know- VisittheBurren for further information. how, experience regional delicacies and a wealth of • The ‘Burren Basket’ - a collection of locally pro- background information. For equipment, you only duced food items available to order online from need a good appetite and a thirst for knowledge. www.burrensmokehouse.com Otherwise at “CSI- ICE AGE, you enter a world full All these initiatives which enhance resilience in of geologically prioritized “crime-scene-research”. adversity involve close and coordinated cooperation which can only be achieved through a strong local Photo, Eva Maria Vorwagner - em.vorwagner@eisenwurzen.com business network. The Burren Ecotourism Network geological was initially developed and supported by the Burren know-how can Contact & information be gained from Markt 35, 8933 St. Gallen and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark and is a closer look. +43 3632 7714 now one of our strongest partners. Photo by Stefan [email protected] Leitner – NP Gesäuse. www.eisenwurzen.com Dr Eamon Doyle - [email protected]

22 23 Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global Geopark, Belgium Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, France Reinventing the Geopark’s Innovation and Adaptation activities during the crisis: in the Chablais UGGp in the Face Famenne-Ardenne of Unprecedented Challenges RESILIENCE RESILIENCE tion shared via Facebook was hugely popular and for Children generated some of the highest viewing figures the Geopark has ever recorded. Local businesses and guides reliant on tourism and school activity were supported online through this time with a strong advertising campaign around the attractions and services within the Geopark that would be resumed on the easing of lockdown restrictions. Each publication was carefully written so that the public were An early informed about our heritage and the linked activi- lockdown ties but were not incentivised to breach lockdown FaceBook article highlighting restrictions. aspects of the Over the summer period strong interest was heritage of the registered by the Geopark for our activities that area, March had been restructured to ensure compliance with 2020. Covid restrictions. The Geopark worked carefully has been a challenging year through- to support the local tourism sector that had been 2020out the world and has required particularly hard hit by the lockdown. Largely made UNESCO Global Geoparks to draw on their strengths up of independent guides and small businesses, of local engagement and innovation to support these stakeholders work both with local schools and their local communities. The entire team from the visitors. A revised Geopark discovery programme Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark has continued to took place almost exclusively outdoors and was work full time throughout the crisis, at times in the advertised to local inhabitants and visitors. It was office, at others remotely. In response to the Covid The interactive financed by the Geopark and its public partners to game for pandemic, the Chablais UGGp revised its strategy ensure guaranteed income for the stakeholders children based to meet the new needs of its inhabitants and local most affected by the difficult circumstances. on the Hotton businesses in the area. The Geopark has a long- The Chablais UGGp is continuing its work despite Cave. standing strategy of developing projects that en- the ongoing situation by continuing to apply the rich and complement existing initiatives within its pandemic health guidelines. We are working closely y combating the impact of the coronavirus the Ardenne UGGp created eight interactive games territory. The Chablais UGGp therefore tailored its with schools to continue educational projects, plan Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global proved to based on the different tourist attractions in our B projects following a review of the different initia- events such as the annual science festival, maintain be a territory of resilience. In its reaction to the territory. These games can be downloaded for free tives of partner sites, tourist offices, educational Covid-19 pandemic the Geopark developed various on our website and on our Facebook page scientific projects and organise stakeholder actions establishments and local groups. such as Geopark training. The Chablais UGGp has actions for our local partners and for children, the Facebook post Facebook post Part of the very rapid Geopark response, as seen found alternative ways to engage with our commu- Promoting local first victims of theCovid-19 restrictions. Access .Supporting our local producers promoting elsewhere, was to reinforce its online presence. A presenting the locally produced nities and drive new projects forward for the benefit annual Science producers and to education for all in any situation is an essential Becoming a Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global need was identified for providing practical informa- food during the of our territory in this challenging time. Festival in the their products. mission for UNESCO Global Geoparks. Famenne- Geopark partner provides a unique opportunity to tion to a population under lockdown, for example, contribute to develop and spread the word about lockdown, April Chablais UGGp, 2020. how to source locally produced food. The informa- Sophie Justice - [email protected] Autumn 2020. this beautiful region, and also for showcasing and promoting contributors or activities at a local, regional, national, international and even global level. Partners entering into a Partnership Agree- ment make a contribution towards promoting the Famenne-Ardenne UNESCO Global Geopark and developing its regional identity. They also sign up to a committment for delivering the quality essential for the region’s sustainable and economic growth and are invited to join in other recognized quality initiatives. During the crisis, we helped our partners, res- taurant owners and local producers. We organized a promotional campaign via our social networks and our website to encourage the inhabitants of the Geopark territory to eat locally and to buy from the producers in their villages.

Alain Petit - [email protected] Serge Delaby - serge.delaby@geoparkfamen- neardenne.be Simon Vankeerberghen - simon.vkb@geoparkfa- menneardenne.be

24 25 Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Iceland Kula- Salihli UNESCO Global Geopark,Turkey

KULA - SALİHLİ Rediscovering one’s own JEOPARKI Activities in Kula-Salihli country during Covid-19 Geopark during the Covid-19 pandemic RESILIENCE RESILIENCE

Skógar Museum normally popular with visitors provided an indoor destination for the local people during the Covid-19 lockdown. Prof. Demir and andemics are events that adversely affect and celand, like the rest of the world, has been severe- Dr Aytaç making Peven endanger peoples’ lives. During such times Ily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The calm presentations people usually become anxious, isolate themselves response of the people living in the Katla UNESCO about the and minimize their activities outside of the home. Geopark to The mayor Global Geopark was combined with a willingness Undoubtedly, the Covid-19 pandemic also limited representatives of Kula to face the challenges posed by the virus. We are from local most of our activities in the Geopark, including accompanied fortunate that the area of the Geopark is sparsely governments. every other aspect of our lives. the cyclists populated and social distancing is therefore not Initially, and with great concern, we closed the while touring as much of a problem as in many other regions. Geopark to all visitors and events, but then became the Geopark. During the first wave of Covid-19, most countries aware that perhaps Geoparks are the safest places and repair work. including Iceland, went into lockdown during March considerable increase in outdoor activities such as The absence during the pandemic. It was for this reason that Because of the fear generated by the pandemic, 2020 and the flow of tourists to Iceland stopped hiking and cycling, and people used the time as a of tourists at we opened areas of the Kula-Salihli Geopark to a remarkable number of people have become in- almost completely. The Geopark’s population is winter holiday and as an opportunity to travel to Kvernufoss individual activities such as walking and cycling. terested in living in rural, less populated areas and heavily dependent on the tourist industry. Due to the almost empty tourist destinations. Those who Waterfall was a Currently, we are trying to turn the pandemic therefore preferred to permanently or temporarily the collapse of tourism all tourist companies were did not travel used the time for household mainte- new experience period into an opportunity for delivering education move away from densely populated metropolitan Skógafoss forced to decrease their activity or close, due to nance, hobbies, relaxation, or to take care of things for local people and conducting infrastructural improvements in centres. Waterfall, a during March The pandemic a lack of customers. This resulted in many people that had been postponed due to a lack of time. The the Geopark. On 13 October, the UN International During this period, local governors limited their popular tourist and April 2020. has provided losing their jobs or in the reduction of their work- Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we provided on- destination mood of the society was mostly light hearted dur- a great activities and started to find new alternatives. This was devoid of ing hours. ing these times and people did not worry too much opportunity for line training concerning global climate change for situation raised their awareness of the Geopark tourists during People reacted differently to the situation of about the future. Conveniently, Iceland came close maintaining 280 people. We also used this period as an op- concept. In fact, the Geopark is a new concept in March and April course, but many people, rather than seeing it as to being Covid free at the start of summer, so Ice- infrastructure in portunity to strengthen the infrastructure of the Turkey with which local governments are just be- 2020. a problem, saw it as an opportunity. There was a landic people used the opportunity to be tourists in the Geopark. Geopark and to conduct large-scale maintenance ginning to become acquainted. Considering the their own country. New sites were discovered, new pandemic period as an opportunity, we organized friends made, new experiences lived, and a new ap- some virtual meetings for some local government preciation gained. The tourist industry adopted well officials on Geoparks, geo-protection, sustainable to this new way of life, something that will hopefully development, rural tourism, rural development and be useful for the industry for years to come. the contribution that Geoparks make to these proc- However, nothing lasts forever and the situation esses. These highly successful online meetings led has again taken a turn for the worse. The second to the idea of establishing new Geopark projects wave of Covid-19 has begun, borders are most- and to accelerating projects that had been started ly closed, the travel months for Icelanders have in the past. passed by, and people working in tourism face the The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in our in- harsh Icelandic winter without much certainty. The creased understanding of the value and importance times ahead are therefore heading into a frighten- of rural areas both in Turkey and throughout the ing unknown, but spirits remain high, the society world. It has also shown the need for establishing remains ironclad in its solidarity to survive these more Geoparks in Turkey. times and look forward to a bright future. We know We join you in wishing that no other pandemics that we, together with the rest of the world will get will occur in the future. through these times. Dr. Ahmet Serdar Aytaç - [email protected] Jóhannes M. Jóhannesson - [email protected] Prof.Dr. Tuncer Demir - [email protected]

26 27 Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands Madonie UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Abies nebrodensis an example La Geria, an example of “Resilience in Nature” of resilience in adversity surprises us the most. Nature involves a longer time scale than that of RESILIENCE RESILIENCE human existence. Humanity’s place and impact on nature arises from activities, decisions and choices made with respect to the environment. These change with time and subsequent generations might be amazed at what has been done together with the changes arising from these activities, decisions and choices. In Madonie UGGp the occurrence of the important plant species Abies nebrodensis requires particular climatic conditions linked to fresh and high-altitude environments (1,400 - 1,600 m above sea level). Iso- lation due to increasing aridity in the Mediterranean basin during the Miocene and Pliocene possibly affected the ancestor ofAbies nebrodensis Abies nebrodensis , commonly called the Mado- nie Fir, is the emblematic species in the Madonie UGGp. Due to its rarity Abies nebrodensis is included in the habitat Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 and was designated as a representative species of the flora of the Sicily Region. A small specimen of Abies nebrodensis , grown in a nursery, was planted in a coastal and low-altitude setting characterized by climatic conditions clearly Abies different from those that favour the normal envi- esilience is the capacity communities and layer of lapilli forming the largest pyroclast field Peasants nebrodensis ronmental distribution of the species. The small fir, regions have to face adverse circumstances, in the Canary Islands. created a growing in which survived, sank its roots in an almost unsuit- R Madonna degli from the current coronavirus pandemic to other The eruptions in La Geria left a horrifying land- productive able soil and managed to grow in unusual climatic landscape Angeli Valley, situations related to natural catastrophes such scape. However, after 1736, the farmers made a conditions. The plant’s successful growth, in what following Sicily. would theoretically be considered as an unsuitable as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and superhuman effort, digging holes manually in the eruptions in the t often happens in life that we are amazed when floods. ash and planted crops in the underlying fertile soil. environment, is an example of the unexpected re- 18th century. we find that certain things that we have taken The Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands UNESCO Glo- In this way the farmers created a new, environ- I silience in the plant’s ability to adapt and survive. for granted, have considered on the basis of form bal Geopark has one of the most impressive cases mentally friendly sustainable method for growing This small and unexpected success teaches us to and aesthetics to be the absolute expression of a of overcoming a highly disastrous situation. The crops. The farmers soon realized that the layer overcome our preconceived ideas and to open up Children join in territorial identity or a natural law, deviate from transplanting community was not only able to overcome a suc- of lapilli prevents the loss of moisture from the A view of Abies new ways of engaging with nature, even if they the assertion that they are connected. However, Abies cession of adversities, but also managed to leave ground and, in addition, acts as a fertiliser which nebrodensis appear impossible. nebrodensis growing on a sometimes it is that particular “difference” which a sustainable system for future generations, as stimulates the growth of crops. What started with grown in a forested slope. violates our preconceived opinions that manage to Santina La Spada - [email protected] well as a stunning landscape linked to agriculture an unprecedented cataclysm on the island, turned nursery. transformed by farming. into an agricultural revolution. It is precisely the According to historical reports, on 1September properties of the ash which made this possible. 1730 a violent earthquake followed by a large During the night the surface cools down rapidly. eruption occurred in an area called La Geria. This This boosts condensation which is soaked up by was followed by six years of eruptions resulting the porous ash and filters down to the soil. During in the most significant historical event that has the day water loss,as a result of evaporation, is ever occurred in Lanzarote. The resulting lava flows reduced due to the poor thermal conductivity of and ashes led to a Dantesque landscape, with the the ash and the underlying soil is protected from burial of a series of villages, towns and fields in the effects of heat and water loss. what used to be one of the most fertile areas in Thanks to how they adapted to the prevailing Lanzarote. Everything was covered with a black conditions, the main crop in the La Geria area has consisted of grapes used in wine production. Each vine is grown in its own depression and approxi- Vine growing mately 75% of the wine is produced from the Vol- using a canic Malvasía grape or Lanzarote Malvasía, rec- method of dry ognised as a local grape from the island. Currently farming called more than fifteen vineyards in the La Geria area, enarenado, with an annual average production of 2,500,000 introduced by the kg of grapes, contribute €5,000,000 to the island’s Lanzaroteños economy. after the volcanic Elena Mateo-Mederos - geoparque@cabildodelan- eruptions. zarote.com

28 29 Magma UNESCO Global Geopark, Norway Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark, Austria The TeachOUT App: Mythogeography - Storytelling an example of resilience with a realistic background activities in education EDUCATION EDUCATION

