Plitvice Lakes National Park

N° 34 November 2012 EuropeanEuropean GeologistGeologist Journal of the European Federation of Geologists

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European Geologist-Fall2012_R2.indd 1 10/12/12 12:33 PM Contents Not Just Software. . . RockWare. Foreword Ruth Allington 5 For Over 29 Years. Topical - Geoheritage Geodiversity and Geoheritage - modern perspectives for Earth Scientists and for Europe Hanneke van den Ancker 6 Challenges to geoheritage conservation and sustainable development in Belgium Michiel Dusar and Roland Dreesen 8 Plitvice Lakes National Park (Central Croatia) - More than 50 years of continuous monitoring of natural and human influence Jasenka Sremac, Srećko Božičević and Izidora Marković 12 Vulcania, a unique enlightening Earth Science site François-Dominique de Larouzière and Antoine Bouvier 17 Geoheritage in Hungary - present and future Géza Chikán, Ildikó Szentpétery, Szabolcs Nagy, Barbara Kerék, RockWorks® RockWorks LogPlot® RockWare Ildikó Selmeczi and Gábor Csillag 19 Utilities™ Training and Geoheritage: nature and culture in a landscape approach 3D Data Management, Powerful, Flexible, Francesca Romana Lugeri, Piero Farabollini, Gian Vito Graziano Analysis and Visualization An Indispensible Collection Easy-to-Use Borehole and Consulting and Vittorio Amadio 23 • Powerful measured- of Modeling, Analysis, and Well Log Software Geoconservation in Serbia - State of play and future perspectives Display Tools Workshops, Custom Training section/borehole database • Dozens of templates and Consulting Services for Aleksandra Maran 29 for managing: • Point and multivariate available or design your the Geoscientist mapping tools own in the drawing-style Information system on important geosites in the Slovak Republic - Lithology Pavel Liščák and Alexander Nagy 35 Advertisers: log designer window • Workshops held in Lugano, - Stratigraphy • Contour maps and three Switzerland or onsite Rockware (pages 2 and 70); Golder Associates (page - Hydrology dimensional surfaces •Tabbed data sheets Idrija geological heritage 7) ; Geobrugg (page 22); SLR (page 55). • Training and consulting Mojca Gorjup Kavčič 39 - Fractures • Section and Lease maps • Import/Export data from services available for Cover photo: (land grid data included) - Hydrochemistry LAS, Excel, RockWorks RockWorks, LogPlot, Surfer, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a tiny island in the TM Geoheritage protection and promotion in Switzerland (e.g. Contaminants) • Google Earth exports and ArcGIS Emmanuel Reynard 44 Biscay Gulf of the Iberian Peninsula connected to • Paginated and continuous the continent through a bridge over the sea. The - Geophysics • Gridding and block • Get individualized attention - and more logs at any vertical scale access way to the bridge and the bridge itself are modeling tools from a software AND New directions in geoconservation: Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter being endangered by many geologic risks asso- • Create striplogs, cross- • Volumetrics • Export to a variety of industry expert John E. Gordon, Hugh F. Barron and Angus D. Miller 48 ciated to the water sheds dynamics and the sea formats dynamics. This area is exclusively dedicated to sections, fence diagrams, • Pit optimization • Follow a standard course and block models format, or have us design How to implement Geoheritage and Geodiversity in the tourism and its infrastructure elements need to • Piper and Stiff diagrams • Free viewer can be QualityCoast Label and COASTLEARN? be constantly maintained due to the landslides distributed to clients a custom syllabus tailored • Contour data in 2D and • Rose & Stereonet diagrams Hanneke Van den Ancker and Albert Salman 53 provoked by the erosion of the cliff bottom by 3D (isosurfaces) to your needs action of the tides. The rock is the Black Flysch of • Statistical tools including • Services include map the Basque-Cantabrian basin, aged lower Creta- • Extensive on-line help and EFG stand at the Green Week 2012, Every drop counts histograms, scatter plots creation, volumetric estimation, Patricia Cortés, Hanneke Van den Ancker and John Gordon 56 ceous, 90 million of years. sample data sets and ternary diagrams database compilation, and © Roberto Pinedo 2011. Winner of the category •Includes RockWorks Utilities exploration and analysis Professional Profiles “Natural Hazards” of the EFG/EGS photo competi- of diverse datasets tion “Geology in the 21st century”. Interviews with European Geologist title holders © Copyright 2012 The European Federation of Isabel Fernández Fuentes and Anita Stein 58 $3,000 $599 $699 Call for pricing Geologists. All rights reserved. No reproduction, copy or trans- News mission of this publication may be made without written permission. No responsibility is assumed Free trials for most Book review: Geoheritage in Europe and its conservation, by ProGEO by the Publisher for any injury and/or damage to Sylvia Smith-Meyer and Hanneke Van den Ancker 60 persons or property as a matter of products liabil- of our products available ity, negligence, or otherwise, or from any use or at www.rockware.com An interview with Prof Dr Murray Gray about the new edition operation of any methods, products, instructions or of his book: Geodiversity, valuing and conserving abiotic nature ideas contained in the material herein. Although all Follow us on: Hanneke Van den Ancker 60 advertising material is expected to conform to ethical (medical) standards, inclusion in this publication European Sales News corner: 34th IGC - IUGS Task Group on Global Geoscience does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement Blog ++41 91 967 52 53 • F: ++41 91 967 55 50 Professionalism - PERC - PanGeo - EGU - Geólogos sin Frontera 62 of the quality or value of such product or of the [email protected] claims made by its manufacturer. ISSN: 1028 - 267X

MapInfo Professional® US Sales 303.278.3534 • F: 303.278.4099 European Geologist 34 | November 2012 3 [email protected]

European Geologist-Fall2012_R2.indd 1 10/12/12 12:33 PM EUROPEAN GEOLOGIST

is published by the European Federation of Geologists C/O Service Géologique de Belgique Rue Jenner 13 B-1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Tel: +32 2 7887636 [email protected] www.eurogeologists.eu

EFG BOARD

PRESIDENT EurGeol. Ruth Allington [email protected]

VICE-PRESIDENT EurGeol. Nieves Sánchez [email protected]

SECRETARY-GENERAL Domenico Calcaterra [email protected]

TREASURER Léonard Luzieux [email protected]

EU DELEGATE EurGeol. Éva Hartai [email protected]

EDITORIAL BOARD Éva Hartai (Editor in chief) Edmund Nickless Manuel Regueiro Isabel Fernández Fuentes Hans-Jürgen Gursky Pierre Christe

Translations by Antoine Bouvier Manuel Regueiro

COPY EDITOR Maureen McCorry

STAFF AND LAYOUT EDITOR Anita Stein [email protected]

4 Foreword

EurGeol. Ruth Allington, President

It is a pleasure to introduce this 34th European Geologist magazine with its diverse selection of papers under the theme of “Geoheritage”. The celebration and preservation of geoheritage as a resource is an essential element of support to geological and scientific education at all levels. It also provides our community with opportunities to create and disseminate accessible and useful information on geoscientific issues and the way they relate to protection of the public, sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protection. These are issues that are central to EFG’s mission and strategic aims.

At its Tenerife meeting in May, the Council made further progress on strategic planning for the Federation. A revised statement of the ‘Objects’ of the EFG at Article 2 of the statutes, re-worded to add clarity and focus, without detracting from their meaning, was approved, and a list of strategic aims, drawn from the Objects in the statutes, was developed to underpin the strategic plan for the period 2012-2017.

At its meeting in Brussels in November, the Board will be seeking approval for the strategic aims, following the current period of consultation. Since the summer meeting, the Board has used the sub- stantially agreed draft strategic aims to draw up, and rank, priority actions for the plan period – this document is now with the Council for consultation. At the Council meeting in November, a major item of business will be work on agreeing a finalized list (and ranking) of priority actions for the plan period so that the Board can work on detailed action plans and budgets that can be presented for approval at the June 2013 summer Council meeting in Stockholm.

It has taken us some time to reach this stage with our strategic planning and the ‘end of the beginning’ is now in sight, when we will have in place a hierarchy of documentation representing a robust and well-articulated strategic plan to guide and underpin our activities. The work done by Council members and the Board and Officials in getting to this stage has been valuable in itself – it is helping us to be an even more ‘connected’ organization with more of a sense of common purpose, and this can only continue as we implement the strategic plans we have worked so hard to produce. I call this the ‘end of the beginning’ because it is intended that the 2013-2017 strategic plan will be a rolling plan, updated annually so as always to have a five year time horizon for the EFG’s activities.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 5 Introduction by the EFG Panel of Experts on Geological Heritage Geodiversity and Geoheritage, modern perspectives for Earth Scientists and for Europe

Hanneke van den Ancker*

n the introduction to this EFG Special Furthermore, the EGN triggered the Links to the websites of the organizations I would like to highlight some of the start of national quality geoparks networks. can be found in the article about our Green major achievements in geodiversity and China, Germany and Japan are front run- Week contribution by Patricia Cortes, page Igeoheritage over the last decade. Then, I ners in this respect. In less than five years, 56, that highlights the combined action of ask you to consider that the majority of China produced a network of over 150 six European organizations to make EU these initiatives were started off by a small national geoparks. officials more aware about the role of geo- number of dedicated professionals sup- diversity and geoheritage for sustainable ported by enthusiastic local officials. Thus, ProGEO, the European organization for water management and in EU water policy, I hope this issue will inspire you to start the conservation of the geological heritage issues that are still being developed. new initiatives. is the European seed organization and was founded in 1986. It is very involved in the Before getting to the role of the EFG-PE The birth of the European Geoparks Net- more academic aspects, such as the crite- Geological Heritage and Soil Protection, I work (EGN) certainly was one of the main ria for the selection of sites for national would like to mention the role of the UK successes of this decade. Looking back, it and international geoconservation, map- and two universities. The UK already in the is hard to believe that it only started off in ping, GIS-techniques and databases, rules 1940s started a well-documented network 2000 with four European Geoparks. Twelve for monitoring and the development of of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), years later, it is an active network of 50 legislation. including geosites. These sites are protected accredited European Geoparks, that are by legislation and regularly monitored. The regularly evaluated, and the network is still ProGEO is also a large network with database can be consulted through the web- growing. In 2004, it gave rise to a Global national representatives in all Euro- site of Natural England (formerly English Geopark Network (GGN) and got the sup- pean countries. Each year it organizes a Nature). More recent UK products are the port of UNESCO. Thanks to the efforts of meeting, regional or European, in which Geodiversity Action Plans; even London has the Chinese, the GGN in 2012 embraces members present their studies, projects or such a plan. Dr. John Gordon, who this year 85 geoparks, including most EGN parks. ideas. They later can be published in the joined the EFG-PE Geological Heritage, was ProGEO journal Geological Heritage and the driving force within Scottish Natural European and Global Geoparks are quarterly ProGEO Newsletter. In October Heritage behind several publications on important in raising the awareness of local 2012, ProGEO has published an overview a more sustainable management of rivers, officials and the wider public for regional of Geoconservation in Europe, see page 60 estuaries, hills and mountains. In this issue, identity, the geological history of the of this issue. The Belgian and Italian con- page 48, he writes about the Scottish Geodi- area and how cultural history and nature tributions to this EFG issue are examples versity Charter and what it tries to achieve. respond to it. The economic development of such overviews (page 8 and 23). Prof. Dr. Murray Gray of the Queen Mary of local geosites in sustainable tourism is University, London began lecturing in geo- another important geopark issue, for exam- For the geomorphological aspects of our diversity more than a decade ago. In 2004, ple in walks, cycle tours, wine and local cui- landscapes the IAG working group on Geo- he assembled his lectures into a first book sine. Old quarries are thus given a second morphosites is a sister organisation of the on geodiversity, entitled GEODIVERSITY. life. The European and Global Geoparks ProGEO network. It has produced several As a consequence, he was invited to speak are in close cooperation; exchanging best reports and publications and also has yearly all over the world. In the interview on page practices and experience in raising envi- meetings. Prof. Dr. Emmanuel Reynard of 60 he gives a preview of the new edition of ronmental education, green geotourism, the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, its GEODIVERSITY and his opinion about regional product innovation and quality present chairman, is very active in develop- issues that need development. The summer management. ing interesting geo-based walks and tour- schools, PhDs and Postdocs of the Univer- ism and supporting national and European sity of Minho, Braga, Portugal are another The EU regional funds were an impor- geopark initiatives. He was also a member important achievement. tant tool that made the European Geopark of the team of the Swiss Academy of Sci- development possible. ences that published a report and proposed Finding solutions for society goes a structure to support these initiatives. See through a cycle of raising awareness, for- * Coordinator of the EFG PE on Geological page 44 for his contribution to this issue. mulating policies, developing tools and Heritage, [email protected] evaluating products. The PE on Geologi-

6 Topical - Geoheritage

cal Heritage of the European Federation EUCC, the Coastal Union. First discus- aged at community level and by the private of Geologists is active in these fields. We sions are taking place to extend this label sector. Government funding for these issues have responded to EU documents and to non-coastal communities (see page 53). has been cut by 40 – 60%. legislation. With the support of the EGN we produced a Manifesto on Geodiversity My own country, the Netherlands, is a In recent years I have often had to be and Earth Heritage, that was signed by 11 good example of how policies can change at the hospital, because of relatives getting organizations, and led to geodiversity and from one moment to the next. Although older. There I noticed how the existence geological and soil heritage becoming part proactive in developing soil and environ- of patient societies helps to improve the of the EU Soil legislation, 2006, which is mental legislation in the 1980s and 1990s, treatment. Better information through bro- still under discussion. We participated in the present government has a tendency to chures, individual experiences with treat- and organized several Taiex workshops, think clean food and drinking water and ments and even medical development itself, for example in the Baltic countries and prevention of disasters are sidelines, and thus is stimulated. It is my belief that our on sustainable coastal management. We the Ministry of Environment has thus geological societies have a similar role to promote geodiversity in academic teach- become subordinate to and part of the play, e.g. with respect to geodiversity and ing, and have co-organized a session in the Ministry of Infrastructure. Innovation in geoheritage. yearly EGU Vienna conference 2012. One small-scale landscape fitted solutions, cul- of the issues we are now working on is to ture, cultural heritage, nature conservation, A last example, Geopark Mecklenburgis- improve the geodiversity and geoheritage development of geotourism, even officially, che Eiszeitlandschaft (Ice Age landscape) aspects in the Quality Coast label of the are called ‘left wing hobbies’, and are man- is a project of the local geological society.

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542_IRE_CWall_Press2.indd 1 4/28/08 9:12:16 AM Topic: CCS Challenges to geoheritage conservation and sustainable development in Belgium

Michiel Dusar* and Roland Dreesen

eoheritage - in brief, the legacy of the geological past, in rocks, soils and landforms - is not so much Gan issue of peculiar interest for countries endowed with mineral wealth or wild landscapes. On the contrary it is an essential though not so frequently recognized component of the history of land use and the quest for natural resources. In countries like Belgium, with continuous occupation, exploitation and modelling of the landscape for at least two millennia, the environment in which we live seems utterly cultural and devoid of natural interest, except for all the other living creatures which share our environment or struggle to survive within their own tiny part of a common habitat.

The Great Acceleration witnessed during the last one and a half centuries has allowed current generations to dominate their environment to the point where they resist any natural event disturbing their lifestyles and consider humanity as the driving force for evolution. The Knowledge Economy seems Figure 1: Geological map highlighting the chronostratigraphic stage names derived from locations to be detached from the geological sub- with stratotypes (partially) in Belgium (from Dejonghe, 2006). strate, which was so evident in the Indus- trial Revolution, the source of social evil Public acceptance of geodiversity their management is also mainly restricted and environmental degradation. However, to protecting the living nature. This biased the critical minerals issue and legitimate Protection of nature and maintenance approach leads to problems: ignoring the fears of dependency on countries monopo- of biodiversity is the driving force behind geological substrate and dynamic processes lizing exploitation of geological resources the creation of nature reserves or nature involving interaction between geo-hydro- - or more correctly, practising long-term parks, widely supported by the public as biosphere means that the rare and endan- geological exploration - have awakened essential for the well-being of the Planet gered species for which the nature reserves at the European level sobering thoughts Earth and the sustainable development of are created in the first place may be highly that we need the blessings of the Earth just humanity. However, with reference to the vulnerable and as a result biodiversity grad- as we need to know how to deal with its biome concept, ecosystem diversification ually loses its most unique representatives. misfortunes. would be very limited in Belgium, resulting This problematic situation - the fact that in rich but uniform ecosystems, without the protecting the living nature is insufficient Geo-information is regaining impor- intervention of geodiversity. Geoheritage, in sustaining what is rare and exceptional tance, but how to make it visible and mean- i.e. geodiversity and human exploitation of - is observed worldwide and it is now real- ingful to the public or to decision makers? this geodiversity, have resulted in a great ized that it may be - in a significant way Geoheritage conservation and management variety of additional apparent or half-natu- - due to a conceptual flaw, the separation has to play a vital role, especially in coun- ral landscapes. In flat-lying areas like Flan- of geo- and biodiversity. Remedial action tries where daily life is no longer connected ders it is often the past extraction of min- now appears top down. IUCN adopted at to the resources on which our well-being eral resources (peat, clay, sand) which has its World Conservation Congress, held in is based. created the most valuable wetland nature Barcelona, 5-14 October 2008, a motion reserves. At a higher scale World Nature emphasizing the link between geoheritage * Head of Department, Heritage sites derive their nomination from and biodiversity and the need to conserve Geological Survey of Belgium, outstanding geological and physiographic both forms of heritage. [email protected] features, i.e. the underlying geodiversity, but

8 Topical - Geoheritage

the Palaeozoic international 2010) or exceptional fossil finds unmatched stage names, is hailed as one elsewhere in the world (e.g. the Neogene of world’s finest showcases of whales of Antwerp, or the Cran aux Iguano- a geological succession in an dons in Bernissart, now the showcase of the orogenic belt (Fig. 2). Natural History Museum in Brussels). The industrial basin along the Meuse - Sambre Besides the sites and sec- - Haine rivers was the start of the indus- tions linked to the chron- trial revolution on the European mainland, ostratigraphic stages, Bel- fuelled by coal but with a rich and diver- gium possesses emblematic sified tradition of mineral extraction and natural heritage sites with a manufacturing (Goemaere et al., 2010). long history of human curi- Nowadays, its geoheritage is concealed osity about their geological whereas the industrial heritage is acquiring character. These sites where UNESCO World Heritage status (n° 1344). underground expeditions Figure 2: Rocher de Freyr – protected rock outcrop (Dinantian took place, before geology as Despite greening of the landscape, back limestones). a science or the stratigraphical filling and the obligation to flatten slopes time scale were established, of closed extraction sites, a number of were the precursors to geo- geosites still exist in some regions, while tourism. Examples are; the in other regions former outcrops need to natural caves of Han-sur- be exhumed to display any contact with the Lesse, a model for a meander geological substrate. An inventory and clas- cut by an underground river, sification of these geosites including their or the underground labyrinth values and threats needs to be updated. of Montagne St Pierre created by room and pillar mining of With respect to the industrial and mining the Maastricht stone, where heritage, many initiatives for conservation the Mosasaurus hoffmanni and development are already operational (cf was discovered in 1770 and Dejonghe et al., 2009). Also, nature reserves, subsequently deposited in natural parks and regional landscapes often the Muséum in Paris as a possess sites of geoscientific interest. The Figure 3: Underground quarry (building stone = Maastricht lime- war trophy. Han-sur-Lesse insight that their preservation contributes to stone) : site protected for cultural reasons (Caestert quarry, Kanne): is a popular showcave but ecosystem diversification is gaining ground medieval graffiti on the wall (photograph: Bert Beckers). has retained its importance (Fig. 5). Indeed, new threats arise from the for geological research. The vigorous restoration of more natural eco- Geoheritage potential in Belgium underground quarries of Montagne St systems. Vulnerable landforms, resulting Pierre have been destroyed by open cast from past and abandoned forms of land The geology of Belgium forms the stage quarrying but efforts are being made to use may be sacrificed, e.g. the blow-outs where a large part of Earth’s history has protect the remaining underground quar- uniquely preserved in the Bocholt plain (NE been elucidated: indeed, geologists make ries (Fig. 3). Limburg) have been levelled to create new worldwide use of chronostratigraphic nature areas. stage names coined in Belgium (Rupelian, The recent morphological evolution Ypresian, Visean, Tournaisian, Famennian, - epeirogenic uplift with river incision A special category of urban geology, Frasnian) or derived from border towns - has exposed many more rock outcrops historic monuments, whose raw material where part of the type section is located in or allowed their exploitation, showing source may have been lost in time, forms Belgium (Maastrichtian, Givetian) (Fig.1). more than 500 million years As the legacy of pioneering 19th century of geological history in a geologists such as André Dumont and restricted territory (Dejonghe Jules Gosselet, these stage names belong & Jumeau, 2007). This has as much to the global cultural heritage as resulted in a legacy of rock they refer to the local rock outcrops and sections, type sections and quarry sites in the historical name-giving quarry sites of high regional areas. If Belgian geologists had been more stratigraphical and educa- attentive, this list could have been longer tional value (Fig. 4), many and include, e.g. Landenian or Couvinian if not most of which are (Dejonghe, 2006). It is primarily the respon- threatened by oblivion and sibility of present and future generations of only occasionally the subject academic geoscientists to preserve the value of conservation. Fossil and of these names and of regional geoscientists mineral occurrences some- to maintain the link between the historical times produce new minerals Figure 4: The Beauchateau quarry: type section for Upper Frasnian type areas and the preserved geoheritage. (e.g. minerals first described red mud mounds with a high educational value. Site also cherished The classical Meuse profile between Namur from Belgium, Hatert et al., for outdoor activities and rock climbing (photograph: Pierres et and Givet, displaying different facies for 2002; Van Der Meersche et al., Marbres de Wallonie).

