European Magazine●Issue 14

Geoparks sustainable destinations THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK www.europeangeoparks.org 2017 21-26 March 2017: 39th European Geoparks Meeting Burren and Cliffs of Moher UGG, , European CALENDAR www.burrengeopark.ie/egn-meeting Geoparks Network 12-22 June 2017: International Intensive Course on Geoparks Magazine UNESCO Global Geoparks and Geotourism Activities Lesvos island UGG, www.petrifiedforest.gr/geoparks2017 Issue No 13 / 2016 24th May – 11th June 2017: European Geoparks Network Published by: Week in all European Geoparks, www.europeangeoparks.org Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest on behalf of the European Geoparks 12th – 22nd June 2017: International Intensive Course Network on Geoparks. UNESCO Global Geoparks and Geotourism Developement Executive editor: Nickolas Zouros Lesvos Island UNESCO Global , Greece www.petrifiedforest.gr/geoparks2017 Publication Editor: Tony Ramsay 5th – 6th September 2017: 40th European Geoparks Editorial board: Network Meeting Tony Ramsay, Jutta Weber, Nickolas Zouros 7th – 9th September 2017: 14th European Geoparks Contributors: Conference Tony Ramsay, Vesa Krökki, Mikko Kiuttu, Barnabás Azores UNESCO Global Geopark, Korbély, Florian Dierickx, Irina Pavlova, Sarah http://www.egnazores2017.com/ Gaines, Staridas Spyros, C. Fassoulas, Melanie Border, Annie-Marie Donslund, Ana Lima, 16th – 17th September 2017: UGG Council Meeting Diamantino Pereira, Sílvia Marcos, Mojca Gorjup 18th APGN September 2017: APGN AC and CC Meetings Kavčič, Bojan Režun, Nina Erjavec, Jaka Kenk, 19th – 22th September 2017: 5th Asian Pacific Geoparks Sanja Marija Pellis, Eamon Doyle, Tiffany Sarre, Sophie Justice, Mona Holte, Andreas Schüller, Julia Network Symposium Franzen, Luis Alcalá, Luis Mampel, Francisco Javier Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark, Verdú, Guiseppe Mogavero, Pasquale Li Puma, Abu Sharib, T. Blenkinsop, Alessandra Casini, Armando Costantini, Giancarlo Pagani, Maria Kamilari, Eleni 2018 Koumoutsou, Gregoris Iatrou, Pietro Marescotti, March 2018: 41st European GeoparksNetwork Meeting Timo Kluttig, Ánchel Belmonte Ribas, Siegfried Roth, Dana Pietsch, Hans-Jürgen Stede, Thomas Karavanke/Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark, & Beisswenger, Mariana Vilas Boas, Ana Valente, 10th – 20th June 2018: International Intensive Course Carlos Neto de Carvalho, Joanna Rodrigues, Sara on Geoparks UNESCO Global Geoparks and Gentilini, Pål Thjømøe, Heta Toivonen, Pierre Prouillac, Erdal Gumus, N. Zouros, I. Valiakos, management Chiara Grassi, Giuliana Pincelli, Roberto Zoanetti, Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece Vajolet Masè, Alessia Amorfini, Antonio Bartelletti, 8th – 9th September 2018: UGG Council Meeting Guiseppe Ottria, António Duarte, Ricardo Neves, Vera Magalhães, João Carlos Nunes, Eva Lima, Marisa 10th – 11th September 2018: 42nd European Geoparks Machado, Manuel Paulino Costa, Anna Knauer, J.-L. Network Meeting Desbois, C. Lansigu, Jutta Weber, Cristina Rubio 12th – 15th September 2018: 8th International Conference Segura, Irmgard Auer, Heinz Kollmann, Clemens on UNESCO Global Geoparks – 2nd Ordinary GGN General Eibner, Richard Watson, Edoardo Dellarole, Patakos Dimitris, Andrew Bratton, Nikki Maguire, Robina Assembly Barton, Asier Hilario, Leire Barriuso, Wessel van Adamello Brenta UNESCO Global Geopark, Vliet, Eggert Sólberg Jónsson, Luise Bloise, Egidio Calabrese, Efthymios Tsiolakis 2019 Editing: Tony Ramsay March 2019: 43rd European Geoparks CC Meeting Publication manager: Ch. Paraskevaidis Swabian Albs UGG, September 2019: Print: Epikinonia Aigaiou S.A 15th European Geoparks Conference Cover photo: Apuan Alps, English Riviera Geopark, 44th European Geoparks CC Meeting Tuscan Mining Park, Natur-und Geopark Steirische Sierra Norte de Sevilla UGG, Eisenwurzen, Sobrarbe Geopark, Reykjanes Global Geopark, Arouca Geopark, Parco Naturale Adamello Brenta, Bakony-Balaton 2020 Geopark, Global Geopark. March 2020: 45th European Geoparks CC Meeting Copyright: The magazine and all the contributions and il- UGG, lustrations contained therein are protected by copyright. No part of this magazine may be copied or reproduced without September 2020: 46th European Geoparks CC Meeting the written approval of the publishers. This also includes commercial reproduction as an electronic data base and Hateg Country UGG, copying on cd rom. © 2016

2 ΑΛΛΑΓΕΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΤΑΥΤΟΤΗΤΑ ΚΑΙ COVER PHOTO ΛΕΖΑΝΤΑ GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

he activities and achievements of the Euro- working with schools. Copper Coast Geopark’s Tpean Geoparks Network (EGN) during 2016 project, Hondsrug Geopark’s ice age include the very successful 7th International laboratories, Lanzarote Geopark’s volcanic open Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks, 27th air museum, Lesvos Geopark’s fieldtrip for Chi- – 30th September, hosted by the English Riviera nese university students and Reykjanes Geopa- UNESCO Global Geopark. The Magazine also rk’s learning centres are examples of exemplary includes the welcome by the Azores UNESCO contributions to education. Issues concerning Global Geopark to the 14th European Geoparks global are highlighted in Katla Conference, to be held in the Azores Archipelago, Geopark’s educational geosite, the records of Portugal, in September 2017. climate change in Sobrarbe Geopark’s ice caves and TERRA.vita Geopark’s contribution on geo- In this issue, 50 articles explain how European thermal energy. Geoparks contribute to conservation, education and promoting through European Geoparks as recipients of presti- geotourism. They highlight how sharing informa- gious awards is celebrated in contributions by tion and working with communities, businesses the Burren and Geoparks. Bakony Ba- and educational establishments safeguards sus- laton Geopark on the other hand, recognizes its tainable development in geoparks, at times with communities’ contributions to conserving geo- the aid of European funding. The importance of heritage in its Geosite of the Year programme. ensuring access to geoparks by improving and/ or developing geotrails and cycle routes is em- The importance of European funding for col- phasized in contributions by Bergstrasse Od- laborative projects is described in the contribu- enwald, Kula and Odsherred Geoparks. Apuan tions by and Marble Arch Caves Geoparks. Alps Geopark links its wildlife and environment Luberon and Hateg Geoparks are engaged in with four exciting trails. The North West High- cultural exchanges involving Hateg Geopark’s lands Geopark benefits from being situated on young ambassadors. Collaborative projects and the North Coast 500 Highland coastal route. geoparks require effective administration. Issues The Chelmos Vouraikos Geopark celebrates 120 concerning geopark management are addressed years of tourism on the Diaktoto- Kalavryta rack in contributions by the Cilento and Swabian Alb railway. Geotourism includes outdoor sporting Geoparks. activities in Maestrazgo, Sitia and Vikos Aoos Geoparks. Beigua Geopark now adds digital com- The articles in this Magazine also introduce munication to its geotourism provision. Massif new and/or innovative activities. Eisenwurzen des Bauges Geopark has created exciting new Geopark’s disaster tourism appeals to the gen- panels allowing viewers to read the eral publics’ fascination with catastrophes. Mus- of Lake Annecy. The Troodos Geopark describes kau Arch Geopark connects military land use with its comprehensive programme for increasing the geoconservation. The conceptual art installation Geopark’s visibility. Shelter for hikers in Vulkane- in the North Pennines Geopark celebrating its ifel Geopark is provided by the renovation of a waterfalls, barns and night sky creates a new historic water pump house. Sierra Norte Geopark type of geotrail. The cross border photographic describes it exciting new visitor centre which marathon in Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark makes includes an exhibit of a fossil tree. Bohemian effective use of a shared activity. Psiloritis Paradise Geopark, by extending its territory, has Geopark introduces its “Friends of Psiloritis” re- increased its geotourism provision. ward programme. Ore of the Alps Geopark delves into the mysteries of ground water movement. The appreciation and celebration of a geopa- Subbeticas Geopark’s massive chocolate ammo- rk’s heritage is emphasized in contributions by nite! What a fantastic way to celebrate 10 years Chablais, Harz Braunschweig Westfalen, and Ter- of being a European Geopark. ras de Cavaleiros Geoparks. Pollino Geopark cel- ebrates the distinctive culture of Civita Village. Our grounds for celebration are, however, re- The importance of local products and their con- duced by the expulsion of Maestrazgo Geopark tribution to a territory’s visibility and economy is from the Network of UNESCO Global Geoparks. highlighted in articles by Arouca, Naturtejo and Hopefully this affront to the hard work, hopes Sessia val Grande Geoparks. and aspirations of its inhabitants and communi- ties will be rectified. All geoparks engage in formal and informal educational projects. Adamello Brenta Geopark Tony Ramsay ensures the future of its tourism provision by Member of the Editorial Board 3 Calendar Natur - and UNESCO Global Geopark Steirische, 02 36 Austria: Eisenwurzen Geological Disaster tourism 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geopark Harz-Braunschweiger Land-Ostfalen, 05 Geoparks 2016 37 Germany: 500 years of Reformation Following the Azores Unesco Global Geopark welcomes The 14Th footsteps of Martin Luther 08 European Geoparks Conference – 2017 Kula UNESCO Global Geopark, : Kula volcanoes: COOPERATION 38 Now easy to access & safe Cultural cooperation between two UNESCO Global Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands UNESCO Global 09 Geoparks and a French local association Luberon 39 Geopark, Spain: A Volcanic Open Air Museum () and Hateg Country (Romania) GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL UNESCO Global Geoparks Maestrazgo UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain: Sport & 40 Active Leisure in Maestrazgo UGG Idrija UNESCO GLOBAL Geopark, Slovenia: 10 Successfully connects Geoparks within EU Projects Massif des Bauges UNESCO Global Geopark, France: Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, Ireland: 41 Reading the landscape of Lake Annecy 11 Coming together for Drifting Apart: sharing the geological heritage of the North Atlantic MANAGMENT In The Karavanke/Karawanken UNESCO Global Muskau Arch UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany/ 12 Geopark, Slovenia / Austria: New development projects 42 : Geoparks face challenging problems related to land use GEO EDUCATION Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal: Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece: 43 Development Geoproducts as successful approaches to 13 A field Course for students of the China University of strengthen the identity Geosciences De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark, : A.O.N.B. UNESCO Global Geopark, UK: Art Installation 14 Digging in the geological past ‘Ice age labs’ as 44 brings Waterfalls to the Land in the North Pennines educational tools for primary schools The Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, : An Educational 45 -: The Cross-Border Photo Marathon 15 site showing Evidence of Global Warming North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark, Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, Iceland: 46 Scotland, UK: North Coast 500, a success story for the 16 Educational experience Scottish Highlands! Hateg Country Dinosaurs UNESCO Global Geopark, Odsherred UNESCO Global Geopark, : 17 Romania: The Geopark Ambassadors Project 47 Lammefjord - a flagship site GLOBAL GEOPARKS Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark, Austria: European Geoparks Network celebrates the International 48 LIECHTENSTEINKLAMM Deep Gorge and Mystic 18 Year for promoting Geoparks as Springs sustainable destinations! Pollino UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy: CIVITA, a model Launch of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism 49 of sustainable tourism from a little village 19 for Development 2017 and GGN activities in FITUR Madrid Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece: The 50 establishment of a reward programme in titled “Friends GEO TOURISM of Psiloritis” Adamello Brenta UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy: Geological, Mining, Historical and Environmental 21 Sustainable tourism Geoparks role in social and 51 Park of Sardinia, France: The European Destinations economic strategies of Excellence Apuan Alps UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy: Wildlife Sesia Val Grante UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy: The 22 monitoring and the promotion of nature tourism 52 SOIL MATTER the strong relationship between Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal: Pinguça and wine 23 Liqueurs: From tradition to innovation Sierra Norte Sevilla UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain: Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark, Hungary: 53 New exhibition at the Visitors Centre Cortijo El Berrocal 24 Alsóörs – a place of connections The Geosite of the Year Basque Coast Unesco Global Geopark, Spain: Whaling Sierras Sabbeticas Global Geopark, Spain: 54 A Fossil for charity: 25 watchtower Probably the biggest chocolate ammonite in the world Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy: 26 Beigua app: digital innovation to promote tourism Sobrarbe-Pirineos unesco Global Geopark, Spain: 55 Ice caves. Geoheritage threatened by the global Bergstraße- UNESCO Global Geopark, warming 27 Germany: Active and sporty Implementation of a 1000 km trail network for mountainbikers Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany: The Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark, 56 New geopoints 28 : Enhanced! TERRA.vita UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany: Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, 57 Geothermal Energy 29 Ireland: National Geographic World Legacy Award Terras de Cabaleros UNESCO Global Geopark, Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, France: A 3D 58 Portugal: “Murçós Mines – The stories of its people” 30 Printer Reconstructs the Geopark’s Architectural Heritage for the National Science Festival Troodos unesco Global Geopark, : The visibility project Chelmos Vouraikos UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece: 59 31 Diakopto-Kalavryta Railway, 120 Years of Beauty and Vikos Aoos unesco Global Geopark, Greece: Nature History 60 and outdoor activities MULTIPLE DESIGNATIONS Nature - and UNESCO Global Geopark Vulkaneifel, Germany: Creating a Shelter for Hikers by Renovating Cillento, Vallo di Diano UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy: 61 a historic water pump house 34 Holistic management in a multiple UNESCO Designation Landscape World Heritage, MAB, Global Geopark, Mediterranean Diet PRESETATION Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Ireland: Live the experience of the landscape … Discover the 35 Biodiversity Project 62 Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark

4 ΕΧΩ ΠΕΡΑΣΕΙ ΤΑ ΝΕΑ ΠΕΡΙΕΧΟΜΕΝΑ. ΘΕΛΟΥΝ ΤΣΕΚΑΡΙΣΜΑ!! ΕΙΔΙΚΑ ΟΙ ΕΝΟΤΗΤΕΣ 7th International Conference on UNESCO

Global Geoparks 2016 GEOPARKS GLOBAL

arth heritage sites protection and man- Eagement as a tool for sustainable develop- UNESCO Global ment through creative and active engagement of the local communities was the focus of the Geoparks engaging 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks, held in English Riviera UNESCO Global communities in Earth Geopark, UK on September 26-30, 2016. The conference was the first opportunity to heritage management bring representatives of these unique sites to- gether since they officially became UNESCO des- and sustainable ignated sites in 2015; it was attended by over 700 delegates from 63 countries. development Through presentations and panel discus- sions Geopark representatives, researchers and and capacity building in a declaration at the academicians, they discussed the links between close of the conference. geological heritage management, geotourism Parallel to the 7th International Conference on and outdoor activities, geo-education, natural UNESCO Global Geoparks, Geopark representa- and disaster risk reduction, among other tives had the opportunity to participate in a se- topics. ries of important internal meetings of the Global The representatives also reaffirmed the UNES- Geoparks Network. More specifically the 1st GGN CO Global Geoparks’ commitment to sustainable Ordinary General Assembly, the GGN Executive development through integrated education, out- Board Meeting, the GGN Advisory Committee reach, research, culture, community engagement Meeting, the APGN and EGN Advisory Commit-

5 GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

tee Meetings and the APGN and EGN Coordination Committee Meetings, took place in , all with great success. The GGN Ordinary General Assembly was characterized by the broad and active participation of the GGN members and ad- opted the GGN Internal Regulations and the GGN Code of Ethics which are essential documents for the operation of the GGN. During the 1st GGN Ordinary General Assembly was elected the new Executive Board of the GGN as well as the Chair and Vice chair of the GGN Advisory Committee. The first GGN Best Practice Awards awarded to three Global Geoparks Lanzarote (Spain), Fangshan (China) and Dali Cang- shan (China) during the Gala dinner of the Conference. At the same event the first GGN Honorary Member Mrs Chen Xiaoning, China was welcomed. The Global Geoparks Network was founded in 2004 to fos- ter collaboration among territories with common values, linking the celebration of geological heritage with the promotion of sustainable local development. These values are aligned with UNESCO’s mandate, and finally the UNESCO Global Geoparks have found their natural home, as stated in the English Riviera Declaration that was adopted during the conference. The Declaration encourages the members of the Global Geoparks Network to continue working together to share and promote best practices, to fully realize the UNESCO Global Geoparks’ potential to contribute to disaster risk reduction and preparedness, and to help aspiring Geoparks in their efforts to join the network. Conference guests were welcomed by a ‘GeoOpera’ that cel- ebrates UNESCO Global Geoparks’ ability to bring people to- gether from all continents and backgrounds. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and talented young/local people worked together to create this opera, telling the 4.5 billion-year story of planet Earth. Over the first two days, sessions covered topics closely linked to the conservation of Earth’s heritage, sustainable develop- ment, science education and community engagement. Learning from each other and sharing best practices is one of the essen- tial components of the Global Geoparks Network. This was further encouraged by the ‘GeoFair’, an exhibition including UNESCO Global Geoparks from around the world and

6 GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

other companies and organizations showcasing their ini- UNESCO Global Geoparks tackling these challenges. Not tiatives. only does providing opportunities to enjoy natural environ- On the third day it was time to go out, to the field and ments create environmental awareness, it also promotes explore Torbay’s geology. Situated within the stunning better health, more sustainable and healthy consumption hills of South Devon and a beautiful coastline, the English patterns, and a higher wellbeing. Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark offers some unique geo- At the closing ceremony was announced that the 8th In- logical features. ternational Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks will Considering the complex challenges that Humankind be held in Adamello-Brenta UNESCO Global Geopark in is facing, the conference recognized the unique role of Trentino, Italy from 8-15 September 2018.

GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK International Association on Geoparks

CELEBRATING EARTH HERITAGE – SUSTAINING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Haute Provence Geopark, Musée Promenade, 10 Montée Bernard Dellacasagrande, BP 156, 04005 Cedex Digne les Bains – France.

E-mail: [email protected] www.globalgeoparksnetwork.org Executive Board President: ZOUROS Nickolas - Greece Vice - President: JIN Xiaochi - P.R. China Vice - President: KOMOO Ibrahim - General Secretary : MARTINI Guy - France Treasurer: RANGNES Kristin - Members: BORDER Melanie - Italy (EGN) BREMNER Gail - (N. America) BURLANDO Mauricio - Italy (EGN) FREY Marie - Luise - Germany (Ind. Member) MELO Patricio - (L. America) QUERBAS Mustafa - () WATANABE Mahito - (APGN) ZANG Jianping - P.R. China (APGN)

Advisory Committee Chair : NAKADA Setsuya - Japan Vice Chair : SILVA Elizabeth - Portugal

7 Azores Unesco Global Geopark welcomes The 14Th European Geoparks

GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL Conference – 2017

Azores: in the Top 100 Sustainable Tourist Destinations for 2016.