Information panel on the Copper Ore Trail with the legend of the Pochburg. © GeoGlobe. specially in times like these, people like to turn to the atmosphere that 1816 was commemorated as the Etradition. This is also the case in the Ore of the “year without summer”. The eruption also intensified Alps UNESCO Global Geopark, where legends, myths the Little Ice Age which ended in 1850. This story was and sagas, which have been passed down orally in the intended to encourage people to become less waste- Alps for generations, are remembered. ful and persuade them to become more God-fearing. There is always a spark of truth in these traditional The second story tells about an outrageous, blas- beliefs. Many stories are based on God punishing peo- pheming journeyman who lived at the Pochburg in ple or individuals for their sacrilegious and wasteful Buchberg near Bischofshofen. When the daughter of behaviour by withdrawing nature’s bounty or trans- the lord of the castle refused to marry a robber instead forming them into stone. of her beloved, her father had her thrown into a deep Mythogeography, a branch of geotourism, is dedi- cistern. Soon afterwards, the castle trembled, just as if A school cated to these complex relationships. Natural deter- mountains were collapsing. The next day, the robbers class learning minism, perceptual psychology, perceptual geogra- lay dead in the castle and the lord of the castle and his outdoors in phy, and regional studies all play an important role in wife had disappeared. The sacrilege had changed the Magma Geopark landscape. The once majestically crowned Hochkönig the following two examples from the Ore of the Alps UGGp. (2,941 m) now consisted of rugged ridges and jagged UNESCO Global Geopark. rocks. One of them shows the face of the lord. His wife The first story the legend of the ‘’Übergossene Alm’’ eachOUT is the technological product of the create tailored questions and games according to froze into a gate pillar. The daughter is embedded as (covered mountain pasture), is told throughout the TESTEAM Erasmus European Project, which in- the children’s age. . It is a very flexible and engaging a silhouette of the “Sleeping Virgin” in the magnificent volved three UNESCO Global Geoparks: Magma, tool which increase the appeal of studying natu- entire Alpine region. The background of the legend Tennengebirge mountain range. Idrija (leader), Naturtejo, the University of Ljubljana ral sciences with young groups. Recently the App is a frolicsome and God-despising alpine society that In the present time we are again in a situation and the Information & Communications Technol- has been used by the University of Stavanger for bathed in milk and rolled butter loaves down into the where man has lost a realistic sight of many things. ogy (ICT, Iceland). From 2016 to 2019 the four-year training new teachers within the Didactic Digital valley. God punished this behaviour with a snowstorm Nowadays in alpine tourist destinations only money ESTEAM project was divided into three phases Workshop. TeachOUT has also become one exam- that buried the mountain pasture and its people un- counts. Nature is sacrificed to mammon. Storytelling resulting in three manuals, available in English and ple of best practices in resilience within the H2020 der snow and ice. The story relates to the worsening for children and adults is the motto for promoting all project member languages. European RURITAGE project. climate and massive expansion of glaciers in the first Resilience in Adversity. The first manual presents research on the cur- During the Covid-19 pandemic it became even half of the 19th century. This event was caused by the ricula in natural science in the three participat- more important to find alternative educational catastrophic eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia, Horst Ibetsberger, Geoscientist Geopark Ore of the Alps in April 1805 which ejected so much volcanic ash into - [email protected], www.geopark-erzderalpen.at ing countries. The second contains an overview practices for involving children unable to attend of the countries’ methodology related to outdoor school: TeachOUT proved its great potential in the teaching in natural science while the third manual unexpected Covid-19 pandemic and is currently provides general information required for using being used by teachers all over Norway. the App. The TeachOUT App is a free mobile App More information about the project is available The stone Glacier of the for Android and iOS (iPhone operating system) from www.magmageopark.com adapted for the curricula in natural science. It aims monument “Übergossene “Torsäule” Alm” (covered to increase practices in outdoor teaching. Nature Cathrine Johannessen – cathrine@magmageopark. (gate pillar) mountain provides the classroom and students become active com commemorates pasture) which players through questionnaires, experiments and Sara Gentilini - [email protected] the wife of the is related to the competitions. Teachers have the possibility to use Elvegaten 23, 4370 Egersund Pochburger. Little Ice Age. their experience to address different themes and [email protected] © Horst Ibetsberger. © Georg Hofmann.

30 31 Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark, Finland Vulkaneifel UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany An innovative tool kit Vulkaneifel UGGp’s new field for geoheritage interpretation guide course integrates. in Rokua UNESCO Global Sustainable Development EDUCATION EDUCATION Geopark Goals okua UNESCO Global Geopark (Rokua UGGp) nia and contributions from local schools, based on esilience is the capability of B) Science-based awareness of a Rin Finland created a new way to demonstrate the latest scientific information. Rsystems and individuals to cope health promoting landscape. the development of the Geopark’s landscape. To- The VR models are part of a larger interpretation with significant adversity or risk. C) Regional identity formation, gether with Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, tool kit including new Geopark exhibitions with VR The global SARS-CoV-2 (the virus culture, regional awareness with the Rokua UGGp designed virtual reality (VR) models Headsets in the area´s municipalities, a mobile responsible for the Covid-19 pan- subject areas: architecture and art illustrating the main phases of the landscape´s map application with a link to the VR models and demic) has proven that focussing on history, customs and dialect, region- history. The idea for the VR models arose from the a hand manual supporting the discovery of the regional strengths, resources and al history, regional products / value fact that geological time and ancient environments area. The mobile application uses an innovation sustainable cycles might bring more chains, regional arts and crafts are challenging to imagine. for displaying the VR models: Youtube 360-videos. resilience than global structures or D) Overarching cross-cutting The VR models are located in three geosites The application will be available in Apple Store business cycles. This is in line with issues that are interwoven with the Sustainable Development Goals components A, B and C or must be around the Geopark: a gneiss outcrop, an esker and Google Play from May 2021. All the material (SDGs), a list of 17 interlinked goals considered in terms of sustainable mound and a rapid. All of the sites have five “time is published in Finnish and English. designed as a “blueprint to achieve development. windows” visualizing geological processes, forms The package is free for use by the local inhabit- a better and more sustainable fu- An integral part of the Vulkaneifel of life, climate and cultural aspects at the time ants and visitors. The project was financed by an ture for all”. The SDGs, established Academy is a new training course when the main features of the sites developed. EU-funded regional development project “Time in 2015 by the United Nations Gen- for local guides with special em- The time windows connect the ancient landscape traveller in Rokua Geopark”. The local entrepreneurs and teachers have been familiarized with the eral Assembly and intended to be phasis on the SDGs by linking the to the present with additional information inserted new tool kit. For a visitor, it provides an attractive achieved by the year 2030, are part geological heritage of the region, in the VR models. overview of the area and its history, and the lo- of a UN Resolution called the “2030 its traditions and regional charac- In practice, in the VR models, the user can, for cal people can discover their home region from a Agenda’’ and are aimed at local ac- teristics. The seminars consider the example, stand on an ancient mountain range, ex- new perspective. This tool kit turns a new page in tions to achieve these goals. methods of Education for Sustain- plore a glacial melt water stream on the edge of a Rokua UGGp´s evolution as a high-quality tourism, The Vulkaneifel Academy intends able Development and concentrate continental ice sheet, visit a Stone Age village on education and regional development destination. to promote awareness of the spe- on how the geological setting has the prehistoric coastline or cross the modern river cial geological and natural heritage and will influence daily life in the using a cable bridge that existed in the 1930´s. The Mikko Kiuttu - [email protected] of the Vulkaneifel and focuses on Vulkaneifel. VR models are, thanks to the Geological Survey of Vesa Krökki - [email protected] the knowledge of geological history, In the project, teaching materials Finland, Regional Museum of Northern Ostroboth- Kyösti Koskela - [email protected] landscape and biodiversity and the Pull up banner for the of regional focal topics such as Vol- knowledge-based awareness of a Vulkaneifel Academy. canism in Vulkaneifel, mineral water healthy landscape. It aims at an- and mineral water springs or region- choring knowledge about our cul- al rocks will also be developed for ture in people’s minds, further developing a regional Kindergarten, elementary and middle school pupils. identity and strengthening appreciation for the Vul- In this way, Vulkaneifel makes its contribution at The three kaneifel and its sustainable regional development. a regional level to the global sustainability goals of pillars of the During the first phase, we want to build and es- the world community, but also for future genera- Vulkaneifel tablish the following pillars in a “learning region”: tions in our region! Training tour Academy used A) Nature and geological history with the subject guides in the to create a areas: geology, ecology, flora / fauna, biodiversity. Julia Franzen - [email protected] Vulcaneifel “learning region UGGp.

Screenshots of the VR models. a) Archean mountains and early atmosphere 2.7 billion years ago. b) Rift valley 2.3 billion years ago. c) Continental ice sheet during the last glacial maximum 18,000 years ago. d) Stone Age village 5,600 years ago. 32 33 The European Geoparks Network today GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK 2019 Under the auspices of UNESCO

The Network consists of 81 Geoparks in 26 European countries (February 2021)

34 www.europeangeoparks.org 35 36 GLOBAL GEOPARKS 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Muskauer Faltenbogen / Łuk Mużakowa Vikos – Aoos Geopark Tuscan Mining Park Geopark Rokua Geopark Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni Geopark Basque Coast Geopark Magma Geopark Novohrad – Nograd Geopark Chelmos – Vouraikos Geopark Shetland Geopark Arouca Geopark GeoMôn Geopark Adamello - Brenta Geopark English Riviera Geopark Papuk Geopark Gea Norvegica Geopark Sobrarbe - Pirineos Geopark Sierras Subbeticas Geopark Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional Geopark Cabo de Gata – Nijar Geopark Bohemian Paradise Geopark Fforest Fawr Geopark Beigua Geopark Haţeg Country Dinosaurs Geopark Harz – Braunschweiger Land Geopark Swabian Alb Geopark North West Highlands Geopark Luberon Geopark North Pennines AONB Geopark Bergstraße-Odenwald Geopark Styrian Eisenwurzen Geopark Rocca di Cerere Geopark Madonie Geopark Marble Arch Caves Geopark Copper Coast Geopark TERRA.vita Geopark Psiloritis Geopark Maestrazgo Global Geopark Lesvos Island Geopark Vulkaneifel Geopark Haute-Provence Geopark ITALY UK CROATIA NORWAY ARAGON, SPAIN ANDALUCIA, SPAIN PORTUGAL SPAIN CZECHIA Wales, UK ITALY ROMANIA GERMANY GERMANY Scotland, UK FRANCE UK GERMANY AUSTRIA ITALY ITALY IRELAND & UK IRELAND & UK GERMANY GREECE SPAIN GREECE GERMANY FRANCE POLAND GERMANY & GREECE ITALY FINLAND ITALY SPAIN NORWAY SLOVAKIA HUNGARY & GREECE SCOTLAND, UK PORTUGAL WALES, UK 81 80 79 78 77 76 75 74 73 72 71 70 69 68 67 66 65 64 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 Yangan Tau Geopark The Black Country Geopark Djerdap Geopark Granada Geopark Estrela Geopark Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangasa Geopark Trollfjell Geopark Vis Archipelago Geopark Courel Mountain Geopark Origens Geopark Famenne-Ardenne Geopark Beaujolais Geopark Las Loras Geopark Causses du Quercy Geopark Troodos Geopark Sitia Geopark Pollino Geopark Reykjanes Geopark Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands Geopark Terras de Cavaleiros Geopark Odsherred Geopark Monts d’Ardèche Geopark Ore of the Alps Geopark El Hierro Geopark Molina and Alto Tajo Geopark Kula-Salihli Geopark Sesia Val Grande Geopark De Hondsrug Geopark Idrija Geopark Karavanke/Karawanken Geopark Azores Geopark Bakony-Balaton Geopark Central Catalonia Geopark Chablais Geopark Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark Apuan Alps Geopark Massif des Bauges Geopark Katla Geopark Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Sierra Norte de Sevilla Geopark FEDERATION RUSSIAN UK SERBIA SPAIN PORTUGAL FINLAND NORWAY CROATIA SPAIN SPAIN BELGIUM FRANCE SPAIN FRANCE CYPRUS GREECE ITALY ICELAND SPAIN PORTUGAL DENMARK FRANCE AUSTRIA SPAIN SPAIN TURKEY ITALY NETHERLANDS SLOVENIA AUSTRIA SLOVENIA & PORTUGAL HUNGARY SPAIN FRANCE SPAIN ITALY FRANCE ICELAND IRELAND SPAIN history ofEarth. in themuseum’s S O V S E L K R A P O E G interval oftime Petrified Forest Learning about of thecreation involved inthe time scaleand of theLesvos the extensive Presentation the geologic audiovisual room. E Programmes Summer Educational Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece troducing the children to concepts like palaeon like concepts to children the troducing and unforgettable experiences. techniques, they provided the children with unique play-based practices and innovative interpretation using and Creativity) Collaboration, munication, of 21st Century Learning (Critical Thinking, Com- entertainment, promoting the four competencies with learning combining By heritage. natural our raise awareness of the importance of protecting wealthnatural the promote Lesvosto of ing and delivered by experienced museum educators, seek were They UGGp. Island Lesvos the and lections by the Lesvos Petrified Forest, the museum’s col- inspired were themes Their population. local the boost mutual understanding and integration with to aiming families, and children refugee nities, commu- local from different ages of forchildren GRAMME. PRO 2020 HORIZON Regeneration” Rural for within the framework of the RURITAGE “Heritage land UGGp and delivered at the museum’s premises at the Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark. Lesvos Petrified Forest during the summer the of Museum months History Natural the by delivered The programmes, outlined below,outlined programmes, The byin- began designed were programmes educational The Is- Lesvos by designed were programmes The ducational programmes, following all the the successfully ,were all protocols safety Covid-19 following programmes, ducational - - - heritage. same time realized the need to protect the our at and natural materials natural with artworks own inspired by the natural surroundings, created their movement and its main representatives. They were volcanic eruption. a created and eruptions volcanic in involved ena the volcanoes of Greece, the geodynamic phenom dren into young volcanologists. They learned about history of Earth and the evolution of life. with the extensive interval of time involved in the familiar became children which in time through climate changes that influenced the island’s flora. ing children to compare them and understand the fossilized and present-day plants of Lesvos allow - 20 million years ago. ecosystems island’s the and Forest Petrified the introduced children in a fun way to the animals of rified Forest” and “Animals of the Petrified Forest” museum’s educational excavation site. logical research and experience excavating at the paleonto in used methods the Forest, Petrified Lesvos the of fossils animal and plant the about nity to become paleontologists for a day, to learn experiments. excavating fossil replicas and conducting science learning activities, ranging from arts and crafts to The programmes usually concluded with hands-on exploration. and play through learning enriching in experience fun a created activities play-based sharing knowledge with multi-sensory games and and questions Encouraging programme. each of theme main the to related information gather to museum’s exhibits the using by followed was This Forest. Petrified Lesvos the of creation the of presentation animated an and changes, mate cli fossilization, time, geologic geology, tology, “Land Art” introduced children to the Land Art Land the to children introduced Art” “Land “Let’s learn about volcanoes” transformed chil- travel in adventure an Scale”, Time “Geologic “Discover the plants of Lesvos” focused on the “Deinotheria and Sequoias from the Lesvos Pet “Young palaeontologists” provided an opportu- Athina Pavlidou- [email protected], [email protected] - - - - excavation site. educational museum’s fossils atthe excavate plant palaeontologists Young