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 9 an attractive type of ‘displaced’ geoheritage, allowing the study of facies development and weathering phenomena in conjunction with physical characteristics of the building materials.

Geoconservation as part of the geo-bio- cultural heritage management chain

Barriers to conservation of geosites / preservation of geodiversity

Experience from many countries shows that geologists as a stand-alone group are unable or even unwilling to protect geodiversity or to convey the message of its urgency. Geomorphologists (physical geographers in the Belgian context) share the same values. With their backgrounds in Figure 5: Combining natural environment and geoheritage values in the former glass sand pit of the educational system or land use agen- Opgrimbie: great outcrop exposing evidences for climate change (from Miocene lignites to Pleistocene cies they are more efficient in dealing with polygonal soils) (photograph: Regionaal Landschap Kempen en Maasland). the public. Moreover, sharing knowledge among geologists, geomorphologists, soil few government or industry-supported natural inorganic ingredients of the prod- scientists and hydrologists will bring a programmes that this issue cannot be left ucts manufactured. This seems obvious for more holistic approach, which is neces- only to professionals. Geoscientists wher- coal mines, brick yards, lime kilns, but is sary to convince society as a whole of the ever they are working, or retired, should equally the case for breweries, water mills, importance of geodiversity. continue to instruct if not assist local con- metallurgy. Geoscientific input is essential servationists or more actively participate in in explaining the geographical origin of Filling the gap left by the inadequate - and why not initiate - local conservation many industrial activities while its impact treatment of System Earth in the educa- projects. This could mean that presenta- remains secondary to building and manu- tional system, resulting directly in lack of tion of geoheritage values does not meet facturing processes in the public outreach. visibility, indirectly in insufficient numbers academic standards. However, geologi- of professionals and funding of geoconser- cal information provided to the public by On a policy level, a common practice for vation programmes, can be achieved by guides and volunteers will rarely represent all countries is raising awareness of geodi- involving volunteers. Because of their dif- state-of-the-art scientific knowledge. It ferent background and interest they allow need not be academic but instead address overlap with conservation of biodiversity the feeling of the public. The public must and cultural heritage issues. A problematic feel satisfied with the acquired information, issue is the rapid deterioration or aban- proud of the work of past generations and donment of many geosites located in quar- attached to the works of nature. Populariza- ries, once quarrying operations are termi- tion is not necessarily a downgraded form nated. Without local volunteers, remedial of science communication but can play a action may come too late or become more vital role in public involvement in conserva- expensive. tion issues (Fig. 6). Not many geoscientists are trained as science communicators but Nature conservation groups are well they should realise the value of non-scien- established in our society and manage those tific communicators. areas where conservation is most urgently needed. Cooperation would create a win- Actions for the advancement of geoheritage win situation because these groups can pro- conservation and management vide the supporting framework for effective geosite protection while they can use Act locally. Help conservationists to geoscientific input for sustainable manage- discover the geodiversity values which are ment of ecosystems. This requires mutual often present in what they cherish. Past geo- understanding: biologists should realize logical processes or human use of natural that nature is dynamic and that working resources are responsible for current bio- geological processes contribute to eco- diversity; active geological processes are system resilience, while geologists should often vital for maintaining the health of an Figure 6: Example of popularisation: geological intuitively accept that living nature has a ecosystem; windows on geological features bicycle route in the province of Limburg (Eastern higher value from an ethical perspective. increase the ecosystem variability. Similarly, Belgium): explaining the landscape and linking industrial and mining heritage are linked substrate with nature (flora and fauna) and cul- There are so many urgent needs for con- to the natural environment in which the ture (natural building stones). servation of the geological heritage and so industry was operating, and depend on the

10 Topical - Geoheritage

versity and the importance of geoconser- tuses in the geoconservation initiatives. internationally accepted standard defini- vation by systematically putting it on the Secondly, geoheritage initiatives are devel- tion. However, the visitor management and agenda of decision makers or their advisory oped in near-isolation. There is no repre- stakeholder cooperation of the National committees dealing with the organization of sentation of Belgium or its subdivisions on Park Hoge Kempen is reminiscent of the the territory, mitigation of natural hazards, the European / international scene regard- European Network of Geoparks. Upgrading heritage conservation (Natura2000, Com- ing the promotion of geoheritage conserva- this and other ‘park’ areas, e.g. the Vallée missions of Monuments and Sites, land use tion and sustainable development, e.g. the du Viroin to EGN status requires making management plans). European Association for the Conservation some administrative adaptations but resist- of the Geological Heritage, Pro-GEO, or ance appears to be more of a psychological Think globally. Heritage conservation European Geopark Network, EGN. nature, because of fears of having to give in – of whatever type – meets a solid commu- on biodiversity protection, or more gen- nity support, as testified by popular events Protecting geosites is the first step in the erally because the operating mode of the such as open monument days. A plethora more holistic geopark approach, enhanc- network of geoparks is still unknown. of heritage organizations are active on the ing the sense of place and enlarging the heritage scene thanks to subsidies. There is leisure industry. Geoparks are a hot issue: Conclusions a large volunteer population maintaining the geopark concept was initiated in 1991 many local initiatives, also related to geo- with the Digne Declaration, made official in Due to its complex geological makeup logical resources such as mining museums. 2000 with the European Geopark Network and intensive use of mineral resources, Our many governments spend considerable and has conquered the world in less than Belgium has a rich geological heritage, of budgets on acquisition and maintenance a decade. The Global Geopark Network is worldwide importance, as shown by the of monuments, nature reserves or heritage likely to become a UNESCO Programme great concentration of chronostratigraphic sites. Why then does geoheritage remain to which our governments will have to pay stage names from such a tiny area. in the background and why are so few equal attention as to World Heritage and geoscientists involved? This may be, firstly, Man and Biosphere programmes. Belgium The knowledge society, however, is no because geoheritage has been orphaned at has the potential to develop geoparks, both longer connected to the geological sub- the institutional level. The responsibility for in the north and the south as well as cross- strate, which is intricately linked with geoheritage has been split between nature boundary. The geoscientific community can the history of the country. The concept of reserves and mining heritage. Moreover, make itself the messenger of new ideas con- heritage is a cultural construction, a value these institutions lack the structural support cerning conservation and must be prepared attributed to natural sites or areas and/or to for assessment of geoconservation issues to introduce the geopark concept right now. their historical use. Similarly to biodiversity by a stable and influential educational/ and cultural heritage, geoheritage must be environmental/geoscientific organization. In the absence of a clear framework of recognizable and interesting for scientific, Decisions for protection are made ad-hoc geoheritage concepts in Belgium, creative educational, esthetic and/or recreational but there is no ranking of sites, no thematic use is being made of terms, such as geopark purposes. No identification and assessment approach or possibility for addressing hia- or its translations, without reference to the of the value of geoheritage is possible without geoscientists.

Reference As a second step, no protection and conservation of geoheritage is possible without Dejonghe, L. (ed.). 2006. Chronostratigraphic units named from Belgium and public consent and support by the authori- adjacent areas. Geologica Belgica 9/1-2, 1-225. ties in charge. Not unexpectedly, geoscientists are convinced that geology is inter- Dejonghe, L., Jumeau, F. 2007. Les plus beaux rochers de Wallonie. Géologie et esting, but to the general public the same petite histoire. Service géologique de Belgique Collection Geosciences, 358 pp. geology may be inaccessible and boring. Therefore it is necessary to ‘humanize’ geol- Dejonghe, L., Wuyts, K., Ketelaers, Q. 2009. Géologie & Tourisme en Belgique / ogy to make it understandable for ordinary Geologie & Toerisme in België. Service géologique de Belgique / Belgische Geolo- people not accustomed to the geological gische Dienst, 101 pp. scale of time and dimension. Besides geoscientists, who are aware of the importance Goemaere, E. (ed.), 2010. Terres, pierre et feu en vallée mosane. L’exploitation des of geoheritage, and science communicators ressources naturelles minérales de la commune d’Andenne: géologie, industries, who are able to take this message to the cadre historique et patrimoines culturel et biologique. Service géologique de public, geosites need ‘community champi- Belgique / Belgische Geologische Dienst Collection Geosciences, 544 pp. ons’, proud of their geoheritage, and who can promote the assets of their locality or Hatert, F., Deliens, M., Fransolet, A.M., Van Der Meersche, E. 2002. Les minéraux region. Sustainable conservation of geoher- de Belgique. Muséum des Sciences Naturelles, Bruxelles, 304 pp. itage can only succeed when this cooperation is functional and the barriers between IUCN, 2008. Motion CGR4.MOT055 - IUCN on Conservation of geodiversity and the different forms of heritage are overcome. geological heritage. World Conservation Congress, Barcelona, 5-14 October 2008.

Van Der Meersche, E., De Paepe, P., Stoops, G. 2010. Minerals with Belgian Roots from hopeite (1824) to tazieffite (2009). Academia press, Gent, 231 pp.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 11 Plitvice Lakes National Park (Central Croatia) - More than 50 years of continuous monitoring of natural and human influence

Jasenka Sremac*, Srećko Božičević and Izidora Marković

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the Le Parc National des Lacs de Plitvice est Plitvice Lakes National Park es una de las most beautiful and oldest protected areas in lùne des plus belles et des plus anciennes áreas protegidas más bellas y antiguas de south-east Europe and the largest national zones protégées du Sud - Est de l` Europe Europa Sudoriental y el parque nacional park in Croatia. The principal natural phe- ainsi que le plus grand parc national de Cro- más grande de Croacia. El principal fenó- nomenon is a dynamic system of lakes atie. Le phénomène qui détermine le parc meno naturale es un sistema dinámico de separated by tufa barriers and waterfalls. est le système dynamique des lacs séparés lagos separados por barreras de toba y Tufa barriers were deposited during the par des barrières de tuf et des cascades. Les cascadas. Barreras de toba se depositaron warm episodes of the Quaternary period barrières de tuf proviennent des sédiments durante los episodios cálidos del período and are still growing. The area has recently qui se sont formées au cours des épisodes Cuaternario y siguen creciendo. El área fue been endangered by global climate trends, chauds du quaternaire et qui sont toujours recientemente puesta en peligro por las ten- watercourse regulations, forestry and en croissance. De nos jours la région est dencias del clima global, los reglamentos agricultural activities, leaking wastewater menacée par les changements climatiques, del curso de agua, los bosques y las activi- systems, war operations and tourist pres- la régulation des cours dèau, les activités dades agrícolas, derrame de aguas residu- sure. Eutrophication of lakes is additionally forestières et agricoles, les systèmes de cana- ales, operaciones de guerra y la presión caused by natural input of humus from the lisation perméables, les opérations de guerre turística. La eutrofización de los lagos es, surrounding area. et la pression touristique. Lèutrophisation además, causada por el ingreso natural de des lacs est accélérée par lìntroduction humus de los alrededores. naturelle de l`humus des environs.

litvice Lakes National Park is one of the area through legislation and through narrow limestone canyon and outflow into the oldest protected areas in Croatia. various projects (e.g. ANTHOPOL.PROT the Korana River (Figs 3, 4) (Polšak, 1974). The name Plitvice, probably originat- – FP5, SOWAUEMED project etc.) (Obelić Ping from the Croatian word plitko (= shal- et al., 2006; Obelić, 2011) Tufa barriers grow by incrustation on low), was first published in a document by mosses, algae and aquatic bacteria, with the priest of Otočac, Dominik Vukasović Main features of the park an estimated rate of 1-3 cm per year. This (1777). The first efforts to protect Plitvice process is very sensitive to environmental go far back to 1914, when the Croatian Plitvice Lakes National Park covers an stress and is often associated with warmer Parliament received the petition. The area area of 19,200 ha (296.85 km2). It is situated climate periods. The attempts to protect this was proclaimed a National Park for the on a plateau 650-700 m high, between the phenomenon can be traced in published lit- budget year 1928/1929, but the National mountains Lička Plješevica (1,640 m) and erature since the beginning of the 20th cen- Park was not fully established till 1949, and Mala Kapela (1,280 m), in the karst region tury (Pevalek, 1935; Stilinović, Božićević, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Her- of the Croatian Dinarides. Sixteen lakes 1998 and references therein). Pevalek was itage list in 1979 (Stilinović, Božićević, 1998 cover ca. 10 % of the park, but they are particularly important in establishing the and references therein). considered the most beautiful and inter- National Park, and its research centre is esting part of the territory (Figs 1, 3). The named after him. According to the latest The park is managed by a Public institu- rest is covered mostly with beech or beech- radiometric dating, older inactive barri- tion whose activities are regulated by the fir mixed forests (Fig. 2) with high plant ers were precipitated between 250,000 and Croatian Constitution and the Nature Pro- biodiversity and is inhabited by a rich and 300,000 years ago (Mindel-Riss) and also tection Law and monitored by the Council diverse fauna (http://www.np-plitvicka- 90,000 - 130,000 (Riss-Würm) years ago. of Management. The establishment of such jezera.hr). Lakes originate at the conflu- Active barriers have been produced within an institution opened the possibility of con- ence of Crna and Bijela Rijeka rivers, and the last 7,000 years (Obelić, 2011). tinuous monitoring of natural and anthro- are additionally fed by streams, temporary pogenic processes in the area. National creeks and rainfall (Figs 1, 3). Besides their geomorphological and geo- and international institutions additionally logical value, Plitvice lakes are famous for support the sustainable development of Due to the differing rock base, two their exceptional flora and fauna, includ- different lake systems can be clearly dif- ing several endemic species and healthy * Faculty of Science, Department of ferentiated. The Upper lakes are large populations of endangered taxa. There- Geology, Horvatovac 102a, Zagreb, [email protected] and are situated on impermeable Triassic fore they are continuously monitored by dolomites, whilst the Lower lakes occupy a a variety of natural scientists – biologists,

12 Topical - Geoheritage

geologists, geographers, chemists, physicists and others.

The Croatian Geological Institute, with collaborators, was responsible for the geological mapping and the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is continuously present with various teams studying geological and ecological factors.

The Veterinary Faculty, the Faculty of Forestry and the Faculty of Agronomy in Zagreb are also involved. Research teams from the Croatian Academy of Science are monitoring the biota. Scientists from the Institute Ruđer Bošković introduced radiometric and isotope analyses, and this team is permanently studying and publishing on the area (e.g. Horvatinčić et al., 2006; Obelić et al., 2006; Obelić 2011). The Plitvice Lakes have several times been the subject of dissertations (e.g. Barešić, 2009), and the research process is ongoing.

Evidence of natural and anthropogenic processes

Natural processes

Lakes in general are very sensitive environments, due to their close interactions with surrounding areas. Complex processes of sedimentation and dissolution of limestone require specific climatic precondi- tions. Weather and temperature factors are of great importance, as well as the water quality and other natural factors. For precipitation of calcium carbonate the water saturation level needs to be higher than 3, and the pH value of water must be above 8.0. In modern times the deposition rates (average 13 mm per year) have exceeded Figure 1: Position and topographic map of the Plitvice National Park (Basic topographic map of the dissolution rates (0.001-4 mm per year), Croatia, sheet Bihać 420-1). enabling the accretion of tufa barriers and the formation of new lakes, but at the same time resulting in lake-level rise in the Upper lakes and fall in the Lower lakes (Figs 3, 5, 6). Plants indirectly contribute to tufa formation. Mosses, algae and cyanobacteria

Figure 2: Forests cover 75 % of the Park. Čorkova uvala with Čorkovo vrilo spring is a locality with Figure 3: Cross section of the Plitvice Lake System with simplified water cycle (based upon: Petrik, 1958; protected virgin forest, July, 2012. Polšak et al., 1976; Božićević, 1994).

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 13 are responsible for different biological types to diminish the organic pollution, but the numbers of tourists visiting Plitvice during of travertine (Barešić, 2009 and references principal problem of leaking drainage is the whole year also represents a serious therein). still unsolved. threat for this fragile pearl (Pevalek, 1935; Božičević 1991; Stilinović, Božićević, 1998; Global warming, and water-level fall have The lakes were placed on a Danger List Horvatinčić et al., 2006; Barešić, 2009). In been monitored in recent decades, showing by UNESCO from 1992-1997, during, and 2011, the number of tourists exceeded one a more pronounced influence on smaller shortly after the occupation by the para- million. Previous management of the park lakes (Fig. 7 a, b) (Barešić, 2009). Fragments military Serbian army. From 1991-1995 the did not recognize the threat in these trends, of ice cover can cause damage to tufa bar- Park was abandoned by staff, the forest was but considered such large numbers of visi- riers in early spring. severely damaged, hunting of bears and fish tors as a great success. Currently, Plitvice by dynamite was common, and the area of does not have an adequate set of indicators Anthropogenic processes the Čorkova Uvala forest was mined. that could be measured and monitored with the aim of decreasing the tourist impact, Global influence Although the Park is no longer con- as there are no daily limits for entrance of sidered as an endangered area, the large tourists. This leads to further degradation Radioactive explosions during the 1960s can be traced by contamination in lake sediments (Fig. 8) (Barešić, 2009). This indicates that global processes can indeed affect the geological heritage, no matter how isolated and protected it is. Another process that may affect the state of Plitvice Lakes National Park is global warming, which accelerates natural processes and affects the precipitation in the lakes.