The Azores UNESCO Global Geopark includes Walking around majestic on active volcanoes and volcanoes. great people. he Azores UNESCO Global Geopark welcomes bility, and the exemplary management of tourism Tthe 14th European Geoparks Conference, to be as one of the world’s Top 100 Sustainable Destina- held in the Azores Archipelago, Portugal, in Sep- tions for 2016. tember 2017. Thus we invite you all to visit the Azores UNESCO The conference theme “Geoparks: pathways of Global Geopark, to participate in the EGN Azores sustainable tourism for development” is aligned 2017 Conference, meet the Azorean people and with the declaration of the 70th General Assembly volcanoes, and enjoy an eruption…of Flavors, of United Nations for 2017, the International Year Aromas and Experiences! of Sustainable Tourism for Development. Therefore, the conference framework, organiz- ers, staff and sponsors strongly encourage partici- Event: pants to endeavor and implement environmentally 14th European Geoparks Conference sustainable policies including efficient measures for water use and maintaining water quality, waste Conference Theme: reduction and initiatives, among others, Geoparks: Pathways of Sustainable Tour- as an adequate approach to implement truly sus- ism for Development tainable tourism strategies. These efforts should Organization: be strengthened in territories such as The Azores, AZORES UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK insular, small, distant and dispersed, with a signifi- cant natural (biotic and abiotic) and cultural heri- Place: tage. Ponta Delgada city, S. Miguel Island, Azo- The Azores Archipelago, in the North Atlantic res Archipelago, Portugal Ocean, has a rich and considerable geodiversity Dates: and an important geological heritage. These are EGN AC Meeting: 5th September, 2017 revealed in the network of 121 geosites of signifi- EGN CC Meeting: 6th September, 2017 cant scientific, educational and touristic value dis- Conference: 7th – 9th September, 2017 persed across the nine islands and the surrounding Post-Conference Field Trips (Optional): seafloor. 10th – 12th September, 2017 Volcanoes, calderas, lakes, lava fields, fumaroles, thermal waters, volcanic caves, “fajãs”, fault scarps For more information: and marine fossil deposits, among many others, can www.egnazores2017.com be seen within the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark. [email protected] Committed through the development of sus- tainable tourism to improve the quality of life in the territory and making it a better place for fu- ture generations, the Azores Geopark offers unique João Carlos Nunes, Eva Lima, natural and cultural experiences, supported by an Marisa Machado & Manuel Paulino Costa international reputation for authenticity, responsi- e-mail address: [email protected]

8 Cultural cooperation between two UNESCO Global Geoparks and a French local association Luberon (France) and Hateg Country Dinosaurs (Romania) UNESCO Global Geoparks COOPERATION

Members of the Romanian delegation in the Chapelle St-Ferréol during the art exhibition.

he occurrence of several meetings between This fruitful local initiative was completed by Trepresentatives of the Chapelle St-Ferréol a musical evening: piano, guitar and songs of Association (Viens, France), Haţeg Country Di- France and Romania with Dana Florian, from nosaurs and Luberon UNESCO Global Geoparks, Haţeg Country Dinosaurs Geopark and French resulted in a cultural exchange during August musicians. 2016 with exhibitions, music and an opportunity This exchange provided an opportunity for to discover the territory of the Luberon Geopark. the Romanian delegation, including Alexandru The Chapelle St-Ferréol Association, managed Andrășanu, coordinator, Mihaela Cîrstea and by Viviane Dargery and local residents, hosted an Marius Florian, to discover the Luberon region. amazing exhibition by Daniela Frumușeanu, an Also to experience the Land Festival in Saint- artist and art teacher at the National Art Univer- Saturnin-lès-Apt, with demonstration of activi- sity in Bucharest in association with the Haţeg ties linked to former rural life, and a Saturday Country Dinosaurs Geopark. She works textiles morning in a park dedicated to Nature and Col- with energy and refinement, and is involved in ours. extensive research on materials and colours. She During the visit, Andreea Zahn was provided makes panels, symbolic books with tissue paper. with assistance to photograph Luberon land- She came to the Luberon Geopark with an art- scapes and monuments for use in an exhibition ist and art student, Andreea Zahn, who presented in Romania in 2017. a photo exhibition in the Luberon Geopark Visi- In the future, the Chapelle St-Ferreol As- tor Centre, in Apt, entitled “Foundation Rocks” sociation (Viens, France), in partnership with revealing the links between rocks and local build- the Luberon Geopark, would like to repeat this ings in Haţeg Country Geopark. Another exhibi- experience with other Geoparks with the aim tion presented in the same location: “Colours of to promote contemporary art. Cooperation be- Time” was organized by Petra Lînaru and Rob- tween the Luberon and Haţeg Country Dinosaurs erta Maria Gaşpar from Hateg Geopark, volun- UNESCO Global Geoparks will be be continued teers who were nominated as Geopark Cultural in 2017! Ambassadors within the framework of a local project. Paintings were produced using ochre Stéphane LEGAL. [email protected] from the Luberon Geopark. Alexandru Andrăşnu [email protected]

9 Idrija UNESCO GLOBAL Geopark, Slovenia Successfully connects Geoparks within EU Projects ummer and autumn 2016 have ber, will last three years and aims Sbeen successful seasons for Id- to improve the quality of teaching COOPERATION rija UNESCO Global Geopark involv- Science using innovative methods ing the successful application for by combining interactive learn- funding for the EU projects RurAll ing with outdoor activities. Based and ESTEAM, and the acceptance on national curricula and teachers’ of the tender for the EU funded and students’ needs, the project will Danube GeoTour project to begin provide programmes to teach Sci- in 2017. Idrija UNESCO Global Ge- ence. These will result in a mobile opark therefore participates, and app used for teaching Science in makes a significant contribution to primary schools. the life of the EGN. The Danube GeoTour project, The RurAll project, co-financed by part of the Interreg Danube Transna- the Europe for Citizens Programme tional Programme, which is currently of the European Union, connects awaiting official confirmation will two former mercury mining towns, begin in January 2017. It involves Idrija and Abbadia San Salvatore cooperation between several Euro- (Tuscany, Italy). The main aim of pean geoparks, including Idrija Ge- the project is to connect rural in- opark (lead partner) Bakony-Bala- habitants and to increase coopera- ton, Papuk, Styrian Eisenwurzen, tion between their municipalities, to Karavanke/Karawanken, Bohemian share best practices in preserving Presentation by Geopark Paradise UNESCO Global Geoparks their heritage and in creating oppor- partners in Abbadia San and the aspiring Djerdap Geopark. tunities to develop sustainable tour- Salvatore. Other project partners include the ism in rural areas. In October a three-day excursion Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Con- for our partners was organized. The programme also servation, Bakony & Balaton Regional Tourism Com- included a round table discussion on the challenges pany, University of Bucharest, University of Presov and involved in developing rural areas, and a cultural associated strategic partners, Rokua UNESCO Global event involving a performance by Kanomeljske punce, Geopark, Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark and the a female folk singers’ group. Idrija UNESCO Global GGN. The project will face challenges on sustainable Geopark partners presented their contribution in the use of the exceptional wealth of natural resources and centre of Abbadia San Salvatore on the last day. Par- heritage that avoids negative environmental impacts. ticipants in the workshop also designed joint tourist The main outcome will be the joint Danube GeoTour programmes that will be mutually promoted follow- designed to strengthen cooperation between the ge- ing the completion of the project. The excursion has oparks and provide a product to raise awareness and offered participants an insight into tourism develop- increase tourist visits. The common strategy for sus- ment in an environment similar to Idrija Geopark and tainable management of pressures from tourism will provided an opportunity to establish new contacts form the basis for innovative geoproducts, to develop and connections. new approaches for the interpretation of heritage, The ESTEAM project, co-financed by the Eras- to increase engagement with the local residents, in- mus+ Programme of the European Union, involves crease geopark management capability and decrease the leading partner Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark the quality gap between the Danube region and other (Idrija Heritage Centre), Magma Geopark and Natur- EU Geoparks. tejo Geopark, one primary school from each of the three geoparks – Črni Vrh primary school (Slovenia), Mojca Gorjup Kavčič, mojca.gorjup-kavcic@geopark- Samfundets Skole (Norway) and Jose Silvestre Ribi- idrija.si Jaka Kenk, [email protected] ero (Portugal) – as well as the University of Ljubljana Nina Erjavec, [email protected] (Slovenia) and Locatify (Iceland) a company creat- Idrija Heritage Centre (Idrija Geopark), Ulica IX. ing branded apps. The project started in Septem- Korpusa 17, SI - 5280 Idrija

Participants at the ESTEAM Kick Off Round table Meeting, discussion getting to know concerning karst features the challenges – entering the in developing underground sustainable cave Hrvatova tourism in rural jama on the Črni areas. Vrh plateau.

10 Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, Ireland Coming together for Drifting Apart: sharing the geological

heritage of the North Atlantic COOPERATION 2. Virtual learning Whilst an aim of the project is to encourage visitors to each of the partner areas, in reality this will only be possible for a limited number of people. Therefore, a virtual learning element has Cavan Burren Park - a focal been included within the project so that the geo- point for logical heritage of the area can be shared and developments enjoyed from anywhere in the world. within the 3. Geopark model and knowledge transfer Drifting Apart The partners include UNESCO Global Geoparks Project.UNESCO of varying levels of experience as well as aspiring Global Geopark. UNESCO Global Geoparks at different stages of total of seven partners from the periphery of development as geoparks. Through the project, Athe North Atlantic region have come togeth- each partner will be able to learn and share ex- er to unearth and strengthen the understanding periences and develop potential models for the of their interconnected geological heritage in an future growth of geoparks. EU-funded project appropriately named ‘Drifting 4. Geo-tourism and geo-education Apart’. Led by the Causeway Coast and Glens All UNESCO Global Geoparks function on the Heritage Trust (CCGHT) in Northern Ireland, the basis of a ‘bottom-up’ approach so one of the project, funded through the European Regional most important aspects of the project will be Development Fund’s Northern Periphery and to increase the awareness and understanding Artic Programme will run from 2015 to 2018 of both the individual partner areas in addition with the ultimate aim of promoting innovative to their place in the entire Drifting Apart story. products and services for sustainable social and This will be achieved through the development economic prosperity, and hopes to build a strong of common education products and training for network of geoheritage destinations. Marble communities and tourism providers. Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark (MACUGG) MACUGG has been working with the CCGHT are a partner in this project together with oth- and other partners to develop key elements of er existing Global Geoparks including Magma the project. To date these have included compil- UNESCO Global Geopark, Stonehammer UNES- ing the Drifting Apart storyline and interpreta- CO Global Geopark, Geopark Shetland and Reyk- tion guidelines, developing and implementing janes UNESCO Global Geopark; aspiring Global plans for enhanced geological interpretation at Geoparks such as Cabox Aspiring Geopark and 13 sites in the Geopark area, conducting data Trofjell Geopark Project in addition to a range of collection at four sites for the creation of virtual further partners from Scotland, Iceland, Canada models and developing educational resources and . There are a number of key areas that the proj- and a training programme for business and com- ect will focus on: munity groups in the Geopark. 1. Drifting Apart storyline and learning op- portunities For more information on the project see http:// The geological ‘story’ of the entire project area driftingapart.ccght.org/ or @DriftingApartEU will be highlighted to increase the awareness 43 Marlbank Road, Legnabrocky, and understanding of each regions unique Martina O’Neill, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland geological heritage and help to explain how BT92 1EW. E-mail martina.oneill@fermanaghomagh. these areas were once physically connected. com Tel:+44 (0) 28 6634 8855. The storyline will be used to develop a trans- Dr Kirstin Lemon BGS / GSNI, Dundonald House, Up- national geoheritage trail, including interpre- per Newtownards Road, tation in all of the partner areas. E-mail [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 28 90 520979

Cuilcagh Dyke Drifting Apart in Cuilcagh Steering Group Mountain Park Meeting, – a focal point December 2015 for development in Reykjanes in the Drifting UNESCO Global Apart Project. Geopark.

11 In The Karavanke/Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark, Slovenia / Austria New development projects

he Karavanke/Karawanken form of annual Geopark Festi- TUNESCO Global Geopark is vals, art and sport competitions,

COOPERATION a transnational UNESCO Global language courses, open days Geopark (Austria and Slovenia), and study tours in the Karavan- located between two Alpine ke/Karawanken Geopark). mountains that exceed 2,000 INTERNATIONALIZATION - metres in height: the Peca/Pet- Improvement of the visibility zen and the Košuta/Koschuta. and international significance It is characterized by the rich of the Karavanke/Karawanken geological variety of the Alps Geopark through the UNESCO and Dinarides. The Karavanke/ Geopark Network activities Karawanken UNESCO Global (using opportunities within the Geopark includes 14 municipali- UNESCO Geopark Network and ties and extends over an area the „Alpe-Adria Geoparks“ plat- of 1,067 km2 with a form concept). of 53,000 residents. It was es- INSTITUTIONALIZATION - tablished within the framework Adjustment of the Karavanke/ of the project GEOPARK (»Es- Karawanken Geopark man- tablishment of a cross-border Press conference with the agement structure for more Geopark between Peca/Petzen presentation of the EUfutuR project effective crossborder regional and Košuta/Koschuta«), in line „The Karavanke/Karawanken development in the form of with the structure of the Op- Geopark – an unique, crossborder the European Grouping of Ter- erational Programme Slovenia- model of success is growing ritorial Cooperation (EGTC). Austria 2007-2013. The project further“. The press conference was attended by Ms. Alenka Smrekolj – was co-financed by the Euro- Slovenian Minister responsible for In addition to the EUfu- pean Regional Development Development, Strategic Projects tuR project ARGE Geopark Fund (ERDF). In March 2013 the and Cohesion, and Dr. Peter Kaiser, Karawanken currently imple- Karavanke/Karawanken Geopa- Carinthian State Governor ments the LEADER project rk became the 54th member of (photo by: Uroš Grabner). GEOPARKFORSCHERKIDS the European Geopark Network. („Geopark researcher kids“). In the current programme Within the Programme period 2014-2020, the Kara- LEADER 2014-2020 Geopa- vanke/Karawanken UNESCO rkforscherkids was developed Global Geopark succeeded as a project to increase the in obtaining funding for the attraction of natural and cul- new cross-border cooperation tural areas of the Geopark project, i. e. EUfutuR: Future for children and adolescents. Europe – Identity, International- New playground in Lavamünd, These young people will learn ization and Institutionalization established in the frame of LEADER about the Geopark through – the Karavanke/Karawanken project Geoparkforscherkids fun and effort and spend their Geopark. The project was ini- (photo by: Mag. Gerald Hartmann). leisure time at selected sites. tiated on the 1st of July 2016 Additionally the establish- and will end on the 30th of June 2019. EUfutuR is ment of a Geopark Camp at two different camp– implemented within the Cooperation Programme sites should support outdoor activities through- Interreg V-A Slovenia-Austria. It is co-financed out the year. by the European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund, and Land Kärnten Mag. Gerald Hartmann, Mag. Antonia (Carinthia State). The lead partner of the project Weissenbacher, Dr. Darja Komar, Danijela Modrej is ARGE (Joint venture) Geopark Karawanken, and ARGE Geopark Karawanken, Hauptplatz 7, A-9135 Bad Eisenkappel/Železna Kapla, Austria, the project partners include RDA Koroška - the T: ++43 (0) 4238 8239-15 Regional Development Agency for Koroška, The E: [email protected], Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature E: [email protected], Conservation (ZRSVN) - Regional Unit Maribor www.geopark-karawanken.at and Association „Društvo Kulturni dom Pliberk/ Bleiburg“. Mag. Suzana Fajmut Štrucl, Podzemlje Pece, d.o.o., The main objectives of the EUfutuR project E: [email protected], www.podzemljepece.com, Primož Vodovnik, RDA are: Koroška, E: [email protected], www.rra- IDENTITY - Strengthening the bilateral coop- koroska.si, Mag. Mojca Bedjanič eration between inhabitants and their active ZRSVN, Regional unit Maribor, E: mojca.bedjanic@ involvement in the Karavanke/Karawanken zrsvn.si, www.zrsvn.si, Milan Piko, Društvo Kulturni, Geopark activities (with various public events, dom Pliberk/Bleiburg , E: [email protected], linked to the Geopark themes, promotion in the http://www.kulturnidom.at/

12 Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece

LESVOS GEOPARK A field Course for students of the China University of Geosciences Beijing EDUCATION

The students Prof. J. n 2016, the School of Earth Sci- Collaboration and networking in observe a Zhang shows ences of the China University of research and education with part- standing undergraduate I Geosciences initiated a field course ners is one of the key requirements tree stump in the students of the protected area School of Earth on Lesvos island UNESCO Global for recognition as a UNESCO of the Lesvos Sciences of the Geopark in collaboration with the Global Geopark. Thus universities Petrified Forest. China University Department of Geography of the and research centres discover new of Geosciences University of the Aegean to enable fields for common activities. one of the Chinese students to extend their The field course started in the information skills in new fields in the Earth sci- protected area of the Lesvos Pet- panels in the ences and improve their knowledge rified Forest, which is a world class Lesvos Island UNESCO Global of global geo-tectonic processes. natural monument, providing evi- Geopark. The China University of Geosci- dence of its geological evolution ences, Beijing and the University during the last 25 million years. of the Aegean, Greece launched a The Natural History Museum of broad collaboration in research and the Lesvos Petrified Forest, located education in Earth sciences and in Sigri at the western most edge The boat crossing to the especially in Geoparks. Within the of Lesvos Island, provided an im- Nissiopi Islet Petrified Forest framework of a memorandum of Marine Park. pressive exhibition of the paleon- understanding signed in Lesvos in tological excavation research finds July 2015, the Universities also initiated research as well as an overview of the geological evolution projects in geoconservation and a common course of the Aegean. The open air parks of the Petrified on the management of UNESCO Global Geoparks. Forest provided the students with an opportunity Prof. J. Zhang and undergraduate students of to study the results of past changes in climate the School of Earth Sciences of the China Univer- and to admire unique standing 7 metres high fos- sity of Geosciences (CUGB) completed the field sil trees and more than 50 different tree species! course on Lesvos in collaboration with Prof. N. The students also visited the Nissiopi Islet Pet- Zouros and students of the Department of Geog- rified Forest Marine Park which includes fascinat- raphy of the Aegean University. The main aims of ing concentrations of petrified trees found along the field course are the study of the geological the seashore and on the seabed. They visited the history and evolution of the Aegean Basin, the vol- main fossil localities including the impressive fos- canic activity and active tectonic and seismicity sil cove on the west coast as well as new excava- of the area as well as the protection and ratio- tion sites with giant Sequoia trees up to 17 metres nal management of geological monuments and in length. Besides the dozens of impressive fossil the establishment and functioning of a UNESCO sites with upright and drowned trees, they also Global Geopark. observed the flora and fauna of the island with its 62 species of birds, mammals and invertebrates in the midst of intriguing volcanic, tectonic and coastal landforms. The students were especially interested in the conservation and protection of the marine and coastal fossil sites as well as the holistic management of the natural resources of the Marine Park. The field course also included a field study of the geological history and evolution of Lesvos, One of the giant the Miocene volcanoes of Lesvos Island as well Sequoia trees as the active faults and earthquake hazards in the up to 17 metres in length. region. 13 De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark, Netherlands De Hondsrug Digging in the geological past UNESCO Global Geopark ‘Ice age labs’ as educational tools for primary schools

e Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark tells the Dstory of a unique landscape in the northeast of the Netherlands. About how huge ice sheets and EDUCATION meltwater moulded the land and formed it into ridges and stream valleys. How the first inhabit- ants in the area chose the ridges or megaflutes for their dwellings and left an impressive archaeologi- cal legacy, and how the development of a cultural landscape in recent centuries, was determined by the geological conditions resulting from the the ice ages. Although the geological processes that were influential in the genesis of the Hondsrug area are impressive, they are hard to imagine. Especially be- cause in the Netherlands, as a relatively flat coun- try in a soft sediment environment, the geological traces are hardly visible and generally hidden di- rectly beneath our feet. In order to foster the imagination of our young- est ambassadors, De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark developed the so-called ice age labora- In 2015, a number of pilot projects were deliv- Boulder clay tories for primary schools at one of the Geopark’s ered and from this year onwards, the ice age labo- (Saale Ice expedition centre’s. Here, during a 4-hour session, ratories will be offered on a larger scale. The ‘Sci- Age) on top of the children assume the role of geologists and liter- entific Node of the Northern Netherlands’ is the or- subglacial sand ally dig into the geological past. Using professional (Elster Ice Age). ganization that functions as a mediator, connecting hand augers, they are able to reveal layers of sedi- primary schools to all kinds of scientific organiza- ment that have been deposited during three differ- tions offering explorative educational programmes ent ice ages. In other words: a history of 500,000 in various disciplines. We hope that by launching years, hidden just one metre below your feet and these ice age laboratories, the youngest inhabit- made tangible within a few minutes. ants of our Geopark not only become aware of the But that is just the beginning of their geologi- unique geological area they live in, but also become cal exploration. The children take samples of the familiar with the work and methods of geologists. different sediments that they recover, which they Not solely by listening and studying, but by explor- analyse by using microscopes, soil charts, Munsell ing, analysing and simply digging. color booklets and other professional equipment. At

the end of the lesson, all samples are collected and Children digging Wessel van Vliet, into the past used to make a replica of the layered soil in a glass [email protected] Taking samples using a hand jar, which can be taken back to the school and can De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark, for further auger. be given a place in the children’s classroom. The Netherlands analysis.