EDUCATION 37 Sierras Subbéticas UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark, Slovenia Virtual gymkhana connecting The TeachOUT App, students with geoheritage an Opportunity for Fun Science EDUCATION EDUCATION Education in the UNESCO Global Geoparks

Main page of the virtual gymkhana. he lockdown associated with the Covid-19 pan- Tdemic severely impaired the normal operation of Pupils can Geoparks, because the vast majority of activities pro- The teacher n a rapidly changing world, education has also situated (support for new users is shared by Idrija, creates his/ found itself at a crossroads. Children are grow- Naturtejo and Magma UGGps). In the second step perform moted in these territories occur outdoors. In Sierras I experiments her game in ing up in a different world and their needs have Subbéticas UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) one of the teacher contacts via e-mail: Idrija UGGp (South- in nature that the Content changed. It is necessary to attract and retain their the most successful educational activities, the project Management ern and Central Europe); Naturtejo UGGp (South would normally “I am a Geoparker”, was also suddenly curtailed. This System by attention. While pupils desire more interesting and Western Europe); Magma UGGp (Northern Europe). be conducted project, formerly initiated by Villuercas-Ibores-Jara defining sites, interactive ways of learning, teachers are reluctant In step three the applicant receives instructions for in classrooms, UGGp, was established in Sierras Subbéticas Geopark uploading to use, or even fear, new technologies. The fact that registration in the Content Management System and thus better in 2018, in collaboration with several other Geoparks, understand and contents and curricula and teaching methods are outdated and (CMS). The website also features illustrative video with the aim of familiarizing young students with publishing them in need of reform is now widely accepted. Some remember them. instructions on how to create your own game for Photo by Bojan their surrounding geoheritage. Since then, two rural in the TeachOUT European countries are already, more or less suc- schools, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, from Luque, and the TeachOUT app. Tavčar. application. cessfully, engaged in reforming learning processes Blas Infante, from Rute, have been deeply involved Photo by Bojan Teachers create games, upload all the contents, and curricula. in the project, by using the Geopark’s geo-heritage Tavčar. such as texts, photos, illustrations in the CMS as the cornerstone around which the rest of the aca- The partners in the ESTEAM project wanted challenges. Each geo-challenge is placed in a key which, when published in the TeachOUT app, are demic disciplines are taught. Fieldtrips, environmental Page of the to bridge the gap between teachers and pupils area, and proposes interactive actions in relation to available for pupils to install on their smartphone books, Geopark games and, themed carnivals are all gymkhana by designing the TeachOUT application. The app or tablet. With the help of GPS tracking, the app based on the Geopark’s values. Every academic year the nearby geosites. The students are committed to providing can be used outdoors by schoolteachers or other access to the the activities conclude with an interschool meeting ask questions and develop activities, receiving at the educators for teaching science (or other subjects). guides the pupils to described sites along a specific five proposed celebrated during EGN Week. same time concise information about the geosites and Teachers and staff in all UNESCO Global Geoparks trail. Pupils are expected to complete various tasks the geological heritage associated with each geo- challenges. Tasks and In the academic year 2019/2020 the project was challenges at can register to use this application which provides at each site. challenge. This geo-educational and non-stressful developing successfully until the outbreak of the Cov- individual sites an opportunity to make science more appealing, Experience shows that it is easier to approach activity familiarizes students with the geoheritage id-19 pandemic. The sudden interruption in activities encourage and encourage pupils to be active learners. teachers with an already developed game which at sites in close proximity, but also from the entire resulted in online interactivity between teachers and students to Registration is a 3-step process and is avail- they can try out for themselves. With the aid of ex- pupils. In order to maintain the essence of “I am a territory. actively explore able from https://www.esteamproject.eu/teachout- amples, teachers are inspired to create games that Geoparker” in this unexpected virtual environment, The gymkhana was launched during the EGN Week, nature. contact. In step one the teacher finds in which of satisfy their own educational purposes. However, and in order to avoid overloading students already coinciding with the World Environmental Day 2020. Photo by Bojan saturated with extra academic online activities, Sier- The massive response by the students from both cen- Tavčar. the four European regions his or her country is they need to be given constant support during the ras Subbéticas, and the two schools involved in the tres and the interest in the project “I am a Geoparker” creation process of the game. project, developed a virtual gymkhana. shown by teachers from other schools in the territory In Slovenia, teachers are motivated to use the This is envisaged as a virtual trip through the confirm the success of this project. This activity has TeachOUT app. The training on the TeachOUT ap- Geopark. With the final objective of opening a virtual emerged as an educational tool with great potential. plication was included in the catalogue of profes- lock, the students have to complete up to five geo- Definitely, the gymkhana and its future improvements sional training programmes for teachers within could be the impetus for a real network of students the Ministry of Education. Consequently, those from the Geopark connected with the territory and its teachers who participate in the programme are geo-heritage. This is the story about an obstacle that also rewarded with points in the promotion system. turned into an opportunity and later into a success. A good example of resilience in a Geopark. We hope that even more teachers and employees Virtual gymkhana: https://view.genial. in UNESCO Geoparks will begin to use the app. You ly/5ebc0129e87b0e0d25608fcb/game-breakout- are kindly invited to create your first game in the TeachOUT app. Diploma una-aventura-en-el-geoparque-sierras-subbeticas awarded after successfully Felipe González - [email protected] Mojca Gorjup Kavčič - mojca.gorjup-kavcic@ completing the Antonio Camacho - [email protected] geopark-idrija.si gymkhana. Antonio García - [email protected] Nina Erjavec - [email protected] 38 39 TERRA.vita UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany Parco del Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy Advancing environmental When the going gets tough, education within the Beigua Geopark gets smart! framework of the Sustainable EDUCATION EDUCATION Development Goals during and after the Covid-19 pandemic for the canopy walkway in Bad Iburg. So far, more than 3,500 hiking pass booklets have been dispensed to families, 20 of which have been returned completed since the pandemic began. The number of returned booklets in such a short period of time is remarkable given the fact, that a completed hiking pass booklet comprises 88 pages and requires hiking through an area of 1,560 km² . Since the beginning of the pandemic, TERRA.vita has also expanded its digital services including guided tours in an online video format, a series of instructions for handicrafts using natural materials, and a The “Hiking “geopoetry riddle challenge”. Passport to Fun” (“Wanderpass- Within an ongoing INTERREG project, TERRA.vita Wanderspaß”) is and the Dutch De Hondsrug UGGp are developing “Ed- a “do-it-yourself ucation Cooperation for Sustainable Development” tool” that helps in the framework of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Devel- Introducing the families to opment Goals (SDGs). In the context of this project, Virtual Bio-blitz. improve their the “1st Conference on Education for Sustainable knowledge of Development in UNESCO Global Geoparks” held in e had planned a group of spring events to environmental Osnabrück in February 2020, was attended by about Wexplore Beigua Geopark, but the pandemic Photographs education. Photo 50 participants from schools and educational institu- emergency and the national lockdown forced us used in the by Natur- und tions from both Geoparks to discuss the potential for to suspend all outdoor activities in early March. Virtual Bio-blitz. Geopark TERRA. networking. The implementation of this programme So, we created a new way to enjoy the Geopark, a gramme for teachers providing interesting ideas vita. will contribute to the revival of the environmental home-delivery of memories and emotions to share for teaching and inspiring future educational he Covid-19 pandemic had an enormous effect education centres after the crisis. Exchanging stu- and to stay in touch. projects. The Geopark also recorded short video on many aspects of social life including environ- dents between the Geoparks will also be encouraged. T Park Guides and Communication staff teamed lessons about nature for primary school children. mental education. The provision of environmental Many people are not familiar with the 17 SDGs. In up to plan digital events for children, teachers, Spring blossomed and our guides found many education services needs to change since school trips order to raise public awareness about the SDGs and trekkers and lovers of the Geopark. We engaged the measures that need to be taken to achieve them, surprising solutions to resolve the missed the op- are no longer possible and guided tours can only be followers in our Instagram stories with amusing especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, the “Natural portunities for geo-trekking, birdwatching and provided for small groups of visitors. TERRA.vita sees nature quizzes to learn how to recognize flowers, the pandemic as a perfect opportunity to further de- History Museum am Schölerberg, Osnabrück” was activities involved in observing nature activities. plants and landscapes, and asked children who usu- velop environmental education programmes using chosen as the first venue for the touring exhibition With our team of experts, we developed a “Virtual novel ideas, which could be implemented both during “Mission 2030” by “Plan International Deutschland” ally attend our laboratories to send us drawings of Bio-blitz in nature” to help the Geopark’s friends the discoveries made of plants, small animals and and after the pandemic. with the title “Save the world with 17 goals!”. The A child’s identify, from home, photographs of animals, plants During the current pandemic, TERRA.vita provides exhibition addresses particularly, but not exclusively, impression of mountains with the guides provided. and mushrooms taken on previous hiking trips. the “Hiking Passport to Fun” (“Wanderpass-Wander- school classes. A number of related events including Beigua UNESCO Environmental education activities were trans- Birdwatching went digital too: on Migratory Bird spaß”). This free-off-charge exercise booklet is de- workshops and evening lectures accompany the ex- Global Geopark. ferred online: we held a smart educational pro- Day we produced a virtual presentation of migra- signed as a “do-it-yourself kit” for children to learn hibition. It is hoped that these educational activities tory species on social networks, with photographs about sustainable development. It motivates families will help the communities, shaped by the SDGs, to and brief lectures from the Geopark’s ornithologist. to hike across the Geopark area and visit geotopes as enter the post-pandemic time. We celebrated World Biodiversity Day and the Eu- well as natural and cultural sites. The visitors have to A group photo ropean Day of Parks with our first live presentation complete tasks and riddles at specific destinations, Tobias Fischer [email protected] from pre- on Facebook involving a virtual trekk through the which can only be solved after interacting with the Julia Kaiser - [email protected] pandemic spring flowers and to investigate the connection times showing information material on-site. Correctly and fully com- Melanie Schnieders - [email protected] pleted passports are rewarded with free family tickets UNESCO Global Geopark TERRA.vita between endemic species and geology. During the participants The special same week the nine Italian UNESCO Global Ge- of the “1st exhibition Conference on “Mission 2030” oparks promoted the European Geoparks Week as a Education for held at the shared event on their social media. This involved a Sustainable Natural History long visual story on how water produced the shapes Development in Museum am in the landscape, such as the extraordinary canyons UNESCO Global Schölerberg, eroded by the stream in Beigua Geopark and the Geoparks” held Osnabrück, other natural wonders which we can admire from in the TERRA. from March Trentino to Tuscany and to Sicily. vita Geopark in 2020. Photo February 2020. by Natur- und Giulia Castello - [email protected] Photo by Lea Geopark TERRA. Claudia Fiori - [email protected] Bose. vita.