Local influence

Human influence has affected Plitvice Lakes for many years. The area has been inhabited since Illyrian times and was later incorporated into the Roman Empire. The area shared the destiny of the whole of Cro- atia, with many battles and different con- querors. A military Frontier was established Figure 4: View towards the lower lakes and Korana River carved in limestone canyon, July, 2012. in this area in 1538, during the Ottoman Empire, and a lot of autochthonous people from this area migrated to the west. Due to some horrific battles the area acquired the name, Devil’s garden. After the defeat of the Ottoman army, the Habsburg mon- archy restored civil reign in 1788. Another conqueror, Napoleon, held the province from 1805-1814.

Roads, war camps, fortresses and other structures (e.g. water-mills) were con- structed during that period. The forest was intensively exploited. Logs were transported downstream, often causing damage to tufa barriers.

The first accommodation for tourists was built in 1861, and the first hotel was built in 1890. Since that time several measures have been taken in order to protect the lakes. In the early 1980s, the regional road from Zagreb to the coast, originally built along the lakes, was replaced by modern roads and highways away from the park and heavy Figure 5: a) Ancient (Wagner, 1770) and b) modern sketch of lakes (www.worldwater.com). truck traffic was diverted to Ličko Petrovo Full line: Common tourist paths with combination of walking, electric boat and electric train tours. Selo and Prijeboj. The swimming pool at Dashed line: Walking route. Lake Kozjak was closed in 2006 in order

14 Topical - Geoheritage

of this area of international value. At the end of 2011 another threat appeared at the lakes. Despite the organized control in the Park, barriers at the Lower lakes were mechanically damaged, and several small young lakes were destroyed (Fig. 9). This devastation caused the additional fall of water levels in the Lower lakes (Fig. 9).

Conclusions

The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Central Croatia is a dynamic hydrological complex extremely sensitive to natural and anthropogenic processes. The equilibrium of physical, chemical and biological features in the lakes can be easily undermined by global warming, decrease of precipitation and input of organic matter.

Natural processes are hard to control, but human influence should be carefully maintained by the Park Public institution. Figure 6: Sunken remains of tufa barrier in the lake Kozjak (Božićević, 1995).

Figure 7: Mean annual temperatures (a) and mean annual water flow (b) for Plitvice lakes (Barešić, 2009).

Figure 8: Distribution of 14C in atmosphere and wood at Plitvice (a) and tritium in precipitation in Zagreb and Plitvice area with pronounced peaks due to the nuclear weapon tests particulary in the period 1952-1963 (Barešić, 2009).

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 15 The most important threat is the inadequate water drainage system, which requires complete rearrangement.

The number of tourists should be kept under control by daily and/or monthly limits and by redistribution of groups away from the lakes to other interesting areas in the park that could also be interpreted as natural or ethnological heritage.

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Croa- tian Geological Society for the data on devastation at Plitvice Lakes in Novem- ber 2011, and to the Croatian Ministry of Science, Technology and Sports (Project 119-1951293-1162) and the Institute for Tourism for overall support during field research.

Figure 9: a) Damage at the barrier caused by anthropogenic impact in November 2011, b) Desicca- tion caused by damaging the tufa barriers, July 2012.

References

Barešić, J. 2009. Primjena izotopnih i geokemijskih metoda u praćenju globalnih i lokalnih promjena u ekološkom sustavu Plitvičkih jezera. (Application of isotopic and geochemical methods in monitoring of global and local changes in ecological system of Plitvice Lakes – in Croatian). Dissertation. Zagreb University, 163 pp.

Božičević, S. 1991. Agony of the Plitvice lakes. Geološki vjesnik, 44, 332-334.

Božičević, S. 1994. Hidrogeološki problemi na području Plitvičkih jezera, In: Plitvička jezera – nacionalno dobro Hrvatske, svjetska baština. Uprava Nacionalnog parka Plitvička jezera, 43-51.

Horvatinčić, N., Barešić, J., Obelić, B., Krajcar-Bronić, I. , Briansó, J.L. 2006. Eutrophication Process in the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia, as a Consequence of Antropogenic Pollution and/or Natural Processes. Archives of Climate Change in Karst. Karst Waters Institute Special Publication 10 / Onac, B.P.; Tamas, T.; Silviu, C. & Persolu, A. (eds.), 211-214.

Obelić, B. 2011. Geochronological and paleoclimatological investigations at the Plitvice Lakes. SOWAUMED – Network in solid waste and water treatment between Europe and Mediterranean countries. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, 29 May – 1 June, 2011. p. 11.

Obelić, M., Horvatinčić, N., Krajcar Bronić, I., Barešić, J. 2006. Study of Anthropogenic Pollution after the War and Establishing of Measures for Protection of Plitvice National Park and Bihac Region, In: Final Report of ANTHROPOL.PROT. 2006. Bruxelles.

Petrik, M. 1958. Prinosi hidrologiji Plitvica (Contribute to hydrogeology of Plitvice). Nacionalni park Plitvička jezera, 49-171.

Pevalek, I. 1935. Der Travertin und die Plitvicer Seen. Verh d. Internat. Vereinig. F. Limnol, 165-181.

Polšak, A. 1974. Geološki aspekt zaštite Plitvičkih jezera (Geological Aspect of the Protection of the Plitvice Lakes; in Croatian). In: Plitvička jezera – Čovjek i priroda (Plitvice Lakes – Man and Nature; in Croatian), Nacionalni Park Plitvička jezera, Zagreb.

Stilinović, B., Božičević, S. 1998. The Plitvice lakes. A natural phenomen in the middle of the Dinaridic Karst in Croatia. European Water Managment, 1/1, 15-24.

16 Topical - Geoheritage

Vulcania, a unique enlightening Earth Science site

François-Dominique de Larouzière* and Antoine Bouvier

Vulcania is unique because it is the only centre of scientific discovery located in a rural area, although the city of Clermont- Ferrand is only 15 kilometres away. The site provides many facilities attractive to tourists: documentation service, a library offering 5,000 books, various audiovisual resources (picture bank, videos, CD ROM, DVD), restaurants and cafeteria, shop- ping facilities offering products linked to the natural sciences, pedagogy, reception rooms for groups and centres dedicated to conferences and colloquia.

The visitor is not left alone and can be accompanied during his discovery circuit by a geologist focusing on oral communication and spread of scientific themes, thereby contributing to the excellence of the visitor experience. All the information provided on the site is available in six languages: French, English, Spanish, Dutch, German and Ital- Figure 1: Vulcania site. ian, while a synchronized audio-guidance he scientific exploration park, The permanent scientific team of Vulca- system allows the non-French-speaking VULCANIA, which belongs to nia, including five geologists, is reinforced visitors to benefit from the visit. the Auvergne regional Council, is during the summer by some 20 students Tlocated about 15 kilometres to the west of (Masters level) specializing in geology, This cultural site, built mainly under- the city of Clermont-Ferrand at an altitude geography, geophysics, biology and envi- ground into recent lava (30,000 years old), of 1,000 metres. The 57 hectare site is nes- ronment. tled in a beautiful natural landscape within the young volcanoes (6,000 years old) of the Sensitization and communication mis- Chaîne des Puys volcanic area. sions outside the Park resulted in 66 weekly newspaper pages (1.2 million readers each Created in 2002 and open each year from week), but also interviews and articles for March to November, the Park is not only different media, radio programmes, news- dedicated to volcanism but to the Earth Sci- papers, as well as commenting on topical ences as a whole. It also deals with environ- geo-news items... mental themes and Natural Sciences (i.e. Botany, Physics, Astronomy). Thus Vulcania is neither a museum nor Figure 2: Ash clouds. an attraction park and has been designed To attract a large public and introduce as a scientific exploration site where the them to the fascinating world of volcanoes, need for amusement and pedagogy are a moving scenography harmonizes the nec- closely associated to meet the wishes of a essary scientific detail from the data display large public. equipment and the efficient and modern communication system. In August 2012, the Park welcomed its The themes and information are controlled four millionth visitor. The impact of the by an international scientific Council made park, with its task force of over 50 full-time up of 15 members, all experts in their fields. employees, on tourism and the economy of this mountainous area, is also greatly appre- Figure 3: The unveiled planet. * Director of Science Vulcania. ciated by the regional authorities.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 17 consisting of scoria, lapilli and basalt, and requiring only a few minutes attention, Earth and Unveiled Planet, explored the includes permanent exhibition rooms but the mean visit duration is actually six raised relief earth allowing the visitor to located mainly between 13 m and 20 m and a half hours. select his own Earth’s segment. In 2011, Mis- below the surface. They are connected sion TOBA enabled the visitor to fly above locally to the surface through a luminous The history of the Earth, from its birth a super volcano in Indonesia (2,800 cubic well, a glass oculus or semi-buried green- 4.6 billion years ago to the present Global km of tephra erupted 74,000 years ago), house. The Cone and the restaurant are Change events, with its magnetic field, plate and to visit the Tunnel of the incandescent the only buildings visible in the natural tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes, are ash-clouds, and a new temporary exhibition landscape. clearly explained and illustrated. room: the Volcano Devils, commemorat- ing the 20th anniversary of the death of the A sensational gallery dug through the Among the key elements of interest avail- Krafft volcanologists. The Krafft family trachy-andesitic lava flow evokes a travel to able to the visitor are: have indeed donated to Vulcania the core the Earth’s centre discovering legends and of their collections built during their sci- myths concerning the relationships between • the Cone, 28 m high, located in front entific volcanic explorations all over the man and volcanoes; the visitor thus arrives of the Puy de Dôme, the main vol- world. This year (2012), there were enter- in a volcanic garden bathed in sunlight, pro- canic dome of the Chaîne des Puys, taining attractions for children, the result tected by a glass casing and can walk among and covered with volcanic rocks; of a partnership with Universcience (Paris): exotic plants, six metre high tree-ferns, and • the Crater that is reached via a spiral the Children’s City. other species growing on extrusive rocks. ramp, 38 m deep dug through lava. Impressive special effects include Each exhibition or leisure area is Different areas are devoted to the Solar muffled roaring, spouting fuma- equipped with up-to-date technologies: system and to the particular volcanoes roles and reddish glares at the crater raised relief holograms, rotating seats, discovered by space probes, from Mar- bottom; earthquake simulators, tactile tablets, rotat- tian structures to the powerful eruptions • pedagogic spaces for pupils and stu- ing platforms, special effects, etc. The vari- affecting Jupiter’s Galilean moon, Io, and dents allowing geological debates ous presentation units are independent and the craters of Venus. about topics fitted to teacher and self expressive. An emphasis is put on the pupil needs. immediate visualization of the important On the ground, a luminous cross-sec- messages portrayed. Each thematic unit is tion of the globe, nine metres in diameter, Beyond the volcanoes, a panel showing shown with variable objectives encourag- reveals the Earth’s structure, with its plate the phenomena linked to their decline and ing participation by the explorer, who is movements, and shows the continuous slow inactivity is displayed. Geysers, solfatara, not only a spectator but a dynamic actor convective stirring affecting the Earth’s thermal or thermo-mineral springs and in this discovery. mantle. This interactive floor houses “pop- geothermal energy, mofettes, slow con- ups”, short movies explaining the main phe- centration of ores or slow crystallization Vulcania also plays a role as an interface nomena of the mantle and the deep regions of gems in the heart of ancient volcanoes relaying laboratory research to the public of our planet. or lodes, use of volcanic materials for the through several partnerships such as the construction are also explained. laboratory “Magma and volcanoes” (CLER- The tourist in a hurry can simply refer VOLC) from the Blaise Pascal University in to a display synthesizing the site’s contents Today the public is eager to get infor- Clermont-Ferrand. mation about the main challenges linked to natural risks, natural resources scarcity Vulcania is an active mover in the cul- and environmental or climatic hazards. tural development of the Auvergne region, Since explanations provided by the media successfully harmonizing culture, various are often variably succinct or abstruse, the partnerships, territorial environmental pro- Vulcania scientific team is involved in dis- tection and tourism. cussing recent dramatic events: the volcanic eruption in Iceland (Eyjafjallajökull, 2010) For the students temporarily attached to or Indonesia (Merapi, 2011); the earth- the Park, their training is seen as a first step quakes in Banda Aceh (Sumatra, 2004), in developing competences, particularly in Figure 3: Sight by night. in Haïti, (2010) or in Japan (Sendaï, 2011) terms of oral communication and media- with the associated devastating tsunamis. tion of scientific themes. Understanding the origin of tornadoes and droughts are also themes which inter- Vulcania, without any equivalent in est tourists who appreciate the presence of Europe, is dedicated to the knowledge of passionate scientists able to answer their our planet. Promoting Earth Sciences, this questions in easily understood language. site will continue its mission as a scientific Conference sessions enlivened by well- culture centre, opened to all the visitors to known scientists reinforce this communi- this attractive area in central France. cation mission.

Every year, Vulcania opens new and Photos from Jerôme Chabanne, Figure 4: Volcanic garden. spectacular attractions: in 2010, Machine www.vulcania.com

18 Topical - Geoheritage

Geoheritage in Hungary - present and future

Géza Chikán*, Ildikó Szentpétery, Szabolcs Nagy, Barbara Kerék, Ildikó Selmeczi and Gábor Csillag

The protection of the geological heritage has La protection de l’héritage géologique en En Hungría la protección del patrimonio a long history in Hungary. Formerly, geologi- Hongrie a une longue histoire. Précédem- geológico tiene una larga historia. Antigua- cal objects of value were placed in museums, ment, les objets géologiques de valeur mente los objetos geológicos de más valor because this provided adequate protection étaient placés dans les musées car cela se llevaban a los museos, porque de este for them. Since the 1970s the importance of constituait pour eux une protection conven- modo quedaban perfectamente protegidos. in situ conservation has come to the front. able. Depuis les années 1970, l’importance Desde los años 70 ha empezado a tener rel- At present the ministry of the environment d’une conservation in situ est apparue evancia la importancia de su conservación provides the legal protection. However, it comme essentielle. Aujourd’hui, le ministère in-situ. Actualmente el Ministerio de Medio has neither financial nor human resources de l’environnement a rendu légal cette pro- Ambiente les proporciona protección legal. to carry out a professional review. Therefore, tection. Cependant, il n’a ni les ressources Sin embargo no dispone ni de recursos it has been suggested that control should be financières ni le personnel nécessaire pour humanos ni económicos para llevar a cabo restored to the Geological and Geophysical effectuer une évaluation professionnelle des su estudio de un modo profesional. Por Institute of Hungary (formerly, and in the sites. C’est pourquoi on a pensé à confier à ello se ha sugerido que se debería devolver text, Geological Institute). In this regard, nouveau ce contrôle à L’Institut Géologique la competencia al Servicio Geológico y some promising cooperation is taking place et Géophysique de Hongrie (anciennement, Geofísico de Hungría (previamente y en el with the responsible colleagues in the min- et dans le texte, L’Institut Géologique). A texto está citado como Instituto Geológico). istry. A review of the key sections records cet égard, une coopération prometteuse A este respecto se está produciendo una has started and an experimental Internet est mise en œuvre avec les responsables cooperación muy prometedora con los access to the elements of the database - on des Géosciences au Ministère. La revue des colegas responsables del Ministerio. Se ha a geological map compiled by the Institute éléments clefs enregistrés a commencé et empezado una revisión de los principales - has been provided. un accès expérimental par Internet aux élé- cortes geológicos y se ha elaborado una ments de la base de données est disponible – página web experimental para el acceso sur carte géologique compilée par l’Institut. a las bases de datos sobre un mapa com- pilado por el Instituto.

ince the emergence of human society, ums, the in situ conservation of the geologi- The National Geological Key Section Pro- people have constantly struggled to cal landscape is also desirable. An example gramme in Hungary co-exist with their natural surround- of this is the “footprint sandstone” from Sings, whilst having a sense of affinity for Ipolytarnóc, pieces of which were removed A significant initiative was taken in the nature’s beauty. Today, we have various for conservation in the Museum of the 1970s in Hungary when efforts were made approaches to dealing with nature, from Hungarian Royal Geological Institute in toward geological protection. The National constant redevelopment and improvement 1902 and displayed in 1927 (Fig. 1). Key Section Programme began in the Geo- of infrastructure, which barely takes the environment into consideration, to a situation where any change, even a new pylon, is considered damaging.

Possibilities for the conservation of geological heritage

The removal of certain geological ‘treas- ures’ from the landscape may be necessary to protect them from damaging environmental factors or from human impact. It is also true that geology may be sidelined in connection with environmental protection and considered merely as a framework for the protection of the fauna and flora.