14 Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Iceland An Educational site showing Evidence of Global Warming EDUCATION

Students from Hvolsskóli measure the retreat rate Recession Rate of Sólheimajökull of the glacier every year from Glacier a fixed location.

Students from lobal warming is impacting on the Arctic and Hvolsskóli Gsubarctic areas, and is associated with the prepare to clearly visible accelerated melting of glaciers. At the measure the popular and easily accessible geosite of Sólheima- water depth in the lagoon jökull Glacier, the local Primary School Hvolsskóli and in front of Faculty of Earth Sciences of the University of Iceland Sólheimajökull have teamed up with Katla Geopark to share the re- tion. The knowledge, methods and work of the GeoS- Glacier. sults of their annual monitoring projects concern- chools will be shared with other UNESCO schools in ing the rate of glacial melting. While the university the country and hopefully in other countries. students monitor the surface ablation of the outlet Already a European Erasmus+ geoeducation proj- glacier, the primary school students measure its rate ect between four geoparks has been completed of retreat and the depth of the glacial lagoon form- where numerous onsite education exercises have ing in front of it. been published and will be available for use by the These projects are an important attribute of GeoSchools. In another international project, Drifting the ongoing establishment of GeoSchools in Katla Apart, funded by the Northern Periphery and Arctic UNESCO Global Geopark where local schools work Programme, an in depth storyline explains the North together to share their results and specialize in on- Atlantic rift and how geoparks on either side of the site learning. The students will receive guidance on rift are connected through time and geology, while better practices in outdoor education and on further Katla Geopark is situated on the active rift itself. utilizing their fantastic natural resources for educa- These projects of international collaboration add great value to the GeoSchools project. Meanwhile, at geosite Sólheimajökull, Katla Geopark will create Students in further onsite information panels updated with the the glaciology latest monitoring results provided by the schools course at together with panels for public safety developed in University of cooperation with the regional police department and Iceland install governmental agency for public safety. To empha- an ablation wire in the surface of size the value of the site, French President François Sólheimajökull Hollande, together with Icelandic President Ólafur Glacier with a Ragnar Grímsson, visited the Sólheimajökull glacier steam drill. The on 16 October 2015 to see first-hand the effects of wire ablates out climate change, in preparation for the Paris Climate of the ice during Conference (COP21). the summer providing The surveys of the Sólheimajökull glacier revealed information a surface ablation rate of 10 metres in recent years about the rate (7 metres during the summer and 3 metres during of ice melt. GPS the winter months. The glacier’s annual average an- instruments are nual rate of retreat was 37 metres for the past 5 used to measure years or 185 meters in total from 2010 to 2015. the location of the site Katla UNESCO Global Geopark and track the velocity of the Brynja Davíðsdóttir [email protected] glacier. 15 Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, Iceland Educational experience EDUCATION

Bridge between Continents: A symbolic footbridge, spans a wide tension crack that opened up due to the divergent movements of the North American and Eurasian plates. eykjanes Geopark is situated in Reykjanes ties, e.g. a one-year Adventure Sport Certificate pro- The average RPeninsula in the southwestern most point of gramme and a BSc degree in Engineering Technol- rate of rifting Iceland, also the location of Keflavik International ogy focusing on Green Energy Technology. amounts to Sudurnes Science and Learning Centre about 2 cm/ Airport. The Reykjanes Peninsula is a continuation year but occurs of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which rises from the sea Sudurnes Science and Learning Centre is a re- intermittently. at the very tip of the peninsula and crosses Iceland search centre with emphasis on natural science diagonally from the south-west to the north-east. and related subjects. Southwest Iceland Nature The Geopark is the perfect place for an education- Research Institute and The University of Iceland´s al experience. The peninsula is used as an outdoor Research Centre in Sudurnes are components of classroom for geological education and the visitor the institute. The Centre offers research facilities in centres provide good facilities for further research. marine biology, ornithology and includes an ecotoxi- Reykjanes Geopark Visitor Centre cology university laboratory. The research facilities The Geoparks Visitor Centre is located in the include unique, clean seawater and possibilities, not Duushús, Art and Cultural Centre built in 1877. Its found elsewhere, to conduct research in ecotoxicol- role is to inform and educate guests about the ogy, behavioural ecology and fisheries. Geopark area, its uniqueness, geology, nature, his- GeoCamp Iceland tory, tourism provision and recreation. The exhibi- GeoCamp Iceland is an educational project dedi- cated to increasing knowledge and understanding tion describes graphically the formation of the in the natural sciences through practical and active Reykjanes Peninsula. Visitors can learn about geol- learning. The company has organized study tours ogy and nature in a simple and accessible way. The for international groups since 2006. It coordinates Visitor Centre is a useful facility for visitors and the and receives international study groups of second- local inhabitants. It will also be suitable for use by ary school and college students, as well as teacher educational institutions and school groups. groups focusing primarily on geology, natural sci- Keilir - Atlantic Centre of Excellence ences and . Keilir is an educational institution founded in 2007. It is one of the Geopark founders and works Eggert Sólberg Jónsson closely with the Geopark. Located in the Geopark, it Manger of Reykjanes Geopark offers a variety of different educational opportuni- [email protected]

Students studying at the Sudurnes A GeoCamp Science and Iceland study Learning Centre Tour with with research members of facilities USA National for marine Council for biology and an Geography ecotoxicology Education in university July 2015. laboratory.

16 Hateg Country Dinosaurs UNESCO Global Geopark, Romania The Geopark Ambassadors Project in several projects, some of these projects were EDUCATION initiated by the volunteers themselves. Based on an evaluation process, volunteers received in 2015 an international Voluntpass issued by the University of Bucharest. During 2016, a new pro- gramme was initiated aiming to train the best volunteers to be able to represent their commu- nities in national and international projects and to contribute to increasing the level of under- standing, appreciation, conservation and promo- tion of Hateg Country Dinosaurs Geopark – now a UNESCO Site. From May to September after five training sessions on subjects ranging from leadership, public speaking, heritage interpreta- tion, the history of the EGN and GGN and leading field excursions, 18 young volunteers passed the evaluation and validation process and have be- eoparks Ambassadors is a unique and inno- The Hateg come Geopark Ambassadors. vative project aiming to train and select the Country G Their first mission was to represent the Geopa- Dinosaurs best young volunteers to become partners of the rk during the Dinosaurs Festival, Volcanoes Day, UNESCO Geopark’s administration and official representa- the 8th Conference of the Association of African Global Geopark tives of their territory for national and interna- Women in Geosciences and other local events Ambassadors tional missions. They are now one of the Hateg and volunteers. and activities. Two volunteers, with good artistic Country Dinosaurs Geopark’s voices and an im- skills were selected as Cultural Ambassadors in age within local communities and abroad. an exchange project with Luberon Geopark. The Hateg Global Geopark is the result of a grass- first international mission by the Hateg Geopark root effort which began in 2000 and was initi- Ambassadors was in Bakony-Balaton Global ated and coordinated by the University of Bucha- Geopark were they were received in an official rest, now a major partner in the Geopark’s man- and professional manner by our colleagues dur- agement. From the beginning, research analysis ing a three days exchange visit. The best way indicated the need for a strong partnership with to describe this exchange is to quote Barnabás local schools. During the last few years new edu- Korbely, the Geopark’s coordinator “ We were cational tools and structures were developed: happy to meet and host the Hateg Geopark educational packages, the EDU-Geopark Net- Ambassadors in our Geopark. All of them were work, Explorers Clubs in 12 local school, and Vol- so kind, open-minded, curious and enthusiastic! unteers for Geopark. The Volunteers for Geopark Personally, for myself, meeting this group was programme, established three years ago, aimed a marvellous experience”. Further missions are to involve young people as Geopark partners to planned and in the meantime the Ambassadors fulfill their needs for the social recognition of have started to contact young people from other their skills and creativity and to support their Global Geoparks to share their experience and The team of personal and professional development. More enthusiasm for youth exchanges and coopera- Hateg Country than 200 local student were enrolled as volun- tion projects. The Dinosaurs teers in different Geopark projects. According ambassadors UNESCO Alexandru Andrasanu visit Bakony- to Romanian legislation they signed a contract, Global Geopark University of Bucharest / Geopark Coordinator Balaton Global Ambassadors succeeded in training stages and were involved mesajalex@yah Geopark.

17 European Geoparks Network celebrates the International Year for Sustainable Tourism

GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL promoting Geoparks as sustainable destinations!

he United Nations (UN) has declared T2017 as the International Year of Sus- tainable Tourism for Development. The resolution, recognizes the importance of international tourism, and particularly of the designation of an international year of sustainable tourism for development, in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in leading to a great- er awareness of the rich heritage of vari- ous civilizations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contribut- ing to the strengthening of peace in the world. The International Year (IY 2017) aims to raise awareness on the contri- bution of sustainable tourism to devel- opment among decision-makers and the public, while mobilizing all stakeholders to work together in making tourism a cata- lyst for positive change. The European Geoparks Network be- came silver partner of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Develop- ment, 2017 (IY2017) following the deci- sion taken during its 38th EGN Coordina- tion Meeting in the English Riviera UNES- CO Global Geopark in September 2016. Aim is to promote the European UNESCO Global Geoparks as sustainable tourism destinations to the International The International Year shall explore Tourism market, to promote Geoparks and highlight tourism’s role in the follow- and build new Links with the tourism ing five key areas: market, raise the profile and visibility of 1. Inclusive and sustainable economic the UNESCO Global Geoparks among the growth main players in tourism industry, to pro- 2. Social inclusiveness, employment mote Geoparks collectively through this and poverty reduction UNITED NATIONS’ initiative operated by 3. Resource efficiency, environmental the World Tourism Organization. protection and climate change A series of events are going to be orga- 4. Cultural values, diversity and nized by all 69 European UNESCO Global heritage Geoparks in order to gain the biggest 5. Mutual understanding, peace and visibility through the IY2017, to promote security sustainable tourism as a tool for devel- opment, to encourage its full integration The Dandelion in the IY2017 logo rep- in national, regional and global develop- resents Planet Earth where people—as ment agendas , to highlight its catalytic seeds—travel in a sustainable, clean function for economic and sustainable and responsible way. By travelling, these development and to increase awareness seeds connect to others through knowl- among all stakeholders – including tour- edge and culture, and thus build a better ists – of the impact of travel and tourism future. These are the principles that have on society and the environment, and how inspired the IY2017, and hence, what we responsible travel can contribute to sus- want to achieve through our mutual co- tainable development. operation.

18 Launch of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism

1. An important meeting with for Development 2017 and the Minister of Tourism of the Regional GGN activities in FITUR Madrid GEOPARKS GLOBAL Government of Andalucía Mr Francisco Javier Fernández Hernández in FITUR and discussion on the UNESCO Global Geopark’s potential as innovative sustainable tourism destinations.

2. Working meeting with 3. The Councilor the Councilor of of Economy and Economy and Infrastructure Infrastructure Launch of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism in FITUR of Extremadura of Extremadura José Luis José Luis n Wednesday 18th January 2017, the Launch of outcomes related to tourism – tying to- Navarro, the Navarro, the Othe International year of Sustainable Tourism for gether with community pride and benefit, economic President of the Councilor of the Development 2017 took place in the Conference cen- development and new employment as well as geologi- Villuercas Ibores Environment ter of FITUR in Madrid. cal, natural and cultural heritage conservation. Jara UNESCO and Agriculture Many officials, head of states, prime ministers and “Every day, more than three million tourists cross Global Geopark Begoña García, ministers of Tourism joined the General Director of international borders. Every year, almost 1.2 billion Charo Cordero, the President of Ángel García WTO Mr. Taleb Rifai, Mr F. Bandarin UNESCO ADG people travel abroad. Tourism has become a pillar of the Villuercas Cortés, President Ibores Jara for Culture, Mrs Elzbieta Bienkowska European economies, a passport to prosperity, and a transfor- of the Comité UNESCO Global Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepre- mative force for improving millions of lives. The world Nacional Español Geopark Charo neurship and SMEs., to address the launching event of can and must harness the power of tourism Geoparques Cordero, the International year of Sustainable Tour- as we strive to carry out the 2030 Agenda Mundiales General Director ism for Development 2017 in Madrid for Sustainable Development“ said Unit- UNESCO, of Tourism of (see attached programme). ed Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Asier Hilario Extremadura The GGN President participated in the Guterres, in his message on the occasion Coordinator Francisco Martín event together with more than 600 par- of the International Year launching event. of the Spanish Simón and the ticipants representatives from the WTO Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNESCO Global representatives member states, international organiza- the UNWTO, underscored international Geopark Forum of the Spanish and Javier UNESCO Global tions, civil society organizations, private tourism’s potential for positive change, Lopez Caballero Geoparks at sector and international media. prosperity and wellbeing for all. “As our sector geoscientist of the Stand of The GGN appeared at the event as Sponsor continues to grow, so does its responsibility to propel the Villuercas Extremadura after the decision of the GGN ExB to donate further us into a future of sustainability, equity, inclusion and Ibores Jara in FITUR in 5000 € to support the IYST 2017. It was mentioned in peace” he said. The General Director of WTO Mr. Rifai UNESCO Global Madrid to the Programme of the Event, in the Press Releases, in thanked all sponsors for making possible the celebra- Geopark at the discuss Geoparks the Panels at the stage as well as those covering the tion. presentation contribution walls of the Conference Center together with other UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, of the Book in local prestigious sponsors. Francesco Bandarin, in his address mentioned “GEOPARKS The development and The GGN participation main goal was to under- UNESCO Global Geoparks as the latest UNESCO Site most innovative their promotion destinations line that the UNESCO Global Geoparks provide an designation together with World Heritage Sites and as sustainable of sustainable tourism international framework for cooperation and broad Man and Reserves as areas involved in sus- tourism” in destinations. stakeholder engagement on shared and sustainable tainable tourism activities. FITUR.

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19 ΛΕΖΑΝΤΑ ?? GLOBAL GEOPARKS GLOBAL

UNESCO World Heritage sites (1052), Biosphere 4. Working Reserves (669), Global Geoparks (119) and Creative meeting with Cities (116) represent incredible opportunities for Ms Ana Mendes tourism to be a positive force for sustainable devel- Godinho, opment, conservation and environmental protection. Secretary of Tourism of The event also marked the launch of the Interna- Portugal, the tional Year campaign ‘Travel.Enjoy.Respect’, aimed ambassador of at promoting sustainable tourism among travelers in Portugal in Spain, partnership with CNN and RTVE. and the President 4 of the Tourism THE GEOPARKS PRESENTATION IN FITUR of Portugal with On Thursday 19th January 2017, the Spanish the Presidents UNESCO Global Geoparks Event took place at the of Naturtejo Stand of Extremadura in FITUR which was full of a UNESCO Global broad audience including Spanish Regional Authori- Geopark Armindo ties, the Spanish UNESCO Global Geopark represen- Jacinto and the President of tatives, Tourism companies and Regional media. Arouca UNESCO The Councilor of Economy and Infrastructure of Global Geopark Extremadura José Luis Navarro hosted the Event. Margarida Belém. Were present the Councilor of the Environment of Ex- 5 As the Secretary tremadura and Ms Charo Cordero the President of the of Tourism The Minister of Tourism of the Regional Govern- Villuercas Ibores Jara UNESCO Global Geopark who of Portugal ment of Andalucía Mr Francisco Javier Fernández was responsible for the event organization. underlined Hernández attended the event. The representatives of Geoparks can the Spanish UNESCO Global Geoparks and the Natur- change the social tejo UNESCO Global Geopark from Portugal were also reality in rural present. areas through Ángel García Cortés, President of the Comité Na- sustainable cional Español Geoparques Mundiales UNESCO, tourism. made an introduction and presented the programme and the lectures at the event. 5. Meeting with In the first part the GGN President Prof. N. Zouros the Spanish Geopark gave a presentation on the Global Geoparks and the Representatives resent UNESCO recognition. The GGN presentation and the Regional entitled “Global Geoparks Network - a world partner- Government of ship of sustainable tourism destinations” gain much Extremadura at attention and interest from the participants. the Extremadura In the second part Dr. Asier Hilario Orus, the Coordi- stand in FITUR. nator of the Spanish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum and Mr. Javier Lopez Caballero geoscientist of the Villuercas Ibores Jara UNESCO Global Geopark made a join presentation of the new Booklet Geoparks: The most innovative destinations of sustain- able tourism presenting 11 Spanish UNESCO Global Geoparks.

PARALLEL MEETINGS Important working meetings took place in FITUR with top officials of Spain and Portugal:

GEOPARKS STAND IN FITUR The Geoparks stand in FITUR was at the entrance of Pavilion 4. It was organized by Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark from Portugal in collaboration with three Spanish UNESCO Global Geoparks, Villuercas Ibores Jara, Basque Coast and Sobrarbe. Many activities took place at the Geoparks stand related with the presentation of Geo-products from the participating Geoparks.

20 Adamello Brenta UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy Sustainable tourism Geoparks role in social and economic strategies Sustainable Tourism of the Europarc Federation have made an invaluable contribution to these activities. A Geopark needs to guarantee the quality of its GEO TOURISM GEO tourism provision and environmental protection in order to benefit the lives of its residents and to manage nature and the impact of tourism. These outcomes are the prerequisites of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, which based its sustainable development strategy on the participation of the local inhabitants and stakeholders. One of the most important projects involving the local tourist operators is the quality brand “Qualità Parco”. Nowadays this brand belongs to 40 tourism providers who, through their activities, promote and practice the sustainable use of their territory. The Adamello Brenta Geopark wants to stimulate this project by cooperating and working Meditation owadays we should be ready to consider the with tourism providers to increase their visibil- along the “Five Nprotection of biodiversity and conservation ity, promote their activities, develop personalized Lakes” footpath, of the landscape as a valuable economic oppor- products and provide training courses. promoting tunity. Geoparks and Nature Parks are therefore Following Stages I and II of the European Char- sustainable really important organizations for the social and tourism, is a ter for Sustainable Tourism (Parks and Hotels cer- goal for the economic development of their territories. They tification), Adamello Brenta Geopark will initiate Adamello Brenta shouldn’t only focus on Nature protection, but Stage III. The aim is to accredit the environmental Geopark. should also view biodiversity as an outstanding understanding of the tour operators. In this way, a asset in their territory. (Photo by holiday inside the Geopark and the protected area Michele Zeni). However, Geoparks and Nature Parks need to could be certified. be careful when promoting business development In the same innovative way, the Adamello and business activities to avoid contravention of Brenta Geopark is working with schools providing, the Charter of the Global Geoparks Network. annually, environmental education for more than During his visit to Trento, our Environment Min- 9000 students. The main purpose is to inform new ister L. Galletti explained that in promoting eco- generations to know and appreciate the value and nomic growth the the Parks need to ensure that the beauty of their territory and to manage the protected areas should not be exploited or dam- territory through socially and economically sus- aged. In this respect, by combining conservation tainable strategies in the future. Cyclists along the “Brenta and sustainable economic development we are The Geopark therefore demonstrates its role in Dolomites Bike supporting the views expressed by UNESCO since managing the territory by encouraging the adop- 2004 concerning the aims of Geoparks. Trail”, a project Experiencing tion of new methods for tourism and as a labora- promoting the nature and a Since its inception Adamello Brenta Nature tory for promoting best practices and testing new enjoyment of way of living in Park has focused on disseminating good prac- ideas. the landscape a sustainable tices in protecting the environment, as well as in in a sustainable way. stimulating sustainable tourism and economic de- Joseph Masè and Chiara Grassi way. (Photo by velopment. International projects like the Adam- [email protected] Alessia Scalfi). (Photo ello Brenta Geopark and the European Charter for Elisa Cattani – [email protected] by Ronnie Kiaulhen)

21 Apuan Alps UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy Wildlife monitoring and the promotion of nature tourism he animal population in the Apuan Alps TGeopark is characterized by its high biodi-

GEO TOURISM GEO versity, especially among the invertebrates. The presence of several endemic and/or sub-endemic invertebrate species is a product of a complex evolutionary pattern linked to changes in climate and palaeogeography. In addition the occurrence of ravines with vertical cliffs and extensive high altitude grasslands creates habitats for rare species of birds. Here the only nesting Tuscan of the Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) and Red-Billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), occur isolated from populations recorded from the Alps and the central Apen- nines. The presence of the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is also very important. Currently five breeding pairs, together with young or sub-adult individuals, are recorded. in 2015. Also several separate occurrences of A Pack of Since 2002 the Park Rangers have monitored wolves have been photographed and filmed in wolves the population size, density and demographic recent years using a concealed video camera. filmed with a characteristics of wild ungulate species [red Wildlife and the environment in general are concealed video deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), undoubtedly valuable assets and need to be sup- camera. roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), mouflon (Ovis ar- ported in order to promote the development of ies) and wild boar (Sus scrofa)]. This is is based sustainable tourism. With this aim, since 2003 on observations and counts along trails and spe- about 850 volunteers, housed in accommodation cific censuses. A natural increase and the grad- approved by the Geopark, have been involved in ual spread of these species in the Geopark was ungulate censuses. To further promote active Volunteers detected, together with the return of their main along one of and green tourism, four trails were equipped predator, the wolf (Canis lupus), which was ex- the “Trails of with panels describing the flora, fauna, geol- the Mouflon” tinct in the Apuan Alps during the early twentieth ogy and geomorphology of the Apuan Alps. They investigate an century. A specific survey detected for the first were designated as “Trails of the Mouflon” be- information time the presence of pups in a pack of wolves in cause these wild ungulates characterize and are panel. 2014 and the occurrence of two breeding packs frequently observed along these trails. With a to- tal length of approx 15 km, trail bases are locat- ed in villages and include some mountain huts. The trails wind upwards from valley level through different vegetation belts ascending to summit meadows and rocky peaks. Visitors are able to view wildlife and plants, in addition to some of the most important geosites of the Apuan Alps Geopark.

and Fabio Viviani Antonio Bartelletti Wild ungulates Fabio Viviani [email protected] (mouflons) on Antonio Bartelletti [email protected] Mount Corchia.