40 41 Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal Pollino UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy

From a geotechnical potential GEO.PARK Each rock has its own water main sources for drinking water supplies in the hazard to an innovative surrounding area and represent a valuable natural heritage. Several springs which discharge from the main outcropping lithotypes were studied to interpretation tool: reconstruct the water-rock interaction processes EARTH HERITAGE EARTH EARTH HERITAGE EARTH controlling the geochemical characteristics of the the active Ponsul Fault shallow or relatively shallow groundwaters of Pol- lino Geopark. Research conducted by the University he Ponsul Fault is the main geological structure of Calabria in partnership with the Pollino Geopark Tin the Naturtejo UGGp. This 120 km long fault Authority has identified the occurrence of diverse scarp trends WSW-ENE crossing the territory from water types clearly related to the different acq- Portas de Ródão Natural Monument to beyond uifers and hydrogeological settings of the area. the Monfortinho Thermal Springs on the border The occurrence of multiple interactions between with Spain. Research initiated by Orlando Ribeiro the studied groundwaters and several lithotypes in the early 1940s was followed in the late 1980s was observed. In detail, the Ca (Mg)-HCO3 and Ca- by an investigation of the neotectonic activity of this reverse fault by Ruben Dias (Geological Survey HCO3 rich waters are generally related to the main of Portugal) and João Pais (University of Lisbon). outcrops of the Triassic dolostone and limestone. With a vertical displacement of 50-60 metres, the The chemistry of these waters is influenced by rate of displacement is calculated at 0.02-0.035 water transfer between both reservoirs facilitated mm/year, with a potential for above magnitude 7 by connected drainage in an underground karst sys- earthquakes at intervals of 35-75 thousand years. tem. These waters are also characterized by small The Ponsul Fault which formed about 300 million concentrations of SiO2 probably derived from silica years ago during the Variscan Orogeny was reacti- bearing minerals present as impurities in carbonate vated 10 million years ago as a reverse fault during rocks or from a minor, time-limited interaction with the collision of the Nubian plate with Iberia. The the widely distributed overlying siliceous-clastic Ponsul Fault is an important geomonument in the component of the clayey-calcareous arenaceous Naturtejo Geopark. The Virtudes Thermal Spring complex and/or the pelitic-schists and calcareous- section was included in the Inventory of Geosites The technical team of the Geopark and the mu- Geotechnical schists. The SiO2-rich Ca-HCO3 and Ca (Mg)-HCO3 of National Importance within the framework of nicipality of Vila Velha de Ródão became aware of work at the waters are influenced to a considerable degree neotectonics in the Portuguese mainland. this situation in October 2018. Working together Virtudes The figure he Pollino UNESCO Global Geopark covers a shows the by the dissolution of chert, quartz, and/or other The Ponsul Fault at Portas de Ródão is exposed with IP’s Department for Environment and Sus- Spring section, Tlarge area of northern Calabria and the south- Portas de lithological map silica-bearing minerals in the clayey-calcareous in railway cuttings of the Beira Baixa Railway, the tainability, they insisted on mitigating the impact ern Basilicata regions in Italy.It hosts a complex hy- Ródão Natural of the Pollino arenaceous complex and the pelitic schists and 165 km railway line built between 1885 and 1891 of the stabilization project. A solution for cover- drogeological system comprising several aquifers, Monument. Geopark area, calcareous-schists. The chemical characteristics The solution that crosses one of the major protected geosites ing the shotcrete was found: creating a 200 m² the location each with its own geological, hydrogeological and The schematic of the Mg-HCO3 waters, generally emerging from found to cover in Naturtejo Geopark. At Virtudes Thermal Spring, panel, 12-16 m high, with a diagram explaining of all studied hydrogeochemical characteristics. The three main geological the shotcrete the deformation zone of the Ponsul Fault, with fault the fault movement. The extra budget for changing samples and hydrogeological complexes hosted in the Pollino serpentinite rocks, are controlled almost exclusively section shows with the same Since August the stratigraphic gouge, fault breccia and striated fault planes, is of the original project was generously supported by the line of Geopark are: a) the carbonate-dolomitic complex by the dissolution of this lithotype. rock types in significant scientific and educational value. How- 2019 the new the schematic relationships the outcrop IP and the rock panel took two months to prepare. Ponsul Fault’s made up of limestone, dolostone, chert-bearing between the ever, in 2018 CENOR Consulting Engineers working geological Luigi Bloise - [email protected] highlighting Finally, the potential hazard for train traffic was diagram (left limestones and marly limestone; b) the crystalline- different for the REFER national railway company identi- section (red Egidio Calabrese - [email protected] the fault supressed, and the Ponsul Fault gained a large- in the photo) is line). metamorphic complex consisting mainly of ophio- lithotypes and displacement. fied this site as a serious geotechnical hazard for integrated into Carmine Apollaro - [email protected] scale interpretation panel that can be used from lite-bearing units and the remnants of crystalline the typical Later the rock fall and slope rupture. To stabilize the Ponsul the landscape Francesco Muto Francesco - [email protected] emergent guided boat trips with a panel that explains the basement rocks and c) the terrigenous-calcareous quartzite was Fault they proposed using shotcrete and a steel net origin of Portas de Ródão. and explains Ilaria Fuoco - [email protected] area for each replaced by pink bolted by iron bars that could stabilize materials of to visitors the complex with deep sea deposits and “Flysch type” Luigi Marini Luigi - [email protected] chemical water granite due to evolution of the sedimentary successions. These aquifers are the Vespasiano Giovanni - [email protected] type. 25kN/m. Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) started Carlos Neto de Carvalho (Geologist) - carlos.praedic- the absence of Tejo River in the project. Despite minimising, as far as possi- [email protected] legal quartzite Portas de Ródão José Manuel Pires (Landscape Architect) - doua@ quarries. ble, the impact on the landscape, the geosite was Gorge. cm-vvrodao.p © José Pires. seriously endangered by the geotechnical project. © Yilu Zhang.

42 43 Orígens UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain GEOMÔN UNESCO Global Geopark The stolen fossil of a new Geology and climate change species of crocodile described on the isle of Anglesey EARTH HERITAGE EARTH EARTH HERITAGE EARTH in Orígens Geopark returns home

he new species of crocodile, Ogresuchus furatus, Tdescribed from fossil remains found in Coll de Nargó, within the Orígens UNESCO Global Geopark, has finally returned home after going through a sad spoliation episode. In a study led by the Catalan In- stitute of Palaeontology, Miquel Crusafont (ICP) de- scribes this relatively small terrestrial crocodile as a Precambrian potential predator of the offspring of dinosaurs that pillow lavas, laid their eggs in the Catalan Pyrenees. The fossil, sto- formed at len shortly after its discovery in 2013, was recovered a spreading a few weeks later thanks to the intervention of the centre then regional police force “Mossos d’Esquadra”. moved to a During the night before the date scheduled for its subduction zone, Ynys Llanddwyn, State in which extraction, the remains of the skeleton were stolen west coast of the fossil was from the “Mirador del Cretaci” site in Coll de Nargó. Af- Anglesey. Photo recovered ter few weeks’ investigation, the “Mossos d’Esquadra” by Stewart (below) and the identified the thief and recovered the fossil remains journal Scientific Reports shows that Ogresuchus is Campbell. moment when eoMôn is redesigning its Visitor Centre to im- end of the time scale, Anglesey has copious Quater- the Mossos which were in quite a precarious state of preservation. a new member of the family Sebecidae, a group of Reconstruction prove the visitor experience and to increase pub- nary deposits left behind by kilometre-thick glaciers. d’Esquadra The research team consisting of members from land-living crocodiles that were common between of the new G These illustrate climate change due to decreasing return the the Catalan Institute of Palaeontology, Conca Dellà the Palaeocene and the Middle Miocene (66 to 15 species of lic awareness of climate change in Earth history. The new design shows how the rocks of the Isle of Angle- radiation from the sun. The displays also show how fossil to Angel Museum, the University of A Coruña and the University million years ago). The 71.5 million years old fossil is crocodile sey (Ynys Môn) provide evidence for environmental continental drift has moved Anglesey from the south- Galobart, of Barcelona named the fossil Ogresuchus furatus, 10 million years older than the oldest known sebecid Ogresuchus Director of the change in the past and how we use the evidence from ern to the northern hemispheres, clearly illustrated for the ‘’the stolen crocodile ogre’’, in memory of the discovered to-date. This is why the palaeontologist furatus (Aina Conca Dellà and Agnès rocks to identify the dramatic changes in climate, by Carboniferous limestones with patch reefs and fossil’s bizarre journey from discovery to recovery. Albert G. Sellés, one of the co-authors of this article, sea level and biodiversity that have been recurrent associated tropical biota formed as it drifted past the Museum). Amblás. By Research published in September 2020 in the explained that the evolutionary history of this group, phenomena throughout Earth history. equator. Visitors will reach the Holocene to witness ICRA-ART that once occupied the apex of the trophic chain, The GeoMôn Geopark contains a very wide range post-glacial rising sea level and temperature, and needs to be redefined. / Catalan of rocks spanning 4 eras and 12 geological periods the Anthropocene to reflect the growing dominance The researchers suggested that the fossil remains, Institute of from Precambrian to Quaternary. Encompassing 1.8 of humankind in environmental change. located close to a nest of titanosaurian eggs and sur- Palaeontology billion years, the 100 or more rock types provide an The displays direct visitors to easily-accessed rounded by eggshells, corresponded to a very agile accessible example of environmental change through exposures of the rocks on the island so that they and active predator that may have occasionally fed time both for the specialist and the general public. can see the evidence for themselves. The take home on dinosaur newborn offspring. The research team The Visitor Centre will be a one-way walk through message is that global warming, with impacts on time from late Precambrian plate margin activity used Computerized Tomography to investigate the climate, sea level, and biodiversity is not a new to Quaternary glaciations and the present day. The phenomenon. While the present climate crisis is anatomy and conserve the delicate fossil remains of displays will show how global temperature, sea level, largely man-made, the Earth has experienced mas- Ogresuchus. The results of this research are available atmospheric carbon dioxide and biodiversity have sive swings in climate during its long history and the on the link https://qrgo.page.link/vH5sw or on the QR been regulated by internal and external processes. geological record provides evidence for its causes Code shown below. The transition from late Precambrian to Ordo- and consequences. Recently, the remains of Ogresuchus furatus were vician on Anglesey shows climate change forced This design directs visitors from the entrance to returned to their people and, today these can be seen by internal processes. Volcanic greenhouse gases Appearance of the exit of the Centre. This makes it easy to regulate in the Coll de Nargó dinosaur museum Dinosfera in the fossil after released at subduction zones warmed the climate the number of people in the Centre and helps visi- Orígens UNESCO Global Geopark. preparation from the glacial Precambrian and gave rise to opti- tors maintain social distancing during the Covid-19 with an mal ocean temperatures for life, triggering surges pandemic Xavier M. Pellicer - [email protected] image of the in biological evolution. The associated sea level rise Albert G. Sellés - [email protected] reconstructed in the early Ordovician produced a classic marine Colin Jago - [email protected] Àngel Galobart - [email protected] skeleton. transgressive sequence of conglomerate-sandstone- Stewart Campbell -stewart.campbell@ cyfoethnaturi- shale on the north coast of Anglesey. At the other olcymru.gov

Quaternary glacial erratic on the shore Carboniferous of the Menai Limestone, Strait, south Lligwy Bay, coast of east coast of Anglesey. Photo Anglesey. Photo by Stewart by Stewart Campbell. Campbell.

44 45 UNESCO Global Geopark Maestrazgo UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Harz - Braunschweiger Land - Ostfalen, Germany Maestrazgo Geopark Trail The renewed fossil exhibition Running Centre (Allepuz, Spain): A Global Geosite with the elite EARTH HERITAGE EARTH EARTH HERITAGE EARTH of mountain athletics

Orthoceras lineare is a highlighted fossil and provides an insight into The facilities Opening life during with ceremony of the the Devonian information exhibition (from Period. Photo in English and left to right): by Dr. Klaus Spanish for Fiona Giebeler, George. three itineraries Executive that combine Employee of the geotourism, Regionalverband sport and Harz, Dr. culture within a Agnes-M. Daub, global geosite Chairwoman with a high The exhibition´s of the Natural cultural value. entrance is Sciences © Chesús Izquierdo. decorated with Club Goslar a conspicuous and District he Trail Running Centre Allepuz-Maestrazgo been described. picture of Administrator Geopark, is a permanent facility for the dis- Among other geo-attractions, in Allepuz it is pos- Plesiosaurus T Thomas Brych. sible to see some good examples of mushroom and Ammonites. cipline of trail running. It provides three itinerar- Photo by Dr. Photo by Esther ies with progressive levels of difficulty from the rocks or rock pedestals, a landform formed by a Klaus George. Czymoch. Trail marker starting point, the reception center located in the relatively soft rock topped by harder, less easily for the project he UNESCO-Geopark organized the renewal of insight into the reconstructed living world during municipality of Allepuz. eroded stone that protects each column from ero- which is the sion. Tthe fossil exhibition in the Museum of Goslar. different geological eras. Many of the exhibited result of a The geological setting of Allepuz within the The museum is an official Geopark Information fossils have their origin in the Harz region. This cooperation Iberian Range (Aragonese Branch) is strati- The running itineraries include gorgeous land- Centre, thus it was the concern of the Regionalver- provides a direct reference to the surrounding area network graphically significant and is included in the List scapes with the Sollavientos River as the backbone. band Harz to modernise the exhibition. New grants which is highlighted by the occurrence of species between local of Sites of Geological Interest – Spanish Global In addition, you can follow the “Camino de los Pi- for the Geopark from the state of Lower Saxony named for localities such as Spirifer goslariensis. authorities Geosites project (Id MZ004). The rock sequence, lones” (Pylons Path), a medieval route designated made this project possible. A temporary employed Not only does the exhibition focus on representing (municipality), as an Asset of Cultural Interest that dates back to local people and which preserves a complete record of Cretaceous geologist was assigned to develop a didactic con- different species, it also explains what a fossil actu- stratigraphy extends to the nearby municipalities the 13th century, in which more than a hundred the Maestrazgo 2.5 m high stone and mortar pylons are conserved. cept and to take the latest scientific findings into ally is, how fossils originate and emphasizes their UGGp. © Chesús of Villarroya de los Pinares and Fortanete, where The Allepuz-Maestrazgo Geopark Centre is ac- account. The Natural Sciences Club Goslar has an importance in understanding evolution. Rather than Izquierdo. several stratigraphic formations (stratotypes) have extensive collection of nearly 1,300 fossils. For this only imparting knowledge, it aims to encourage credited by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation. reason, members of the club were involved in the visitors to investigate palaeontology and to remain It is one of three Trail Running Centres in Spain process of arranging the fossils and creating the interested in the subject. Younger visitors can learn and is distinguished by having the highest alti- renewed exhibition. Now titled “On the traces of more about the history of life through a wooden tude above sea level and is the only centre situated life”, this exhibition shows a selection of approxi- trilobite puzzle and a Geopark quiz. Furthermore, within a UNESCO Global Geopark. mately 1,000 significant fossils and invites visitors the exhibition provides an overview about fossil The creation of these facilities has been possi- to take a journey through the history of 540 million deposits worldwide. References to other UNESCO ble thanks to a collaborative project between the years of life on Earth. The exhibits are arranged Global Geoparks are provided and visitors learn Allepuz City Council, the Maestrazgo UGGp and according to their occurrence within a geological about the international network of Geoparks. The more than 30 of the town’s residents, who through a period in the Earth´s history. An easy-to-follow exhibition ends with information about mass ex- volunteer programme, have taken charge of clean- colour scheme guides the visitors and helps them tinctions during Earth´s history. It should leave an ing and maintaining some trails. Since its inception to visualise their “travel through time” while walk- image in the visitors´ mind and connect the past in August 2020, the Trail Running Centre has had ing along the time scale through the exhibition. Its with the present problem of climate change and a significant number of visitors and athletes and colours are based on the international chronostrati- a possible new mass extinction. All information has aroused the interest of the media (https://t. graphic chart. Every renovated showcase empha- panels throughout the fossil exhibition are provided co/mopIsFkWHW?amp=1 Aragón TV Television). sizes one fossil, contained in a coloured frame. It is in German and English to make it accessible for a intended to resemble an open window into Earth´s wider range of visitors. Ángel Hernández - [email protected] history and provides more information about the Luis Mampel - [email protected] highlighted fossil. Coloured pictures provide an Esther Czymoch - [email protected] Chesús Izquierdo - [email protected])