While objects such as fossils and minerals can be safely protected only in muse-

* Geological and Geophysical Institute of Figure 1: The “footprint sandstone” (Lower Miocene) from Ipolytarnóc in the corridor of the Geological Hungary, [email protected] and Geophysical Institute of Hungary.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 19 logical Institute; one of the main aims was to excavate and protect geological sites in situ. In the frame of this project the scientific investigation of the most significant exposures of Hungarian stratigraphy took place throughout the country. Besides the geological description of stratigraphic units, mineralogical–petrographical analyses have been carried out from the rocks that make up the units. Brochures summarizing the results of these analyses and containing photos, geological profiles and maps were published by the Geological Institute. Simultaneously, the exposures have been kept in good condition, and efforts were made to protect them from the destructive effects of vegetation and humans. Docu- mentation of 166 exposures was made in three languages (Hungarian, English and Russian) and was published up to 1990 (Fig. 2). Figure 2: The “National Geological Key Section Programme” book cover and the first page of an This project has also been influenced by exposure’s documentation. the significant social changes that occurred in the early 90s. On the one hand, geological research spending significantly decreased; on the other hand the official (legal) protection of key sections was placed under the competence of the ministry of the environment. Simultaneously, the staff of the Geological Institute was reduced to less than one third; therefore records have been transferred from the Institute to the Hun- garian Commission on Stratigraphy. Besides some concrete positive results this caused a number of disadvantages. The positive features include the fact that the establishment of legal protection can be more easily carried out by the ministry within its own competence. However, it was unfortunate that the Geological Institute was left out of the process, thus, the enlargement of the key section network and further detailed studies have become practically impossi- ble. Departments in the ministry dealing with environmental protection did not con- Figure 3: The table header — including different sources — created for the computer processing of sider the maintenance of this process or the enlargement of the project as their brief. geological items. Moreover, the Hungarian Commission on Stratigraphy received only occasional and which are worthy of conservation. Moreo- In order to create a database for the variable amounts of funding. ver, not only the spectacular aspects of geo- numerous sites and objects, which are logical heritage, which can be exhibited or worthy of protection, we started to arrange A new programme for managing geologi- are tourist attractions, should be taken into data in a table (Fig. 3). For the design of the cal heritage consideration, but those, which are impor- table international literature (Wimbledon, tant professionally. The programme also W.A.P., 1999), cadastral sheets (available In 2010 a new project was started in the includes the compilation of references and from the ministry) and the above-men- Geological Institute with the aim of taking a bibliography. The topic’s ultimate goal was tioned register of the Hungarian Com- back responsibility for registration and to provide the most complete approach, i.e. mission on Stratigraphy, concerning the professional supervision of our geologi- to create a processing system, which is valid key-sections of the country, were taken cal heritage. One of the subject’s tasks was for the large exposures (quarries/mines) into account. The goal of compiling the the definition of geological heritage; in our and the smaller ones (road cuts) and may table was to ensure a complexity which a) opinion, apart from natural exposures and satisfy the requirements of both the profes- is suitable for registering each geological collectible items, this includes drilling cores, sion and the general public. item, b) helps to separate the contents of

20 Topical - Geoheritage

interest to the general public from those the exposed for- for professionals, c) makes the production, mation (Figs 4-6) presentation and publishing of a map data- will appear. Link base possible and d) can be continuously to http://loczy.mfgi. updated. The table header and therefore its hu/fdt_alapszelvenyek content are still under development. This and the map can table contains the data of more than 400 be reached on the geological key sections registered by the Internet. Hungarian Commission on Stratigraphy, and with the help of this table we have also Besides the started to develop the map database. improvement and completion of In order to develop the map database, this database, it is the best geological background must have intended to pub- been chosen. For this purpose the Geologi- lish it as a Web 2.0 cal Map of Hungary on a scale of 1: 200 initiative and make 000 (Gyalog and Budai, 2007) was the most the results available suitable. on the Internet; our Figure 4-6: Currently available internet version of the cartographic display colleagues in the of geological key sections. All key sections included in the table Geological Institute are plotted as points on a layer, which is have already made successful attempts to do protection, should be granted. In order added to the map that is available on the this (Albert et al., 2012). An important issue to facilitate this, we would like to create Internet (Chikán et al., 2010). Clicking on a for the further development of these topics is a system of criteria, which will provide a point on the map shows the code (number), that the ministry for the environment should higher level of protection. Modification the names, coordinates (in EOV - Unified hand over professional supervision of geo- of the geological institutional system will National Projection - system) and char- logical heritage to the specialized institute also exert an important influence on the acter (quarry, road cut, etc.) of the key of the country, and the legal and financial management of geological heritage. section and the stratigraphic position of basis for their maintenance, not only their

References

Albert, G., Csillag, G., Fodor, L., Zentai, L. 2012. Visualisation of Geological Observations on Web 2.0 Based Maps — in: L. Zentai and J.R. Nunez (eds.), Maps for the Future, Lecture Notes in Geoinformation and Cartography 5, DOI 10.1007/978-3-642-19522- 8_14, 165-178. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.

Chikán, G., Szentpétery, I., Nagy, Sz. 2010. Geological natural values (in Hungarian: Földtani természeti értékek) - Oral presentation. A Magyar Tudomány Ünnepe, MTA Földtudományok Osztálya és a Magyar ProGeo Egyesület, Magyar Tudományos Akadémia, Budapest, 2010. november 11.

Gyalog, L., Budai, T. 2007. Geological map of Hungary 1:200 000 - Geological Institute of Hungary (MÁFI), Budapest.

Wimbledon, W.A.P. 1999. GEOSITES – an International Union of Geological Sciences initiative to conserve our geological heritage - in Alexandrowicz, Z. (ed.) Representative Geosites of central Europe, Proceedings of the Central Europe Working Group Workshop ProGeo’97, Poland, Krakow, October 14-17, 1997. Polish Geological Institute Special Papers, 2, 1999, 5-8.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 21 1. Support and transmission ropes 1 2 are running virtually friction-free on running wheels 2. 20 metric tons impact into the barrier 3. Impact with 8,000 kJ successfully stopped

World record: 20 metric tons 103 km/h impact stopped! 3

The new GBE-8000A rockfall barrier set this world record at the Walenstadt vertical test facility 10.10.2011. Test results according to the ETAG 027 guidelines:

• 8,000 kJ impact energy • 8.5 meter barrier deflection • 85% residual barrier height The GBE-8000A protects from large blocks producing high kinetic energies, where retention dams are not possible and exceeds the absorption capacity of most concrete galleries.

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Geobrugg AG Geohazard Solutions CH-8590 Romanshorn • Switzerland Phone +41 71 466 81 55 Fax +41 71 466 81 50 www.geobrugg.com [email protected] Topical - Geoheritage

Geoheritage: Nature and culture in a landscape approach

Francesca Romana Lugeri, Piero Farabollini*, Gian Vito Graziano and Vittorio Amadio

New environmental problems require new Des nouvelles problématiques environne- Nuevos problemas ambientales requerirá el models for territorial study and innovative mentales demandent l’élaboration de nou- desarrollo de nuevos modelos para el estu- management strategies. The aim of enhanc- veaux modèles pour l’étude du territoire et dio del territorio y de estrategias innovado- ing local resources can be achieved only by des stratégies de gestion innovatrices. Le ras de gestión. El objetivo de aprovechar directing development policies towards a but de valoriser les ressources du territoire los recursos locales sólo se puede lograr path of integration between landscape peut être atteint uniquement en orient- mediante la dirección de las políticas de protection, and socio-economic and cul- ant les politiques de développement vers desarrollo hacia un camino de integración tural requirements. These functions can une voie d’intégration entre les exigences entre los requisitos ambientales y las necesi- only be based on knowledge, enabled by écologiques et de protection du paysage dades de protección del paisaje y socio- new themes, such as wine production, and et les nécessites socio-économiques et económicos y culturales. Estas funciones disseminated through new media, such as culturelles. Ces fonctions ne peuvent être sólo se puede basar en el conocimiento, sports or film. Landscape is the key to the basées que sur la connaissance, activé par habilitado por los nuevos temas, tales como reading and cartography is the tool. With de nouveaux thèmes, tels que la production la producción de vino, y difundida a través modern geographic information systems, de vin, et diffusées à travers les nouveaux de nuevos medios de comunicación, como each mapping process is associated with a médias, comme le sport ou la représenta- los deportes o la representación fílmica. El database that indicates the value of each tion filmique. Le paysage est la clé de la paisaje es la clave de lectura, los modernos graphic element. lecture; la cartographie, et les systèmes sistemas de información geográfica, es la d’information géographique, sont l’outil. herramienta.

Landscapes, geosciences and heritage interaction of many natural and cultural approaches and going through different components; it could become a “medium” interpretative paths and a new concept, erritorial and environmental prob- to communicate the Earth Sciences to the allowing an holistic interpretation of the lems, ever more delicate and dra- whole of society. landscape where Earth Sciences, as well matic in Italy, require the constant as playing a role of primary importance, Tpresence of the geologist in all social, cul- The first step is knowledge and aware- also act as a “catalyst”, capable of stirring tural, economic and territorial contexts. ness: the geomorphological sciences are a emotions that otherwise could not be inter- A first step in this new direction is to pay powerful tool in order to reach and share a preted and appreciated. closer attention to environmental geology “sense of natural identity”. The conscious- and, at the same time, to create new, far- ness of being part of an ecosystem, is Landscape approach and GIS reaching kinds of communication. The achieved through the knowledge and the Italian National Council of Geologists experience of the environment. Shape is synthesis: following an Aris- and the Regional Professional Orders are totelian approach in studying nature, it is organizations concerned in this project Landscape is everywhere, but needs to be almost natural to read land features as the and, today more than ever, an efficient and understood and recognized as a heritage; expression of the endogenous and exog- timely participation in geo-environmental at the same time it needs to be protected, enous processes that mould Earth surfaces. protection as well as in the field of scien- in order to become a resource: the quality tific communication is urgent. One of the of landscape impinges on individual and The goals of the landscape approach in most important goals is the popularization social well-being; moreover, as finally rati- the field of geo-environment assessment of Earth Sciences and the International Year fied in the European Landscape Convention and geosciences popularization are basically of Planet Earth has, within a project that (2000), “Landscape is everywhere and is the following: has highlighted scientific heritage helped an essential element of quality of life and to make Earth Sciences more accessible to cooperates in the development of local • to provide principles, theoretical ref- the public. Landscape plays a key role in cultures”. The key role of the landscape is erence criteria and methodologies for the knowledge processes: it is the result of in its perceptive and symbolic power: it is the study of landscape the endogenous and exogenous activities what mankind interacts with, from the first • to enable environmental diagnosis that mould Earth’s surface and, at the same contact with the environment, source of and assessments, also through indices time, can be considered the result of the resources, risk, emotions. and specific quantitative models • to provide synthetic models to predict * Università di Camerino. Piazza Cavour, The following are different ways of read- the evolution of the landscape 1. 62032 Camerino. piero.farabollini@ ing, studying and researching the land- • to influence the choice of territorial unicam.it scape, starting from new methodological conservation and management

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 23 Figure 1: Geological Map GIS (ISPRA- Geological Survey of Italy). Figure 2: “Carta della Natura” GIS.

• to allow controls on the planned allow us to consider the object of study from cover: Elevation and energy of relief (A); changes. different points of view. Drainage pattern (B); Lithology (C); Land use (D); Landscape physiographic Units Each individual landscape, studied at dif- One of the most important cartographic (E); Integrating these components and the ferent scales, shows distinctive elements: projects in Italy is the CARG (Geological gathered data, it is possible to identify and structural, which depends on physical form CARtography) project, coordinated by the describe the so-called Landscape Physi- and specific spatial organization; functional, Department for Soil Defense - Geological ographic Units (Fig.3). which depends on relationships created Survey of Italy - ISPRA. It involves over between biotic and abiotic elements, and 60 entities, including Local Bodies, CNR- Overlaying the thematic maps, such as dynamic, which depends on the successive National Council of Research, University the Geological and the Physiographical evolution of the structure. Departments and Institutes, as well as ones, and integrating the gathered data, the Regions and Autonomous Provinces. we can identify areas of both natural and By integrating different information CARG produces 652 geological and geo- cultural importance fairly well. sources, it is possible to analyze the land- thematic sheets on a scale of 1:50,000 cov- scape, referring to the geomorphological ering the entire national area. The Project This is particularly true of Italy, where settings, and, consequently, to recognize provides the cognitive tools – geological the peculiarities of the landscape may add a and identify those landscapes that are spe- data – required for proper cial and significant enough to be worthy of territorial planning and man- protection as geoheritage. agement and, in particular, for the prevention, reduction and Cartography, particularly digital cartog- mitigation of hydro-geological raphy and GIS, are high-potential instru- risk (Fig. 1). ments to represent the significant link between nature and culture: maps are the Another ISPRA project is most complete tools that allow a thorough the Carta della Natura (law understanding and a clear image of the 394/91) that aims to assess the studied areas. Thematic maps provide us state of the environment in the with the identification and visualization of whole of Italy (Fig. 2). the natural environment and constitute a necessary basis for the evaluation of its state; Each individual landscape, at the same time they represent a powerful studied at different scales, “medium” for the use of the public. shows distinctive elements; at a small scale (e.g. 1:250.000) Geographical Information Systems (GIS) physiography is the feature are able to hold a wide range of information that best approximates the on the physical, biotic and anthropic envi- results of landscape clas- ronmental components, and allow evalu- sification using an holistic ation of their interrelations, especially in approach. order to locate natural resources and areas to be submitted for protection. Moreover, The considered parameters Figure 3: Landscape parameters and physiographic components GIS are flexible, multi-scale, dynamic, are mainly related to morphol- A- Elevation - Energy of relief; B- Drainage pattern; C- lithology; updatable tools; different scales of analysis ogy and to geology and land- D- Land use; E- landscape physiographic Units.

24 Topical - Geoheritage

further interpretation of the cultural diver- must represent a new way to reach a com- integrate the complex aspects of the land- sity that has been transmitted over the mil- plete comprehension of the landscape scapes and the historical development of lennia, until you get a result unique in the through a holistic approach that considers some areas of special interest, in order to world and particularly emphasized in paint- and integrates all the components of the involve the public, using special media: ing and literature. Environmental analysis studied system. nature, culture, sports will be useful tools carried out using the paradigm of landscape for the modern geologist. ecology essentially consists of four meth- In recent years, a new theoretical odological approaches: numerical “sensu approach to Earth Sciences integrates strictu”, spatial, multi-scalar and model- nature and culture, offering new power- The characterization of natural and cul- ling. Much of the information required to ful tools for educational programmes and tural heritage in film undertake environmental assessment and a new dialogue between researchers and planning has a spatial component, therefore territorial managers. It is essential to try a A well-known Italian TV serial, “Il Com- the best way to acquire and implement this new kind of popularization of scientific her- missario Montalbano” (“Inspector Montal- information is through GIS and Remote itage, in order to involve the whole society bano”); has been adapted from the novels Sensing. in a common action towards a sustainable of the Sicilian writer Andrea Camilleri, territorial management. The link between known to millions of readers and fans. One Remote Sensing methods, particularly, Earth, landscape and wine, for example, is of the characters, Cesare Bocci, is a geolo- supervised by field controls, play a primary a link between nature and culture. gist with an important role in the fiction: role in these kinds of multi-scale landscape this combination gave us the idea of using studies. By integrating information about A path through landscapes is a path film to popularize our natural and cultural the geomorphology and the land use of through the Earth Sciences. A possible heritage. The stories are set in Sicily, in such a region, it is possible to analyze the link new approach is proposed here, trying to World Heritage Sites as Noto Valley, Ragusa between landscape shapes and the socio- Ibla, Modica, Scicli, Agrigento, Siracusa and economical development of an area. the Aeolian Islands.

Geosciences popularization The landscapes and the archaeological sites in the film are spectacular and very The study of the landscape is a complex significant components of the Italian natu- process: integrating all the components of ral and cultural heritage. The landscape, the studied system: its geomorphology, its in particular, as a component of the movie landscape ecology and its cultural aspects location, offers new communication codes to spread scientific knowledge. In many episodes of the series, the geological arrangement of the landscape is an important component in the dramatization. The natural scenography lends a special significance: the local population, as well as tourists recognize the area and can better appreciate its value. Communicating natural and cultural heritage through film and fiction could represent a new way to involve the public in appreciating the landscape and to promote eco-tourism and sustainable Figure 4: Sicily Landscape Physiographic Unit Figure 5: Siracusa “Ear of Dionysius” Cave. development in Italy (Fig. 4-7). Map, scale 1:250.000.

Figure 6: Landscape of Erice – Sicilia region. Figure 7: A sample of the GIS – Landscape physiographic Units of Erice -sc 1: 250.000.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 25 Figure 8: Stelvio Landscape, a famous mountain stage of the “Giro d’Italia” Figure 9: Stelvio Geological Map 1:100.000 (ISPRA Geological Survey of Italy). (ph. Luca Paro).

Geo-environmental heritage and sport important role in local as well as in global between cause and effect of natural phe- economic development. nomena and the biotic component, and Cycling, popular sport par excellence are mutually reciprocal. The concept of represents a spatial-temporal relationship In Italian culture, vine cultivation is a “environmental diversity” can be under- between individuals, communities and common kind of land use; wine production stood as the integration of geodiversity society. The Giro d’Italia is the most popu- represents an activity full of significance. and biodiversity: its components can be lar race in our country and is a medium of In Italy, the geology and geomorphology divided into hierarchical levels of organi- great communicative and multifunctional strongly influence land use. Vineyards zation; its conservation must therefore take potential. The proposal is to show the gen- are linked to the ground more than other into account the integrated studies on living eral public (and the athletes) the geomor- kinds of cultivation, for many scientific, organisms, habitats and ecosystems, and phological components of each stage of the social and cultural reasons, as shown by geological heritage. race by describing the geology, nature and history, religion and myths. The strong link environmental characteristics of the areas between landscape, terroir and geomor- A very useful tool for territorial planning (Fig. 8-9). phology can be seen, for example, in the and management are maps and GIS: by inte- terrace vineyards at high altitude, on almost grating many different strands of informa- The competitive characteristics of the vertical slopes and these can be considered tion we can analyze the link between vine- stages, as the racing climbs and descends, as a precious kind of geoheritage. These yard cultivation and landscape, referring are related to the geology (Fig.10). GIS areas need special management, in order to to the geomorphological setting (Fig. 12). elaborations and images can help in show- safeguard both natural and cultural aspects ing the geo-environmental settings of the and to apply well-balanced programmes Starting from the link between vine- stages, making it easier for the public to for local development, that promote wine yard cultivation and landscape, at different recognize the landscape (Fig. 11). production and its special link with the scales of analysis, it is possible to analyze landscape. the evolution of vine cultivation and wine Wine landscapes and geoheritage production, in order to try,for example, the The relations between the components replanting of old vines in protected areas, Wine and wine production are very of the landscape and the environment as an experiment to integrate cultivation important in many cultures, and play an itself are very close, like the relationships and culture.

Figure 10: Stelvio - Landscape Unit Map (ISPRA “Carta della Natura” Figure 11: Geological 3D Map of the Dolomiti, near Cortina, UNESCO WHS, 1:250.000). stage in the Giro d’Italia 2012.

26 Topical - Geoheritage

Figure 12: Landscape Physiographic Unit Map - scale 1:250.000 Abruzzo region. Figure 13: Map of habitat and land use, scale 1: 50.000.

The multi-scaled approach gives an referring to the social aspects of geoher- ecosystems. Future planning should make added value in terms of tools, to the study itage, is represented by local institutions use of interpretative landscape analyses of landscape. For example, the 1:250.000 which study and protect the territory, pro- using various tools. scale map gives a general view of the land- grammes for territorial monitoring, and scape, in order to recognize, classify and promoting local action to restore, protect The aim to protect places of significant map geomorphologically homogeneous and exploit, in a sustainable way, the areas geological interest derives from the need to areas. of interest. At the same time, special atten- guarantee a conscious and enjoyable use of tion should be devoted to social involve- landscape in all its forms for future genera- The scale 1: 50.000 highlights soil use, in ment: communication, dissemination and tions. The relevant Italian law, the “Frame- particular the distribution of wine cultiva- education. work Law on Protected Areas” (394/1991), tion in the area (Fig. 13). has among its aims the protection and man- A proper technical and cultural approach agement of certain areas and geological and At the same scale, thanks to the thematic to the question of managing and protecting palaeontological conservation, places of maps produced by the CARG project it the environment requires a multiscale and scenic and panoramic interest, natural pro- is also possible to gather geological and multidisciplinary approach, aiming at a cesses, and hydraulic and hydrogeological geomorphological data. Indeed, even if the balance between use of and respect for the equilibrium. New environmental problems biotic component plays a key role in the land, in order to have development that is need new solutions and new creative strate- functional ecosystem dynamics, geology, sustainable for both the natural and social gies in cooperation with citizens and policy being a part of all natural systems, plays a primary role in the study of landforms, climate, and biodiversity. In parallel, new attention is paid, in the study of nature and territory, to agricultural arrangement, cultural settlement and, more generally, to land use, recognized as a very important factor in an integrated approach to territorial analysis, that integrate both the natural and cultural aspects of a landscape (Fig. 14).