22 Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal Pinguça Liqueurs: From tradition to innovation GEO TOURISM GEO

A view of the distillery named after Eduardo de Noronha Dias. inguça is a Portuguese brand of handmade inherited the century old recipe and tradition of Palcoholic drinks headquartered in Alvarenga producing homemade brandy based beverages parish (Arouca municipality). It was founded in from her grandmother. Pedro Noronha Dias, 2013, by a young couple of architects, Filipa Ca- however, is from Miudal (Alvarenga), where his The still and saca and Pedro Noronha Dias. During the same grandfather had a traditional winery, the «Gro- alembic. year, this brand became an associate of the AGA cery & Wines». This family history contributed (Arouca Geopark Association), in order to con- to the success of the brand in winning the first The tasting tribute to the development and enhancement of prize in the competition “National Rural Creative room in the Eduardo de the Arouca Geopark territory. Prize”, for creating a product based on the tra- Noronha Dias The Filipa Casaca’s family is from Entre-os- ditional methods used by Micas’s grandmother. distillery. Rios (Penafiel municipality) where Avó Micas The company, created in 2013, initiated the construction of a distillery next to the old wine cellar of Pedro’s grandfather. In his honour the distillery is named for Eduardo de Noronha Dias. The modern, functional building is impressive by combining wood and stone in its exterior and is in stark contrast with the surrounding landscape. Its interior is ready to receive visitors for tasting this liquor in a large space dominated by a long wooden table. Within the distillery, the impres- sive prominent alembic (cap of the still) made of copper and brass, conveys the liquid for bottling and storage in a separate area.. The first drink launched on the market was the cinnamon liquor of Micas´s grandmother. Other liquers were quickly developed including: the delicious red fruit liquor, a refreshing passion fruit liquor and an exotic chocolate liquor. The brand image is simple, but sophisticated, helping to distinguish Pinguça in the market place and creating an expectation that never dissapoints those who let themselves try by these great spir- its. The Pinguça is one of those rare comprehen- sive brands that, at a glance, is destined to be- come a classic.

Pedro Noronha Dias [email protected] Pinguça, Lda Vera Magalhães [email protected] AGA - Associação Geoparque Arouca

23 Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark, Hungary Alsóörs – a place of connections The Geosite of the Year GEO TOURISM GEO

Pangea volunteers renewing the trail. (Photo by Barnabás Korbély). he label ‘Geosite of the Year’ was first given Tto a geosite by the Geopark organisation, the Balaton-felvidéki National Park Directorate in 2013. Since then the award has been presented annually to a new geosite and the associated local community. The award acknowledges the active role of these communities in protecting and pro- moting their local geological heritage by renewing an old nature trail or for example clearing a rock exposure of vegetation. In this way the geosite becomes more easily accessible and visible for residents and geotourists, and the community de- velops a stronger connection to its geoheritage. These activities are carried out by civil organiza- tions and the local government, in cooperation with Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate, the leading organisation of the Geopark. the award of ’Geosite of the Year in Bakony–Bala- The trail Alsóörs, a charming beach village on the North- ton Geopark’ in 2016. Several geo-programmes – interprets many ern shore of Lake Balaton, has 1600 inhabitants. guided geo-tours, a geo-activity day and a geopa- aspects of the . The village is surrounded by gentle slopes with rk contest – celebrated the award and promoted vinyards and orchards. A fantastic view of the the geosite. Festivals, fairs, online platforms and a Red sandstone lake and sandy lidos await visitors. With the ac- hiking map have proved to be indispensable tools sculptures tive support of the local government and experts for the Geopark to promote the results achieved are created of the Geopark’s leading organization, young and by this cooperation. every year in The renovated trail is located in a disused stone a stonecutting enthusiastic volunteers of the Pangea Associa- camp. tion, a Geopark Partner, renewed the Red Stone quarry. Besides describing a typical rock type of (Photo by Barnabás Geological Trail in 2015–2016. Thanks to this suc- the Geopark, the approximately 260 million years Korbély). cessful cooperation, the local community received old red sandstone, panels connect the liv- ing and non-living natural heritage of the site, the history of local stone quarrying and processing, the architectural heritage of the village and – in the spirit of networking – other sandstone sites in UNESCO Global Geoparks. The label ‘Geosite of the Year’ has been an ef- fective tool to promote the geosites, the com- munities living nearby and the positive effects of cooperation, thus presenting a good example to other communities in the Geopark. The events for the promotion of the site as the ‘Geosite of the Year‘ organized by the Geopark and assisted by the members of the local community have strength- ened the cooperation of these stakeholders.

Anna Knauer [email protected]

24 Basque Coast Unesco Global Geopark, Spain Whaling watchtower Archaeological excavation and a lively documentary about Basque whalers GEO TOURISM GEO

Interpretation he importance of coastal whaling in the panel and TBasque Coast Geopark has vanished in the remains of mists of time. Whaling watchtowers were van- a watchtower. tage points from which the arrival of these ce- taceans into our waters was signalled, generally using fire. Sadly, practically all have disappeared, although the ruins of some, such as the watch- tower in Deba, remain. Work began towards the end of 2015 to ex- cavate and restore the remains of the Mendata whaling watchtower, located in the Deba-Zu- A field trip with maia protected biotope and very close to the The Geoparks the group of Talaia long-distance flysch trail, which is used by Week leaflet archaeologists for 2016. in charge of the thousands of walkers throughout the entire year. ing information about the role of these vantage excavation. Together with the ruins of the watchtower, an points, with the aim of raising awareness of the interpretative board has been installed provid- importance of whaling for the Basque people. An interesting documentary has also been cre- ated called Euskal Balezaleen Triskantza, which tells the story of the slaying of Basque whalers in Iceland four centuries ago. The documentary was premiered in June in the three municipalities which make up the Geopark - Mutriku, Deba and - as part of the European Geoparks Week programme. Through this work, the Basque Coast Geopark reinforces its support for the recovery and main- tenance of its rich cultural heritage and its tra- ditions, whilst raising awareness of the .

Leire Barriuso [email protected] Asier Hilario [email protected]

Documentary: https://youtu.be/yu_Lra42SSI Watchtower recreation https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=yDCioBKEh48 25 Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy Beigua app: digital innovation to promote tourism igital communication is the modern lan-

GEO TOURISM GEO Dguage of tourism, a new way to convey in- formation to a wider public, enabling a dialogue with tourists by creating a two-way communica- tion. People want to have a significant role in the promotion of Beigua UNESCO Global Geopark through feedback, reviews and posts on blog and social networks, so that user-generated contents become an independent and objective judgment on the assets of the territory. Interaction is the key-word and Geoparks need to enhance and up- date their communication skills to reach a new audience, especially younger generations. A new tool to support tourism has been added in the Geopark’s digital communication strategy. With the native app for Android and iOS opera- tive systems, smartphones or tablets will take you into the heart of Beigua UNESCO Global Ge- opark to discover, to taste and to enjoy its out- standing beauty and values all the year round. This interactive guide provides information about thematic trails and facilities to organize a trip in the Geopark with maps, points of inter- est and tips about highlights not to miss such as geosites, forests and cultural heritage sites. An intuitive interface guides users through hiking routes, snowshoe trails and nature paths, pin- pointing visitor centres and information points, museums and sites for outdoor sports. Two different methods for use have been pre- within the Geopark’s communication plan: the Using the pared: an off-line mode and an on-line mode. website provides a huge amount of detailed in- iBeigua app on the field In the off-line mode, without any internet con- formation as well as free to download GPX coor- nection, the user has the opportunity to consult dinates, the social networks (Facebook, Twitter, essential information regarding different items Instagram and YouTube channels) with up-to- and aspects about Beigua Geopark. The app is date news and live coverage of events, webcams a boundless showcase presenting geodiversity, for a real-time view of Beigua’s unique land- biodiversity and the historical and cultural herit- scapes. Moreover, interconnection with Google maps Examples of age of the Beigua’s territory. the iBeigua app On-line features expand the contents thanks helps visitors retrieve coordinates and addresses graphics to the interactivity with other tools developed of specific locations or to access driving and walking directions to reach several destinations or points of interest. MyBeigua is a special sec- tion within the APP to collect users’ favourite in- formation, things to do, places to visit or pictures and a personal travel diarys. The iBeigua app is an important technologi- cal tool for supporting tourism in the Geopark’s territory. It provides a very efficient means for enhancing the values of the territory, including its geodiversity, biodiversity, historical and cul- tural heritage and also provides tourists with an innovative platform for accessing information concerning the Geopark’s different offers and events. In the near future, the app contents will be up-dated with more information about trails, new maps and altimetry and an English version will be released.

Claudia Fiori [email protected]

Maurizio Burlando [email protected]

26 Bergstraße-Odenwald UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany Active and sporty Implementation

of a 1000 km trail network TOURISM GEO for mountainbikers personal bicycle tour. Honorary trail guides, who are in charge of the local trails, are responsible for monitoring and - if required - for renewing missing marking signs. As special service for the bikers, the Geopark has developed a website (www.mtb-geo-natur- park.de), including comprehensive information about the trails, such as a map, length, altitude and difficulties. Additional references to historic & cultural sites and restaurants invite the user to experience landscape and make culinary dis- coveries. Actual information about special trail conditions, such as the hunting season or wood harvest activities, are highlighted in the “news” section. The website guestbook provides an op- portunity to share experiences on the trails and also to make contacts with the trail guides. In The start xperiencing the landscape, enriched with in- of a mountain Eformation about the territory, is a pillar of addition, a mountain biking guide, which includes biking event. the Geopark´s visitor service. Besides informa- 38 single trails and information about accommo- tion centres and thematic trails, which are ap- dation, as well as maps and service, is available. preciated predominantly by hikers, the Geopark The mountain biking project is considered as a has added additional facilities for a target group, very successful model for a well- balanced visi- which is becoming increasingly important – the tor service including all relevant target groups, mountain bikers. which use the landscape for recreation and Based on the initiative of local bikers and bike sporting activities. Germany-wide it is regarded clubs, the project was initiated in 2011. as a showcase and pilot project for mountain The implementation of each trail – including biking in low mountain ranges. 38 circuits with a total length of more than 1000 One of the key issues for this success is the km – was accomplished by extended meetings involvement from the first planning stage of all Cyclists access with all stakeholders, landowners, leaseholders relevant stakeholders resulting in the the accep- information of hunting grounds and relevant departments tance for a sport which is becoming increasingly about the (e.g. forestry, regional development). popular. For more information please contact mountainbiking The circuit courses are well balanced with dif- Dirk Dewald. circular route in ferent lengths and difficulties and marked ac- the Begstrassee Dirk Dewald [email protected] Cyclists on a Odenwald cording the unified outdoor marking system of mountainbiking traiil in the UNESCO Global the Geopark. So-called “connecting trails” enable Jutta Weber [email protected] Geopark. the mountain bikers to design the length of their Geopark.

27 The Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark, Czech republic Enhanced! he Bohemian Paradise Global Geopark is lo- Tcated in the northern part of the Czech Re- public. It is one of the leading tourist attractions

GEO TOURISM GEO in the Czech Republic, having attracted millions of visitors from the whole world since its open- ing in 2005. Based on new geological and geo- physical research, the Geopark was extended and enriched by the inclusion of new territory and the Geopark now has an area of 750 km2. The Bohemian Paradise Global Geopark excels in its long geological history and number of vari- ous types of interesting sites. The area recently added includes the Jicin Volcanic Field. The town of Jicin, formerly outside the southern boundary of the territory, now serves as a natural and im- portant gateway to the Geopark. The first records of the town of Jicin date back to 1293. The historical town centre contains a rare complex of well-preserved historical monu- ments of great significance. Its history is insepa- rably connected with the famous European poli- tician Albrecht of Valdstejn. Nowadays, Jicin pro- vides an abundance of tourist attractions - early Baroque buildings, galleries, museums, sports sediments are penetrated by basaltic dykes, are Dubolka, activities, and festivals. textbook examples of contact metamorphism the surface exposure of the The Jicin Volcanic Field considerably enhances (e.g. Cerovka Hill). Human activities dating from the Palaeolithic remains of a the geological portfolio of the Bohemian Para- cinder cone. dise Geopark. It has been newly defined, on the are reflected in the use and settlement of the basis of its genesis and morphology, as a natu- landscape, and also in the architecture. Jicin is ral complex of volcanic bodies. Some a unique natural centre of a complex Baroque of these were already included in the Geopark landscape. It is surrounded by abundant prehis- (Trosky, Kumburk, Zebin among others). The toric, medieval and especially Baroque monu- newly added southern part of the Jicin Volcanic ments, e.g. Ostruzno, Velis, Sv. Anna, Nadslav, Field contains many interesting sites, e.g. Velis and the town centre. (the remains of a solitary tuff cone), Sv. Anna (a The whole newly added territory allows visitors Strombolian conduit), Dubolka and Houser (the to discover geological phenomena and processes remains of cinder cones), and Cerovka (a network that have affected the southern part of the Bo- of dykes). All these volcanic relics are highly sig- hemian Paradise Global Geopark during a period nificant for the interpretation of the geological of ninety million years. It is of great educational evolution of the Geopark. value and a considerable attraction for tourists. The newly added area also includes an asso- The inclusion of the new territory enhances the ciation of rocks and interesting pal- geological interpretation and visibility of the Bo- aeontological localities. The faunal association hemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark. Velis, Church of The centre of contains bivalves, larger benthic foraminifers St. Wenceslaus, Vaclav Mencl [email protected] Jicin town. and rare ammonites. Some sites, where these 1752

28 Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Ireland National Geographic World Legacy Award GEO TOURISM GEO best practices, protection of cultural and natural heritage, benefits to local people and educating tourists on the principles of sustainable tourism. The recognition received from such a prestigious The Burren and well-respected organisation is a wonderful and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO endorsement of the work with all our partners Global Geopark over a number of years. National The awards were announced at the ITB confer- Geographic ence in Berlin in March 2016. ITB Berlin is the World Legacy leading tourism trade convention in Europe. Awards Winner. he Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global The GeoparkLIFE programme is an EU funded TGeopark in Ireland has recently won the Des- programme. LIFE is the EU’s financial instrument tination Leadership award of The National Geo- supporting environmental, nature conservation graphic in their prestigious international awards and climate action projects throughout the EU. programme, the World Legacy Awards. This is a For the 2014-2020 funding period, LIFE will con- significant award from a world renowned publi- tribute approximately €3.4 billion to the protec- cation with a global circulation of over 6 million. tion of the environment and climate change. The Geopark is managed by the state local GeoparkLIFE is a tourism for conservation pro- authority, Clare County Council and receives sig- gramme established by the Burren and Cliffs of nificant support from the Geological Survey of Moher Geopark to seek a collaborative balance Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. It won the Destination between the tourism interests and the conserva- Leadership category of The National Geographic tion needs of the Geopark region. To fund the World Legacy Awards for its EU-funded tourism project’s work programme the Geopark applied for conservation project; GeoparkLIFE. for and was awarded EU LIFE funding of €1.1 The Destination Leadership Award is a catego- million. Matching grant aid is being provided by ry for destinations demonstrating environmental the projects stakeholders who are from the tour- ism and conservation fields; Clare County Coun- cil, Geological Survey of Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, National Parks & Wildlife Service, National Mon- uments Service, Office of Public Works, Heritage Council, National University of Ireland Galway and University College Dublin. The project will be completed by December 2017. Awards such as these are important for providing recognition to local groups such as the Burren Food Trail and the Burren Network at a local and international level and highlighting sustainability programmes. They also serve to highlight the significance of UNES- CO Global Geoparks as world leaders in this area.

Dr. Eamon Doyle [email protected]

Some members of the Burren Food Trail.

Costas Christ (centre with brown cap) from National Geographic and members of the Burren Ecotourism Network. ΤΙΣ ΦΩΤΟ. ΤΙΣ ΠΗΡΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ WORD ΚΑΙ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΧΑΛΙΑ. ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΣΤΕΙΛΟΥΝ 29 JPG ΑΡΧΕΙΑ Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, France A 3D Printer Reconstructs the Geopark’s Architectural Heritage for the National GEO TOURISM GEO Science Festival

A hands-on exploration of traditional building techniques. or the first time the Chablais area, organised by Geopark trained Abbey staff to discover the construc- Fthe Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, has par- tion techniques during the Middle Ages and their use ticipated in the French National Science Festival. Lo- of building materials. A local association known as the cated to the east of France, the territory has a long FabLac reconstructed the ancient Abbey building with border with Switzerland. Owing to its isolation from their 3D printer. The printer was busy all day and pro- the main urban centres, it is rare that national events duced nine mini-abbeys that were awarded as prizes reach the Chablais. to lucky prize-draw winners. To complete the attrac- The Geoparkchose to take part in this festival, tions, the Geopark established workshops and stands. which is publicised nationally and regionally through a Activities included a mini quiz for identifying the rocks detailed events brochure. It established an innovative of the Chablais; a plaster making workshop using lo- programme that revolved around the building stones cal gypsum; a mould making workshop usinglocal clay of the territory. and the Geopark plaster; an “Add to the mosaic of Ge- To prepare for the main event, a public lecture in two-partswas organized in the main Geopark town of oparkStones” stand and a volcano workshop. The links Thonon. The first presentation addressed the heritage to local industrial heritage, as well as the geology hid- of the local castles, the second the architecture of the den under the ski slopes were explained to the varied 20thcentury. audience. With more than 250 participants it was a great The Geopark The main event occurred in the Abbey d’Aulps, a Ge- Chablais stand opark partner. Free all day entry had been organised event, one that will be repeated in 2017! - a quizz to A3D printer for the site. Different activities were programmed investigate the reconstructs the throughout the day with families, teenagers and older Sophie Justice [email protected] local building abbey building. couples taking part. Visits and workshops were led by 2 avenue des Allobroges, Thonon, 74201 cedex, France stones.