46 47 De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark, Netherlands Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy

De Hondsrug The Expedition gateway UNESCO Global Geopark Rimini TTG Travel Experience “Farming in the Hondsrug” hosts Rocca di Cerere UNESCO GEOTOURISM GEOTOURISM is opened Global Geopark: Sicilian cultural heritage richness of the Geopark’s natural features and is linked with the concept of sustainable tourism. Fi- nally, blue represents the rivers, lakes and botanical gardens located in the Geopark. The tourism experience, activities and outdoor sports. The main concept is to provide tourists with a physical experience in discovering the cultural landscape of the Geopark but also to achieve the benefits of mindfulness. The tourism experiences include activities related to slow mobility such as trekking across the geological and natural sites such as the “Floristella Mining Park” and the old mountain railway of Assoro. A concept of sustainable and competitive tourism. Sustainable geo-tourism is deserving of support because it promotes and, at the same time, preserves the Geopark and its cultural heritage. It The yellow, green and blue The Nabershof provides full immersion into our planet’s wonderful itineraries in is an original natural phenomena. the Rocca di Saxon-Style Cerere UNESCO farmhouse. Martina Grimaldi - [email protected] Global Geopark. Meetings Travel Experience: more than a n July 2020 the new exhibition ‘Farming in the Farming settlements between key TTGsimple trade show. Rimini hosts the IHondsrug’ was inaugurated in the old museum- The Hondsrug has a very special cultural land- players and annual TTG Travel Experience, which is advertised farm ‘De Nabershof’. The Nabershof is an original scape. Nowhere else in the Netherlands can you buyers at the as “the only true gateway to the Italian tourism Saxon-style farmhouse dating from 1681. During find such a distinct pattern of human settlements. TTG Travel market”. The Trade Show, from 9th – 12th October Experience in the summer of 2020 it was officially designated as This pattern reveals the history of farming in the Rimini. 2019, provided an opportunity to meet experts the Geopark expedition-gateway and provides the Hondsrug region, and the reshaping of a landscape from all over the world and to participate in sev- complete story of farming in the Hondsrug region. created during the ice ages. Many villages have eral meetings and promotional activities. The main For thousands of years farmers have played a retained their original medieval characteristics. goal of TTG Travel Experience is to promote and major role in the use and shaping of the Hondsrug expand business and marketing opportunities in landscape. With arable farming and livestock farm- New Extension Italy and abroad. ing, they have transformed the primal landscape of A new extension has been added to the Nabershof The Sicilian cultural heritage between geol- Drenthe and part of Groningen into an ecosystems complex, housing a fully-developed information cen- ogy and mythology. The influence of the Sicilian services (ES) -village landscape. This special cultural tre for the Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark. This cultural heritage in Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark was presented in colour coded itineraries landscape was one of the three reasons for UNESCO will present the story of farming life in the Hondsrug inspired by the mythological features drawn from to designate De Hondsrug as a UNESCO Global Ge- region from prehistoric times to the present day. the power of “Tellus”, the ancient Roman goddess opark. The other two reasons are that the Hondsrug Here you can learn more about how the landscape The exhibition of the Earth, and ancient pagan traditions handed ‘Farming in the was formed with ‘essen’ (raised cultivated fields) and region is also both geologically and archaeologically down from one generation to another. In ancient Hondsrug’. significant and unique. ‘esdorpen’ (farming villages), and also about ancient village boundary markings, land redistributions and Roman religion, Tellus was worshiped in associa- modern agriculture. You will also see the different tion with the goddess Ceres. Ceres is the goddess types of farmhouses built in the Hondsrug. The in- of agriculture, grain crops and fertility and Tellus formation is presented via interactive touchscreens, provided the place for the crops to grow. The myth film clips, photos, audio clips, animations and also telling the story of Ceres, associated with the plateau valley of Enna and the rock of Ceres in Rocca old farming vehicles, implements and documents. Di Cerere UGGp, is intertwined with the geological history of the Mediterranean basin. Unique hunebed, the Long Grave The itineraries of Rocca di Cerere UNESCO The hunebed (megalithic grave) called the Lang- Global Geopark. Mother Nature’s major colours: graf (Long Grave) is situated in a small woodland yellow, green and blue, the colours of natural prod- behind the museum. It consists of two smaller graves ucts and features in the landscape, inspired the surrounded by a circle of large stones, 40 m long Travel Experience itineraries of Rocca di Cerere and 7 m wide; it is the only one of its kind in the UNESCO Global Geopark. Yellow, the colour of Netherlands. wheat and saffron, is a symbol of opulence associated with agriculture and of sulphur associated Wytse Sikkema - [email protected] with mining in the territory. Green is related to the Liesbeth Simon - [email protected]

48 49 Adamello Brenta UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy Tourists become ParKeepers The Via GeoAlpina: in the Adamello Brenta geotrekking for sustainable UNESCO Global Geopark! development GEOTOURISM GEOTOURISM

Section of the Pian Vada’ trail, Sessia Val Grande UGGP. A view of Lake he Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Ge- The Ivrea-Verbano Zone provides one of the Maggiori in Topark recently completed a section most spectacular sections through rocks of the Sessia Val of the Via GeoAlpina, an international lower crustal provenance. Stages 1 and Grande UGGp. project, launched by the Internation- 6, for example, provide hikers with the al Union for Geological Sciences opportunity to “walk through” the (IUGS) and UNESCO in the con- Earth’s continental crust, ob- text of the International Year serving the mineralogy, tex- for the Planet Earth (IYPE, tures and structures formed The flyer for new project was born in 2020 in the Adamel- services. These include using, the shuttle buses in the 2007), that aims to inform tour- at different depths. lo Brenta UNESCO Global Geopark. The goal main valleys, the parking ticket, the purchase of pub- the “ParKeeper” A project. ists and hikers about the history of In Stage 3 the trail follows the is to stimulate the spirit of belonging in the local lications and Geopark products and any innovation the formation of the Alps. Sutermeister Trail, the path of histori- communities and in tourists who are most loyal proposed by the Geopark, from year to year. Also, Various organizations from six alpine cal forest exploitation, principally located to the territory of the Geopark. The project is entitlement for priority booking at certain times of countries (Germany, Austria, France, Italy, among the metamorphic rocks of the geologi- called, “ParKeeper” and was conceived with the the year, the opportunity to participate in exclusive Slovenia and Switzerland) were associated with cal unit known as the Strona-Ceneri Zone. It con- help of the team of entrepreneurs who manage initiatives and the right to be regularly informed the project (www.viageoalpina.eu), that developed sists of two types of paragneiss, metamorphic rocks accommodation facilities certified by the “Euro- about the Geopark’s news. Moreover, when the guest several itineraries crossing all the countries in the of sedimentary origin; Gneiss Minuti and Gneiss pean Charter of Sustainable Tourism – Quality has stayed at least three times in a certified facility Alpine chain. Ceneri both deposited during the Cambrian period. Park” (a long standing project which, since 2003, over the a period of two years, or if the guest has The section of the Via GeoAlpina (VGA) of the All the stages with rocky outcrops along geotrek- rewards the most environmentally conscious stayed at least twice in a certified facility and has Sesia Val Grande UGGp involves a seven day itiner- king trails and with a variety of rock types provide local organizations with the Adamello Brenta visited one of our Park Visitor Centres, he/she will ary that crosses the most significant components an opportunity to understand concepts such as Geopark Quality Brand ). receive a special gift from the Park. in the geology and landscape, guiding people to geodiversity and geoheritage. Three of the seven Adult guests, who stay at least four nights in the The responsiblities are very undemanding for some of the most notable and attractive natural stages have a more detailed plan of the trails with “CETS - Quality Park” facilities, are enrolled in the those who already have an understanding of na- and cultural sites. information and interpretive panels that describe in View of the ture and conform with accepted environmentally register of Geopark custodians, receive a special mountains In the Geopark the VGA runs alongside the Insub- detail the geological, lithological, mineralogical and identity card and thus become citizens of the Ge- friendly behaviour, both on vacation and at home. from the Pian ric (Canavese) Line and includes significant parts geomorphological features. Each of these thematic opark with all related rights and responsibilities. The Among the best practices, the Geopark suggests, Cavallone trail. of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone and the Serie dei Laghi. trails can be traveled separately by multiple users rights provide the possibility to take advantage of for example, to use public transport for daily travel, for educational and training activities. many discounts and benefits offered by the Geopark to recover waste, to sort waste even on vacation At the same time each stage provides an op- and to choose local products. Among the requests, portunity to integrate the landscape, biodiversity, there is also that of contributing to the promotion ecology and culture in the Geopark’s activities for of the area by posting beautiful holiday photo- sustainable development. graphs on social networks! In short, the aim of the This approach to valorise specific resources project is not to make our guests feel like “ac- within Geoparks, through the use of tools, such cidental tourists” but to make them feel part of a as geotrekking trails, could improve and integrate community that considers the environment as an our activities in geodiversity and geoheritage for geotourism and sustainable development. The first asset to be defended. More specifically the Via GeoAlpina trails in the ParKeepers. Due to the Covid-19 health emergency, 2020 was Laura Bacchini not an easy year for tourism, but the ParKeeper Sesia Val Grande UGGp seek to develop and dis- and Jonathan project gave us an encouraging direction.This sum- seminate knowledge of the Earth sciences. As hik- Giancarli who mer, in fact, we have already awarded the first two ers and tourists walk along a way marked trail they have stayed “ParKeepers”. We hope this is the beginning of a are informed, in a scientific way, about the history three times at good synergy for the protection of the environment, of the formation of the Alps and the secrets of the B&B “Sotto our planet. al Bosco” in which is needed in this historical moment! Spiazzo in Tullio Bagnati - [email protected] Rendena Valley. Chiara Grassi - [email protected]