In many cases, spectacular land forms become a potential tourist resource. This situation is not easy to manage and needs scientific/geomorphological monitoring, new outlooks in agricultural practice, and social consensus, based on shared knowledge and on a common model of identification in the local landscape.

Conclusions

The Italian landscape, spectacular and varied, is made up of a dynamic set of geo- Figure 14: Risk/Resource in Abruzzo region (Photo: Mauro Cantoro). morphosites. An important extra value,

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 27 makers. This goal can be reached only if of a region. Analyzing the landscape, in ral and cultural heritage using new com- it becomes a common aim, moving the fact, it is possible to characterize the areas munication methods (through e.g., film, development policies towards a real inte- of special geological, environmental and cycling, wine) could help new strategies gration of ecological and socio-economical cultural value, which in some cases can be for a balanced and sustainable management requirements. considered geosites. of the land.

The socio-economical scenario of an The aim of protecting places of signifi- Acknowledgements area is strictly linked to the geological one: cant geological interest derives from the even at different scales, the endogenous need to guarantee a conscious and enjoy- The authors wish to thank Adriano de and exogenous processes, and the rocks, able use of landscape in all its forms for Ascentiis, Fabrizio Galluzzo, and Nicola as elements of the landscape, condition future generations: the development of an Lugeri for their valuable suggestions; Luca the evolution of environment and form the area follows the same path as eco-tourism. Paro, Michele Lugeri and Mauro Cantoro basis of the spatial-temporal development The suggested popularization of the natu- for the pictures.

References

Amadio, V., Amadei, M., Bagnaia, R., Di Bucci, D., Laureti, L., Lisi, A., Lugeri, F.R., Lugeri, N. 2002. The role of Geomorphology in Landscape Ecology: the Landscape Unit Map of Italy’, Scale 1: 250,000 (Carta della Natura Project). In: Allison, R.J. (ed.) Applied Geomorphology: theory and practice, 265-282. John Wiley & Sons, London. .

Angelini, S., Farabollini, P., Lugeri, F.R., Scalella, G. 2012. GIS technologies as a tool for Earth Science learning through geotour- istic itineraries: application in the Marche. Rendiconti Online SGI, 19, 61-63.

APAT. 2003. Carta della natura alla scala 1:250,000: metodologie di realizzazione. APAT, Manuali e linee guida 17/2003, Roma.

APAT. 2004. Carta della natura alla scala 1:50,000: metodologie di realizzazione. APAT, Manuali e linee guida 30/2004, Roma.

APAT. 2005. Patrimonio geologico e geodiversità APAT, Rapporti - 51/2005, Roma.

Aringoli, D., Farabollini, P., Gentili, B., Materazzi, M., Pambianchi, G. 2009. Geoparks and geoconservation: examples in the southern Umbro-Marchean Apennines (central Italy). Geoacta, special publication, 3, 153-166.

Brilha, J. 2002. Geoconservation and protected areas. Environmental Conservation, 29, 273-276. Cambridge University Press.

Council of Europe. 2000. European Landscape Convention. Florence 20.X.2000. European Treaty Series, 176, 9 pp.

Forman, R.T.T., Godron, M. 1986. Landscape Ecology. John Wiley and Sons, NewYork.

Lugeri, F.R., Amadio, V., Bagnaia, R., Cardillo, A., Lugeri, N. 2011. Landscapes and Wine Production Areas: a Geomorphological Heritage. Geoheritage, 3:3, 221-232. Springer Verlag Heidelberg.

Lugeri, F.R., Farabollini, P., Greco, R., Bocci, C. 2012. The characterization of natural and cultural heritage in the filmic communication. 7th EUropean Congress on REgional GEOscientific Cartography and Information Systems.EUREGEO Bologna Proceedings, 1, 311-312.

Naveh, Z., Lieberman, A.S. 1994. Landscape Ecology Theory and Application. Springer Series on Environmental Management. New York, 360 pp.

Turner, M.G., Gardner, R.H., O’Neill, R.V. 2001. - Landscape Ecology in Theory and Practice: Pattern and Process. Springer, New York.

28 Topical - Geoheritage

Geoconservation in Serbia – State of play and future perspectives

Aleksandra Maran*

Geoconservation in Serbia dates back to the La conservation de l’héritage géologique de La conservación del patrimonio geológico beginning of the 20th century. During the la Serbie remonte au début du 20ème siècle. en Serbia comienza a principios del siglo early decades, intensive geological activity Pendant les premières décades, on a assisté XX. Durante las primeras décadas se llevó a took place and many scientifically impor- à une intense activité géologique et un cabo una intensa actividad de investigación tant geological sites, outcrops and sections grand nombre de sites géologiques majeurs, geológica y se descubrieron y explicaron were discovered and explained. Before 1995, affleurements et coupesgéologiques ont multitud de lugares de interés geológico, 78 geosites were protected, based on indi- ainsi été découverts et documentés. Avant afloramientos y cortes geológicos. Hasta vidual proposals. In 1995, Serbia became a 1995, 78 sites géologiques étaient proté- 1995 se protegieron 78 lugares de interés member of the ProGEO and established the gés, sur la base de propositions individu- geológico en base a propuestas individu- National Council for Geoheritage Conserva- elles. En 1995, la Serbie est devenue un ales. En ese mismo año, Serbia se convirtió tion. The systematic inventory of geologi- membre de ProGEO et a fondé le Conseil en miembro de ProGEO y estableció el Con- cal sites began in 1996, and since then an National pour la Conservation de l’Héritage sejo Nacional para la Conservación del Pat- additional 552 sites have been designated Géologique. L’inventaire systématique des rimonio Geológico. El inventario sistemático for conservation. sites géologiques a commencé en 1996 et, de lugares de interés geológico empezó en depuis cette date, 552 sites additionnels ont 1996, y desde entonces se han seleccionado été sélectionnés pour faire l’objet d’une con- para su conservación otros 522 lugares. servation.

eodiversity, geoheritage and geo- the Dinaric mountain system extends along Serbian scientists, J. Pančić and J. Žujović conservation have been recognized the western part of Serbia. and their successors, J. Cvijić, S. Urošević, worldwide as new challenges in S. Radovanović, P. Pavlović and V. Petković. Ggeological research in the last two decades. The first data on the geology of Serbia The idea for conservation of geological sites The term geodiversity explains the nature were provided by foreign scientists, mostly in Serbia was born at the same time the first of the entire abiotic world we are seeking geologists and geographers who travelled systematic geological investigations were to protect. Geodiversity encompasses the across the country during the 19th century. undertaken. The initiative by P. Pavlović natural range of geological, geomorphologi- The beginning of the 20th century was the in 1924 to protect the Zlot caves in eastern cal and soil features, assemblages, systems golden age for natural science research Serbia (Fig. 1) was the first official proposal and processes (Australian Natural Heritage and geology and that period was marked for conservation of a particular natural Charter, 2002). Geoheritage is an impor- by the geological surveys of the two great monument (Maran, 1998). tant part of geodiversity, dealing with the conservation of rocks, landforms and soils that are significant to humans (Dixon, 1996 in Gray, 2004). Geoconservation involves a set of actions focused on conserving and enhancing geological and geomorphological features, processes, sites and specimens for their intrinsic, ecological and heritage- related values (Sharples, 2002).

History of geoconservation in Serbia

The territory of Serbia is abundant in geological phenomena. It is one of just a very few countries where the two Alpine geotectonic units meet: the Carpathian- Balkan mountain arch is in the east whereas * Natural History Museum in Belgrade, Njegoseva 51, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia, Figure 1: Zlot Gorge in eastern Serbia, first natural area proposed for protection in 1924 (photo: A. [email protected] Maran).

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 29 30

Figure 2: Geotectonic units of Serbia - 1: Carpathian-Balkanides, 2: Serbian- Figure 3: Map of protected natural monuments related to geoheritage (after Macedonian Massif, 3: Vardar Zone, 4: Inner Dinarides, 5: Pannonian Basin the Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia, modified by Maran 2012). (Maran 2012).

Prior to 1948 and the foundation of the Geological, palaeontological, mineralogical- rock, mineral and fossil specimens that Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia, petrological sites and objects were men- make a special contribution to the under- the conservation of nature was exclusively tioned for the first time within the Law on standing of geology and the geological his- under the direction of the Natural History Protection of Cultural Monuments and tory of the Earth. Geoheritage is regarded Museum in Belgrade (Maran, 2008). Since Natural Rarities (81/1946). More detailed as that part of geodiversity, which refers, that time, management of nature protection laws concerning nature conservation and among others, to structural and tectonic and responsibility for its implementation management of natural resources, which features, sedimentological and palaeon- has been divided between the Institute for also regulated the field of geological her- tological sites, hydrogeological and spe- Nature Conservation (in situ protection) itage, were promulgated between 1961 leological features, active and abandoned and the Natural History Museum (ex situ and 1995: the Act on Nature Protection quarries formed by natural processes. protection). Experts from both institutions (1961), the Law on Environment Protec- work on the advancement, protection and tion (66/1991, 83/1992, 53/1993, 67/1993, The governmental body responsible for promotion of our natural environment, 48/1994, 53/1995), and the Law on Cultural nature conservation is the Serbian Ministry including geoheritage as one of their divi- Properties (71/1994). of Natural Resources, Mining and Spatial sions. Today, about 10% of natural areas Planning. The Serbian Environmental Pro- in Serbia are under statutory protection. In Serbia, the terms “geodiversity” and tection Agency (SEPA) serves as an advisory They primarily refer to biodiversity: pro- “geoheritage” were recognized for the and executive agency under this Ministry. tected areas include 5 national parks, 20 first time within the newly imposed laws The Institute for Nature Conservation of natural parks, 120 nature reserves, 470 natu- on environmental (135/2004) and nature Serbia is responsible for long-term strategic ral monuments as well as six Ramsar sites protection (36/2009, 88/2010). Although as well as commissioned applied research and one biosphere reserve. Each protected their dominant parts mostly concern biodi- that facilitates the decision-support sys- area has its own category acknowledged by versity-related issues, they also bring some tems and implementation of international related legislation. improvements in the field of geoconser- conventions in the field of nature protec- vation. For instance, the Law on Environ- tion. The Serbian Geological Institute is Legislation and responsibilities mental Protection identifies geodiversity a government organization responsible as a variety of geological sites and objects, for geological research and mapping. The The first nature conservation act was including various rock formations, struc- Natural History Museum is a governmen- declared in 1945 (Kujunžić-Popović, 1965). tures, landforms and processes as well as tal institution that administers the field of

30 Topical - Geoheritage

movable natural legacy, including important Category No. of sites Subcategories No. of sites geological collections. Paleozoic 22 Triassic 4 Geoheritage register Geological and strati- 130 Jurassic 18 graphic heritage sites Cretaceous 39 Five major geostructural units are distin- Neogene 47 guished in Serbia (Fig. 2). The Carpathian- Balkanides of eastern Serbia represent the northern Alpine branch formed under Sedimentary rocks 13 highly varied geological conditions. The Petrological heritage sites 53 Serbian-Macedonian Massif is the crys- Magmatic and meta- 40 talline core area between the Carpathian- morphic rocks Balkanides and the Dinarides. The Vardar Structural heritage sites 5 Zone, a remnant of the ancient Vardar Ocean, is located among the Serbian- Geophysical heritage sites 8 Macedonian Massif, Dinarides and Pan- nonian Basin, respectively. The Dinarides is a part of the Alpine orogenic system, Hydrogeological heritage 19 formed by closure of the ancient Tethyan sites oceanic realm. The Pannonian Basin rep- Pedological geoheritage 4 resents a back arc extensional basin, situ- sites ated in the north of country. Due to the complex geological evolution and history of Archeological heritage sites 14 the territory of Serbia, many geologists are involved in systematic and detailed surveys Karstic 56 and research (Petković, 1935; Andjelković Fluvial 48 & Nikolić, 1980; Grubić 1980; Dimitrijević, 1995; Ćirić, 1996). Erosional 11 Aeolian 9 Serbia is a good example of a country rich Geomorphological sites 192 Paleovolcanic 11 in geological diversity and with a long geo- Glacial 21 logical tradition but still with an inadequate Periglacial 6 geodiversity conservation status in terms of Peat moor 30 regulation and practice. Prior to 1995, only 78 geological sites were protected (Fig. 3). Caves 56 Of that number, 14 localities were named Speleological heritage sites 80 Holes 10 as particular natural monuments and their protection was managed inside protected Sinkholes 14 areas (e.g. national parks, natural parks or nature reserves). The other 64 sites were Neotectonic landforms 34 Epeirogeny forms 15 assigned as single monuments or landscapes Faults 19 with special attributes, including geological Air temperatures 7 (12), geomorphological (14), hydrological Sites with specific climatic 13 Precipitation 4 and hydrogeological (12), and speleologi- features Atmospheric pressure 1 cal sites (26). Wind 1 In 1995, Serbia joined the ProGEO at its first regional meeting “Conservation of the Table 1: Inventory of the geological heritage sites of Serbia (from Archives of the Serbian National geological heritage in SE Europe” organized Council for Geoheritage Conservation, compiled by A. Maran). in Bulgaria.

A milestone in the history of geological eminent geoscientists actively participated nal dedicated to the Second Conference heritage in Serbia was the First Conference in its implementation. of Geoheritage of Serbia, held in Belgrade of Geoheritage of Serbia held in Novi Sad in in 2004. 1995, where the Serbian National Council The work on the inventory was under- for Geoheritage Conservation was founded. taken between 1996 and 2003 and in 2004 a In Serbia, as well as in some other south- preliminary list was created. It includes 552 eastern European countries, a comprehen- In 1996, the Council initiated the pro- geosites proposed for conservation (Table sive National geoconservation strategy has ject “Inventory of the geoheritage sites of 1). The sites are classified into eleven cat- still not been established despite many Serbia”, which aimed to collect proposals egories according to criteria of the ProGEO warnings from specialists. Prior to a defi- for geosites that mark important events in Framework List of geoheritage (Mijović, nition of the strategy, however, substantial the geological history of Serbian territory. 2005). The geoheritage register of Serbia research needs to be done in selecting pre- This project was voluntary-based and many was published in 2005 within a special jour- liminary important geodiversity sites, valu-

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 31 ing geodiversity, assessing potential threats, significance of Serbian geosites in terms Mokra Gora area). and identifying general actions to control of scientific, educational, economic, cul- • Not all geosites of potential impor- significant geoheritage features. tural and tourism aspects. Following these tance located within declared pro- criteria, three categories of non-movable tected natural areas are well studied Categorization of geological heritage of geoheritage of Serbia are proposed (Maran, and scientifically assessed on a com- Serbia 2010; 2012-unpublished PhD thesis): a) parative basis. Their vulnerability Internationally Important Geosites (IIG), to damage is not known, thus they The study of geodiversity and geoherit- b) Nationally Important Geosites (NIG) are not properly protected and their age involves different scientific methods and c) Regionally and/or Locally Impor- potential is not properly utilized. and procedures: 1) identification of geosites tant Geosites (RLIG). Different conserva- • There is a lack of common under- and evaluation of their importance in terms tion methods, including physical control, standing among the different special- of science, education, economy and culture, supervision, legislation, licensing, and site- ists involved in nature protection (e.g. 2) recognition of the threats to geosites and explanation are proposed to protect valu- biologists, ecologists, geologists or establishment of a geoconservation strategy able geoheritage features in Serbia. geographers). They have to develop to prevent and reduce these risks, 3) evalu- joint, coherent measures and actions, ation of the geosite potential for education Moveable geological objects include in order to facilitate the efficiency of and tourism to benefit nature conservation rock, mineral and ore samples as well as geoconservation and, in general, of and the local inhabitants. Establishing the fossil specimens that are housed in muse- nature conservancy. procedures for assessing geodiversity and ums and in private collections (Maran, geoheritage depends on evaluating criteria 2010). The principles for assessment of Moreover, there are concerns regard- to identify those geological features that geological material are based on the attrib- ing the status of the movable geoherit- have nature conservation values (Maran, utes of a particular geo-object, including age of Serbia. The national cultural laws 2008). how unique and representative it is at (71/1994, 72/2009) declare minerals and global, national and regional levels, how fossils as subjects of protection but do not The geoheritage of Serbia is recognized instructive it is in terms of the evolution of specify the difference from the archeo- within two major categories - the immov- inanimate and animate nature, its natural logical or even historical legacy (Maran, able (in situ) and the movable (ex situ). process and form, and how important it is 2012-unpublished PhD thesis). Moreover, Immovable geoheritage refers to geosites for the development of geology and natural the movable geoheritage is also regulated that display various phenomena exposed sciences in Serbia. In order to synchronize by three separate laws (Laws on Cultural “on spot”: rock and mineral types, fossils, classifications, three categories of geologi- Properties and on Culture, 71/1994, and stratigraphical contacts, structural and tec- cal collections, equivalent to geosites, are 72/2009; Law 135/2004 on Environmental tonic features, relict and active landscapes proposed (Maran, 2010; 2012-unpublished Protection and Laws 36/2009, 88/2010 on and processes, hydrogeological features, PhD thesis): a) Internationally Important Nature Protection) and its conservation is weathered rocks and soils and building Collection (IIC), b) Nationally Important administered by two different bodies, the stones (Fig. 4). Collection (NIC) and c) Regionally/Locally Ministry of Culture and Media and the Important Collection (RLIC). Conserva- Ministry of Natural Resources, Mining and Four relevant principles, such as rep- tion of geological collections includes Spatial Planning. This complex system leads resentativeness, uniqueness, complexity various research methods and provision to many mistakes and is the main reason and vulnerability are used to evaluate the of optimal storage space to ensure their why the status and treatment of the mov- accessibility and long-term security. able geoheritage is less adequate than other national cultural properties (e.g. archeologi- Current problems of geoconservation in cal heritage). Serbia Perspectives The existing situation concerning the protection of geosites in Serbia can be sum- Geoeducation plays an important role marized as follow: in promoting geoheritage values in order to gain support for the implementation of • Numerous nationally important geoconservation objectives and to ensure geological sites are recognized but effective practical management of geoherit- not protected by any specific regula- age. In the last decade several geoconservation and their protection zones are tion-related projects have been undertaken, not delineated (e.g. geosites in the aiming at identifying areas of geological Djerdap Gorge, Stara Planina Mt., interest and informing the public of their Belgrade area). existence. Some of these projects are: “Geo- • There are few areas in Serbia that heritage of the National Park Fruška Gora” have updated inventories of geo- (2007-2009), “Geoheritage of the Nature logical resources including precise Park Šargan-Mokra Gora” (2008-2010), information on their location, state “Geological sites and natural phenomena Figure 4: Upper Cretaceous sandstones of Grlo of preservation, value and vulner- as an integral part of the geodiversity of the Gorge, Stara Planina Mt., eastern Serbia, (photo: ability thus hindering appropriate Belgrade city area” (2009-2010) and “Geo- Z. Stevanović). conservation as well as management heritage and geodiversity of northwestern of geosites (e.g. Fruška Gora Mt., Serbia: Geological history of the Krupanj-

32 Topical - Geoheritage

(NP Tara, NP Mokra Gora (Fig. 6) and Kru- panj-Valjevo regions) and northern parts (Fruška Gora and Vršac Hills). Incorpora- tion of the georoutes into local and regional tourist attractions could motivate other geologists, naturalists and stakeholders to be involved in and encourage new ideas and inventiveness.