30 Vouraikos Global an event which congregate for Attendance at Mana celebrate 120 speech by the Chelmos-V Rack Railway the Chelmos- president of a journeyto years ofthe Passengers gement Bod gement included a Geopark. ouraik Train. y of y os the title “Odontotos Rack the 120 years of the Diakopto-Kalavryta rack railway. organized in the territory of the Geopark, to celebrate the European Geoparks Week. A number of events ebratedare from May 7 to June 5 within the theframework Chelmos-Vouraikos of Geopark. Its anniversaryinextricably is cel linked to the 20km-long Vouraikos River in squeezing through a tunnel known as the “Doors”. their way towards the narrowest point of the journey, towering on cliffs, carriages the through movetwo the asgently bybrushthattreesplanecanopies of below. The jagged tracks switch to and from beneath narrowledgethatoverlooks waterfallsthe thatrush rack railway train chugs along a dramatic 0.75-meter journey, where nature and history are intertwined, toothedthe lines, following the international E4 path. admiredcanyonInwalkingeventhebecanby tonexta landscapeing strik forvisitors. naturalThe beauty theof a creates stalagmites, and stalactites with continuingaction theof water, withforming alongwaterfalls, rocks, Gorge Vouraikos caves the of tion journeymakestheunique.lithological The composi exceptionally beautiful trail along the Vouraikos Gorge T 120 Years of Beauty and History Diakopto-Kalavryta Railway, Chelmos Vouraikos UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece of Chelmos-Vouraikos:of parallel lines,“Internatheon hs eet icue oedy conference one-daywith a include eventsThese For the last 120 years, the 22.5km journey has been of the ChelmosVouraikostheof- Global Geopark. The he gorge of Vouraikos River is one of the Geosites

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ala, ee lo significant alsoRailway, were Coordinator-Environmentalist MSc Nikos Topouzidis,

ete f Kleitoria of Centre Geologist ------Geotope. Gorge the Vouraikos students in young event for educational environmental An

GEO TOURISM 31 The European Geoparks Network today

The Network consists of 69 Geoparks in 23 European countries (September 2015) www.europeangeoparks.org

32 1. Haute-Provence Geopark FRANCE 2. Vulkaneifel Geopark GERMANY 3. Lesvos Geopark GREECE 4. Parque Cultural del Maestrazgo SPAIN 5. GREECE The European Geoparks Network today 6. Natur- und Geopark TERRA.vita GERMANY 7. Copper Coast Geopark IRELAND 8. Marble Arch Caves Geopark IRELAND 9. Madonie Geopark ITALY 10. Rocca di Cerere Geopark ITALY 11. Natur-und Geopark Steirische Eisenwurzen AUSTRIA 12. Bergstrasse-Odenwald Geopark GERMANY 13. North Pennines AONB Geopark UK 14. Luberon, Parc Naturel Regional FRANCE 15. North West Highlands Geopark Scotland, UK 16. Swabian Albs Geopark GERMANY 17. Geopark Harz. Braunschweiger Land. Ostfalen GERMANY 18. Hateg Country Dinosaurs Geopark ROMANIA 19. Parco Del Beigua ITALY 20. Fforest Fawr Geopark UΚ 21. Bohemian Paradise CZECH REPUBLIC 22. Cabo de Gata – Nijar Natural Park ANDALUCIA, SPAIN 23. Naturtejo Geopark PORTUGAL 24. Subbeticas Geopark ANDALUCIA, SPAIN 25. Sobrarbe Geopark ARAGON, SPAIN 26. Gea Norvegica Geopark NORWAY 27. Geological Mining Park of Sardinia ITALY 28. Papuk Geopark CROATIA 29. English Riviera Geopark UK 30. Parco Naturale Adamello Brenta ITALY 31. GeoMôn GeoPark WALES – UK 32. Arouca Geopark PORTUGAL 33. Geopark Shetland SCOTLAND – UK 34. Chelmos – Vouraikos Geopark GREECE 35. Novohrad – Nograd Geopark HUNGARY – SLOVAKIA 36. Magma Geopark NORWAY 37. Basque Coast Geopark SPAIN 38. Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano ITALY 39. Rokua Geopark 40. Tuscan Mining Park ITALY 41. Vikos – Aoos Geopark GREECE 42. Muskau Arch Geopark GERMANY/POLAND 43. Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park SPAIN 44. Burren and Cliffs of Moher IRELAND 45. Katla Geopark ICELAND 46. Massif des Bauges Geopark FRANCE 47. Apuan Alps ITALY 48. Villuercas-Ibores-Jara SPAIN 49. Carnic Alps Geopark AUSTRIA 50. Chablais Geopark FRANCE 51. Central Catalunya Geopark SPAIN 52. Bakony-Balaton Geopark HUNGARY 53. Azores Geopark PORTUGAL 54. Karavanke/Karawanken SLOVENIA & AUSTRIA 55. Idrija Geopark SLOVENIA 56. Hondsrug Geopark NETHERLANDS 57. Sesia - Val Grande Geopark ITALY 58. Kula Geopark TURKEY 59. Molina and Alto Tajo Geopark SPAIN 60. El Hierro Geopark SPAIN 61. Monts d’Ardèche FRANCE 62. Erz der Alpen AUSTRIA 63. Odsherred Geopark DENMARK 64. Terras de Cavaleiros Geopark PORTUGAL The Network consists of 69 Geoparks in 23 European countries (September 2015) 65. Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands Geopark SPAIN 66. Reykjanes Geopark ICELAND www.europeangeoparks.org 67. Geopark of Pollino ITALY 68. Sitia Geopark GREECE 69. Troodos Geopark CYPRUS 33 Cillento, Vallo di Diano UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy Holistic management in a multiple UNESCO

MULTIPLE DESIGNATIONS MULTIPLE Designation Landscape World Heritage, MAB, Global Geopark, Mediterranean Diet he Cilento and Vallo Di Diano UNESCO Global Ge- opark is characterized by an exceptional geodiver- Cala Cave, the T closest, very sity and the biodiversity of its natural habitats which important, are often sustained by man. The Geopark’s unique archaeo- cultural heritage includes rock shelters inhabited dur- geosite with ing Palaeolithic times, the exceptional, well-preserved, improved access settlements of Paestum and Velia, the medieval ur- for students, banization of the landscape and present day contem- researchers and tourists. porary phenomena. The history of the complex and dynamic interaction between the natural environment and culture adds value to the Geopark and as such needs to be protected. As a result of this complex her- itage, a perfect synthesis between culture, nature and MUVIp well-being, the territory of the Geopark is recognized Exhibition by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, a Man and the Session – the Virtual Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and an Museum of the Emblematic Community of the Mediterranean Diet. Palaeolithic. Cilento and Vallo di Diano Geopark implemented Visitors can the best practices for the sustainable development see virtually of a multi-designation territory, through: coordinated the most projects, e.g. the Took Project, with municipalities; by interesting geo- coordinating stakeholders in the Three Caves – Three archeological sites involving Rivers project; Life+ FAGUS; MU-VI as a Lab_Museum coastal caves in Network; Custonian Farmer involving multifunctional government, university education, local professionals and the Park’s management, created a successful pro- Camerota and agriculture and Geopark TakeCarers providing self- then they can motivation for young people. Our solution is based on totype for providing new opportunities for engaging decide which a unique institution for governance and the involve- young people in the management of this geosite. The site they would ment of the local communities and government, fol- young professionals need to have a good knowledge actually want to lowing the subsidiarity principle. All combine to pre- of the specific geosite based on academic research visit. serve the agricultural heritage for MeDiet, cultural and connections with the local tradition, culture and and geo-biological heritage and to maintain the sus- economy, and of the Geopark’s geodiversity and trails. tainable touristic fulfilment This type of management increased tourist numbers of our landscape. The main challenges are the by 5,000 people in four years. The valorization and negative attitudes in the communities and the avoid- promotion of the Palaeolithic Cala Cave geosite (one ance of landscape abandonment by the younger gen- of the international geo-archaeological sites involving erations. The Venus Hair Waterfall Geosite Project, the remains of the transition from the Homo sapiens described in an earlier edition of the EGN Magazine, neanderthalensis to Homo sapiens sapiens) in coopera- has, by establishing cooperation between the local tion with the local municipality is an example of an- other successful project. At this site, visitors can em- bark on a journey into the past through the remains in the cave (museum in the cave) and a virtual museum. This type of management development increased tourism, especially from school pupils, by 13,000 peo- ple in four years. This is the territory of the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni, a precious natural asset, Venus Hairs managed for millennia through the wisdom of our Water Fall Oasis, the best ancestors. An asset involving culture, biodiversity and example of “geodiversity”, air and land, rivers and seas, woods geodiversity, and forests and the cultivation of local products for biodiversity, healthy food. Such an asset is currently enhanced, cultural promoted, preserved and managed through a holistic heritage and and integrated approach by pilot projects in order to the involvement progressively extend to the entire territory. of local young people in Aniello Aloia, Domenico Guida, Tommaso Pellegrino developing e-mail addresses: [email protected] ; presidente@ sustainable cilentoediano.it; [email protected]; tourism.

34 National School. site inSeafield Preparingthe held in Boatstrandheldin Saturday on 27 planted with wild flower seeds. A Community grow Day halfleft wild, Onewasto secondthe and was was February 2016. Each site was divided into communitytwoinsitestheir thegroupsand ofhalves. each to the project to the children.. each of the community groups and schools to explain the sites by clearing the grass.. The team then visited sitea for the project. They marked out and prepared Towncommittees from each ofthevillages selected ectinvolved three phases. Inthe first phase, the Tidy projectkindlyprojsponsoredGlanbia.wereTheby the for seeds flower wild The Geopark. Coast per Cop Manager, Centre Visitor Kavanagh,Catherine WildlifeTrust,Lauren localBrowne,ecologist, a and Walshe, Waterford Irish representativeAlan the for ledby the Copper Coast Geopark team, consisting of NationalMaraprojectSchool.nawasThe Glór and tional Schools in Stradbally, Ballyduff National School tionalSchool,MercyLadyJames OurSt.ofandNa Schools in Bunmahon, Fenor National National Seafield School, Kill and Knockmahon Na Centre, Safety Coast Scout Group in Annestown, the Boatstrand Sea nitygroupsinvolved projectthe inwere:Copper the importancethe protectingof bees.ourcommuThe significancebiodiversity, benefitsthe of and of and WildlifeIrishtheawarenessraisewithTrusttion to andSchools in the Copper Coast Geopark in associa perCoast Geopark. It involved the Tidy Town Groups, biodiversityhighlighttheCopcontained thewithin of biodiversity in our lives and on how to increasepublic tobio come along and learn about the the importance to open was project, and the involved inthose T Biodiversity Project Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Ireland h scn pae f h poet nldd visit included project a the of phase second The e opr os Goak idvriy Proj Biodiversitycollaborativea wasect project whichsought Geoparkto Coast Copper he th February allfor ------protecting and highlighting natural biodiversity. CopperCoast Geopark to lead the way in the area in survival our for protect them to need we pollinators how and importance of the education on withservation starts fuel and metals that we need to live. medicine,andother natural resources suchwood,as water,food,sourceofeco-systemour this is which together,andhow we canbest contribute toprotect mals, insects, birds and microorganisms live and work conceptbiodiversitytheof plants,our howaniand explained Walshe Alan leaders. group andteachers enthusiasminterestandchildrenthefrom their and Garden’. copyWildlife’s-aCJof ‘Attract MoreWildlife Yourto courtesy of the National Biodiversity Data‘All-Irelandthe copyof Centre, awith Junior Pollinator and Plan’, ‘Identification Ireland’s Guide to Bumble Bees’ along Biodiversity containingParticipation Packan a and Certificate of a with presented was groupspating we can provide a healthy habitat for bees. and introducing as much colour as possible intoning anda showed site,that bysimply sowing wild flowers, ect stakeholders. The results of the project were projectstun shared with all schools, communities andanalysed proj and a report compiled, and the results place.of theThe results of these audits have been collated, diversity in your own garden. Alan Walshe,projectAlan“ leaderthesays The project at every stage was met with incredible On completionOn project,theparticiofthe each of Inthe third phase ofthe project, finala audit took Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Bonmahon, Co ”. The biodiversityThethe”. for way project a was Robbie Galvin. [email protected] Waterford Ireland. Naturecon - - - - - National School. Knockmahon Members of site. National School in theSeafield flower seeds planting wild The resultof

MULTIPLE DESIGNATIONS 35 Natur - and UNESCO Global Geopark Steirische, Austria Eisenwurzen Geological Disaster tourism MULTIPLE DESIGNATIONS MULTIPLE

Participants on a fieldtrip during Geoparks Week 2016. ardly anybody can avoid looking with fasci- and contribute to the formation of small lakes Hnation at the sight of rockslides, especially and a bog within a magnificent forest landscape. when they affect inhabited communities. It is this The rockslide is easily ascendable by trails and symbiosis of curiosity and horror which stimu- forest roads. As in an avalanche, fine-grained lates present-day disaster tourism. But what material was washed into the valley below and about accumulations of rocks around the com- from there into the near-by Salza River where it munity of Wildalpen in the Nature- and Geopark spread 9 kilometres upstream and 12 kilometres Eisenwurzen which recently have been recog- downstream. This is by far the largest expanse of nized by earth scientists as a rock slide? Accord- rockslide debris known from the Northern Alps. In ing to radiocarbon dates of tree fragments and this major destination for kayaking and rafting a dendrochronological investigation it occurred these deposits may be observed along the riv- ersides but also from the road along the valley. on a day in August, some 5900 years ago. There The rock slide was not the only event which was still some curiosity among participants on a caused large amounts of rock to move. The field trip during Geopark Week 2016 who were rocks, which are intersected by numerous frac- curious to know more about this rock slide of tures were unstable and another 900 million cu- enormous dimensions. About 500 million cubic bic metres were released and remained on the Fourteen billion metres of broke free from a mountain former slide plane as blocks, some of them hun- cubic metres slope where the detachment area can still be of rocks were dreds of metres in size. detached from recognized. The rocks were almost totally frag- the mountain mented during their descent on an almost ver- Heinz Kollmann [email protected] A lake in the range. tical slope. Larger fragments remained in place Oliver Gulas MSc [email protected] rockslide area.

36 Geopark Harz-Braunschweiger Land-Ostfalen, Germany 500 years of Reformation Following the footsteps of Martin Luther MULTIPLE DESIGNATIONS MULTIPLE

View towards Landmark No. 10 of the Geopark: the Auerberg Mountain.

(Photo Dr. Klaus George) A Nature- n the 31st of October 2017 exactly 500 years experience Owill have past since Martin Luther published point along the his 95 Theses. Nowadays the city of Eisleben, Lu- Lutherweg. ther’s place of birth and death, is, together with the (Photo Dr. Klaus the city of Mansfeld, part of the UNESCO Global George) View towards Geopark Harz • Braunschweiger Land • Ostfalen. Landmark There, on the eastern edge of the Harz, Martin Lu- No. 17 of the ther went to school. In Mansfeld his father owned UNESCO- several smelting works and the wealth of the Earl- Geopark: dom of Mansfeld originated from the exploitation Mansfeld Castle.

of copper shale. (Photo Dr. Klaus In 2015 the Regionalverband Harz (RVH), one George) of two supporting associations of the UNESCO- the woods were cleared in order to obtain pit props Geopark, intitiated the creation of special informa- for the mines and charcoal for smelting the ore. tion points along the “Lutherweg”. These points The people prayed for their daily bread and so they provide resting places, interesting used everything that nature had to offer. Archaeo- information about Luther himself, logical studies of the waste pit from about life in his time and the changes Luther’s home revealed that even song which have occurred in the natural birds were used for food. This is the environment over the years. The “Lu- theme of the first nature-experience therweg” is a hiking and pilgrimage point. Another information point, with trail leading through five different its floor paved with the cinder blocks Federal States of Germany and links from copper smelting, informs visitors important sites during the Reforma- about the production and transporta- tion. From Eisleben in Saxony-Anhalt tion of charcoal for the smelting works. to Nordhausen in Thuringia, it leads Five hundred years after Luther pub- through the UNESCO-Geopark. lished his 95 Theses, the woods have regenerated. Martin Luther kept in close touch with his home In the society a change in the way of thinking has and the Earls of Mansfeld throughout his life. To- started. Over time, more and more people began day’s Saxony-Anhalt, one of the 16 Federal States to understand the concept of nature protection. of Germany, became the core area of the Refor- Nowadays the churches, both Catholic and Prot- mation. The implementation of religious services estant, regard the preservation of creation as an in the German language made it possible for com- important goal. Thus the nature-experience points mon people to actually understand “the word of along the Lutherweg provide a perfect connection god” for the first time. This included the biblical between the aims of the UNESCO-Geopark and the order of “Dominium terrae“, reign over the earth heritage of Luther. from the history of creation in the Book of Gen- esis. Large predators like bear, wolf and lynx were Dr. Klaus George & Vincent Plößner exterminated systematically in the Harz region and E-mail addresses: [email protected] & vincent. [email protected]

37 Kula UNESCO Global Geopark, Turkey Kula volcanoes: Now easy to access & safe MULTIPLE DESIGNATIONS MULTIPLE

olcanoes and volcanism has been of major the landscape and the ease of accessibility. San- Sandal Divlit Vhuman interest since the birth of our civilisa- dal Divlit miniature volcanic cone is an excellent Cone and crater. tion as demonstrated by the15 thousand years geosite with a crater sitting within a basaltic old prehistoric cave paintings depicting erup- lava flow plain. In order to open this outstand- tions within the territory now designated as the ing geosite for geoeducation and geotourism Kula UNESCO Global Geopark. Volcanoes have activities the “Explore the Kula Geopark” project, deeply influenced our culture and in myths are financed by the Zafer Development Agency, has often associated with the underworld. The great constructed a wooden walking trail with bilingual Greek philosopher Strabo, visited the Kula vol- direction signs and information panels provid- canic area over 2000 years ago. He proposed ing easy access to the crest of the steep cone. that the coal-black lava must have been created A circular geotrail has been developed around by fire that originated from inside the Earth and the rim of the crater. Additional necessary visitor named the area “Katakekaumene” (Fire-born). infrastructures like car parking, wooden shelters In modern times, volcanoes and volcanic land- and toilets have been installed in a minimalistic scapes became major tourist attractions in the style at the foot of the cone. Kula Geopark is or- form of adventure tourism. Geoparks, with well ganizing guided tours for the Sandal Divlit Cone organised accessibility and interpretation have which is now becoming the flagship or the iconic changed the nature of volcanic geotourism from geosite of the Kula UNESCO Global Geopark with an activity restricted only for adventure seekers the slogan of “Learning is Adventure”. to a pursuit that is available to a wider public. The wooden walkway forms The miniature volcanoes of the Kula European A geoeducational Dr. Erdal GUMUS: Celal Bayar University & Kula the geotrail on event on the rim and UNESCO Global Geopark are an ideal desti- Geopark Coordinator, [email protected] Phd. the rim of the of the Sandal nation for volcanic geotourism. Here, a balance Seda AKKURT GUMUS: Seyh Edebali University & Sandal Divlit Divlit volcano. is maintained between the unspoiled nature of Kula Geopark, [email protected] volcano.