50 51 Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Beaujolais UNESCO Global Geopark, France The Basque Coast Geopark Seducing local travellers - celebrates its 10th anniversary from digital tours to micro-adventures GEOTOURISM GEOTOURISM local guides. Geosites are categorized into three groups: “geological sites”, “natural sites” and “cultural and historical sites”. The approach to geosites is strongly influenced by these categories. Each podcast is an invitation to travel. It offers a short story to listen to at home or on site. Then, when summer came, the Beaujolais UGGp designed and released 15 micro-adventures highlighting geosites, telling short stories about our 500 million years geological history. The micro-adventure concept was popularized by Alastair Hum- phreys - voted Adventurer of the Year 2012 by The National Geographic. It is based on a simple idea: to discover your adventurous spirit a few kilometres from home. A micro-adventure should be short, easy to achieve, involve using public transport, hiking or The view from ovid-19 can be regarded as an accelerator for biking, buying local products and reducing waste. Chiroubles’ Ctrends and thoughts. While half of the planet In the Beaujolais, each micro-adventure involves geosite. was locked down, digital platforms became vital a geosite, information about its geology, an easy, Restoration © Gaël Fontaine. for maintaining social interactions and satisfying medium or difficult hike of 1 to 7 hours and an work on the our need to learn and discover. Then, with the ar- invitation to visit local producers and people in- Hiru Anai boat. volved in producing handicrafts. To communicate 15 rival of the summer holidays people wanted to join micro-adventures, the Beaujolais UGGp publicized n 2020 the Basque Coast Geopark celebrates 10 ence live the restoration work on the wooden boat with loved ones in nature. To face this challenge, each Thursday, from July to October, a new micro- Iyears since it joined the European and Global Ge- ‘Hiru Anai´. Other activities included sailing in a tra- the Beaujolais UGGp produced podcasts during the oparks Network. It was on the 1st of October, 2010 adventure on Facebook and on its website. The next ditional boat, an exhibition of old tools used by sailors, quarantine period to invite listeners to join in audio when the Coordination Committee of the European guided tours and workshops in tying sea knots and step will be to include all the micro-adventures in a tours. Then, micro-adventures were launched for Geoparks Network held in Lesvos (Greece) accepted hook making were part of the programme. guide, providing more information about geology, the summer to introduce local visitors to hikes, local the candidacy of the Basque Coast Geopark. The event was very successful, not just for the best responsible practices for visitors and a list of producers and products and to geological informa- The last ten years have been an exciting journey, number of visitors, limited because of the pandemic, restaurants using local products. everything achieved was due to the work of many tion by inviting them to discover places they thought but for the participation and the engagement of the The epidemic increased visitors’ interest in re- people. Looking back, we realize how proud we can they knew in a new way. local people. The sea and the maritime heritage are sponsible tourism, well-being, local economies, edu- be about the achievements of our Geopark. Great During lockdown, the impossibility of organizing another strong feature in the communal structure cation and low-carbon emission. Geoparks provide strides have been taken in many topics, conservation, visits to sites in the Beaujolais Geopark led to the of the Geopark and provides a focal point for the A podcast effective help in meeting these expectations con- tourism, education and we have attained a significant future strategy of the Geopark. The restoration and development of new media products. Many public screenshot on sidering their values and philosophy. Consequently, credibility at international level. enhancement of the cultural heritage is a challenge The Geopark wished to celebrate all of this with the the Beaujolais and private institutes, teachers and enthusiasts Covid-19 did not change our Geopark’s approach that we will face in the coming years. UGGp Youtube real protagonists, the local people. Therefore, an event have been very imaginative in providing scientific One decade later, the future of the Basque Coast page. © or action plan but it accelerated some actions that called “Festival of Maritime Heritage: Hiru Anai Boat, information. Following the example of the “cail- Geopark is secured thanks to the support of the in- “Beaujolais focused on geotourism and local visitors. a Century of Live History”, was organized during three lou confiné” channel, many videos were published Sample of stitutions, the citizens and the visitors. Conservation, Géoparc mondial Chiroubles’ weekends in October in Zumaia, Deba and Mutriku. on online platforms. In response, the Beaujolais education and geotourism have been the pillars of UNESCO” Marine Bettant du Breuil - geopark@pays- micro- The three municipalities of the Geopark are situ- Geopark decided to publish podcasts about ge- the Geopark’s strategy, always working for the sus- Youtube beaujolais.com adventure. ated on the coast and have a strong relationship with channel. osites. Podcasts were developed with the help of Tanguy Leblanc - [email protected] the sea. Old shipyards, whale hunting, and commercial tainable local development of the municipalities that © Beaujolais UGGp. activity in their ports have generated a rich maritime make up the Geopark. The work carried out over these heritage deeply embedded in the local people’s way ten years has led to excellent results and promises of living and their unwritten traditions. an exciting future. The maritime festival provided a breath of fresh air in the middle of the Covid - 19 pandemic. Respecting Leire Barriuso - [email protected] all precautionary measures, the visitors could experi- Asier Hilario - [email protected]

Exhibition of old Sailing on a tools used by traditional boat. sailors.

52 53 Catalunya Central UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Bergstraße-Odenwald Montserrat, a reference point UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany for promoting the Catalunya Involving local communities Central Geopark to millions - geodata management and GEOTOURISM GEOTOURISM of people Global Agenda 2030 platform on our live-action dashboard and triggers a repair ontserrat, with more spite the difficulties arising assignment. This gives our staff more time for new Mthan three million visi- from the current situation. projects without affecting our quality standards and tors each year, is the gate- It is also necessary to high- monitoring duties. way to the Catalunya Cen- light the involvement of FGC, But we did not stop there. Our geodatabase serves tral UGGp and also, thanks which also plans to adapt the as the basis for informing and involving our local com- to various activities in 2020, Santa Cova Museum space munities. Mountain bike riders visit our digital trail a privileged space to know so that it becomes another platform to find the perfect route that caters for their and learn about nature, ge- key site for information and needs, whether it is a family tour or an adrenaline ology, history and culture interpretation about the Ge- inducing “Enduro-ride”. Smartphone apps enable in the territory. Despite the opark and the Natural Park . people to gather data by themselves and provide us/ difficulties caused by the The Geopark also installed Our work them with a bigger picture of our region. From dam- COVID-19 pandemic, signif- new information and inter- force team age watch to involvement in citizen science projects icant services for geotour- pretion panels at different documents new tackling climate change, geodata is changing the way infrastructure ism were inaugurated in the sites within the Montserrat we interact and communicate with our residents. It and monitors Montserrat Mountain Natu- Natural Park, which help to provides a powerful alliance for a digital future. ral Park. They aim to inform interpret the geology and existing elements on a This culminates in our newest project, the carto- and enrich the experiences to learn the history of the regular basis. graphic Global Agenda 2030 platform for our local of all the people who visit mountain and the surround- ven if you are not aware of it right now, geo- communities and counties. Starting from a compre- this mountain. The Geopark ing territory. Panels are in- Edata forms the foundation of many endeavours hensive overview in the visually appealing map we dis- promoted the development stalled at strategic sites, played actions, projects and ideas from our member of these services with the The stunning panorama of the Abbey of with information in four lan- in your organization. It is a pool of information that Montserrat and the characteristic saw- can help streamline new projects and monitor the communities that support the Sustainable Develop- support and collaboration guages for the visting public . ment Goals (SDG) 2030. The map layout makes it easy shaped conglomerates from the viewpoint results of earlier projects. Here in Bergstraße-Oden- of the Montserrat Mountain at the Visitors Centre in the upper station One information panel, at the for residents to find activities and projects in close wald UNESCO Global Geopark we oversee hundreds of Natural Park and funding from of the Saint Joan Funicular. starting point of a popular trail proximity to their location and a search function lets hiking-paths, mountain-bike-trails and information- the Generalitat de Catalunya to the Monastery provides in- them filter through all 17 SDGs. The sustainability Railways (FGC), who made a strong commitment formation about the route with a link to a virtual points, which are distributed throughout our territory. platform also provides a forum to establish synergies to link the mountain’s tourism provision with the leaflet explaining the geological features and the It’s easy to lose track and that’s why we implemented for communities which work in similar projects and story of the Geopark. historical and cultural relevance of the site. Inter- our own geodatabase. Every part of the infrastructure promotes interregional activities. Example of The most notable activity was the opening of pretation panels include information on natural Interpretative we put in place is registered with information con- Marcus Seuser - [email protected] one of the the Geopark Visitors Centre in the upper station history (flora and fauna) and on the cultural and panel at the cerning its exact location, photos, status and the last Jutta Weber - [email protected] audiovisual of the Sant Joan funicular. It is a very visual site, historical values of the Natural Park. They help to exceptional quality inspection. Damaged infrastructure appears Mareike Müller - [email protected] facilities and with information panels and various audiovisual interpret the evolution of the geological landscape Santa Cecília an information facilities, which are complemented by the spec- from the Santa Cecília vantage point, and the ero- viewpoint. panel in the tacular views from the viewpoint of Sant Joan, sive effect of rivers in the Llobregat Gorge from An excellent new Visitors site to explain located at an altitude of 1,000 metres with more the Sant Miquel vantage point. Centre in the the changing upper station of than 350,000 visitors every year. The opening of landscape the Saint Joan the Centre to the public in August 2020 is a clear Ferran Climent Costa - [email protected] through Funicular. sign that the Geopark project is alive and well, de- Bet Mercadé Carranza - [email protected] geological time.

Member communities are represented on the interactive map and can be selected by choosing the SDG of interest

54 55 Cilento, Vallo Di Diano and Alburni Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark, Cyprus UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy The restoration of mining Best practices for sustainable heritage sites as a powerful development in Cilento, tool for geotourism: GEOTOURISM GEOTOURISM Vallo Di Diano and Alburni A case study of the historical Asbestos Mine that became UGGp: the GeoPark brand and a model for future restoration projects in Cyprus. Airborne and the drainage systems of the wider area with pollution with asbestos fibers. These conditions forced the people Mediterranean Diet taste network asbestos fibers in the nearby villages to live under adverse condi- occurred until tions for a prolonged period of time. the 1970s The international campaign against the use of without asbestos, resulted in a decrease in the demand and any safety price of asbestos. Consequently, the mine began precautions. Inset map of to experience financial difficulties, which eventu- the Troodos ally resulted in its closure in 1988. The Government UNESCO Global terminated the mining lease in 1992 and undertook Geopark with the management of the mine. The restoration of the location of the mine started in 1994 under the guidance of a the Asbestos multidisciplinary technical committee, aiming to Mine. address the stability problem by reforesting the he Asbestos Mine is located in the heart of the mine-waste tips and renovating abandoned build- TTroodos UNESCO Global Geopark and is the big- ings. The annual budget for the restoration of the gest chrysotile asbestos mine in Europe, covering mine is around €500,000. an area of 4.7 km². According to recent studies and annual testing The production of asbestos in an organized way for airborne asbestos fibers, the restoration work, began at the site in 1904. Until 1950, the extraction after nearly 25 years, has reduced their dispersion of the ore was carried out by hand during the sum- down to environmentally acceptable levels in the mer months using explosives, pick-axes, pitchforks, area surrounding the mine. metal troughs and manually pushed wagons. Conse- Today, the Asbestos Mine area is reforested, host- quently, the operation of the mine, was dependent on ing in renovated buildings a seed bank for endemic Companies ilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni Geopark UGGp heritage and distinctive local products and crafts. Typical the employment of a large number of workers, that receiving the dishes of the flora species, the Troodos Geopark Visitors Centre, (CVDA UGGp) adopted the best practices for It will also encourage conformity in the quality of at times involved a workforce of 18,000. Many lived GeoPark brand C Mediterranean the Botanical Garden and an artificial lake bounded sustainable development in a multi designation the products and services and ensure that produc- with their families close to the mine, in temporary award. diet. by a natural trail which attract thousands of visitors territory, through several activities. To this end, it tion and delivery comply with the requirement for buildings, which gradually developed into permanent was essential to reward and encourage the produc- conservation in the territory. each year. The safe conditions and the increased houses, and the creation of the Pano Amiantos com- tive activities of the territory with a recognition of The aim of this brand is to promote and support number of visitors have a positive effect on the local munity. After 1950, the mechanization of the mine quality. Two initiatives that proved very successful the following: production activities and services; communities helping them to sustain their activities led to a decrease in the number of employees. How- are: the GeoPark brand and the Mediterranean Diet the environmental, social and economic quality in the land of their ancestors. ever, the community continued to provide homes for taste network. of the resources and production processes of the Thus, the experience gained from the successful mine workers and officials. In addition to houses the On 26 April 201, the Governing Council of the area; traditional heritage, typical products and local restoration of the Asbestos Mine, has been adopted community included a church, a school, a hospital, Park Authority adopted the specification for the handicrafts. The local businesses and services are for restoration work in numerous abandoned mines General view of a cinema, a police station and shops. A woman franchise for the GeoPark brand of the National encouraged to develop a clear territorial identity in Cyprus. the mine-waste The long period of open cast mining, resulted in making pasta Park of Cilento Vallo Di Diano and Alburni UGGp. in marketing and highlighting the origin of the dumps before the degradation of the natural environmental with General view “Cavatielli”. The brand will help to safeguard the traditional products by promoting services, entrepreneurship Efthymios Tsiolakis - [email protected] the restoration the destruction of the flora. The accumulation of of the Asbestos and creating local employment. The Geopark has work. Christodoulos Hadjigeorgiou - etsiolakis@gsd. mine in 2017. huge waste dumps in the mine created problems in moa.gov.cy awarded 140 companies and 200 typical produc- (Source: Geological (Source: Manos tions/local handicrafts with the brand of National Survey Department) slope stability as well as polluting the atmosphere Vasilis Symeou - [email protected] Manoli) Park CVDA UGGp The Mediterranean Diet taste network, aims to create a link between producers and the catering sector in order to provide the consumer with a complete overview of the choice and short supply chain for delivery of products made in the Geopark. These are the typical and traditional products of a territory known for its rich biodiversity heritage and as a cradle of the Mediterranean Diet. To join the taste network, every restaurateur must include at least 10 GeoPark brand products on their menu. Thirty restaurateurs have joined the Mediterranean Diet taste network.

