During the European Geopark Week 2020, which takes place under the motto „Understand the past - shape the years future“, we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery 20 into the millions of years of geological history, the diver- Geoparks se natural landscape and the fascinating culture of our European region. In light of the global changes on our planet the holistic In 2000, four institutions from Germany, Greece, France approach, which Geoparks implement in their regions is The information facilities of the Geo-Naturepark as well as and Spain came together and made a groundbreaking more than topical. Respect for nature, sustainable use of the Geopark on-site teams of the member communities decision: together they founded the European Geopark our resources, conservation, awareness raising, partners- as well as other cooperation partners contribute to the Network (EGN). hips and international understanding are part of the tasks varied program. And in this special year we are breaking to which the UNESCO Global Geoparks are committed not new ground and are looking to the future with confidence. The focus was on the protection of our geological herita- only in Europe, but worldwide. The Global Agenda 2030 is We are convinced that the European Geopark Week as an ge, its connection to nature and culture, the mediation moving more and more into the foreground, because with action by people for people, regionally and internationally, and touristic valorization as well as sustainable regional these approaches the Geoparks are already supporting will continue to make an important contribution to coope- development. This requires an understandable, exciting many of the United Nations‘ 17 Sustainable Development ration across borders. transfer of knowledge: about our planet, our role and also Goals. responsibility as people to preserve our heritage. And finally, to further develop this together with partners and Therefore, UNESCO has declaired the Geoparks worldwi- towards the future. de to be model regions - for communicating the Global Agenda 2030 on the basis of concrete and comprehensible projects and activities on site.
Look forward to an exciting and diverse European Geopark Week on our Facebook page with lots of information and impressive pictures of our regional partners and Geoparks across Europe. Follow us on The Geo-Naturepark Bergstrasse-Odenwald, member of At that time, no one could have guessed how success- the EGN since 2002, has taken over a number of compre- www.facebook.com/geo.naturpark ful this combination would turn out: within 20 years hensive network tasks, given impulses and also brought the number of members increased from 4 to 76 in 26 good ideas home. It is always about learning from each European countries. But it is not just that - in 2004 the other and working together to achieve the best benefit European Geopark Network was the successful model for for the regions. The geological, geographic and cultural European Geoparks Week 2020 UNESCO to establish the Global Geopark Network (GGN) diversity that the Geoparks reflect shows one thing above 24th May to 7th June 2020 and ultimately for the „International Geosciences & Geo- all: the valuability of our planet, the importance and parks Program“, which was launched in 2015. meanwhile urgency of it´s ressources protection and our common responsibililty to act in this way. Thus, the EGN has essentially contributed to the success of the UNESCO program, which currently includes 147 UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide. visitors. The focus is on people from the region as experts European for their home landscape. Authentic regional knowledge is to be reactivated in the Geo-Naturepark and thus preser- Geoparks Week 2020 ved for future generations - a sustainable contribution to strengthening the regional identity. In the anniversary year of the EGN, the “European Geo- European Geoparks Cities & Municipalities park Week” in the Geo-Naturepark Bergstrasse-Odenwald Internationally, the “European Geopark Week” is celebrated The teams enrich the (experience of) life in the Geo-Na- became a brand new face. Brand new? Not really, because The counties, cities and municipalities are the backbone of with countless events every year. Each Geopark gives these turepark with many creative tours and activities throug- the community is the link between regional and inter- the Geo-Naturepark. With over 100 members, many hands days of action a very special note. This exchange reflects, hout the year. national actions every year. TOGETHER: with creative and work together to preserve the diversity of the region, the wonderful diversity of our continent. In the past few committed partners in the region, with adventurous and to provide a functioning infrastructure, to implement years, the number of trans-European activities and events curious visitors and the colorful diversity of Geoparks all projects together, to enable events for the population and has increased considerably from 450 to 1150. This has resul- over Europe. Together we explore the region, celebrate visitors, to act sustainably and thus to move forward into ted in many collaborations and a fruitful exchange. small and large festivals, learn with and from each other the future. It is a dynamic network developed by the Geo- and last but not least we always have a good time toge- See for further information: www.europeangeoparks.org Naturepark that supports each other. ther.
This year we will celebrate this collaboration and cohesion Information Centres a little differently. The Geo-Naturepark Bergstrasse-Odenwald combines an Join us on a virtual journey through the region and Europe attractive natural and cultural area, which covers an area from 24th May to 7th June. Each day on our Facebook of 3800 square kilometers. In order to show this diversi- page we give an insight into the activities of the many ty to all visitors and make it accessible, over 20 entrance partners in the Geo-Naturepark and dive into breath- gates, information centers and environmental education taking pictures of other European Geoparks. stations have been set up throughout the region. In ad- UNESCO World Heritage Site Geopark Ranger dition to flyers and brochures on the diverse topics of the In the area of the UNESCO Global Geopark Bergstrasse- With this action, we would also like to thank deeply tor According the motto „nature with the professional“, unfor- Geo-Naturepark as well as hiking and cycling maps, special Odenwald there are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the longstanding good cooperation! To our partners in the gettable landscape tours and „geo and enjoyment hikes“ features of the region can be experienced as an exhibition the fossil site Messel Pit in the north, the Lorsch Abbey EGN and in the region: the Geopark Rangers, the Geopark by the Geopark rangers are just as much a part of the offer in some centers. in the west and the Upper-Germanic Roman Limes in on-site teams, the information centres, the cooperation as family-friendly natural and environmental issues. The the east. The particularly intensive cooperation with the partners, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the towns name „Geopark Ranger“ stands for quality, because many UNESCO World Heritage Sites Messel Pit and Lorsch Abbey and cities in the area of the Geo-Naturepark Bergstrasse- rangers are geoscientists or biologists, all have a compre- was again pioneering for other European Geoparks. On Odenwald. hensive training in the Geo-Naturepark and solid further site, the world heritage sites provide a close-up view of training courses e.g. in pedagogy and communication. the earth‘s history and cultural heritage with exhibitions, guided tours and actions. Join us on a journey through the region A successful concept that was decisive for similar models and Europe from 24th May to 7th June! in other Geoparks across Europe. Cooperation Partners www.facebook.com/geo.naturpark Cooperation and joint projects are important pillars in the Contakt & Information daily work of the Geo-Naturepark. The spectrum of the Geo-Naturepark Bergstrasse-Odenwald partners ranges from the International Forest Art Asso- (UNESCO Global Geopark) ciation through schools and universities up to the orchard Phone: +49 (0)6251-70799-22 rescuers. Cooperation is just as important for the further [email protected] development of the region as international connections. www.geo-naturpark.de For example, the Geo-Naturepark created the first forest www.facebook.com/geo.naturpark Geopark on-site Teams art trail in China together with the International Forest Art www.europeangeoparks.org “Geopark on-site” is a program whose training offer is ai- Association - in the partner Geopark Mt. Lushan. med at people in the municipalities of the Geo-Naturepark who want to present their immediate surroundings to Photos: European Geoparks Network (front page, map of Europe), Geo-Naturepark Bergstrasse-Odenwald