Among the activities planned to raise awareness for geoheritage and geoconservation are: training courses for staff working in national parks, popular lectures for local and regional authorities and creation of geological displays for locals and the wider public.

Concluding remarks

The profile of geoconservation in Serbia has grown considerably since 2004 after completion of the preliminary list of geo- Figure 5: Geotourist map of Boljevac area with georoute „In limestone world“ (Maran 2012). heritage sites. The work is undertaken thanks largely to Serbian geoscientists, who made an effort to put internationally agreed objectives into practice, and also due to their active participation in the inclusion of international standards into the national regulation.

There are several further steps proposed to intensify work on the geoheritage of Serbia:

• prepare a national geoconservation strategy; • standardize the criteria for geosite inventory and classification; • continue the inventory of geoheritage; • increase public awareness of the importance of geoheritage; • ensure the support of planners, developers and strategic stakeholders for geoconservation; • upgrade the existing legislation by Figure 6: On-site presentation at Kotroman section, Mokra Gora area, western Serbia (photo: D. establishing new directives on geo- Milovanović). heritage protection; • allocate the funds and provide the Valjevo region” (2008-2011). Based on students and children to promote the support for scientific geoheritage these projects, some valuable publications geodiversity values of Serbia as well as to projects; have been issued in recent years, such as increase geo-environmental knowledge and • strengthen the cooperation among popular books, brochures, geoheritage and the public interest in exploring the natural relevant geological national and geotourist maps that contain relevant infor- surroundings. At the moment, one of the international institutions; mation on the geology and geodiversity of most promising activities is the establish- • enhance capacity-building in geocon- studied areas. ment of georoutes. There are several pro- servation, including new geological posals to organize geotours across Serbia specialists - “geoconservationalists”; Serbia has a great educative potential for that relate to areas with great geotourism • develop a scientific and environmen- outdoor activities, including guided geor- potential (Maran, 2012-unpublished PhD tal base to evaluate the potential of outes, thematic trails and on-site presen- thesis), such as those in its eastern (Djerdap Fruška Gora and Mokra Gora to tations, intended for the general public, Gorge and Boljevac area, Fig. 5), western become geoparks.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 33 References

Andjelković, M., Nikolić, P. 1980. Tektonika Karpato-Balkanida Jugoslavije [The tectonic structure of Carpatho-Balkanides of Yugoslavia]. Univerzitet u Beogradu, Rudarsko-geološki fakultet, Zavod za regionalnu geologiju i paleontologiju, 1-248, Beograd.

Australian Heritage Commission, 2002. Australian Natural Heritage Charter for the conservation of places of natural heritage significance. Australian Heritage Commission, 32 pp.

Ćirić, B. 1996. Geologija Srbije: Građa i razvoj zemljine kore [Geology of Serbia: Structure and evolution of the Earth’s crust]. Geokarta, 1-273, Beograd.

Dimitrijević, D. M. 1995. Geologija Jugoslavije [The Geology of Yugoslavia]. Geoinstitut, Barex, 1-205, Beograd.

Gray, M. 2004. Geodiversity: Valuing and Conserving Abiotic Nature. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 434 pp, Chichester/UK.

Grubić, A. 1980. Yugoslavia. An outline of Geology of Yugoslavia, 26th International Geological Congress, Guide book 15, 5-49, Paris.

Kujunžić-Popović, Z. 1965. Propisi u oblasti zaštite prirode u razdoblju od 1945. do 1965. godine i perspektive njihovog daljeg razvoja. Zaštita prirode, Zavod za zaštitu prirode Srbije, 135-141, Beograd.

Maran, A. 1998. The role of the Natural History Museum in Serbia’s geoheritage conservation. 13th Congress of geologists of Yugoslavia, 2, 335-343, Herceg-Novi.

Maran, A. 2008. Geoconservation in the Balkan region-Practices and legal instruments. Bulletin of the Natural History Museum in Belgrade, 1: 41-63.

Maran, A. 2010. Valuing the geological heritage of Serbia. Bulletin of the Natural History Museum in Belgrade, 3: 47-66.

Maran, A. 2012. Geoconservation of the Cretaceous marine geosites from Serbia: Boljevac and Mokra Gora area. University of Bucharest, 221 pp + 4 annexes (unpublished PhD thesis).

Mijović, D. 2005. The framework of the geological heritage conservation activities in Serbia and Montenegro. Proceedings of the ProGeo WG-1 subregional meeting “Ten years geological heritage in SE Europe”, 10, Tirana, Albania.

Petković, V. 1935. Geologija Istočne Srbije. Srpska kraljevska akademija, 1, 95-103, Beograd.

Sharples, C. 2002. Concepts and principles of geoconservation. Published electronically on the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, web site www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au.

Law on Protection of Cultural Monuments and Natural Rarities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, 81/1946.

Act on Nature Protection of the Social Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Official Gazette of the SFRY, 108/1961.

Law on Environmental Protection, Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, no. 66/1991, no. 83/1992, no. 53/1993, no. 67/1993, no.48/1994, no. 53/1995, no. 135/2004.

Law on Cultural Properties, Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, 71/1994.

Law on Culture, Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, 72/2009.

Law on Nature Protection, Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, 36/2009, 88/2010.

34 Topical - Geoheritage

Information system on important geosites in the Slovak Republic

Pavel Liščák* and Alexander Nagy

Between 2008 and2011, within the project Dans la période 2008 à 2011, pour le Projet Entre los años 2008 y 2011 y dentro del on an Information system of important geo- de création d’un système d’Information proyecto sobre un sistema de información sites in Slovakia, a database of 479 geosites relatif aux sites géologiques majeurs de de los lugares de interés geológico más was compiled. Each record of the database Slovaquie, une base de données intéres- relevantes de Eslovaquia se compiló una contains a detailed geological description of sant 479 sites géologiques a été compilée. basa de datos de 479 lugares. Cada ficha the site, the degree of and the reason for its Chaque enregistrement de la base de don- de la base de datos contiene una detallada protection, the map location and the geo- nées comporte une description géologique descripción geológica del sitio y las razones logical map at a scale of 1:50,000, graphic détaillée du site concerné, son niveau de por su protección, el mapa de situación de documentation in the form of photographs, protection ainsi que les raisons de cette la zona a escala 1:50 000, documentación drawings and contemporary postcards and protection, sa position géographique, son gráfica en forma de fotografías, dibujos, references. The popular texts are provided contexte géologique à l’échelle du 1/50.000, portales actuales y referencias. Los textos both in Slovakian and English. Most of the une documentation graphique sous forme divulgativos están en eslovaco e inglés. La geosites are not protected by law, but from de photographies, dessins, images con- mayoría de los lugares de interés geológico a scientific and academic point of view they temporaines et références. Les textes de no tienen protección legal, pero desde un are extremely valuable geological entities, vulgarisation sont écrits, à la fois, en langue punto de vista científico y académico son which should be maintained for future gen- slovaque et anglaise. La majorité des sites ne entidades geológicas de un elevado valor erations as geological heritage. bénéficient d’aucune protection légale mais, que se deberían conservar para las genera- d’un point de vue scientifique et académ- ciones futuras como patrimonio geológico. ique, ils représentent des entités géologiques de valeur exceptionnelle qui devraient être sauvegardées pour les générations futures en tant qu’héritage géologique.

Geological Setting of Slovakia (in brief) Along the northern edge of the arc of colour, with the oldest rocks usually darkest the Western Carpathians collisions of the and the younger rocks in brighter shades. he Western Carpathians are a moun- upper crust blocks took place, accompanied tain range with a very complicated by folding. At the same time in the south, The geological structure of Slovakia con- structural-tectonic and geomorpho- in their rear, the crust was stretching and sists of the Outer and Inner Carpathians Tlogical evolution (genesis), and are part of thinning out, giving rise to extensive marine separated by the Klippen Belt. The oldest the Alp-Carpathian-Himalayan mountain pools (basins). The northern protrusions rocks are metamorphic. Originally, they had system. In this mountain range, the rocks- of the Pannonian Basin, with its centre in been several kilometres thick sediments, cover an immense geological timespan from Hungary - (Vienna, Danubian, East- and deposited at the bottom of the primeval more than 600 million years ago to recently- South-Slovakian basins) encroach on Slo- ocean, mainly in the older Palaeozoic and formed deposits (river deposits, weathering vakian territory. These orogenic movements maybe even earlier (roughly 600-400 mil- scree, various debris, loams, etc.). split the mountains ranges (Malé Karpaty, lion years ago). In the wake of the primeval Tribeč, Považský Inovec, the Strážovské Carpathians, these sediments submerged to The Western Carpathians overcame sev- vrchy, Žiar, Vysoké and Nízke Tatry, the depths of the Earth’s crust; in the zone eral orogenic events during the repeated Branisko, Zemplínske vrchy) into isolated of increased pressure and temperature collisions of continents in the Palaeozoic, islands (horsts); their margins are currently they were metamorphosed into schists. At Mesozoic and Tertiary eras. The Western submerging below the Tertiary sediments. the same time some of these rocks in the Carpathians have gained their current posi- During this time, extensive volcanic activity areas with the highest temperature melted, tion within the space between the edge of created the Štiavnické and Kremnické vrchy creating a magma, which after cooling and the European Platform and the northern Mts., Pohronský Inovec, Vtáčnik, Javorie, solidification created a colourful mosaic of part of the African Continent since the Poľana and Kováčovské vrchy (Burda) Hills varieties of granite (granitoid). In the sub- youngest Tertiary (approx. 15 million years (Central Slovakian neovolcanites). In east- sequent movements of the crust these rocks ago). ern Slovakia the chain consists of the former were uplifted and denuded by deep weath- active volcanoes of the Slánske vrchy and ering/erosion processes. Now, they form the Vihorlat Mts. central (core) parts of the Malé Karpaty, * State Geological Institute of Dionýz Štúr, Považský Inovec, Tribeč, Strážovské vrchy, Mlynska dolina, Bratislava, Slovak Repub- lic, [email protected] The geological map, regardless of the Vysoké and Nízke Tatry, Malá and Veľká scale, indicates the age of the rocks using Fatra, Žiar and Branisko Mts. and are called

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 35 Figure 1: Tectonic scheme of the Slovak part of the Western Carpathians (Hók in Matejovič et al., 2001).

Core Mountains. The magmatic rocks were seas, and freshwater lakes. The Neogene Project solution formed during the whole period of the Pal- sediments have been preserved in depres- aeozoic, but mainly in the Younger Palaeo- sions (lowlands and inter-mountainous The variegated geology of Slovakia offers zoic (350-300 million years ago). basins). The movements of blocks along numerous potential geosites which will be the faults were accompanied by intense part of the natural heritage of Slovakia. Then this primeval mountain range was volcanic activity, the maximum of which Some of the geosites are already protected peneplained and submerged in the ocean. covered a period of approximately 10-13 under Law 543/2002 Coll. of 25 June 2002 Limestone (carbonate) Mesozoic rocks million years. Some volcanoes became on the Protection of Nature and Landscape were the dominant deposits. These rocks extinct only one million years ago, whilst as National Natural Monuments, Natural were later folded due to pressure from the the youngest (Putikov vŕšok) became Monuments, Nature Reserves and National African Plate upon the European Platform extinct approximately 120,000 years ago. Nature Reserves; some of these have been and the secondary Carpathian Mountains declared World Cultural and Natural Her- evolved. After uplift and sinking of the At the beginning of the Quaternary era itage sites. crustal blocks in the Tertiary era (Palaeo- (approx. 2.5 million years ago), a variable gene) these rocks were, along with the older thick sheet of terrestrial rocks of different There are already three geoparks in Slo- ones, uncovered. After their partial subsid- types were deposited on the above rocks. vakia (http://geopark.sk/geoparky-sr); one of ence and partial peneplanation, sand, gravel They are formed of weathering scree, in them, Novohrad-Nográd Geopark, is one and clay sediments were deposited upon particular upon granitoid and carbonate of the first cross-border (Slovakia/Hun- them in the Younger Tertiary (Neogene) rocks of the Slovak Core Mountains. Their gary) geoparks in the world. Yet, most of flanks are covered by colluvial deposits. The the stratigraphic and palaeontological sites south-western part of Slovakia is typically are not protected by law. Moreover, Slovak eolian Quaternary loess, loess loams and elementary and high schools do not teach sands. Along the streams, alluvial sedi- geology. The downward trend in the level of ments – sands and gravels – were deposited geological knowledge of the Slovak popu- in the form of fluvial plains, alluvial cones lation is reflected in a low perception of and river terraces. In the Vysoké and Nízke the environmental links in the landscape Tatry, Veľká and Malá Fatra Mts., glacial between rocks, water, soil, atmosphere, and sediments evolved during periods of glacia- biota. Therefore it was thought necessary tion. In several areas of Slovakia travertines to create a geosite database which would; Figure 2: Realgar (Photo M. Števko). have been formed along the faults (Fig. 1). identify the geological characteristics of

36 Topical - Geoheritage

At the beginning of the project, a team of CSc*, RNDr. Ladislav Šimon, PhD*); 11 main authors (editors) tackled various • 38 Sites of Quaternary Sediments special topics of the geological sites. It was (RNDr. Martina Moravcová (Ábe- the task of the editors to propose a basic lová), PhD*, in 2010 she was substi- set of sites of the geological heritage of the tuted by Mgr. Martin Vlačiky*); Slovak Republic, on the basis of their own • 27 Sites of Historical Mining (RNDr. expertise as well as the relevant literature, in Daniel Ozdín, PhD**); particular the Geological guides and Expla- • 61 Mineralogical Sites (RNDr. Daniel nations to geological maps at the scale 1:50 Ozdín, PhD**); 000, and also on the basis of consultations • 39 Hydrogeological Sites (RNDr. with the wider community. The ground- Juraj Michalko, PhD*); Figure 3: National Nature Landmark Sivá brada, work also produced publications devoted • 32 Geomorphological Sites (RNDr. 1 recent travertine formation (Photo J. Madarás). to these issues, mainly under the umbrella Pavel Liščák, CSc*) . of PROGEO (Wimbledon et al., 1998), or others (Jeleň S. & Galvánek J., 2009, Liščák We have received several suggestions the country, recognize the present physical et al., 2002). The criteria used for selection from professionals and the general public; status of them, assess their scientific-edu- of the geosites were as follows: on the basis of these initiatives, we have cational value and make recommendations added extra geosites into the database. for geosite protection. • representativeness and rarity • degree of site protection The database groundwork was built up From 2008 to2011, the State Geologi- • visibility from geological guides through Slovakia, cal Institute of Dionýz Štúr in Bratislava • accessibility of the site. issued on the occasion of KBGA and IGC (SGIDS) completed a geological project, events, as well as important monographs Database of important geological sites of the The following team of specialists from (e.g. Mišík, 1976). Furthermore, the selec- Slovak Republic. The aim was to create an relevant geological organizations took part tion of sites was based on the authors’ open file of the sites of geological heritage. in the project: expertise as well as relevant literature. The broad professional and amateur geological By the end of November, 2011 the data- • 67 Sites of Paleozoic Metamor- community contributed significantly to the base contained 479 sites, which have been phites (Prof. RNDr. Anna Vozárová, creation of the databases. divided into 11 categories according to their DrSc**, co-author Ing. Zoltán thematic scope. The database provided the Németh, PhD*) During the project, geological sites of groundwork for a compilation of the Map of • 17 Sites of Magmatites and Tectonics a regional-geological, historical mining, important geological sites which has been (RNDr. Ján Madarás, PhD*) mineralogical, geomorphological and published on the SGIDS website http://www. • 73 Mesozoic Sites (Doc. RNDr. hydrogeological nature were identified, geology.sk/images/aktuality/vgl/VGL_map_eng. Roman Aubrecht, PhD**) all with prime scientific (educational) and jpg. In order to attract a wider professional • 18 Palaeogene Sites (RNDr. Alex- aesthetical value and with the potential to and amateur public we published informa- ander Nagy, CSc*, co-author Ing. become integral parts of the Slovak, even tion on the project objectives in Enviro- Martin Kováčik*) the European, geological heritage. magazín 5, Edition 2008/13 (Liščák, 2008) • 17 Neogene Sites (RNDr. Alexander and we created a presentation poster for Nagy, CSc*, co-authors RNDr. Ivan 1 Note: the project; this poster we installed in the * SGIDS, State Geological Institute of Dionýz Baráth, CSc*, RNDr. Adriena Zlin- Slovak National Museum, in the frame- Štúr ská, PhD*) work of the exhibition “International Year ** PriF UK, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Come- • 90 Sites of Neogene Volcanites of Planet Earth”. nius University, Bratislava (RNDr. Jaroslav Lexa, CSc***, co- *** GÚ SAV Geological Institute of the Slovak authors RNDr. Vlastimil Konečný, Academy of Sciences

Figure 4a: View of andesite cliffs of lava flow with columnar jointing, Figure 4b: Drawing of andesite cliffs of lava flow with columnar jointing, peak peak Štangarígeľ, Štiavnica Stratovolcano (Photo J. Lexa). Štangarígeľ, Štiavnica Stratovolcano (Author V. Konečný).

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 37 Each site is documented in the inventory High-quality photo documentation of the sheet, which was subsequently included in vast majority of sites along with geological the MS Access database. Along with the sketches and pen drawings by the Slovak field reconnaissance the passports to each volcanologist Vlastimil Konečný (Fig. site were being filled-in, both in written 4b) and the attached English summaries form (Microsoft Word) and finally also in of each site, and illustration explanations the form of an electronic database (Micro- were added to the database. Finally, the geo- soft Access). The passport was created on sites were categorized according to their the basis of the model form of the geological scientific significance and some have been passport drawn up for the needs of SGIDS proposed for further legislative protection. electronic documentation diary in Micro- All-in-all, 39 sites of minor importance, 118 soft Access. moderate, 193 major and 129 extraordinary have been identified. Of these, 77 have been proposed for processing for enrolment in the List of Protected Geosites or Protected Landmarks. In the scope of the project Geological Information System (GeoIS) the database has been published on the SGIDS website: http://mserver.geology.sk:8085/g_vgl/ in order to disseminate the results among the public. The database is open for further input and for modern presentation of the geological heritage of the Slovak Republic. Figure 6: Demänová Caves, Cave of Liberty, Ružovica (Pink) Hall (Photo P. Staník). Conclusions geological institutes have taken part is a The database of important geological guarantee of the well-balanced and justi- sites provides a review of the geological fied selection of the sites of the national heritage of the Slovak Republic. Genera- geological heritage of Slovakia. The data- tions of geologists since the times of the base of significant geological sites is not Austrian-Hungarian Empire have preserved concluded, but, on the contrary, will be highly scientific knowledge on the geologi- constantly updated to provide up-to-date Figure 5: Ratnovce, mammoth tusk (Photo M. cal phenomena of Slovakia. The fact that in information to the general public, in par- Vlačiky). the processing and collecting of this infor- ticular in the spheres of education, nature mation renowned specialists from the top protection and geotourism. References

Matejovič, I., Timulák, J., Kováčik, M., Hók, J. 2001. Status of the Deep Geological Disposal Program in the Slovak Republic. In: Witherspoon, P.A., Bodvarsson, G.S. (Eds.). Geological Challenges in Radioactive Waste Isolation. Third Worldwide Review, Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, USA, LBNL-49767, December 2001, 225-236.