Aniello Aloia, Giovanni Ciano - [email protected] Giovanni Ciano - [email protected]

56 57 Luberon UNESCO Global Geopark, France English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, UK Luberon Gratitude, The Geopark In Focus an initiative from geopartners and tourism professionals GEOTOURISM GEOTOURISM from the Luberon UNESCO Global Geopark to thank the pandemic frontline workers

Geopark In Focus, Episode 1 – Fossils and Deep Time. sils and Deep Time, followed by Caves, Early Humans, Today’s Inspiration, Sea Level and Climate Change, Writers of the Riviera and Marine Life of The Bay. BBC TV’s favourite geologist and series host Pro- BBC TV fessor Iain Stewart, patron of the Geopark since 2007 geologist said “These films are a wonderful way for people to and Geopark Patron Prof Iain reconnect with the amazing natural environment that Stewart hosts surrounds us down on the English Riviera coast - an the Geopark environment that infuses our daily lives and enriches In Focus our economic, social and cultural well-being. They are Interviews. full of brilliant stories - past, present and future - that he English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark has speak to the vital modern importance of Torbay’s Tlaunched a series of video-interviews with world ancient geological heritage”. leading scientists and experts to unravel the facts You can watch each episode as they are released behind Torbay’s UNESCO designation. Over seven on the Geopark’s YouTube channel, or listen to pod- he health crisis marked by the Covid-19 pan- UNESCO Global Geopark who wish to demonstrate View of the episodes, Prof Iain Stewart MBE, engages in relaxed cast versions, and get inspired just as Professor Chris Tdemic was particularly trying for the health solidarity with the frontline workers. This network, Charembeau discussions with fascinating people, each with a dif- Stringer of The Natural History Museum London, and professionals during the lockdown period. Front- with the support of the Luberon UGGp, proposes Hotel ferent insight into why this coastal area of England one of the leading experts in human evolution did. Forcalquier, line workers including nurses, doctors, pharmacists services, products and opportunities to explore the is so unique. From what the local rocks reveal about Chris said “I first visited Kent’s Cavern as a 5-year-old, Alpes-de-Haute- Earth’s history and climate change, evidence of early along with police officers, officials, waste collectors exceptional richness of the territory natural and Provence, with my parents, and it helped to spark my life-long and others have been mobilized tirelessly to take cultural heritage. France. One human cultures, to how the landscape and communi- interest in prehistory. I’m delighted to have this chance care of the sick and serve the community. Luberon Gratitude offers 500 overnight stays in of the hotels ties of Torbay have influenced writers and artists, the to show how Kent’s Cavern, as part of the English Rivi- The Luberon Gratitude initiative involves a net- hotels, campsites or B&Bs, guided hikes, site visits, in which series give people of all ages and abilities the oppor- era UNESCO Global Geopark, is continuing to inform work of geo-partners, tourist providers and win- tasting wine and local products, free of charge or at the Luberon tunity to experience Devon’s UNESCO Global Geopark. both scientists and the public about our ancient past emakers from the Luberon Régional Nature Park preferential prices from July to December 2020. To- Gratitude The series was launched on UNESCO World Science and why that is still relevant to us today.” and the management structure of the Luberon initiative offers Day for Peace and Development and each episode is date, 173 requests have been reported showing a overnight stays. high participation rate for the most popular offers. released weekly during the Autumn starting with Fos- Melanie Border - [email protected] The Luberon Gratitude project provides opportunities and precious time for sharing values and experiences between professionals committed to the common causes: people’s health and well-being, appreciation and enjoyment of the natural heritage and creating a caring world with greater solidarity. Here is the testimony of Souria Hamidafrom the Laveran Hôpital d’Instruction des Armées in Marseille: “I want to thank you for your initiative to provide rest for the Covid caregivers in association with the Parc du Luberon. I spent a weekend at the Hotel Charembeau Iain Stewart where everything was perfect: from the welcome discussing Covid-19 care Early Humans to the breakfast, not to mention the exceptional providers enjoy with Prof Chris an overnight setting and the great sympathy of the owner. Stringer and stay in the “Many thanks’’. Prof Paul Pettit Charembeau in Geopark In Hotel. Jean-Noël Baudin - [email protected] Focus Episode 3.

58 59 Karavanke/Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark, Slovenia–Austria Olimpline - new adrenaline attraction in the Karavanke/Karawanken UNESCO designates 15 new GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL GEOTOURISM UNESCO Global Geopark Geoparks in Asia, Europe,

aravanke/Karawanken UNESCO Global Ge- Kopark, a cross-border Geopark between Slov- and Latin America enia and Austria, comprises 14 municipalities, 9 UNESCO’s Executive Board last July approved the designation of 15 new UNESCO Global on the Austrian side and 5 on the Slovenian side. One of its most important objectives is for wide- Geoparks, which brings the number of sites participating in the Global Geoparks Network ranging cross-border cooperation and the develop- to 161 in 44 countries. The Executive Board also approved the extension of the Kula-Salihli ment of the region within a sustainable regional UNESCO Global Geopark in Turkey. policy. Therefore, several international projects UNESCO Global Geoparks were designated for the first time in Nicaragua, the Russian are currently being implemented in the Geopark. Federation and Serbia. One of these is an INTERREG SI-AT project called “NatureGame” (Natural-geological Playground The newly designated Geoparks are: Petzen), was started in 2018 and was co-financed by the European Union, through the European Re- gional Development Fund, and Land Kärnten. The Cliffs of Fundy project aims to strengthen the awareness of na- UNESCO Global Geopark (Canada) ture through a combination of attractive outdoor On the North shore of the Minas Basin in Nova Scotia, Canada, the activities as well as geo-experiences. Its main goal Geopark features a varied landscape of hills, mountains, valleys, heavily is the sustainable and economic valorisation of the forested areas, and coastal marshlands. Its broad biodiversity includes rare door climbing tower, an indoor climbing centre geo- and biodiversity of the central cross-border Olimpline – a birds, fungi and plants. Minas Basin, an inlet in the Bay of Fundy, which is together with some new interactive-information new adrenaline Petzen Mountain and surrounding area and thus known for having the highest tides on Earth, is part of the Geopark that points. A network of tourist attractions will form a adventure in the Karavanke/Karawanken Geopark. features exposures of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, the largest bilateral game, the so-called NatureGame, consist- the Karavanke/ Within the framework of the NatureGame project Karawanken outpouring of lava in Earth history, fossils of early dinosaurs, vertebrates ing of several closely interlinked modules, where several attractive touristic offers on both sides UNESCO Global and more. The indigenous people of the region, The Mi’kmaq, have lived in individuals will be able to experience the geo- and of the border are being created. Recently the Ol- Geopark. the area for thousands of years, making it one of the earliest known sites biodiversity of the cross-border region and, at the impline, one of the longest ziplines in Europe was Photo by Urosh of human habitation in northeastern North America. Passed down through same time, interact with nature. Three different Grabner. launched in Črna na Koroškem (Slovenia). Olimpline the ages, their stories explain many geosites and the communities of levels of the game will be developed. While the first is the longest continuous zipline in Slovenia, with Cliffs of Fundy are committed to preserving them for future generations. level will be available on PCs, also for marketing, the the highest point 200 m above the ground and a second can only be used directly in the Karavanke/ length of 1260 m. Along this zipline, which is a trib- Karawanken Geopark. The last, the third level is Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark (Canada) ute to local successful Olympians, visitors can enjoy Located in Newfoundland Labrador, in the east of the country, the Ge- intended to encourage participants to reflect on a stunning view of the birthplace of the former Al- opark covers over 280 km of rugged coastline full of remarkable views of the significance of geodiversity and biodiversity pine skiing champion, Tina Maze, and other Olympic caves, arches and sea stacks. Sites within the boundary of the Geopark while playing the game. The provision of adven- athletes. Several interpretation/information panels bear witness to the region’s geological history which has shaped the land, at the starting platform present the rich geo- and turous activities to encourage the experience of its human inhabitants and their culture. The area lies entirely within the biodiversity of the Geopark area. Here, visitors are geodiversity and the environment in a playful way Avalon terrane of the Appalachian Orogen, which is dominated by a com- informed about the “most exciting” event in the will emphasize the importance of the Karavanke/ plex assemblage of Neoproterozoic sedimentary, volcanic and plutonic geological history of the Karavanke/Karawanken Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark and will lead rocks. The coastal geology offers a unique opportunity to observe, study, UNESCO Global Geopark when - about 70 million to an increase in tourism and overnight stays. and celebrate one of the most significant transitions in Earth’s history: years ago - the Eurasian and Adriatic lithospheric the Ediacaran Period, and its associated rise of animal life. With rocks Gerald Hartmann - gerald.hartmann@geopark- plates collided, and the famous Periadriatic Fault over a half a billion years old, the Geopark is host to some of the most karawanken.at spectacular and exceptionally preserved Ediacaran fossil sites on Earth. Zone formed as a consequence of the collision. Darja Komar - [email protected] In addition to Olimpline, several other tourist Danijela Modrej - [email protected] attractions are developed within the NatureGame Antonia Weissenbacher - antonia.weissenbacher@ Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark (China) project, e. g., a new Geopark Visitor Centre, an out- geopark-karawanken.at In the hinterland of the Wuling Mountains in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao The Autonomous Prefecture (Hunan Province), the Geopark bears witness to underground a rich human history starting in the Palaeolithic age and features 160 Geopark cultural sites from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic ages. The area is now Information mainly inhabited by Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities, the earliest indig- Centre enous people living in Xiangxi Prefecture, whose rich history and culture Podzemlje have given rise to unique folk customs. The geology of the area records Pece/Petzen in Mežica, The new the forming of the Yangtze Platform, a foreland basin that has undergone Slovenia, with a Geopark multiple stages of tectonic evolution. In the Geopark, the Cambrian system new interactive- interactive- is particularly visible, with two sites of high international importance. The information information area is also known for its Red Stone Forest, the Dehang Grand Canyon, component. point in the Zuolong Valley, and many spectacular waterfalls. Photo by Urosh Prevalje, Grabner. Slovenia

60 61 Yangan-Tau UNESCO Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark (Russian Federation) Global Geopark (China) Located in the Salavat District in the north-east of the The Geopark is located in Zhangye City, Gansu Prov- Republic of Bashkortostan, the area is known for the rich ince, which was an important township on the ancient diversity of it geology, flora and fauna, as well as cultural Silk Road, trade route between China and the West. traditions. Three major geological structures account for The Geopark’s 577 cultural sites bear witness to the the Geopark’s varied landscape: the East European Plat- history of the city that is home to a number of minority form, the Uralian Foredeep and the Ural Mountains. One ethnic groups, including Yugurs, with distinct cultures of the outstanding geological features of the Geopark is

the Yangantau Mountain with unique thermal anomalies, GEOPARKS GLOBAL

GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL and lifestyles. The most notable feature of the Geopark is the presence of colourful hills, the best example of creating geothermal springs without the presence of magmatic activity. Other notable features include lowland peat- China’s Danxia landform, formed by folded sandstones bogs, karst caves, the Kurganzak spring, Keselyaroyo sulfur in different colours. Some of the hills have been eroded springs and the Mechetlino section. creating ‘window-lattice’ and ‘palace-style’ landforms. Another important feature is the ‘Nine-Springs’ ophio- lite, a remnant of the ancient oceanic crust, which has Maestrazgo UNESCO been studied by multiple geologists for its international Global Geopark (Spain) geological significance. In the province of Teruel, within the Aragonese western branch of the Iberian Mountain Range, the Geopark’s exten- Toba Caldera UNESCO sive territory encompasses 43 municipalities with beautiful towns and architectural heritage set in varied landscapes, Global Geopark (Indonesia) home to a rich history and traditional celebrations. The two Located on Sumatra Island, Toba Caldera was formed most notable geological highlights of the Geopark are: The by a super volcanic eruption 74,000 years ago. The Jurassic-Cretaceous dinosaur sites in Galve where the first water-filled basin of the caldera is the largest volcanic dinosaur in Spain was found, and the Mesozoic series in lake in Indonesia and is situated 904 metres above sea the Maestrazgo area, one of the most representative and level. The large Samosir Island rises up from the lake set complete exposures of the Cretaceous geological history of amidst wave hills, mountains and plains. The creation of the Iberian Mountain Range. Other remarkable sites include the caldera exposed basement rocks, enabling scientists the Cristal Caves Natural Monument, El Recuenco cave, to study what was once part of the mega continent Cañizar del Olivar (Calcareous tuff building) and multiple Gondwana. Home to the Batak Toba, Simalungun, Karo dinosaur sites with fossils and footprints. and Pakpak people, the area has a rich cultural heritage which can be explored by visiting traditional houses and Dak Nong UNESCO museums in the Geopark. Global Geopark (Viet Nam) Located in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands, Rio Coco UNESCO the Geopark’s geological past goes back 200 to 165 million Global Geopark (Nicaragua) years when the area was part of the ancient Gondwana Located in the north of Nicaragua, Rio Coco is part supercontinent. More recent volcanic activity a few tens of the volcanic Central Mountainous Chain featuring a of thousands of years ago has endowed it with spectacular landscape of rolling hills and plains with small valleys. craters, majestic waterfalls and Southeast Asia’s most ex- The elevated and broken topography of the area offers tensive system of hundreds of magnificent volcanic caves. lookout points and panoramic views of a range of ongo- Its geological morphology and varied soil and climatic con- ing tectonic phenomena, in a landscape of wetlands, ditions, are home to a rich range in biodiversity and eco- highland springs and cloud forests. The territory is home systems, including many endemic rare species. Dak Nong to three emblematic trees: the almond tree of ‘Tere was originally inhabited by three indigenous peoples, the Armijo’, the Branded Guapino tree, and the 500-year-old M’Nong, Ma and Ede. Following an influx of immigrants in Golden Ceiba, sacred for the Mayan people. The area the late 1970s it has become the home of over 40 ethnic has a rich history, marked by Taguzgalpa heritage, with groups and a place of rich cultural diversity. numerous pre-Hispanic settlements and a few examples of cave art. Spanish conquistadors, established the Granada UNESCO Cuje gold mines in Rio Coco and built the parish church of Santa Maria de Magdalena in Totogalpa (18th and Global Geopark (Spain) Located in the south-west of the country and surrounded 19th centuries). by some of the highest mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, the area contains evidence of the geological history of a Hantangang UNESCO river and a lake that were active in the Quaternary. It is Hantangang River Geopark Global Geopark (Republic of Korea) marked by an extraordinary record of continental Quater- Situated in the central part of the Korean Peninsula, nary sediments which eroded and formed valleys. These the Geopark features a unique volcanic landscape of processes created a unique troglodytic landscape, with a deep gorges, basalt cliffs, columnar joints and wa- singular type of traditional cave-houses, inhabited since terfalls formed during the late Quaternary, after the the Middle Ages, which now house restaurants, tourist ac- eruption of Ori Mountain, which unleashed a lava commodation, interpretation centres, wine cellars, etc. The flow between parallel mountain ranges along the old area is also known for its many archaeological sites that Hantangang River Valley, creating the Cheorwon Lava showcase the region’s rich historical, artistic and cultural Plateau. Hantangang River subsequently eroded a new heritage. path through the lava plateau, developing its unique The presentations of the following new UNESCO Global Geoparks can be found in the following pages: volcanic topography. The area’s wealth of cultural and ‣ The Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark (United Kingdom) archaeological sites including Jeongok-ri, which dates ‣ Djerdap UNESCO Global Geopark (Serbia) back to the Stone Age, testifies to its strategic impor- ‣ Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark (Finland) tance for trade and war. ‣ Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark (Portugal) 62 63 Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark, UK Djerdap UNESCO Global Geopark, Serbia UNESCO Global Geopark Introducing the Black Country “It is magnificent to stand on UNESCO Global Geopark the banks of the Danube...” PRESENTATION PRESENTATION