38 enjoy afieldtrip in theGeopark. Schoolchildren Participants learn about the island’s geological history. L A Volcanic Open Air Museum Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain rpie ciiy ntae drn te Miocene, the during initiated activity Eruptive structures. sedimentary and erosional preserved well- and rocks volcanic permeable by formed and tourismfocused ongeology. development sustainable promote and heritage, geological the protect and highlight showcase, economic and scientific support. Its mission is to provides which Lanzarote, of Cabildo island, the of Council the by managed is it and 2015, April scientific, educationalandtouristicinterest. well-preservedextraordinarily an geodiversityof trans- with museum, activity air open an into area this formed volcanic and features climate density of169people/km². population a and inhabitants, 143,200 of lation popu- a with municipalities 7 includes It areas. submarine with together Alegranza and Oeste del Roque Este, del Roque Clara, Montaña ciosa, Gra- La of islands small the Lanzarote, including km², 2500 approximately of surface a covers It Islands. Canary autonomous the of region most elgcly te ra s lot entirely almost is area the Geologically, in EGN the of member a became Geopark The location, geographical its of combination The naoe n Ciio sad Goak s a volcanic oceanic is area located in the eastern- Geopark Islands Chinijo and anzarote foremost sourceonincomefor theisland. the representing now heritage, cultural and ral Lanzarote, in order to protect and highlight natu- from artist great a Manrique, Cesar by created Centres of Art, Culture and Tourism of Lanzarote, seven the and sites aboriginal churches, castles, more, it includes important cultural sites, such as National Park, and a Biosphere Reserve. Further- Timanfaya including Areas, Protected 13 from aside SPAs), 7 and SACs (11 sites 2000 Natura relevant contains area the Indeed, biodiversity. marine and terrestrial its for important also is volcanic ashfields. throughout hollows in planted are vines where Valley,Geria” “La of vineyards the are examples striking most the of One techniques. agricultural and use land the by reflected strongly is it and inhabitants its of life and culture the permeated ral heritage. natu- and geological the of awareness increase students and adults are also provided in order to for programmes educational many reason this For education. and development economic local sustainable both of promotion the fosters Geopark which the of targets essential the of one is wide network of trails, fosters geotourism, which features. other many and fields lapilli fossils, structures, volcanic surtseyan sands, eolian fields, stone nic volca- large flows, pyroclastic tubes, lava noes, volca- monogenetic structures, volcanic complex include These importance. world- scientific of are renowned these of identified many and area, been this in have interest, morphological covered by pyroclastic ejectaandlavaflows. were formed and at cones least 23% of the volcanic islands was 30 than more years, six almost of period a During 1730-1736. in islands the of part western the in occurred activity volcanic of no h 18 the into continued ago, years million 22 approximately eie is elgcl eiae te Geopark the heritage, geological its Besides The outstanding volcanic landscape has deeply hs xrodnr heritage, extraordinary This and volcanic of primarily geosites, 70 Almost th etr. h ls rcre phase recorded last The century. [email protected] Valeria ScuraDel Hierro and Elena MateoMederos oehr ih a with together in theGeopark. volcanic strata a viewofthe Visitors share

MULTIPLE DESIGNATIONS 39 Maestrazgo UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain Sport & Active Leisure in Maestrazgo UGG MULTIPLE DESIGNATIONS MULTIPLE

Canyoning in “La Granja” (Villarluengo) Canyon eroded into Upper Cretaceous

(Photo: Geoventur). aestrazgo Geopark contains endless places Mto enjoy yourself in exceptional geologi- cal . Contrasting topographies and colours, possibilities to interpret the landscape and the cultural and gastronomic opportunities encourage people with a wide range of interest The dry to explore the variety of attractions. Moreover, The wide riverbed of the network of we should not ignore the Geopark’s opportuni- Villarosario trails are Canyon (Aliaga) ties enabling tourists to participate in sport and used for sport offers a journey healthy activities in harmony with the natural en- competitions. through vironment. The most popular physical activities (Photo by PCM). geological time. include hiking, cycling (on-road or BTT routes), bilingual panels (Spanish and English) provide in- (Photo: Geoventur). speleology, canyoning, gorge walking, climbing formation connecting the geodiversity with the and bungee jumping. area’s biology and cultural and heritage. Among the network The adventure tourism activities in Maes- of trails and paths trazgo Geopark are offered by companies which across the Geopark we provide safe outdoor leisure activities. Tourists can recommend the can experience extreme canyoning for advanced GR-8 route which is di- levels at “La Granja” (Villarluengo), a spectacular vided into stages and canyon with rappels up to 15 metres high and is part of the Europe- vertical plunges into the water where adrenaline an Long Distance Trail and excitement are combined with limestone de- E-7. As hiking and trek- posited during the Upper Cretaceous. In addition, king are growing lei- at Villarosario Canyon (Aliaga) visitors experi- sure activities for the ence impressive 25 metre high vertical walls, the population, many long evolution of the landscape and the effects of the distance trails have geological processes. been subdivided into In summary, the rich variety of activities lit- shorter more manage- tle by little attract the interest of an increas- able walks and excur- ing number of geotourists who are motivated sions. The Short Paths enough to experience for themselves the amaz- (PR) follow traditional ing possibilities in Maestrazgo Geopark’s geo- trails with informative logical landscape. panels displayed by the Maestrazgo View- Luis Mampel [email protected] points Network. These Ángel Hernández [email protected]

40 Massif des Bauges UNESCO Global Geopark, France Reading the landscape of Lake Annecy MULTIPLE DESIGNATIONS MULTIPLE

A simple nnecy’s lake is one of the most remarkable ge- geological Aosites of the Massif des Bauges Geopark. The interpretation lake and its banks, a relic of the territory’s recent of the Massif glacial history and the surrounding topography, of- des Bauges Geopark behind ten provides breath-taking views for visitors. This the Lake Annecy site attracts numerous visitors to this northern part of the Geopark, to be as fascinated by the lake margins as Cezanne might have been. The dynamic of the Geopark progressively encourages local stakeholders to have a better understanding of the area and, through lectures, gain an appre- ciation of its richness and its complexity. In collab- oration with the the Ėcomusée du Lac d’Annecy, initially dedicated to costumes and life in the 19th century, the Geopark is enriched by the inclusion of information panels interpreting the landscape and a three dimensional geological model. This model reveals the relationship between historical human activity, and the distribution of natural resources Geological (iron, lignite, clays for tiles and bricks, limestones model of the for lime manufacturing) which is determined di- Lake Annecy rectly by its geological structure. The surface of area installed the model shows the extent of human occupation on the terrace during the 19th century and also relates the agri- of the Ėcomusée cultural potential of the area with the subsurface du Lac d’Annecy structure. On both sides of the model the sec- (Photo by Sevrier) tions were specially chosen to produce simplified geological cross-sections, which reveal the main structural features of the Bauges Massif. These The installation of these two panels provided cross-sections reveal the geometry of the Urgo- an occasion to organise an opening session in- nian Cretaceous Limestone sequence which influ- volving some of the creators of the panels to- ences the distribution of meadows and pastures gether with tourism providers, with the aim of across the massif. developing their geological knowledge and en- This cross-section was produced with the aid riching their communication with the general Synthetic of a 3D printer,that produces very high precision public. It was an occasion to discover the geoher- 3D diagram, drawings and avoids transcription problems that itage of the area and an opportunity to raise the representing might arise between the geologist and the model curiosity of residents and visitors in the Geopark. the geological maker. This model is completed with an over- This equipment is one piece of the puzzle of the structure view of navigating the lake, in the 19th century, Geopark’s dynamic contribution together with a of the area surrounding mainly concerned with industrial activity, while series of publications, movie clips, geosite infor- Lake Annecy. nowadays it is almost exclusively concerned with mation panels showing trails, to enable tourists yachting. to appreciate a geosite and to encourage them to visit other parts of the Geopark.

Dr Chistophe Lansigu [email protected] (corresponding author) Jean Luc Desbois,

Massif des Bauges Unesco global Geopark, Maison du Parc, 73630 Le Chatelard http://www.parcdesbauges.com +33 4 79 54 88 97

41 at aprotected of colonizing site showing a succession A sanddune 42 MANAGEMENT plants. forest, visitors and guests can book guided tours with thelandscapes arefullymaintained. theZschornoIn years. The federal forestry administration ensure thatoptimal living conditions for wolves during the lastcess, 20 new habitats were extended and have provided sectsandplants. resultaAs theofrestriction acof fertiliserssupporting arich diversity of rare birds, in provideartificialalsohabitatsstate,fromtheyfree original their preserved in only not are plains sand and moors dunes, the military use, partialThrough Federal Environmental Foundation. German the by currently owned is forest Zschorno militaryBotheas.totallysitesare depopulated. The denburg area, is also characterized by large sandy ar the “Zschornoer Heide” (Zschorno forest) practice in bombing the Bran for area training military former developmentof sandyandplains.second site,A the trient-poorgrassland, heath moors invarious stages pineforestsCallunaand heaths partially and nu by with covered are Period, Glacial LateWeichselian whichoriginated about12,000 yearsago during the torywithsickle-shaped dunes (barchans). Thedunes, largestGermanytheterriinlandandareasindune largestmoors.theandMuskauofTheone Heath is geological formations. Specific geomorphological interesting features and of include number large dunes characterizeda isplateauwhichsandy by aHeath, Muskau the within held are exercises training and Germany.in regularaOn basis, military manoeuvres “Oberlausitz”,areaingkind fourthits largestthe of Archoverlaps with Muskauapart Geopark of the Globalactive UNESCO military thetrain of area The rent military use. diverse projects, and both are united by formerfruitful orcollaborations. cur Bothareclosely connected by theCzech National Geopark Ralsko canrefer veryto arise.The UNESCO Global Geopark Muskau Arch and However, on closer examination, interesting synergiesirrelevantmilitarybeseems touse evenexciting. or Atfirst glance the connection between geoparks and of land use such as military use. ment, but also with other, rather less extensive develop economic forms protection or nature of aspects thesegeoparks have todeal not only with the varied landbased onuniquea geological heritage. Some of combinationquo;a aspectsdiversethe ofofof use gional Geopark Network represent a landscape status UNESCO problems related to land use Geoparks face challenging Muskau Arch UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany/Poland h mmes f h Re the of members the Global Geoparks as well as ------serving the geological diversity. partiesallinvolvedbasisforespecially and con for mentwith thenatural environment provides sounda environment protect geosites. the Engage and efit It is clear, that land use for military purposes creatingcan ben new geo-trails. to include interactive maps, educating geo guidesfully and begun to develop the area’s potential and intend mining history. The Geopark Ralsko staff has successhumanactivityhave conserved geodiversitythe and mationsnaturalandrivercourses. levelslow Theof sandstone,areasdryonizedby sandstone rockfor daysthe Geopark Ralsko isgreena island character GeoparkRalskobegancooperate to 2015. inNowa UNESCOGlobalGeoparkNationalMuskau andArch depopulatedterritorya formerofmilitary area.The Thenorth-Czech Geopark Ralsko, is developed on the development is ensured! derestimated: optimal preservation undisturbed and makesavaluable contribution that should not be un thesymbiosis between military useandthe Geopark day.openway,thisanguestsInforopenonly on is eral forest partner. The active military area “Nochten”certified Geopark guides or through the Geopark’s fed Managing director UNESCO Global Geopark Muskau Arch managing director Geopark Ralsko Environmental education UNESCO [email protected] [email protected] Global Geopark Muskau Arch Dipl.-Geogr. Nancy Sauer Theresia Bouhaka Lenka Mrazova ------inland dunes. associated with habitat A sandplain (Photo by V. Ludwig). (Photo by D.Rubas) Geopark Ralsko. landscape in of anatural An example designer Raquel paleontological record. Artof the company GEO.P Ramos from inspired by Paulo Dias. Geocakes. Jewellery The cake the local ARK fossil trace the on based cake whose company, sign are very didactical, such as Geocakes, a cake de- geoproducts Some cosmetics. BIO and products care personal oils, essential producing Geopark, Naturtejo from plants native processing and ing omatic and medicinal plants, is involved in plant- company Aromas do Valado, a distillery using ar- Doce region. In the remote village of Segura, the and the magmatic origin of mining the rocks of the ore Acha the with associated places in grow cient techniques an- mostly from native plants which using produced liqueurs),are Depths and Earth Gold, (Ore, d’Acha Miguel S. liqueurs, The Doce). (Acha GeoLiqueur the or (Súbito), oWine Ge- the Prado), do (Geo beef aged the as such ditions and traditional techniques of preparation, nice way for tourists to “take the Geopark home”. a and Geopark, the of stategy marketing the ing internationally,and locally both strengthen- thus brand Geopark the of promotion the to tribute con- also can products The jobs. new creating for responsible be can and economies local for income of source a businesses, for op- portunities new provide They territory. this of scapes land- and geodiversity the to connected deeply services and products traditional reinvented or innovative,are Geoproducts new brand. Geopark opark concept and linking these to the Naturtejo ge- the of ideals the with services and products their combining in interest increasing an shown have companies local and Entrepreneurs ritory. ter- the of visibility the increased heritage, cal concept in Portugal, it has, by valuing its geopark geologi- the of pioneer a and 2006 in Network W to strengthen the identity as successful approaches Development Geoproducts Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal cal Products) is a gourmet basket combining lo- combining basket gourmet a is Products) cal Lo- Love (I Local Produto Amo-te behaviours . of feeding the tasty,reveals being to Local geoproducts reflect the biophysical con- biophysical the reflect geoproducts Local Cruziana e UEC Ntreo lbl Geopark Geoparks Global the of member a became Global Naturtejo UNESCO hen produced by trilobites, in addition inspiration for new businessesinthefuture. the be can that geoproducts potential for ideas new developing are team Geopark Naturtejo the Branco, Castelo of University Technical the and for millions of years”. Together with local schools handmade line of jewellery “… Precious – Geopark. The Naturtejo goldsmith Paulo Dias has created a of interpretations special and ideas cient artistic know–how, but with new visions and esses locallyproducedBIOagedmeatBIO. its origin from Naturtejo Geopark, and of also proc- certification with meat veal distributing for Prado” do “Geo brand the developed Company Finally,name. Fieldssame Nature the of taurant res - the and Geomonument Almourão de the Portas to provided are visits organized and ment Monu- Natural Ródão de Portas of heart the to trips boat organizes Outdoor Incentivos ologist. ues and off-road geotours guided by a skilled ge- of Salvaterra do Extremo that provides Geomen- village small the in guesthouse rural a is Resort itage of this geo-monument. Casa do Forno Geo- gateway for the interpretation isa of the unique her- in Portugal, Geo-Hotel first the Monsanto, at Also public. the to open Geo-Restaurant first Inselberg, wasthe of Monsanto granite boulders the among situated Granitos, & Petiscos farms. to visits tourist organizes also company the and design packaging exclusive own its has product geo- The oil,…). olive territoryjam, (olives,whole the from producers different from products cal rias r rivnig rdcs sn an- using products reinventing are Artisans Carlos NetodeCarvalho,JoanaRodrigues Geopark NaturtejodaMesetaMeridional [email protected] Súbito Geowine. Examples of

MANAGEMENT 43 A.O.N.B. UNESCO Global Geopark, UK Art Installation brings Waterfalls to the Land in the North Pennines MANAGEMENT

Moving images of Low Force, projected on the walls of a distinctive white-painted Teesdale barn. ver two weekends in scape character of the North OOctober, three famous Pennines and produce some- waterfalls on the River Tees, thing that really takes advan- in the North Pennines Area tage of the scale of landscape. of Outstanding Natural This is a piece on a scale that Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO you simply couldn’t do in any city Global Geopark (UK), could and walking though it in the dark be experienced in a whole is a key part of the experience I new way. Projections of dra- wanted people to have.” matic slow-motion images Curator, Lucy Jenkins, was of the tumbling waterfalls the force behind the scenes were wrapped around three helping to bring the work to of the distinctive white- life. Lucy added that, “Waterfall painted barns of Teesdale, The illuminated barns formed a was a wonderful way to engage creating a spectacular night- magical sight in the landscape. different types of audiences time trail to follow from the with visual arts. It was a truly AONB/Geopark team’s visi- participatory experience where tor centre at Bowlees. the visitors themselves became Each of the three barns part of the artwork.” featured a different water- Alongside the installation, the fall, on a 1.5km route fol- AONB/Geopark team has been lowing the descent of the hosting geological workshops river Tees from the falls of for 10 local schools, helping Three illuminated barns stand out Cauldron Snout, over the children understand the geolog- against the starry sky. dramatic High Force, to Low ical story behind the evolution Force. The installation is the of North Pennine waterfalls. work of visual artist Steve Messam, supported by Director of the North Pennines AONB and curator Lucy Jenkins. Steve’s previous work in the UNESCO Global Geopark, Chris Woodley-Stew- landscape includes a spectacular (and fully func- art, said, “Waterfall has been great for the area tioning) bridge made entirely from paper over a and it was a magical sight. Some outdoor art can river in northwest England. sit uncomfortably in the landscape and strike a Nearly 2000 people visited the installation, discordant note, but Steve’s work always com- which had great reviews from the public. The plements its setting and invites you to think visitors themselves made for a spectacular about the natural environment in new ways.” sight, their torch-lit procession leading through Waterfall was commissioned by Durham Coun- the fields to the barns. They were guided on their ty Council and supported by Northumbrian Wa- way by a team of volunteer marshals who helped ter. You can see video footage of the installation make the event possible, helping visitors to see at ??????? their way across the rough ground in the dark. Chris Woodley-Stewart (Diector) Artist, Steve Messam, said, “This has been a North Pennines AONB & UNESCO Global Geopark great opportunity to explore the geology and land- [email protected]

44 The Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, Hungary-Slovakia The Cross-Border Photo Marathon MANAGEMENT

Photographers he third Medves Photo Marathon was held on in action during TJune 3 - 5, 2016 on the Medves Plateau of the the Cross- Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark. The pic- Border Photo turesque Medves Plateau, the largest basalt lava pla- Marathon In the Novohrad- teau in Central Europe, extends from the Hungarian Nógrád to the Slovak territory of the trans-border Geopark. The Milky Way Geopark. This event provided amateur photographers from above all over Europe with an opportunity to meet and cap- the illuminated ture the natural and cultural assets of this borderless Salgo Castle. and photographer-friendly Geopark. The main organisers, Péter Komka and Szilárd Drexler were highly professional; more than 400 par- ticipants, with the aid of 80 volunteers, attended the different programmes. The photographers, participing in several specific and guided programmes, could request assistance from professionals, and could rent equipment to take better photographs in order to have a chance in the fi- The Somoska nal photo competition with the categories landscape, (Slovakia) and people and living nature. Salgó (Hungary) The programmes by themselves were adventur- castles. ous and very exciting. For night photos, ruins of the soldiers in the castle of Salgó without any serious fortress and castles, Somoska, Salgó and Fil’akovo, consequences. At the Fil’akovo castle one could taste standing on volcanic peaks were illuminated, and ex- the medieval cuisine, everybody survived. Sunset perts delivered field lectures about astrophotography phototography was paralleled by activities involving under the night sky. catching insects and bats.. The staff of the Bükk Na- At dawn -- from 3 am -- tours to different destina- tional Park Directorate provided their expertise and tions started, to catch the sunrise. During the day field surveillance during these activities, including identify- workshops on traditional photographic techniques, ing animal species. light-room support, outdoor model photography, A not surprising side effect of this memorable photographing birds from hides, aerial photography event was that it also proved to be a very success- and filming techniques and others were held and par- ful grassroots marketing tool. On previous occasions ticipants were given the opportunity to practice what the output has been viewed by hundreds of thousands they had learned. For those people accompanying the photographers, of people using different social media. In addition, whose interests were not in photography, displays on the participants became advocates of the Geopark, the folklore of the Palóc (an ethnic group inhabiting shared their photos on their own websites and blogs, the Geopark), basket weaving, medieval cuisine and the exhibitions of the best photos were circulated in medieval clothes were provided and accompanied the the region’s schools and public cultural institutions on favourite activity - horse riding. The weekend Geopark both sides of the Geopark. Family Day combined with the programmes of the The photos in this article were taken by Szilárd Photo Marathon. Drexler with a Canon 5d MarkIII camera. In the afternoons, history came alive and photog- raphers could photograph medieval heavy infantry Imre Szarvas ([email protected]) 45 North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark, Scotland, UK North Coast 500, a success story MANAGEMENT for the Scottish Highlands!