Jeleň S., Galvánek J. (eds.). 2009. Educational guide through geological and geographic sites of Central Slovakia. GI SAS, Banská Bystrica, 320 pp.

Liščák, P., Polák, M., Pauditš, P., Baráth, I. 2002. Important geological sites, Chapter VIII. Protected areas and natural resources, ecological and cultural elements of country. Atlas of Landscape of the Slovak Republic. ISBN 80-88833-33-7.

Liščák, P. 2008. Informačný systém významných geologických lokalít SR. Information system of important geosites in Slovakia. Enviromagazín 5, 11.

Mišík, M. 1976. Geologické exkurzie po Slovensku. Geological excursions in Slovakia. SPN, Bratislava, 359 pp.

Wimbledon,W. Ischenko, A., Gerasimenko, N., Alexandrowicz, Z., Vinokurov, V., Liscak, P., Vozar, J., Vozarova, A., Bezak, V., Kohut, M., Polak, M., Mello, J., Potfaj, M., Gross, P., Elecko, M., Nagy, A., Barath, I., Lapo, A., Vdovets, M., Klincharov, S., Marjanac, L., Mijovic, D., Dimitrijevic, M., Gavrilovic,D., Theodossiou-Drandaki, I., Serjani, A., Todorov, T., Nakov, R., Zagorchev, I., Perez-Gonzalez, A., Benvenuti, M., Boni, M., Brancucci, G., Bortolami, G., Burlando, M., Constantini, E., D`Andrea, M., Gisotti, G., Guado, G., Marchetti, M., Massoli-Novelli, R., Panizza, M., Pavia, G., Poli, G., Zarlenga, F., Satkunas, J., Mikulenas, V., Suominen, V., Kananoja, T., Lehtinen, M., Gonggrijp, G., Look, E., Grube, A., Johansson, C., Karis, L., Parkes, M., Raudsep, R., Andersen, S., Cleal, C., Bevins, R. 1998. A first attempt at a geosites framework for Europe – an IUGS initiative to support recognition of world heritage and European geodiversity. Geologica Balcanica, 28: 3-4, 5-32. Sofia.

38 Topical - Geoheritage

Geological Heritage in the Idrija Region (Slovenia)

Mojca Gorjup Kavčič*

Idrija, a town in western Slovenia, is Ville de l’ouest de la Slovénie, Idrija est mon- Idrija, situada en el oeste de Eslovenia, es world famous for its mercury ore deposit dialement connue pour sa mine de mercure conocida por su mina de mercurio y sus 500 and 500-year-old mining tradition. The et 500 ans de tradition minière. L’unicité de años de historia minera. En reconocimiento uniqueness of Idrija’s mercury heritage has sa mine de mercure est également recon- del valor de este patrimonio minero Idrija ha also been recognized by UNESCO, which nue par L’UNESCO qui l’inscrivit cette année sido incluida por la UNESCO en la Lista de inscribed it in the World Heritage List this sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial. Outre Patrimonio Mundial. Además de la mina, year. Besides the mercury ore deposit, the les gisements de mercure, la région a aussi esta región posee un rico legado natural, whole region boasts a rich natural herit- un riche patrimoine naturel, notamment en especial su patrimonio geológico con age, especially geological heritage, with le patrimoine géologique avec ses nom- muchos valores naturales, como ser los many areas of outstanding value, the most breux sites grandioses, dont les coupes cortes estratigráficos, los fenómenos important being the exposed stratigraphic stratigraphiques exposées, les phénomènes cársticos e hidrológicos y características cross-sections, karst and hydrological phe- karstiques et hydrologiques, et les particu- morfológicas especiales. De acuerdo con nomena, and morphological features. In larités morphologiques. Fondé dans l’esprit la estrategia del Ayuntamiento de Idrija, line with the Municipality’s strategy of com- de la stratégie de la Commune d’Idrija en comprometido al desarrrollo sostenible de mitment to sustainable rural development, matière de développement rural durable, las zonas rurales aledañas, ha sido fundado the Idrija Geopark was established. Already Geopark Idrija est déjà opérationnel et voué el Geoparque Idrija que ya está en funcion- operational, the geopark will in future be à la future préservation, interprétation, édu- amiento y que en el futuro velará por la con- responsible for the preservation, interpreta- cation et développement du géotourisme de servación, la interpretación, la educación y tion, education and development of geo- la Commune d’Idrija. el desarrollo del geoturismo en la región. tourism in the Municipality of Idrija.

From the Mercury Mine to the present

The history of Idrija has been inseparably linked to the Idrija Mercury Mine since 1490, when mercury was first discovered by a tubemaker. After this discovery, the mine developed underground together with the town above it, reaching the peak of mercury excavation and extraction at the beginning of the 20th century. After a decision was made to shut down the mine, industry in this region underwent complete restructuring and the town of Idrija became a development centre for electric processing and high-technology industry.

Despite the strong industry present in the region, attention has always been devoted, in the past and today, to the environment and nature, as well as educating the population on their preservation. Although in the past natural science remained in the shadow of intensive industrial development of the town and region, the mine simultaneously attracted to Idrija, as early as in the 18th century, several scientists

* Idrija Municipality, Mestni trg 1, 5280 Idrija, Slovenia, mojca.gorjup-kavcic@ geopark-idrija.si Figure 1: Geological map of the Idrija Region (Čar, 2010, published by Geološki zavod Slovenije).

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 39 cal mining heritage on UNESCO’S List of and-graben structures mainly directed in World Heritage. This year, its nomination an E-W direction. The area at that time entitled, The Mercury Heritage, Almadén belonged to a new palaeogeographic unit and Idrija, was confirmed at the Com- called the Dinaric Carbonate Platform. mittee’s session in Saint Petersburg. The This platform was not uniform but com- second important initiative for the entire posed of different tectonic trenches (aula- Municipality of Idrija was the establish- cogens). In one of these tectonic trenches, ment of the Geopark Idrija, which will be i.e. ore deposit trench, the famous Idrija responsible for the conservation, presenta- mercury ore deposit was formed during tion and sustainable development of the this period. Along the strong normal faults entire territory in line with the guidelines with a vertical displacement component of of the European Geopark Network. Spe- 600 to 900 m, individual blocks were raised, cial attention is put into development of while others were lowered. Some 750 m of geoutourism, as a form of niche tourism strata were eroded from the raised blocks or special interest tourism is an actively (Čar, 1990). The Anisian, Early Triassic, growing tourism market, and geotourism Permian and partly also Carboniferous destinations have been known to attract rocks were removed. So in some tectonic copious numbers of tourists and prom- blocks Ladinian rocks directly overlie Car- ise great potential for many regions. The boniferous clastites. In the final phase of Idrija Geopark is currently in the process development of the Idrija Middle Triassic of admission into the European and Global trench, the entire region was covered with Geoparks Network. marshland in which Upper Ladinian rocks rich in organic materials, locally known as Geoheritage in the Idrija Region the “Skonca beds”, began to form. Hydro- thermal solutions rich in mercury began The Idrija hills (western Slovenia) have a to flow through the deep faults. On their complicated geological composition (Figs way towards the surface, they impregnated 1, 2). Due to intense and polyphase ter- all the older layers, from Carboniferous tiary tectonic activity, the majority of con- to older Ladinian rocks. This resulted in tacts between the sequences of different the formation of diverse, even very rich Carboniferous to Eocene rock strata are epigenetic cinnabar ores. Some of the rich tectonic. The oldest rocks are more than 300 million year-old dark-grey shales and sandstones of the Car- boniferous period followed by middle Permian quartz sandstones. These deposits are overlain by various rocks of Permian to Early Trias- sic age that belonged to the shallow-water sedimentary environment called the Slo- Figure 2: Stratigraphic column of the Geopark venian Carbonate Platform. They include Permian dolo- Idrija (Čar, 2010). mites and fossil-rich lime- Figure 3: Syngenetic sedimentary cinnabar ore. stones, Lower Triassic dolo- who, alongside their regular work in the mites, marlstones and vari- mine, investigated and laid the founda- ous limestones and massive tions of natural science in Slovenia in this and thick-bedded Anisian period (Joannes Antonius Scopoli, Henrik dolomite and conglomerate. Freyer, Baltasar Hacquet, Franc Hladnik, This relatively quiet period and others). of sedimentation was followed by a highly dramatic However, great changes have been period in the geological occurring in this area in recent years, history of the Idrija region, as increasingly more attention is being linked to the disintegration devoted to the conservation and pres- of the Slovenian Carbon- entation of heritage in line with world ate Platform. At the begin- trends in the areas of tourism, conser- ning of the Upper Anisian, vation, sustainable development, etc. In during Idrija’s rifting phase 2006 the Municipality of Idrija initiated a the area was dissected by Figure 4: Drops of native mercury in Carboniferous shales. procedure for the inscription of its techni- normal faults forming horst-

40 Topical - Geoheritage

cinnabar solutions and cinnabar gels dis- charged directly into the marshland, forming exceptionally rich (up to 78% Hg), unusual syngenetic sedimentary cinnabar ores (Fig. 3). Due to the small inflow of sulphur, part of the Hg remained in its elemental form, creating ore-bearing deposits with native Hg primarily in the Carbonifer- ous shales (impregnated with native mercury droplets, see Figure 4), Skonca beds (Mlakar, 1969; Mlakar and Drovenik, 1971; Čar, 2010), and partly also in some other rocks. The final period of Ladinian tectonic events was accompanied by extensive volcanic activity with outpourings of diabase and keratophyre.

At the end of the Ladinian, tectonic activity ended. The following Carnian deposits are thus composed of different quartz conglomerates and sandstones, and Figure 5: The levelling of the Zadlog was formed along the nappe plane between the ‘Hauptdolomite’ shallow-water limestones and white dolo- of the Čekovnik thrust slice in the basement and the Norian-Rhaetian dolomite of the Trnovo nappe. mite. In the Norian and Rhaetian stages, The Idrijca and Belca River valleys are in the background. fenestral and oncolitic dolomites, known as the “Hauptdolomite”, frequently appear, with rare limestone intercalations. In the uppermost structural unit of the area is The Karst Jurassic, the shallow-water sedimentation represented by the Trnovo nappe (Placer, continued with mainly oolitic limestones 1973, 1999). This complex folding and The richly developed and often some- and dolomites. These rocks crop out only extensive thrusting completely obliterated what specific karst phenomena in the Idrija in the Trnovski Gozd area located south of the primary spatial relations of different region are a reflection of the complex rock the Idrija region. The Jurassic rocks were strata and created several interesting tec- composition, as well as tectonic and mor- followed by more or less stratified organic tonic phenomena: various tectonic win- phological stratification, of this highly var- shallow-water Lower and Upper Creta- dows and tectonic half-windows, as well as iegated region. Broadly, the karst may be ceous limestones. tectonic klippes and half-klippes. divided into the high karst and the solitary karst, which includes the other “non-karst” The shallow-water carbonate sedimen- The Neogene to recent geological territory of the region (Čar, 2010). tation was interrupted in the Upper Creta- structure of Idrija’s terrain was formed cious by extensive and complex tectonic by numerous strong normal and then by Typical of the high karst are deeply events that led to the disintegration of the dextral strike-slip faults which cut and dis- karstified carbonate rocks, particularly Dinaric Carbonate Platform and the onset placed older thrust units (Mlakar, 1969; limestones, with all the characteristics of of the sedimentation of flysch. An ero- Čar, 2010). Of the numerous faults, let classical karst. On the surface, numerous sional unconformity is present between us mention only the two largest ones, the sinkholes can be found in various geo- the Upper Cretaceous limestones and Idrija and Zala faults. logical structures (Čar, 2010), whereas Paleocene-Eocene flysch, which con- the underground karst is characterized by cluded the sedimentation process in the Geomorphology deep shafts, occasional subhorizontal short Idrija region (Čar, 2010). caves, as well as short sinking streams and The main characteristic of the Idrija swallow holes (‘covered karst’) along the The area later experienced intensive region is a well-defined NW-SE trend- thrust edges. All the remaining areas where Tertiary thrusting and Neogene strike- ing straight and narrow morphological high karst has not developed are formally slip tectonic activity. According to existing depression that actually represents the classified as the “non-karst” world, but cer- data (Placer, 1999; Čar, 2010), folding and wide fault zone of the Idrija fault, which tain individual or group karst phenomena thrusting occurred in the territory of Idrija divides the Idrija hills into two morpho- found here are classified as solitary karst. in the Late Eocene, and continued into the logically highly diversified geotectonic This type of karst is usually developed in Early and Middle Oligocene. At first a large blocks. Another characteristic is the valley limestones and dolomites of varying age recumbent fold was formed which, under of the Idrijca River and its unusual course, found in the middle of impermeable rocks ongoing compression, was internally which is primarily due to the baserock (shales, calcareous sandstones, etc.). thrusted. Thrusting was directed towards lithology. However, the river in some parts the south-west, forming a thrust structure also follows distinct tectonic lines. The var- Most valuable geosites in the Idrija Geop- typical of western Slovenia. The lowermost iegated world of the Upper Idrijca River ark structural unit, representing the basement and the Belca stream represents a special of the Idrija region is the Hrušica nappe, geomorphological unit. The south-eastern The Idrija ore deposit is important and which is overthrusted by the Koševnik, part of the Idrija (Fig. 5) hills comprises a famous because of the complex Middle Tri- Čekovnik and Kanomlja thrust slices. The vast, karstified plateau. assic tectonic activity that led to its forma-

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 41 tion, the exceptional diversity of its rocks, the extensity of submerged pit remarkably rich and unusual sedimen- shafts, and the morphological tary ores, geochemistry and mineralogi- shape of the cauldron-like lake cal composition, as well as its complicated are exceptional. During high transformation into its present state. In the waters it spews out as many as mine, 158 ore bodies were found, of which several tens of cubic metres of 141 were mineralized with cinnabar –14 of water per second, creating a mainly syngenetic mineralization and 127 mighty, and at the same time the mainly or only of epigenetic origin. Native shortest, Slovenian river before mercury is predominant in the remain- flowing into the Idrijca River. ing 17 ore bodies. Producing 13% of the Wild lake is also an area where world’s mercury, the Idrija Mine was, in numerous plant and animal terms of the quantity extracted, the second species thrive. Some of these largest mercury mine in the world (the first are endemic, e.g. the Carniolan being Almadén in Spain). Primrose (Primula carniolica) and the Human Fish (Proteus anguinus).

The Habe Shaft is situated on a karstified plateau, which belongs to the High Karst unit, to the south of Idrija. The entrance to the shaft opens into deeply karstified Upper Cretaceous Rudist limestones of the Koševnik thrust slice, in the direct vicinity of the thrust Figure 7: Several locations offer a view of the valley that was Figure 6: Between the Carboniferous and the contact with Norian-Rhae- formed along the Idrija fault, with the displacement of the Ladinian rocks some 750 m of Permian, Scyth- tian bedded dolomite of the north-eastern block in a length of approximately 2500 m in a ian and Anisian age rocks are missing. This is Čekovnik thrust slice (Mlakar, SE direction (Mlakar, 1969; Placer, 1981, 1982). due to the erosion that occurred in the Upper 1969; Placer, 1981). Recent Anisian, when the rocks that had formed over colour-tracing indisputably proved a connection between approximately 60 million years were removed. the underground waters from the plateau at Wild Lake with Anthony’s Main Road is the oldest pre- the nearby springs at Podreteja, served part of the shafts of the Idrija Mine. the location of a water reservoir After the shutdown, the mine remained for the town of Idrija. During an open as a tourist attraction. In a specially exploration conducted in 1997, protected section, native mercury drops speleologists determined the are visible, which is exceptionally rare height difference between the worldwide. Other exceptional phenomena highest and the lowest known are the Middle Triassic erosional uncon- points in the abyss to be 400 m formity (Fig. 6), visible at several loca- (Vrhovec, 1997). tions and the Carboniferous and Ladinian pyroclastic rocks mineralized with native Geosites in the Zgornja Idrijca mercury, bedded ore in tuffites, and coral Landscape Park Figure 8: During low waters and drought, Wild Lake appears ore (brachiopod Discina), whose fossil as a romantic miniature lake squeezed below a mighty lime- shells and cores were replaced by cinnabar. The Zgornja Idrijca Land- stone wall. scape Park extends over an area The Idrija fault (Fig. 7) is one of the most of 44.74 km2 in the upper reaches of the ravine discharges into the Idrijca River, important tectonic elements in Slovenia, Zgornja (Upper) Idrijca River and the famed for its remarkable, perfect section and one of the strongest in the South- Belca stream. Almost the entire area of the of Carnian strata. A further 50 m higher, ern Alps. The fault begins in Carnia, cuts park is forested, which in the past provided the Črni Potok ravine, with the famous across the Resia Valley in Italy, crosses the an important raw material and source of Suha Idrijca gorge in its lower part, comes entire territory of Slovenia, and ends in energy for the mine’s operation. Exposed to an end in the Idrijca River valley. Still the Velebit mountain range in Croatia. It in many parts of the park are amazing higher, the Idrijca River is squeezed into extends across Slovenia over a distance of rock sections, and the area also abounds the barely accessible gorge at Kramaršca. more than 120 km, striking NW-SE in a in hydrological sites. Particularly inter- This is an approximately 200 m long sec- so-called Dinaric direction. esting is the broader area of Kramaršca, tion of the Idrijca River with three water- where, over a length of approximately 150 falls of heights ranging from 10 to 15 m Wild Lake (Fig. 8) is a complex geo- m, three well-known Idrija ravines ter- and four large pools. The gorge is cut logical, geomorphological and hydrologi- minate in the Idrijca River. Less than 100 into Cordevolan (Middle Triassic, Lower cal phenomenon. Its geological structure, m higher, the strong torrent of Bedrova Carnian) dolomite crossed by numer-

42 Topical - Geoheritage

ous N-S striking fault zones. The intake of the gorge is filled with huge boulders of the Bašte rockfall. A dark green magmatic rock called almond-shaped diabase (Fig. 9) can be found in Kramaršca. The landscape park also has significant sites of fossils named after Idrija. Megalodon- tide shells of the species Triadomegalodon idrianus (Vegh-Neubrandt) can be found in the so-called megalodontide limestone horizon of Tuvalian (Upper Triassic, Upper Carnian) age.

Acknowledgements

This paper is part of the project entitled “Geopark – Design and Establishment of a Geopark of Regional Importance”, and is co -financed by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund, Investing in Your Future. The author is grateful to Bojan Režun and Martina Figure 9: Almond-shaped geodes were formed in a diabase after the rapid cooling of lava flowing Peljhan and referee Andrej Šmuc for their into the shallow sea in the Ladinian. White calcite crystals then filled the geodes. This almond-shaped constructive comments, which have con- diabase represents the western-most occurrence of magmatic rocks in Slovenia. tributed to improving the manuscript.

References

Čar, J. 1990. Kotna tektonsko-erozijska diskordanca v rudiščnem delu idrijske srednjetriasne tektonske zgradbe (Angular tectonic-erosional unconformity in the deposits part of the Idrija Middle Triassic tectonic structure). Geologija 31-32 (1988/89), 267-284. Geološki zavod Slovenije, Ljubljana.

