Title: European Geopark Network and Geotourism

9th European Geoparks Conference 2010 – Abstract Form

European Geopark Network

Nickolas Zouros1 and Patrick McKeever2,

1. University of the Aegean - Department of Geography 81100 Mytilene Greece [email protected]

2. Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, Colby House, Stranmillis Court, Belfast, BT9 5BF, Ireland

Established in 2000, the European Geoparks Network (EGN) aims to protect geodiversity, to promote geological heritage to the general public, as well as to support sustainable economic development of geopark territories, primarily through the development of geological tourism. Originally consisting of four territories, the network has been expanded to include, as of May 2010, 37 territories across 15 European countries. In 2001 the European Geoparks Network signed a formal agreement with the UNESCO Division of Earth Sciences, whereby UNESCO gave the network its endorsement. A further agreement was signed with UNESCO in 2004 whereby the EGN was given the responsibility for regulating membership of European Geoparks in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. As a result the EGN acts as the European sector of GGN. The European Geoparks Network adopted a common logo which is registered in all European countries. An EGN member has the right to use the European Geopark logo in its communications thereby contributing over time to creating a common image of quality, linking the enhancement of European Earth heritage with sustainable development. A broad range of activities combines the main components for the operation of each Geopark, including scientific research, inventory of geological sites, protection and conservation of geological heritage, operation of open air parks, thematic museums and interpretation centers, interpretation and promotion of geological sites, organization of scientific and cultural events. Geoparks also promote themselves as ideal destinations for geotourism and educational activities. Main target group for Geoparks are schoolchildren and University students. European Geoparks are potentially powerful new tools for a new holistic approach to nature conservation and sustainable economic development through geotourism.

References European Geoparks Magazine. Issues 1-6 Published by the European Geoparks Network. Mc Keever P. & Zouros N. 2005. Geoparks: Celebrating earth heritage, sustaining local communities. Episodes vol. 28, No 4, p. 274-278. Zouros, N., Martini, G., & Frey, M-L., (Ed) 2003. Proceedings of the 2nd European Geoparks Network Meeting: Lesvos, Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrifed Forest, pp. 17-21. Zouros N. 2004. The European Geoparks Network. Geological heritage protection and local development. Episodes vol 27, No 3, pp 165-171.