An impressive section of the NC500 route. ust 15 months after its launch, the “North Coast J500” has been ranked as one of the best road trips in the world, has generated an estimated brand The figure reach of one billion people and achieved ‘Destina- shows the details of Mark tion Specialist of the Year’ at the Luxury Travel Beaumant’s Guide Awards 2017. achievement Beginning and ending in Inverness, the route spans and diet in the whole Northern tip of the Scottish mainland, in- completing the cluding the 100 mile length of the North West High- NC500 route in lands Geopark (NWH Geopark). The concept was cre- under 38 hours. ated in 2015 by HRH Prince Charles’ North Highland the whole 2015 season. In 2015, we had 4650 visi- Initiative to develop sustainable economic growth tors, but in 2016 30-50 people per day were using by increasing visitor spend, numbers and duration the café.” of stay; goals closely aligned with those of UNESCO In fact the 2014 NWH Geopark business plan es- Global Geoparks. As part of its sustainable economic timated that visitor numbers to the Rock stop would development plan, the NWH Geopark commissioned rise from 6000 in 2016 to around 1200 by 2019, but a report in 2015 of the area contained within the by June 2016 this figure had already been achieved. Geopark boundary and discovered that visitor num- Accommodation provider Dave McBain from bers had remained static at about 170,000 between Lochinver added “We have noticed that many peo- 2012 and 2014. However, since the NC500’s mete- ple who cycled around the NC500 last year (i.e. oric rise to fame, visitor numbers have risen dramat- completing it like Mark Beaumont in 1-4 days!), are ically, leading many businesses providing accom- now returning to complete the route at a more lei- modation, shops and services to attribute a positive surely pace, staying for a few nights rather than just measurable economic change directly to the success one. The big number for us though is the off-season of the NC500. bookings it shows a clear growth”. Clive Ward who runs the Classroom Café, the A survey carried out in 2016 of over 2,500 peo- A map showing NWH Geopark’s Visitor Centre said: “You can see ple who had completed the route demonstrated that the NC500 the difference NC500 has made, by July 2016 visitor 87% of users were ‘Very Satisfied’ with the experi- route. numbers were already up by 100% compared with ence; 92% stated that they would recommend the NC500 to others. When asked if they would do the NC500 again, 70% said they ‘Definitely Will’ and 23% said they ‘Probably Will’ do it again. This is incredibly encouraging news for businesses in the NWH Geopark as it indicates that the increase in visitor numbers may be long term. We are there- fore exploring ways to work with the NC500 to make best use of the new UNESCO designation in the North West Highlands. For more information visit www.nwhgeopark.com and www.northcoast500.com

Laura Hamlet & Gabbi Amstrong [email protected] & [email protected] Gaelle Delagrave [email protected]

46 Odsherred UNESCO Global Geopark, Denmark Lammefjord - a flagship site MANAGEMENT

Rows of he stories from Lammefjord, told by the farm- carrots in the ers who have lived on the old inlet for four gen- project area T erations since its reclamation in 1873, form the on Lammefjord and a view of basis of this project. Today, a total of 55 km² of the surrounding Lammefjord has been reclaimed for agricultural use landscape. and is famous for the high quality of its vegetables. Photo by Claus Lammefjord is also known as “the vegetable garden Starup of Denmark”. The project resulted from the Geopark’s strategy Local farmers for 2015-2018 in which the Geopark Foundation pointing out Board decided to develop some core areas, or flag- special places ship sites, and make it possible for local citizens, on Lammefjord. Photo by Jakob schools and tourists and other visitors to appre- Walløe Hansen. ciate the landscape of Geopark Odsherred. At the same time a group of farmers from Lammefjord had for some time wished to create a visitors’ field to be used as a showroom for a wide audience where they could gather all the vegetables from one location. On a new 10 km bicycle route along the North Channel and through signage and audio narratives the visitors are taken on a tour around the flat land- GEUS scape of Lammefjord which lies a few meters be- undertaking low sea level. On the tour the story of the formation geological surveys on of the landscape and its geology, the coastlines, the Lammefjord. many oyster beds from the Stone and other fea- Photo by Nina tures provide a unique experience. Lemkow To support the dissemination of the knowledge tion during the 1870´s is a part of the newer cul- of the geomorphology and landscape development tural history in Odsherred and it is their ancestors of Lammefjord since the disappearance of the large who made it possible to grow vegetables on the glaciers from Weichsel, the last glacial period about floor of the old tidal inlet. 10,000 years ago The National Geological Survey The local produce, and not least the vegetables of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) are undertaking from Lammefjord, are thus helping to create new geological surveys which can contribute to the un- developments in the region and in August 2016 the derstanding of the natural history. Nordic Center for Local Produce opened providing Many of the farmers have provided information new educational opportunities in Odsherred. and stories to the project. When interviewing the The flagship project on Lammefjord has a total farmers, there can be no doubt, that they have a budget at € 220,000 and will be completed in 2017. great common understanding, identity and pride of being a farmer on Lammefjord. The land reclama- Nina Lemkow [email protected] / [email protected]

47 eo Par k Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark, Austria G LIECHTENSTEINKLAMM ERZ der ALPEN Deep Gorge and Mystic Springs MANAGEMENT

Locations of warm springs in the Liechtensteinklamm

(Photo. D. Strick).

The steep sided narrow walls of the Liechtensteinklamm

(Photo. M. Häupl). he Liechtensteinklamm (Liechtenstein Gorge), Tsituated 5 km south of St. Johann i. Pongau, is one of the most impressive Geosites (No. 120) in the UNESCO Global Geopark “Ore of the Alps”. The Großarl creek has eroded an approximately 3000 metres long gorge bounded by 300 m high steep and massive walls. The narrowest distance between the is associated with WSW-ENE striking fault systems The conceptual walls is only two metres! This unique natural sight which intersect the N-S-striking Liechtensteinklamm. hydrogeological was opened to the public for the first time in 1875. A comparison of the water quality of the springs with model of the warm The donations for the construction of the gorge trail water system those of the Bad Gastein springs and other thermal were provided by the Prince of Liechtenstein. The emerging in the springs in the Salzach valley reveals similarities and gorge can be visited today on a spectacular 1000 m Liechtensteinklamm trail with boardwalks and bridges and is one of the differences in water chemistry and thus provides no proposed by Sylke Hilberg. most popular natural attractions in the Salzburg area, clear evidence for or against a hydrogeological con- with more than 150,000 visitors per year. nection. The mean residence time of the water in the The Liechtensteinklamm was formed by the Großarl ground water body was determined from the concen- creek, which eroded the karstified limestones of the tration of the radioactive hydrogen isotope Tritium. so called “Klammkalkzone” in the northern frame of The study revealed that the spring water requires the Penninic Tauern Window. Historic reports begin- approximately 12 years from the time of percolation ning in the late 17th century describe springs, emerg- to discharge. The recharge area lies at a topographic ing at the bottom of the gorge, with an abnormally level of 1,500 m asl and is restricted to sinkholes. The high temperature of nearly 15 °C and a positive influ- mean water temperature is evidence for a circulation ence on human health. Over three centuries numerous depth of at least 200 m below the streambed of the attempts to tap the springs for commercial use failed Liechtensteinklamm. There is obviously no direct hy- because of the exposed location of the springs, the draulic connectivity to other known thermal springs steep slopes of the gorge and the associated danger or wells in the region. The conceptual hydrogeological of rock falls, avalanches and floods. A hydrogeological model in this account illustrates the proposed subter- connection between thermal springs in Bad Gastein ranean flow paths of the warm and “healthy” water in (ca. 25 km SW) was assumed for nearly 300 years but the Liechtensteinklamm from sink to source. never proved. Existing data about the springs (from historical re- Sylke Hilberg, University of Salzburg, Dep. Geography and ports and recent research) formed the basis for hy- Geology, [email protected] drogeological investigations conducted during 2015. Horst Ibetsberger, Geoscientist Geopark Ore of the Alps, The results showed that the location of the springs [email protected], www.geopark-erzderalpen.at

48 Pollino UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy CIVITA, a model of sustainable tourism from a little village

habitants, benefits from a new economic impulse thanks to the development of tourism. MANAGEMENT In addition to its intangible heritage and dis- tinctive culture, traditions, rituals, songs, dances and unique cuisine, Civita also provides its resi- dents and visitors with a remarkable landscape. The Raganello River, at the foot of the village flows through a deep canyon with spectacular and fascinating geological features. In front of the Civita village it is possible to ad- mire the 800 metres high rock face, the “Timpa del Demanio”, on which at one time only the goats and shepherds were able to clamber through its steep crevices. Nowadays climbers can enjoy the view and ascend the cliff by following the rules and limitations imposed by the Geopark to protect species of birds that nest on the cliffs. A view of Civita ivita is a small village situated on the steep Just below the village the “Ponte del Diavolo” Village. Crocky slopes of the Raganello Valley in Pollino (Devil’s Bridge) joins the two banks of the river. It Geopark, and represents one of Southern Italy’s has been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries Arbëreshë communities. The Italian-Albanian eth- due to earthquakes on the fault located in the Ra- nic minority, known as the Arbëreshë, has inhab- ganello River valley. th ited the region since the second half of the 15 Through investing in sustainable tourism the century when Albanian refugees fled from the village received awards from the ANCI (National invading Ottomans and made their home in the Association of Italian Municipalities), as one of kingdom of Naples. King Fernando was a friend the most beautiful villages in Italy, and the Italian of Giorgio Castriota, also known as Skanderbeg, Touring Club Orange Flag, a very important label Great Prince of Albania, who was defeated by the for tourism destinations. Ottomans. Tourism provision is based on the idea of For Centuries the Arbëreshë communities have “paese-albergo”, (a form of dispersed hotel ac- preserved their language, customs, traditions and commodation in the village houses. Thanks to its religion, and they still maintain the liturgy of the 22 Bed & Breakfast and farm holidays Civita can Albanian Catholic Church which uses the Byzan- welcome more than 100 persons per night. It pro- tine liturgical rite. It is fascinating to join the ritu- vides its visitors with quality restaurants, guided als related to marriages, to Carnival and above all tour services for hiking, canyoning, birdwatching Dr. Muto to Easter, especially during the Holy Week with its and visits to the Arbëreshë Ethnic Museum. All ser- (University traditional dance, the Valjet, performed in distinc- vices are associated with the “Borghi del Pollino of Calabria) tive costumes. Consortium”. In 2016 the village attracted over The Valjet, explains the For decades Civita’s architecture has been 15,000 visitors and the numbers are forecast to a traditional geology of characterized by a singular and curious feature, dance Raganello increase in the coming years. namely its chimney pots, personalized and indi- performed Valley during in distinctive the 8th Italian vidually decorated by master masons resulting in Luigi Bloise [email protected] costumes by Workshop of the ephitet “the village of chimney pots” (paese Egidio Calabrese members of UNESCO Global dei comignoli). [email protected] the Arbëreshë Geoparks. Nowadays the village, with around 1000 in- www.parcopollino.gov.it community.

49 Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark, Greece The establishment of a reward programme in titled “Friends of Psiloritis” MANAGEMENT he “Friends of Psiloritis” reward programme is Twas developed by the Psiloritis UGG and is based on the use of a personal card within a network of col- laborating enterprises. It was developed under the LEADER+ project titled “Geoproducts”, coordinated by AKOMM Psiloritis S.A. and managed by the network of collaborating enterprises “The Land of Psiloritis S.A.”. This programme complements the activities of Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark, namely to attract more visitors to the area and support the local econ- The sign for “providers”. The sign for “supporters” omy. It promotes the establishment of collaborative groups and networks within as well as outside the Geopark’s territory in order to promote local products and services, to further exploit and add to their envi- ronmental and cultural value. Within this framework visitors are motivated to use the most innovative marketing tools that could not be achieved by indi- vidual enterprises. The participating enterprises include accommoda- tion providers, taverns and shops selling local prod- ucts. They are further distinguished as “providers” and “supporters”. The reward programme of Psiloritis UGG offers the capability for member card holders to collect credits for their shopping activities at the connected enterprises (the “providers” and the “sup- porters”) and redeem those credits at the enterprises designated as “providers”. The “providers” are the companies located within the boundaries of Psiloritis UGG where the card holders can collect new credits or redeem existing credits by receiving discount prices. Companies designated as “supporters” are located An example of a provider outside Psiloritis UGG, mainly in big cities, where the enterprise. card holders can collect credits to be redeemed in the A poster promoting “providers” enterprises. The programme was initiated the “Friends in September 2016 and to date, 19 enterprises par- of Psiloritis” ticipate in the of Psiloritis UGG reward programme as Promotion of reward “providers” and 3 as “supporters”. the “root” and programme. The process to receive a member card is very sim- “branches” ple and can be achieved cards. directly through the according to credits. By registering the customer re- webpage www.psilorit- ceives the “root card” which can be upgraded after isfriends.gr or through collecting 100 credits to a “branches card” that offers geopark’s and AKOMM’s more benefits to the owner. sites. It contains all nec- Special software was developed to implement the essary information and programme and manage transactions. Promotion terms of use. By register- products and tools included printed material and tele- ing the customers receive vision broadcasts spots. by e-mail the printable It’s worth mentioning that the Psiloritis UGG re- card and can start col- ward programme relies on the collaboration between lecting credits immedi- local companies that are dedicated to developing and ately. The general rule offering qualitative products and services. It is also for collecting/redeem- dependent on the visitors and customers who recog- ing percentages is that nize the efforts of local companies, respect the local for each 10 € spent one environment, culture and inhabitants and want to credit is added to the support local economy and the participatory initia- card. The credits should tives of Psiloritis UGG and its enterprises. be redeemed within a period of 24 months. Dimitris Patakos, Geopark director, The cards are also scaled [email protected]

50 Geological, Mining, Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia, France The European Destinations of Excellence MANAGEMENT

The mining site of Porto Flavia (Iglesias). Cyclists visiting ith the agreement of the administrators These sites belong today to the recently de- the mining Wof its territory, the Geomining Park of Sar- veloped EDEN NETWORK of about 140 EDEN complex of dinia has for several years been engaged in large sites. This network complements the work of Montevecchio. and small scale conservation activities leading to the the GGN and EGN and adds another little the enhancement of its environmental heritage piece to the construction of an integrated plan- for the benefit of the local inhabitants. The out- ning initiative for sustainable development.The come of these activities and the incentive for Network enhances the visibility of emerging, recognition of these efforts came together five non-traditional European destinations, creates years ago, with the candidacy of the Geopark for a platform for sharing good practices across the EDEN Prize. Europe and promotes networking. This includes The EDEN initiative was promoted in 2006 by contributing to the EDEN National Tourist Of- the European Commission. EDEN, the acronym fices (UTN) marketing packages, promotion in for European Destinations of Excellence, is a proj- the media and in the social media or in tourism ect promoting sustainable tourism development fairs. It also involves organizing workshops, fa- models and Europe’s hidden environmental and miliarization trips for tourists and the promo- cultural treasures. The project is based on na- tion in web-based channels and mobile devices tional competitions that take place every year of important mass media representatives. Since developed around an annual theme. In 2011 the 2011 the network has continuously progressed nominated theme was Tourism and regeneration its activities. The results are positive and grow of physical sites in order to reward organizations consistently. In just over the last three years, the which regenerated a physical site of local heri- management system in Montevecchio has nearly tage and converted it into a tourism attraction. quintupled the number of visitors per year, with The Geomining Park of Sardinia achieved official an average increase of more than 30% annually. recognition in Brussels in 2011 for its enhance- Visitors are rewarded with a varied package in- ment of three different sites. The mining com- cluding history, industrial archaeology, environ- plex of Montevecchio was the overall winner of mental education, local products, cultural tradi- the project, and the sites of Porto Flavia (Igle- tions and oral history presentations delivered by sias) and the Coal Mining Museum of Serbariu the former miners.Sector studies on the Eden (Carbonia) tied for the fourth place. The awarded Project confirm that some territories, defined municipalities and sites are allowed to use a la- as minor tourist destinations, excluded from the bel that characterize them as ‘European Destina- mass tourism circuits, are not marginal areas tion of Excellence”. with a qualitatively weak or absent tourist offer. They are destinations of excellence, based on a marginality that assumes a positive connotation. In fact, the link between local development and marginality is even locally interpreted as an ex- pression of opportunities. Patrizia Medas Research, Development, Promotion and Internationals [email protected] Francesco Muntoni The Carbonia [email protected] –Serbariu Coal Roberto Rizzo Museum. [email protected] 51 Sesia Val Grante UNESCO Global Geopark, Italy The SOIL MATTER the strong relationship

MANAGEMENT between geology and wine

The Verbania Lake viewed from Villa Giulia, the location of the last wine and geology conference, Sept. 2016. lobal Geoparks are not only about geology. The terraces and the glacial morphology and moraines. Gpurpose of a geopark is to explore and develop Another critical issue is to organize a really appeal- the link between geological heritage and all the other ing event. For this reason the choice of location is of aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. paramount importance. In the past we hosted the Over the past years Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global event in the cloister of a roman church, 17th century Geopark has worked hard to study, develop and cel- villas, historical cellars and museums. Moreover, to ebrate the extraordinary relationship between geol- conclude in a more friendly way, the post conference ogy and wine. discussion is held during a tasting event. Participants The Alto Piemonte wine region, despite its lim- have the chance to taste directly the differences be- ited size, has a wide geodiversity, which is reflected tween the wines together with , engage directly in the great variety of wines and denomina- with the conveners and the vintners, and experience tions. Within a few kilometers the rhyolitic lavas of the other activities during the event. Supervolcano are replaced by Pliocene marine sand or As a UNESCO Global Geopark we cannot limit our Pleistocene alluvial deposits. Recent moraines or Tri- activities to effective communication, we have to add assic carbonates enrich the soil diversity, generating important information about the links with the social a truly unique terroir. heritage, ongoing research activities and scientific In the last six years Sesia Val Grande UGG has or- discoveries. For this reason we open our event with a ganized many public conferences, wine tasting events scientific presentation, to disseminate the most chal- and field trips to explain the strong relationship be- lenging content when participants are best able to tween rock, soil, climate, human heritage and finally concentrate. For example, starting from 2015, thanks wine. Thanks to this experience an attractive popular to active collaboration with Italian Universities, we conference format has been developed to avoid too launched a new research project to “geologically” technical, and sometimes boring, information to com- characterized wines. municate the geological heritage, tell amazing stories The final goal of this kind of event is to demon- and capture the interest of the wider public. strate that the geological heritage is clearly detect- The four main distinctive wine terroirs are now pre- able in a wine glass and to make the local people and sented under the following evocative descriptions: the tourists aware of our unique terroir and finally sustain wine a son of fire, the wine arising from the sea, the local wine producers. wine born in the water and the wine shaped by the ice, linked respectively to the main geological features the Edoardo Dellarole Sesia supervolcano, Pliocene marine deposit, alluvial Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark ([email protected])

Sheep, the source of the The Gattinara cheese paired grapes grows on with the wine rhyolitic lavas during tasting of the Sesia events. Supervolcano.

52 Sierra Norte Sevilla UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain New exhibition at the Visitors Centre Cortijo El Berrocal the volcanic-sedimentary deposits of the Viar Basin, near the municipality of Almadén de la Plata. The fos- sil, a conifer assigned to the genus Araucaria, is more MANAGEMENT than 16 metres in length and weighs approximately 12 tons. The remarkable state of preservation, from the root to the crown, and its size, make this one of Spain’s most significant fossils. The Viar Basin, located in the South-West area of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Geopark, is the most southerly of the post orogenic basins in Europe which range from Carboniferous to in age. It is filled by a heterogeneous sedimentary wedge of continental origin, consisting of conglomerates, and mudstones. Minor intercalations of limestone and thin coal seams occur within the py- roclastic rhyodacitic rocks and basaltic lava flows. Locally, these rocks contain abundant plant fossils of Upper Carboniferous (Autunian) age, including the silicified trunks of trees. Due to the surface topography it was necessary to create access for machinery and to improve the surface of the main track to prevent vibration and damage to the fossil during its transport from the excavation site to the Visitor Centre in lmadén de la Plata (about 14 kilometres). Excavations made around the trunk to expose the whole fossil were fol- lowed by decisions concerned with where to cut the trunk into pieces of manageable size for transport and the conservation treatment and protection of the fossil with gauze. The exhibition in the Visitor Centre is intended to combine specialist studies and promote this unique The excavation he Sierra Norte de Sevilla Geopark (Spain) has fossil as a geo-touristic resource, available to the of the fossil Tcompleted the renovation of the permanent ex- general public. Exhibiting this fossil contributes to The combination tree in 2009. hibition at the Visitor Centre Cortijo El Berrocal. This promoting the geological values of the Sierra Norte of the fossil Visitor Centre is located inside the public forest Las de Sevilla Geopark. and photograph provide an The exhibit of Navas y El Berrocal, in the municipality of Almadén de la Plata, in the western region of the Geopark. impression of the fossil tree Alberto Gil Toja, the appearance in the Visitor In 2011 the Geopark organized the excavation and [email protected] of the in-life Centre Cortijo El preservation of the large fossil of an Upper Carbon- Antonino Sanz Matencio appearance of Berrocal. iferous-Lower Permian tree trunk, found in 2005 in [email protected] the tree.