Karst ith these words of Pliny the Younger (61-113 mainly in the westernmost and easternmost lowlands. The natural arch plateau Ploče AD) begins our story about the beautiful Danube Our Geopark is very proud of its rich biodiversity. The in Vratna Gorge. W Natural arches The Geopark of Silurian shallow marine strata with thin volcanic The Singing overlooking the gorge, now a new addition to the family of UNESCO deep River Danube has, in addition to large specimens and caves are Team at the Cavern Geosite Danube – the Global Geoparks. Located in the Balkans, Djerdap Ge- of catfish and zander, around 60 fish species. The dense ash (bentonite) horizons. These folded strata rise distinctive karst Geopark through the overlying coalfield of upper Carbonif- in the Black most famous opark is situated in the northeastern part of Serbia, Djerdap forests are home to at least 55 mammal spe- Headquarters, viewpoint in the landforms in the erous, freshwater sedimentary rocks deposited in Country UGGp. cies, including deer, wild boar, fox, lynx and marten. Dudley Museum Djerdap UGGp. where the Danube serves as a natural border with Djerdap UGGp. low-lying equatorial swamps. Later Carboniferous Romania. Outside of Serbia, Djerdap Gorge is known High on the Danube’s cliffs is a soaring kingdom of he Black Country, is a 365km² urban area in the basaltic magma intruded the coalfield. as the Iron Gates, in respective languages; however, eagles and falcons. Because of the high diversity of centre of England with 1.1 million inhabitants. It T The area was pulled apart during the Permian the Serbian toponym derives from the Persian word the bird fauna, including rare and endangered spe- sits on a coalfield that is exceptionally rich in easily- and Triassic Periods and became a series of faulted for whirlpool – gerdâb. The Geopark covers an area of cies, Djerdap National Park and Mala Vrbica have been mined coal, ironstone, fireclay and limestone. The inland desert basins filled with sandy red beds and 1,330 km², including the 638 km² Djerdap National declared Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas. Also, name comes from the blackening and wholesale red mudstones. The youngest strata include boulder Kladovo-Radujevac and Djerdap National Park, with destruction of the natural landscape by intensive Park, and has a total population of 41,153. clays and glaciofluvial deposits of sands and grav- Neoproterozoic rocks, which constitute a significant some 1,100 plant species and subspecies, have been coal mining and the spread of heavy industries els from ice sheets of the Pleistocene that sculpted declared Important Plant Areas. during the Industrial Revolution. In 1868 American portion of the Geopark, are represented by unfossilifer- the landforms and were deposited across northern ous medium to high-grade metamorphic rocks. The Pal- The very favorable microclimate gave rise to a Consul Elihu Burritt described this place as a land and western parts of the territory. permanent human presence over eleven millennia, ‘black by day and red by night’ It was a crucible aeozoic Era is characterized by Cambrian volcanic-sed- Geology defines everything here and imparts imentary rocks, Ordovician metaclastics, Carboniferous and to the Geopark’s numerous archaeological sites of new ideas and inventions strongly associated local character and distinctiveness. This rich “her- and historical and cultural monuments. Lepenski Vir clastics and granitoids and Permian red sandstones with the history of geology and the development of itage seam” is being protected and sensitively is a unique prehistoric site, with settlements dating and spilites (volcanic igneous rocks). One of the most geological concepts including the oldest geologi- developed. The importance and value of the herit- from Mesolithic and early Neolithic times. The pre- important complexes, the Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous cal map (Metallum Martis 1665), and the earliest age is recognised and protected in national and historic site Rudna Glava contains the earliest copper succession of limestones, marlstones and cherts, has recording seismograph (Milne-Shaw 1913). local planning controls and nature conservation mining and metallurgy in Europe, dating back to 6000 The geology is very varied for a relatively small a rich fossil fauna (ammonites, brachiopods, bivalves, law and policy. The Geopark’s work is operated BC. The area along the Danube was an important area. Sir Roderick Murchison, who identified the belemnites) and hosts a well-developed karst land- under these controls and authorised through its link between the western and eastern territories of Silurian Period, said that “Nowhere in England are tiered management structure. At the top level it is scape, especially in the Miroč Mountain. Neogene and the Roman Empire. During the 1st and 2nd century more Geological features brought together in a chaired by senior politicians and Chief Officers of Quaternary formations, with aeolian landforms, occur AD, the Roman emperors commissioned a strategic small compass that in the environs of Dudley or in ABCA (the Association of Black Country Authori- road through the Iron Gates with a series of military which their characters have been more successfully ties). The next level is a board of specialists from fortifications and a bridge over the Danube. Even developed by the labours of practical men”. It is, a range of partners who coordinate, prioritize and now, Golubac and Fetislam Fortresses testify to the however, possibly most famous for its beautifully oversee approved project works. Then there are strategic importance of Djerdap and to clashes be- preserved and diverse Silurian and Carboniferous delivery teams on the ground supported by the tween East and West during the Middle Ages and fossils. management levels who work with wider partner- early modern period. The oldest rocks are exposed in anticlinal inliers ships and stakeholders. The Djerdap Geopark is managed by the Public En- People are at the heart of the Geopark. The terprise “Djerdap National Park”, in cooperation with Geopark greatly raises awareness of the natural four municipalities (Golubac, Majdanpek, Kladovo, world and the environment and creates a great Negotin) and the Ministry of Environmental Protec- place to live, work and learn. This is expressed in a tion. We support an increasing number of projects, dynamic and diverse range of activity across the companies and individuals involving sustainable de- Geopark, including specialist advice to develop- velopment, geotourism and the production of local ers and planners, geological conservation and site The replica food and craft products. With the support of experts management, recording and collecting from tem- of the iconic from the universities, institutes and government de- porary geological exposures, educational projects, Mesolithic sculpture from partments, our persistent efforts in research, promot- tourism initiatives, events, exhibitions and other A community Lepenski Vir ing sustainable development and the protection of field trip at promotional activity. in the Visitor Djerdap’s rich heritage will proudly continue. Wrens Nest Centre of National Nature Graham Worton - [email protected] the Djerdap Sanja Đokić - [email protected] Reserve Geosite Colin Prosser - [email protected] National Park. Nikola Vuković [email protected]

64 65 Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal Lauhanvuori- Hämeenkangas Lauhanvuori - Hämeenkangas A New Portuguese UNESCO project UNESCO Global Geopark, Finland Global Geopark: From mountains to mires Estrela - a mountain of resilience PRESENTATION PRESENTATION

A misty morning in Kauhaneva, one of the largest mires in The Zêzere Lauhanvuori - glacial valley he Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark encompasses the highest mountain in mainland Por- Hämeenkangas and the western T Geopark. plateau of tugal (Estrela, 1993 m) together with its bordering the Serra da plateaus and foothills. The territory hosts the most he Lauhanvuori - Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global lying land of mires, forests, and rural landscapes. Estrela, with its significant Late Pleistocene glacial and periglacial TGeopark combines three distinct geographical Today, mires are the wildest natural sites one can glacial cirques, landforms in Portugal and several internationally sig- reptile species and a small number of fish species. Estrela UNESCO areas with 40,000 inhabitants and three differ- find in the area. They are the interface where biology glacial troughs, nificant geosites. Besides its remarkable and diverse hanging valleys Seven of the 2,500 invertebrates listed are endemic. Global Geopark ent cultures. Located on the margin of Pirkanmaa, meets geology with the production of biogenic sedi- geology, the over 2,200 km² territory’s long cultural and moraines. The strong connection between geology, geomor- and its geosites. Satakunta and Ostrobothnia provinces, the Geopark ments. Mires are a part of the rural landscapes and evolution reflects the adaptation of its peoples to created a new unity within the region. Despite their even of the industrial history. The best farmlands in © Filipe Patrocínio. phology, climate, economic activity and human set- the adverse geography, and their intimate relation- differences, the cultures have many common features the area were originally riverside mires and wetlands, tlement produced the mosaic of cultural landscapes ship with the mountain. Today, the Estrela Geopark with their roots in geography. For instance, the area is and the peat energy industry in Finland is rooted that enriches the Estrela UGGp, forming the legacy of has about 150,000 inhabitants and is an important one of the few places where brewing sahti, the tradi- within the Geopark. Mires are an inseparable part of the relationship between the Estrelean people - the tourist destination in Central Portugal. tional Finnish farmhouse ale, has survived to this day. Finnish culture— places of tranquillity, safe escapes Estrela’s rich geological history started with ma- Serranos and the mountain. The 4,900 km² Geopark area is located near the in hard times, sources of iron, health, and vitamins, rine sedimentation at over 650 million years (Ma) The Estrela UGGp is a new concept for a terri- coast of the Bothnian Sea. Because of the relatively but also places for grief and sorrow. ago. From approximately 350 – 300 Ma continen- tory with a remarkable cultural heritage and where flat topography, water runoff is low, and the area has The Geopark is managed by an association, whose tal collision associated with the Variscan Orogeny geoheritage supports a strategy for promoting well- an abundance of mires. The area is part of the Suo- members consist of local municipalities, businesses, involved the intrusion of large granitic plutons and being, while respecting the environment. Its core- menselkä watershed dividing the Lakeland and the and other stakeholders. An important landowner and metamorphism, giving rise to the metasediments objectives are: i. preserving the geological heritage, Bothnian coastal plains. The main geosites include partner, Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland, that outcrop in large areas of the territory and to ii. educating the public about the Earth Sciences, iii. Lauhanvuori, Kivijata Stone Field, Hämeenkangas manages most of the geosites. Natural Resources the creation of a mountain belt. The levelling of the promoting sustainable development, iv. promoting Springs and Kauhaneva with its vast and varied mire Institute Finland and the Geological Survey of Finland mountains by 250 Ma and a long period of stabil- the creation of multicultural links through partner- scenery. Other sites of interest include the famous provide essential inventories of sites in the Geopark ity terminated at about 20 Ma with the uplift and ships, v. stimulating scientific research, and vi. pro- Susiluola Cave which was occupied before the last area. formation of the Iberian Central System and the moting networking. Ice Age and Aitoneva, the peat industry museum. The Geopark manages several EU-funded projects, Estrela Mountain. The rich geological heritage is The Estrela UGGp defines itself as a territory for The bedrock consists of 1,900 million-year old related to tourism, digitalization, and infrastruc- represented by 124 geosites subdivided into the supporting science, education, culture and communi- granite, representing the deep roots of the Svecofen- ture. The latest projects are developing sustainable, following categories: glacial and fluvioglacial; per- cation, capable of promoting strategies for valorisa- nian mountain range. The area is part of the thickest geo-education, and cycling tourism. Co-operation iglacial and slope dynamics; fluvial geomorphology; tion and development, and ensuring the preservation Earth’s crust in Europe. Lauhanvuori, the highest point between different groups in the Geopark has been granite weathering landforms; hydrogeological; bed- of the geological and non-geological heritage. The on Finland’s coast, is the remnant of a sandstone for- successful, and local schools, firms, and developers rock geology; mining; panoramic viewpoints. geodiversity of the Estrela, the richness of its cultural mation in the centre of the Geopark. It forms a gentle have initiated Geopark projects that have had nota- Estrela is one of Iberia’s major areas for endemic heritage and the scenic character of its landscapes hill, retaining features of its history as a former island. bly positive effects on the area’s vitality and mutual and restricted plant taxa and comprises almost one provide the territory with a unique geography. The The Hämeenkangas ridge, is the last major deposit identity. third of the Portuguese flora. It has approximately 40 structured approach of the Geopark’s strategy will, created at the margin of the retreating Weichselian mammal species, 150 bird species, 30 amphibian and Pasi Talvitie - [email protected] in close partnership with the local population and glacier 10,800 years ago. Along with several granite hills, these geological landmarks rise above the flat Terttu Hermansson - [email protected] enterprises, ensure the consolidation of the Estrela brand, and aims to mitigate the high environmental impact of tourism that frequently affects European mountains. The Kivijata Emanuel de Castro - [email protected] stone field in Linhares da Gonçalo Vieira - [email protected] Lauhanvuori Beira, one of Hugo Gomes - [email protected] A guided National Park is the earliest Fábio Loureiro - [email protected] tour visiting one of the most settlements a beautiful important and in the Estrela Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal bubbling spring most visited UGGp. Av. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 50, 6300-559 in Lauhanvuori geological sites © Filipe Patrocínio. Guarda, Portugal National Park. in the Geopark.

66 67 FUN Geopark

9th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks September 9-15 2021 Jeju Island Global Geopark Republic of Korea 11 September 2021: 46th European Geoparks Network Meeting – Jeju Island, Republic of Korea.

Welcome Message Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark has established the organizing committee for the REGISTRATION successful implementation of the 9th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks. The official As chairperson of this committee, I would like to welcome you to Jeju Island Geopark. registration for the The theme of the 9th Conference is ‘Fun’. 9th International The committee is dedicated to providing the participants with great opportunities to Conference on share and exchange their good practices and lessons learned while they have a fun and UNESCO Global meaningful time on Jeju Island. Geoparks will be A wide range of interactive sessions and field trips will enable participants to enjoy the nature and scenery of Jeju Island Geopark. Therefore, we look forward to welcoming you to re-opened after the the 9th International Conference on Jeju Island. registration schedule You will have a valuable hands-on learning experience accompanied by local residents on the is confirmed in 2021. beautiful island of Jeju Won Hee-ryong Chairperson of the Organizing Committee Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province