53 Sierras Sabbeticas unesco Global Geopark, Spain A Fossil for charity: Probably the biggest chocolate ammonite in the world MANAGEMENT n September 2016, The Natural Park Sierras Sub- Ibéticas (Cordova, Spain) reached 10 years of membership of the European and Global Geoparks Networks. To commemorate this significant date, and to celebrate its new status as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the management body planned to organize something impressive and attractive for people and the media, and to involve as many Geopark institu- tions, entrepreneurs and stakeholders as possible. The main celebration of the tenth anniversary was the Subbéticas Geopark Weekend, an event that in- volved more than 30 associations, enterprises and in- stitutions, and included more than 30 different activi- ties (a Crafts & Ecological-Local Products Fair, activi- ties for children, nature and aquatic sports, music, live painting, and others) The Geopark’s party was held in Rute, a village renowned for its Christmas sweets, anisettes and giant chocolate and sugar sculptures. Taking into account the importance of ammonites chocolate ammonite or its remains. The giant in the Sierras Subbéticas territory, and the facilities In Sierras Subbéticas UNESCO Global Geopark, solitary for working with chocolate in Rute, the Solitary Fossil the territory is characterized by numerous outcrops chocolate Project was born. It resulted in the main attraction of ammonite revealing the nature of the ancient Tethys Sea floor. the Geopark’s anniversary, representing at the same The rosso ammonitico facies from Sierras Subbéticas time a benefit for a good cause. For this purpose, a are included in the inventory of the international GEO- giant 80kg massive chocolate ammonite, 90cm in di- SITES Programme in Spain. There is a long tradition ameter, was made. As no well-preserved ammonite of of ammonite research in this area. The abundant this size has been found in Sierras Subbéticas, a clay scientific literature includes the fossiliferous sites of mould was constructed, and later transformed into a Sierras Subbéticas associated with a significant num- chocolate ammonite by a local artist-entrepreneur. ber of newly defined ammonite taxa. The Puerto Es- The fossil was exhibited in the centre of the village, caño profile is global reference horizon for the study and broken apart at the end of its journey. The pieces of the Cretaceous boundary. of chocolate, together with a sip of anissete, were Ammonites are the emblem of the Sierras Subbé- sold for the benefit of the association “Cuenta Con- ticas UNESCO Global Geopark. They serve as an in- migo” (Stand by Me), dedicated to the people from spiration for the creation of local crafts and products Rute with learning difficulties. that enrich Geotourism in this region. The chocolate fossil served as the cake for the The clay mould Preparing to ten candles blown out on the Geopark’s birthday by used to make Antonio García Jiménez blow out the a cast for the authorities. More than 5000 people visited the [email protected] candles on the the chocolate Subbética’s Geopark Weekend and could admire the Alicia Serna Barquero [email protected] “birthday cake”. ammonite.

54 Sobrarbe-Pirineos unesco Global Geopark, Spain Ice caves. Geoheritage threatened by the global warming MANAGEMENT

The Tres Serols or Monte Perdido Massif (3355 m)

(Photo. Ánchel Belmonte) obrarbe-Pirineos UNESCO Global Geopark hosts 19th centuries). However, in some caves the ice is even Sthe highest calcareous mountain range in West- older, and derives from the middle Holocene (about ern Europe: the Tres Serols or Monte Perdido massif. 5000 years before present!). This outstanding area is not only a UNESCO Global Chronological data concerning the formation of Geopark, it is also Biosphere Reserve and a World the ice deposits can be used to determine the climate Heritage Site. It also lies within the heart of the Orde- history of the region. By understanding the present sa and Monte Perdido National Park. connection between the cave conditions and the out- The massif hosts a complex network of caves. side climate, the relationship between some of the Some contain large amounts of subsurface ice and ice properties and past climates can be established. are therefore known as ice caves. The ice originates Oxygen isotope analyses of the ice or pollen contained from wind-blown snow and from dripping water that in the ice provide useful proxies to decode informa- freezes when the air temperature in the cave is be- tion about past climates. This is the current work that low zero. These unusual ice deposits within the high researchers of the Pyrenean Institute of Ecology and mountain caves are among the most important geo- Zaragoza University are developing. The project is An ice cave sites in Sobrarbe-Pirineos Geopark. funded by a research grant from the National Park and in Sobrarbe- Sometimes, plant remains trapped inside the ice of the Sobrarbe-Pirineos UNESCO Global Geopark. Pirineos deposits allow geologists to determine the chronology This research project is both timely and urgent. Due UNESCO Global of formation of the ice. From radiocarbon analyses of to global warming, the mass balance between the ac- Geopark. these vegetal remains, geologists know that most of cumulation and ablation rates of this subsurface ice (Photo. Miguel the oldest ice is derived from the Little Ice Age (a cold is alarmingly negative. The researchers also measure Bartolomé) climate phase that occurred between the 14th and the the rate of annual ice loss and the data obtained leave no space for optimism. How long will the ice deposits survive? This question has no easy answer. It depends on the pattern of changes in climate in future years. If nothing changes, maybe in only fifteen years, this out- standing record of the climate during the past 5000 years will disappear. We hope, at least, to have been able to decipher these beautiful climate archives be- fore they are lost through global warming.

Ánchel Belmonte Ribas (Sobrarbe-Pirineos UNESCO Global Geopark) ([email protected]) Miguel Bartolomé, María Leunda and Ana Moreno (Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología-CSIC) ([email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]) Carlos Sancho Marcén (Universidad de Zaragoza) ([email protected])

55 Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany New geopoints MANAGEMENT

he Geopark Swabian Alb has, in addition to most important for the functioning of our large A new Tits permanently staffed headquarters, 26 Geopark and increase the provision for sharing Geopoint: information centres which contribute to the de- Geopark topics. The centres themselves have Nusplingen plate limestone centralized structure of the Geopark. The staff in various partners in all the Geopark’s thematic ac- The Geopoint logo these centres promote the Geopark, its products tivities including geology, nature, culture and ar- and its activities. The information centres are chaeology. They are linked with museums, caves and educational facilities, and the staff are able to convey geological information as part of their their daily work. Outside the centres there are more than 2000 geological attractions. Most of these are geotopes located mainly in the open landscape without the necessity to become Info centres. However, the Geopark has developed a new cat- egory called „Geopoint Geopark Swabian Alb”. The geopoint logo is included in the design of the Info Centre logo including the name of the attraction and a QR-code. The first 13 geopoints were established during the summer of 2016. Geopoints bring the geological attractions under the umbrella of the Geopark. Links to the respec- tive highlights are available, in German and Eng- lish, on the Geopark’s homepage via the QR-code on the Geopoint-sign. The Geopoints now being developed, are part of the Geopark’s visitor guid- ance concept. The plan is to install a few hundred geopoints and to link them with the Info centres of the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb.

Dana Pietsch E-Mail: [email protected]

56 TERRA.vita UNESCO Global Geopark, Germany Geothermal Energy MANAGEMENT

Drilling for Geothermal Energy in TERRA.vita Geopark. n 2017 TERRA.vita Geopark and the County of the rooms in summer, heat is transported back IOsnabrück, Department for Climate Protec- to the downhole heat exchanger, at the same tion will initiate a project to encourage planners time regenerating stored ground heat for the to use near-surface geothermal energy from winter period. depths between 2 and 100 meters in newly con- For this reason, in spring 2017 TERRA.vita to- structed buildings. gether with the climate initiative of the county Forty seven percent of the county’s area is lo- will start a campaign directed at architects, cated in the Geopark. One goal of the Climate planners, housing cooperatives and communi- Protection Department is the 100 % substitution ties, to implement the distribution of geothermal of energy production based on coal, oil and gas heat use in the area. by renewable energy sources by 2050. This in- The first step in this campaign is a training cludes the production of electricity as well as the course that will be offered in May 2017, dealing provision of heating for households. with technological subjects as well as authori- While generating electricity based on using zation issues and the possibilities for obtaining wind- and solar energy is already well developed, funding through grants. The second course will generating heat is a more difficult issue. Most be designed as an advanced seminar to consoli- households in the TERRA.vita area are heated date and complete the participants’ knowledge. either by gas or by oil. To replace these existing The goal of the seminars is to have the ex- heating systems with geothermal heating is rel- perts trained and motivated to adopt geother- atively complicated and expensive, as large heat- mal heating as a realistic option for every new ing surfaces such as underfloor-heating are nec- building that is being planned in the area. Fur- essary to use near-surface geothermal energy. ther activities such as a special event for the in- In the case of newly constructed buildings, it dustrial use of geothermal energy and the design is far easier to integrate geothermal systems. In of an alternative estate-development plan are in this case another advantage of this technology a planning phase. is significant. During the summer these systems The role of the Geopark in this context is to can also be used for cooling – given the fact that provide an appropriate framework for the activi- they are correctly designed for this purpose. Dur- ties and to outline the connection between the ing the summer the near surface ground tem- geoscientific basis and the technological oppor- perature is a constant 10˚ – 12˚ centigrade. In tunities of geothermal energy. winter this is upgraded to 40˚ degrees for heat- ing purposes by using a heat pump. While cooling Timo Kluttig E-Mail: [email protected]

57 Terras de Cabaleros UNESCO Global Geopark, Portugal “Murçós Mines – The stories of its people” MANAGEMENT

Mr.Agostinho an ex-miner views the remains of the Mining Complex of Murçós during the production of the documentary. “In the village of Murçós, the stones speak. They tell changed? These are the the story of a quiet village, where the sound of hammers testimonies preserved in and machines overshadowed the calm of the mountains, the documentary, a legacy rivers, animals and people. Here, history is made of sto- for future generations, ries that have long waited to be told! which tells how the current Nowadays there are just over 100 inhabitants who inhabitants remember the live in this small countryside village in the interior of past. North Portugal. Only those who are more resilient stay The Murçós mine is one of in the increasingly deserted and lost land that hopes to the 42 geosites of the Terras live on in the older people’s memories.” de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark. The mine, which em- his is the story told in the documentary “Murçós ployed more than 500 miners, Invitation Mines - The stories of its people” that was the first was a source of wealth and sent to the T community to presented to the public on August 13, 2016 in Murçós happiness. During World War I the the arms industry participate in village. expanded considerably, and the alloys of tungsten the presentation This documentary was produced by the Terras de with their high-density and resistance to high tem- of the Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark in partnership peratures, were very important for manufacturing documentary. with the University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro, weapons. As a result, some inhabitants of Murçós in order to preserve the memories and experiences of responded to the demand for ore. With the onset of the former miners of Murçós mine, an intangible heri- World War II, the price of tungsten rose significantly, tage of immeasurable value. “What were the conditions and most of the village population were involved in like? How did they live? What did they feel? What has the search for ore. “Murçós Mines - The stories of its people” is a docu- mentary that intends to show this mining activity - told in the first person - to all those who visit or are interested in our territory. The documentary also in- cludes the educational and tourist programmes of the Some of the Terras de Cavaleiros UNESCO Global Geopark. former miners interviewed together View the documentary on: with the http://www.geoparkterrasdecavaleiros.com/pt-pt/ members of the content/documentario technical team responsible for Sílvia Marcos, Diamantino I. Pereira the development & Ana Fernandes of this project. E-mail: [email protected]

58 Troodos unesco Global Geopark, Cyprus The visibility project MANAGEMENT

Geographical location of the Troodos Geopark. The map shows all the roads leading to the geopark.

he Troodos Geopark covers an area of 1,147 km2. an arrow pointing to the Geopark area. Panels with TIt is situated in the heart of the island of Cyprus, this design will be placed along the highways and which is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. at the beginning of main and secondary roads lead- The Geopark area is mountainous and ranges in al- ing to the Geopark area. tidude from 300 m to 1,952 m. Chionistra summit is • A panel with a bilingual text and an arrow pointing its highest peak. Four main roads lead to the Geopark the way to the Geopark’s Visitor Centre. from the largest cities but the Geopark is also acces- The aim of these signs is to guide the visitors to sible from many other scenic routes from all urban and around the Geopark area. centres Furthermore, informational panels for the geo- The Cyprus Geological Survey Department (GSD), topes of the Geopark with the logos of the UNESCO following the advice of the evaluators during the eval- Global Geoparks, European Geoparks Network and uation mission in July 2015, decided to begin a cam- Troodos Geopark, a map and bilingual text have been paign in order to improve the visibility of the Geopark. constructed and placed in the villages of Agros, Kako- This campaign was initiated in November 2015 and petria, Platres, Omodos and Troodos Square and at will continue until the end of 2016. the Kykkos and Agios Ioannis Lampadistis monaster- The main aim of the campaign is to place four dif- ies. The latter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ferent types of guiding and information panels along map of this sign also shows the location of nature the highways and the majority of the main and sec- trails and geotrails together with sites of geological ondary roads leading to the Geopark area, as well as and cultural interest. one information panel for the geotopes at the most At the end of the campaign, a total number of 45 frequently visited sites in the Geopark. panels of all types will be placed, significantly improv- In more detail, this concerns the construction and ing the visibility of the Troodos Geopark, not only for placement of the following panels : visitors but also to the local population. • An information panel with bilingual text and a map illustrating the Geopark boundary, the main roads Efthymios Tsiolakis and the gateways to the territory. Panels with this Email address: [email protected] design will be placed along main and secondary roads leading to the Geopark at locations where Efthymios. Tsiolakis roads intersect with the Geopark boundary. [email protected] • A panel with the Geopark’s logo, a bilingual text and Geoscientist of the Troodos Geopark

(a) Informational panel providing directions and road signs of the Troodos Information Geopark; panel illustrating (b) Information the locations panel along of Troodos the Lefkosia – Geopark Kakopetria main (a) (b) geotopes in the road. Troodos Square. 59 Vikos Aoos unesco Global Geopark, Greece Nature and outdoor activities MANAGEMENT

Hiking at Dragon Lake.

Photo by Haritikis ountain climbing and hiking in the Vikos Aoos MUNESCO Global Geopark are unique experi- ences. The region is characterized by rich, dense for- ests. Bushes of holm oak, cedar, ash and scrub oak dominate the low altitudes and at slightly higher al- titudes, where most of the villages are built, oak for- ests dominate. Higher still, we encounter black pine, fir, beech, mountain juniper and Balkan pine. At the highest altitudes, where the rocky soil permits, sub- alpine grasslands grow. Steep mountain slopes and Rafting in the gorges characterize the western part of the region, Aoos River. while small lakes, the largest being Dragonlakes, add Photo by Giogos rare beauty to the wild landscape. Poulopoulos. Old paths, stone arched bridges and stone steps with only II grades of difficulty. Three mountain ref- will lead you to places of incomparable beauty in the uges located in high altitudes and several hostels and famous Vikos and Aoos gorges. There are many sign- restaurants inside the 50 villages of the Geopark pro- posted paths connecting the villages and many others vide food and accommodation for the numerous visi- leading up to the high peaks of mt “Timfi” (2497m), tors from all over the world. mt “Smolikas” (2637m), mt “Trapezitsa” (2022m) Birdwatchers and naturalists will also find the rich and several other mts. The many forest roads are wild fauna of the Vikos Aoos Geopark very interesting. The suitable for mountain biking, and there are also two Balkan chamois, brown bears, wolves, otters, wildcats, Vradeto runways for paragliding enthusiasts. The steep slopes Steps. stone martens, roe deer and possibly the lynx have of “Gamila”, “Astraka” and “Tsouka Rossa” peaks, with been recorded in the Geopark. The area’s most inter- Photo by routes that have a high level of difficulty, are ideal for esting bird species include the golden eagle, Egyptian Haritikis rock climbing. vulture, peregrine falcon, black woodpecker, willow tit, “Vikaki” and many other and white throated dipper. Zagori is also home to rare small gorges are also suit- amphibians and reptiles including the alpine newt, able for canyoning, while the salamander and the tortoise. rivers Aoos and Voidomatis About 2,000 plant species grow in the Vikos Aoos are ideal for rafting and kay- Geopark, and many of these are rare or endemic, such aking. There are several river as Centaurea tymphaea, Bornmuellera tymphaea, On- routes of various level of osma epirotica, Saxifraga biflora subsp. epirotica, Ga- difficulty, up to 27 km long. lium sacrorum, Hieracium dasycraspedum and Ramonda The most preferable route in serbica. Aoos River is very demand- Finally the Vikos Aoos Geopark Information Centres ing, with high grades of dif- together with those of the Northern Pindos National ficulty (V & VI) all along the Park located in strategical points, provide useful infor- way, whereas in Voidomatis mation for the visitors. River the classic route fol- lows a scenic passage down Haritakis Papaioannou ([email protected]), the river and takes 1-2 hours Georgia Kitsaki ([email protected])

60 Nature - and UNESCO Global Geopark Vulkaneifel, Germany Creating a Shelter for Hikers by Renovating a historic water pump house MANAGEMENT

Official inauguration of the renovated historic water pump house, which now functions as a rest area for hikers.

Nature- and Geopark Vulkaneifel honours the Replacing the municipality roof of the of Brockscheid historic pump as an official house. partner he water pump house in the village of Brock- typical for the region until the 1960’s. The water Tscheid was built in the 1930’s and is a relict which was collected in catchment basins drained from the early days of the municipal water sup- uncontrollably into a nearby stream. The area ply. Over the years, it had become dilapidated, around the water pump house was therefore but due to the efforts of the municipality of highly waterlogged during the winter months. In Brockscheid and the Nature- and Geopark Vulka- order to improve this situation, a pond was cre- neifel it could be restored and now functions as ated to trap the surplus water and lead it into the a shelter and rest area for hikers. The building is nearby stream under controlled conditions. accessible along the 14.8 km hiking trail which In September 2016, the restored water pump connects the villages Üdersdorf, Tettscheid und house was inaugurated during an official cer- Brockscheid. emony. The ceremony was attended by repre- The renovation of the historic water pump sentatives and citizens of the municipality of house included replacing the roof and windows. Brockscheid and numerous other guests from In addition, the building was re-decorated and nearby villages. Werner Klöckner and Dr. Andreas earthworks in the immediate surroundings were Schüller from Nature- and Geopark Vulkaneifel repaired. recognized the commitment of the municipality The building surrounds the near-surface spring of Brockscheid by accepting Brockscheid as an of the Pfaffenborn which is located in a geologi- official partner of Nature- and UNESCO Global cal fault zone. Water was filtered through a thin Geopark Vulkaneifel. layer of sand before extraction from the Devo- nian basement rocks. The production of near- Dr. Andreas Schüller and Anja Frein surface drinking water from such springs was [email protected] 61 Live the experience of the landscape …

Φυσικό Πάρκο ΣΗΤΕΙΑΣ Discover the Sitia SITIA Nature Park UNESCO Global Geopark PRESENTATIONS

Caves are of the most spectacular features of Sita UNESCO Global Geopark.

Raised terraces define Children learn the height climbing of ancient techniques coastlines above and enjoy the current sea an outdoor level at Kato experience in Zakros Old. the Geopark. he Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark is located in terfalls and vertical cliffs which attract experts in this Teastern . It includes the wider region of Sitia activity. and the coastal areas extending from North to South. Within the Geopark, visitors can find two informa- The boundaries of the Geopark have been clearly de- tion centres: the Natural History Museum of Zakros fined and include an area of 517 Km2. The Geopark is and the Centre of Speleological Research in Karidi. characterized by a wide variety of abiotic and biotic These centres provide training programmes about the elements and it has, for many years, been recognized environment and geo-diversity of the Geopark, while as a unique geo-touristic destination in Crete. the centre in Karidi offers the possibility of hosting re- There are 20 geo-trails along which visitors can search missions. There are educational programmes wander and get to know closely the unique geology, supported by printed material, interactive games palaeontology and the biodiversity of the region, its and equipment for experimentation. Visitors can also rich history, culture and everyday life of people living find all the necessary information for their tours in in the Geopark. Those geo-trails also include road the ecotourism guide book and the geotouristic map trips, biking and hiking trips. They are fully supported of Sitia’s Geopark. In the Natural History Museum of by modern technologies using Geographic Informa- Zakros there is an exhibition of 12 thematic posters, tion Systems (GIS) and by a network of information interactive displays with micro-dioramas and rock panels providing signage, location and directions samples, video projectors and a video room, where along the length of the trails. The Sitia UNESCO a documentary about the Geopark is presented. The Global Geopark, is an ideal place for outdoor activi- information centres provide all the necessary infor- ties. Exploration in one of the many caves and associ- mation and materials produced for the use of visitors ated underground rivers provides a unique experience. to the Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark, including maps, Windsurfing in Kouremenos, one of the most popular the geo-trails, the geo-sites and all other useful infor- beaches in the world for this sport, brings hundreds mation for the territory. of visitors every year from around the world. Rock climbing, at the entrance of the “Canyon of the Dead” Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark. from Kato Zakros or on the vertical limestone cliffs www.sitia-geopark.gr, [email protected] of many other canyons, is popular. Canyoning in one 1. Evangelos Perakis, Coordinator of Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark, [email protected], of the many gorges in Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark 2. Leonidas Terzis, President of Social & Cultural includes smooth riverbeds that do not require special Development Organization of Sitia Municipality, expertise and equipment, as well as canyons with wa- [email protected]

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