Čar, J. 2010. Geološka zgradba idrijsko-cerkljanskega hribovja; Tolmač h Geološki karti idrijsko-cerkljanskega hribovja med Stopnikom in Rovtami 1 : 25 000 (Geological structure of the Idrija – Cerkno hills; Explanatory Book to the Geological map of the Idrija – Cerkljansko hills between Stopnik and Rovte) 1 : 25000. Geološki zavod Slovenije, Ljubljana. pp 127.

Čar, J. 2010. Geološka karta idrijsko-cerkljanskega hribovja med Stopnikom in Rovtami 1:25.000 (Geological map of the Idrija- Cerkljansko hills between Stopnik and Rovte 1:25.000). Geološki zavod Slovenije, Ljubljana.

Mlakar, I. 1969. Krovna zgradba idrijsko žirovskega ozemlja (Nappe structure of the Idrija-Žiri region). Geologija 12, 5-72. Geološki zavod Slovenije, Ljubljana.

Mlakar, I., Drovenik, M. 1971. Strukturne in genetske posebnosti idrijskega rudišča (Structural and Genetic Particulatiries of the Idrija Mercury Ore Deposit). Geologija 14, 67-126. Geološki zavod Slovenije, Ljubljana.

Placer, L. 1973. Rekonstrukcija krovne zgradbe Idrijsko Žirovskega ozemlja (Reconstruction of the Nappe Structure of the Idrija – Žiri Region; Reconstruction des Deckenbaus des Idrija-Žiri Gebietes). Geologija 16, 317-334. Geološki zavod Slovenije, Ljubljana.

Placer, L. 1981. Geološka zgradba jugozahodne Slovenije (Geologic structure of southwestern Slovenia). Geologija 24/1, 27-60. Geološki zavod Slovenije, Ljubljana.

Placer, L. 1982. Tektonski razvoj idrijskega rudišča (Structural history of the Idrija Mercury deposit). Geologija 25/1, 7-94. Geološki zavod Slovenije, Ljubljana.

Placer, L. 1999. Contribution to the macrotectonic subdivision of the border region between Southern Alps and External Dinarides, Geologija 41 (1998), 223-255. Geološki zavod Slovenije, Ljubljana.

Vrhovec, T. 1997. Potapljaške raziskave v Habečkovem breznu. Naše jame. Glasilo jamarske zveze Slovenije, 145-149. Ljubljana.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 43 Geoheritage protection and promotion in Switzerland

Emmanuel Reynard*

Switzerland has a long history of geoherit- La Suisse a une longue histoire dans la pro- Suiza tiene una larga tradición en la protec- age protection but it is only during the last tection du patrimoine géologique, mais ce ción del patrimonio geológico, pero no ha two decades that a growing attention has n’est qu’au cours des deux dernières décen- sido sino en las últimas dos décadas que been given to geoheritage protection and nies qu’un nouvel intérêt pour la protection el interés por la protección y promoción promotion. This paper presents the legal des géopatrimoines et leur valorisation del patrimonio geológico ha crecido. Este framework for geoheritage protection in s’est développée. Cet article présente le artículo presenta el marco legal de la pro- Switzerland, and the present situation con- cadre légal de la protection du patrimoine tección del patrimonio geológico en Suiza, cerning geosite protection and geoparks. géologique, ainsi que la situation actuelle y la situación actual en relación con la Even if improvements have been made concernant la protection des géosites et la protección de lugares de interés geológico recently, geoscientists have failed at their création de géoparcs en Suisse. Même si y los geoparques. A pesar de que reciente- attempts to carry out a national inventory des améliorations ont eu lieu récemment, mente se han logrado grandes avances, los of geosites that has legal value. As a result, les géologues n’ont pas réussi à réaliser un geólogos no han conseguido realizar un the development of geoparks in Switzerland inventaire de géosites ayant une valeur inventario nacional de lugares de interés is relatively slow in comparison with other légale et le développement des géoparcs geológico que tenga soporte legal. Como European countries. peut être qualifié de relativement lent en consecuencia de lo cual el desarrollo de los comparaison européenne. geoparques en Suiza es relativamente lento con respecto a otros países europeos.

witzerland has a long history of geo- ments and biotopes. The latter focuses on ences (SCNAT), must be considered as an heritage protection: the first example land-use planning based on land-use zones, informal catalogue of sites, worthy of inter- is an erratic boulder (Pierre-à-Bot, such as building, agricultural or protected est, but with no legal status. SNeuchâtel) that was placed under pro- areas. Protection zones can be defined at tection in 1838 on the demand of Louis various scales for rivers, lakes, moors, bio- Geoparks are territories with well- Agassiz. Erratic blocks can therefore be topes, natural and cultural monuments, defined limits that comprise a rich and considered as the first natural objects to and landscapes. Once nature conservation diversified geological and geomorphologic be protected at a national level (Vischer, zones are approved, the decision is gener- heritage and that should serve to foster sus- 1946; Reynard, 2004). Nevertheless, in the ally binding on authorities and landowners. tainable development (Zouros, 2004). As a 20th century, the protection of geoheritage result of this double purpose – geoheritage slowly became secondary as a part of nature The Nature Protection Act is imple- and sustainable development – geoparks conservation. It is only during the last two mented at two main administrative levels. development in Switzerland depends on decades that a new interest in geoheritage Nature protection is the responsibility of both Nature Protection and Land Plan- protection and promotion has developed, the Cantons1. The Swiss Confederation ning Acts. In 2006, the Nature Protection first among geologists, and more generally can commission inventories of objects of Act was modified, allowing the creation of in society, as it is the case in other Euro- national significance. Accordingly, invento- three types of natural parks under finan- pean countries (Reynard et al., 2011). In ries of historical buildings, upland biotopes cial support from the Swiss Confederation: this paper, the situation concerning geosite and landscapes, alluvial zones, dry lands, National Parks (NP), Regional Natural protection and geoparks in Switzerland is as well as historical roads have been car- Parks (RNP), and Periurban Natural Parks presented. ried out. An inventory of geosites does not (PNP). Each category has specific features exist at the moment – and is not planned and is composed of zones with different Legal framework – within the framework of the Nature protection status. The central zones of NP Protection Act. The existing Inventory of and PNP, as well as the natural elements of At the Federal level, geoconservation is Swiss geosites (SCNAT, 1999), currently RNP, contain natural objects, which may be mainly regulated by two pieces of legisla- under revision, undertaken by a group of geological or geomorphological. As a result, tion: the Federal Nature Protection Act, experts from the Swiss Academy of Sci- Switzerland now has a network of 18 rec- adopted in 1966, and the Federal Town and ognized natural parks (www.swiss-parks.ch). Country Planning Act, adopted in 1979. 1 Switzerland is subdivided in several The main objectives of the former are the independent political units (Cantons) to Geoconservation protection of landscapes, natural monu- whom a certain degree of freedom is left to apply federal laws. Each Canton is further Because nature conservation is the * Institute of Geography and subdivided into smaller entities (Communes responsibility of the Cantons, the current or Municipalities) that can have more or less Sustainability, University of Lausanne, state of geoheritage protection can vary sub- [email protected] sovereignty in land and resource management. stantially from one canton to another (Fig.

44 Topical - Geoheritage

Figure 1: Geosite inventories in the Cantons, Switzerland.

1). Some cantons have inventoried their working group, a list of 401 geosites was of various disciplines under financial sup- geosites since the 1990s, whereas other adopted (SCNAT, 1999). port of the SCNAT and the Federal Office cantons, especially in the French and Ital- for the Environment (FOEN). The revision ian speaking part of the country, have no This list suffered several problems. It was both of formal and digital type. A rela- inventory at all. was primarily an indicative list of objects tional database was created and hosted on thought to have high geoscientific value, the SCNAT server. It allowed project con- In order to disseminate knowledge of but with no legal influence upon responsi- tributors to introduce information into the Swiss geoheritage and to encourage the ble (notably political) authorities. Thus, in system by filling in a form from their office. Swiss Confederation and the cantons to 2000, a working group composed of scien- In parallel, all the geographical information protect this heritage accordingly, SCNAT tists and federal offices studied the oppor- – especially the perimeters – was managed created a working group on Geotopes back tunity of carrying out an official inventory within a Geographical Information System in 1993. Based on a survey of the activi- based on the Nature Protection Act. Nev- (GIS) in order to simplify use by the public ties and visions of the Cantons relating to ertheless, because of financial restrictions administration. At the end of the project, geoheritage, the working group was able and absence of real motivation in political the list was published on the Geological to publish in 1995 a report on Geosites circles, such an inventory was never carried data viewer (www.geologieviewer.ch) of the in Switzerland (Strasser et al., 1995). At out. Another problem of the 1999 geosites Federal Office of Topography (Swisstopo). the same time, the compilation of a list of list was its heterogeneity both in terms of A book, containing the list of Swiss geo- geosites of national importance was under- content (regional discrepancy, differences sites and a selection of the most emblematic taken. That work was not a real inventory, between the various fields of Earth Sci- sites, described in more detail, will finally based on a common methodology, but ences) and of form (some proposals were be published in 2013. much more a list of proposals made by very well documented, whereas others were experts coming from various parts of the limited to the name of the site without any In terms of content, the revision of the country, various fields (palaeontology, min- detail about perimeter and description). inventory needed much homogenization eralogy, geomorphology, etc.), and vari- Moreover, there was no information in work. A lot of data was added mainly ous institutions (cantonal administrations, digital form. because most of the geosites were poorly natural history museums, universities, etc.). detailed in the 1999 inventory. Several More than 800 proposals were received and As a result a revision of the inventory was sites were merged, other were abandoned after evaluation by the members of the carried out in 2006 by a group of scientists because their national relevance was ques-

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 45 tionable. Moreover, a large survey was out based on the Nature Protection Act. the name GeoPark Sarganserland-Walensee- carried out to add new sites, especially for Finally, it was decided to give it the name Glarnerland –, with a focus on structural regions as well as fields of Earth Sciences “Inventory of Swiss Geosites”. geology (Imper, 2003) and financed by that were missing in the 1999 inventory. regional development funds (Regio Plus Also, some sites, which were not known in The next step will be to distribute the programme) between 1999 and 2004. Today the 1990s, could be added. A good example inventory to Swiss cantonal administra- it is managed by an association of stake- is the Courtedoux site where numerous tions – in order to include its results in their holders and municipalities. The Geopark led dinosaur tracks were discovered in 2000 land-planning strategies – as well as to the to candidature for the World Heritage List during construction of the A16 highway park managers. (2008), although there is some ambiguity and that has gained international recogni- between the two entities (the Geopark and tion today. The Glarner Hauptüberschie- Geoparks World Heritage Site) because they do not bung / Sardona Tektonic Arena, in the Can- have exactly the same perimeter. Moreover, tons of Glarus, St. Gallen and Graubünden, Two geoparks were opened quite early in the motivation to apply to the European is another good example. As a matter of Switzerland: the Geopark Sardona in 1999, Geoparks Network (an objective during fact, though the Glarus overthrust had and the Parco delle Gole della Breggia, in the initial phase) strongly decreased after already been recognized since the mid-19th 2001. Neither is a European Geopark. the region became a World Heritage site. century as one of the prominent examples of alpine tectonic history, it was curiously TheParco delle Gole della Breggia, man- After these two experiences several pro- not proposed in the 1999 inventory. In the aged by a foundation, was established in a jects arose in various parts of the country meantime, the site was inscribed as a World valley escarpment revealing a stratigraphic (Fig. 2). According to the Federal tradition Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008 and was cross section that documents more than 80 of Switzerland, each project was conducted added to the Swiss inventory of geosites. million years of Earth history (Jurassic-Pre- by geologists active in their region and each sent). Due to its very small size (less than one had different goals. The Geoparks Enga- A first list of 248 geosites was published 1 km2), it does not reach the international din and Val de Bagnes in the Swiss Alps in 2008, while the final list (322 sites) was standards required for European geoparks2. were conceived to improve tourism during published in 2012. This inventory stimu- TheGeopark Sardona, that covers an area of the summer season. Today, the project in lated an interesting debate around the about 1300 km2 in eastern Switzerland, was Engadin has been abandoned. The Swiss generic name that should be given to it. created in 1999 by local geologists – with Jura Geopark aimed at promoting the palae- According to FOEN, the terms “inven- ontological findings along the A16 highway. tory” and “national importance” as used in 2 According to the European Geoparks The project was managed by the Canton of 1999 (SCNAT) – should be avoided today Network, a geopark should have a sufficient Jura with another promotional approach because such references could create con- size to generate economic incomes and work that resulted in abandoning the project of fusion with the official inventories carried places. a Geopark. The Hohgant Geopark was a

Figure 2: Geoparks in Switzerland.

46 Topical - Geoheritage

project carried out in parallel to a candida- Geoparks Network. No international can- (2006-2012) is only a proposed list of sites ture as a NRP according to revision of the didate has been proposed yet. of interest proposed by the scientific com- Nature Protection Act. Three Communes munity. This situation does not simplify the refused the project for a NRP in 2011, and Summary management and protection of particularly both projects (NRP and Geopark) were, sensitive sites. therefore, abandoned. The last project is a Due to the presence of numerous erratic transboundary one, between Italy and Swit- boulders, geoheritage conservation was The development of Geoparks in Swit- zerland (Insubrian Geopark). If accepted, initiated early in Switzerland, in the early zerland has been affected by the revision it should include the Golle della Breggia decades of the 19th century, but it is only of the Nature Protection Act in 2006. As a Geopark. Another international geopark during the last two decades that scientists matter of fact, most of the regions with a could have been created: in 2012, the Chab- have re-discovered the heritage value of potential for geoparks preferred develop- lais Geopark (France) was accepted as a geology and have started carrying out ing projects for Natural Parks due to the European Geopark. At the initial stage of inventories of geosites and development available opportunity for financial support. the project, it was planned to develop a of geoparks. The activities were coordinated Nevertheless, a survey carried out on 19 geopark covering both the French and the by SCNAT, which created in 1993 a specific projects for Natural Parks in 2009 shown Swiss parts of the Chablais, but the Swiss working group dealing with these issues. that most of the park developers have a municipalities did not agree to carry out The working group is still active and has very poor knowledge of Geoheritage in the preliminary studies. played an important role in the promo- their parks (Fontana and Reynard, 2011). tion of knowledge on geoheritage, both at All these reasons now lead the Working Due to the various projects that emerged a political and public level. Some Cantons group on Geotopes to develop more active in 2004, the Working group on Geotopes have also been quite active in protecting research and activities in Natural Parks. decided to develop guidelines for accom- and promoting their geoheritage, especially panying local projects and establishing in Eastern Switzerland. Acknowledgements a process of certification of Swiss Geop- arks. A strategic report was published in In spite of improvements during the last The Inventory of Swiss Geosites was 2007 (Reynard et al., 2007) leading to the two decades, disappointments still have to supported by the Federal Office for the organization of a specific workshop in be faced. At the national level, geoscien- Environment (FOEN) and by the Swiss 2008. In 2009, SCNAT, FOEN and the Swiss tists have failed in their attempts to compile Academy of Sciences (SCNAT). The Eng- Commission for UNESCO agreed on an an inventory with a legal value according lish proofreading by Stuart N. Lane and the application procedure for admitting Swiss to the Nature Protection Act. The inven- suggestions proposed by Pierre Christe were Geoparks to the European and UNESCO tory published in 1999 and lately revised much appreciated.

References

Fontana, G., Reynard, E. 2011. La gestion du patrimoine géologique dans les parcs naturels en Suisse. In Giusti C. (ed.). Geomorphosites 2009 : imagerie, inventaire, mise en valeur et vulgarisation du patrimoine geomorphologique. Volume des actes. Université Paris-Sorbonne, 133 - 139.

Imper, D. 2003. Der GeoPark Sarganserland-Walensee-Glarnerland. Schriftenreihe der Deutschen Geologisches Gesellschaft, 25, 107 - 116.

Reynard, E. 2004. Protecting Stones: conservation of erratic blocks in Switzerland. In Prikryl R. (ed.) Dimension Stone 2004. New perspectives for a traditional building material. Leiden, Balkema, 3 - 7.

Reynard, E., Baillifard, F., Berger, J.-P., Felber, M., Heitzmann, P., Hipp, R., Jeannin, P.-Y., Vavrecka-Sidler, D., Von Salis, K. 2007. Les géoparcs en Suisse: un rapport stratégique, Berne (also in German and Italian).

Reynard, E., Hobléa, F., Cayla, N., Gauchon, C. 2011. Les hauts lieux géologiques et géomorphologiques alpins, Revue de géog- raphie alpine, 99/2. [en ligne]. http://rga.revues.org/index1412.html

SCNAT, 1999. Inventory of Geotopes of national significance. Geol. Insubr., 4, 31 - 48.

Strasser, A., Heitzmann, P., Jordan, P., Stapfer, A., Stürm, B., Vogel, A., Weidmann, M. 1995. Géotopes et la protection des objets géologiques en Suisse: un rapport stratégique. Fribourg.

Vischer, W. 1946. Naturschutz in der Schweiz. Basel.

Zouros, N. 2004. The European Geoparks Network. Geological heritage protection and local development. Episodes, 27, 165 - 171.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 47 New directions in geoconservation: Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter

John E. Gordon* Hugh F. Barron and Angus D. Miller

Scotland’s geodiversity is world-famous La diversité géologique en Ecosse, recon- La geodiversidad de Escocia es famosa en el as the foundation of a remarkably varied nue mondialement, est basée sur une mundo entero como soporte de un paisaje landscape, and the source of inspiration for variété de paysages remarquables, source extraordinariamente variado y fuente de many advances in our understanding of d’inspiration à la base des nombreux pro- inspiración de muchos avances en nuestra how the Earth works. This geodiversity also grès acquis dans notre compréhension comprensión de cómo funciona la Tierra. underpins most ecosystems and delivers des phénomènes terrestres. Cette diversité Dicha geodiversidad es también el soporte essential benefits and services for society représente aussi un soutien pour la plupart de muchos ecosistemas y proporciona through its influence on landscape, habitats des écosystèmes, un bénéfice essentiel et une beneficios esenciales a la sociedad por su and species, economic activities, historical aide envers la société par son influence sur le influencia en los paisajes, hábitats y espe- and cultural heritage, education, and peo- paysage, l’habitat et les espèces, les activi- cies, actividades económicas, patrimonio ple’s health and well-being. Understand- tés économiques, l’héritage historique et histórico y cultural, educación y la salud y ing geodiversity is vital to inform climate culturel, l’éducation, la santé et le bien-être el bienestar de la población. Entender la change adaptation and sustainable man- de la population. La compréhension de la geodiversidad es vital para valorar la adap- agement of natural resources, including diversité géologique est vitale pour faire face tación al cambio climático y la gestión sos- minerals, the land, river catchments and au changement climatique et gérer durable- tenible de los recursos naturales, incluidos the coast. With an emphasis on these wider ment les ressources naturelles, incluant les los minerales, el territorio, los ríos y la costa. benefits to society, Scotland’s Geodiversity gisements miniers, les régions, les bassins Poniendo énfasis en tales beneficios para Charter has been developed to promote et le domaine côtier En mettant l’accent sur la sociedad, se ha desarrollado el Estatuto and deliver a strategic approach to the ses avantages importants du point de vue Escocés de la Geodiversidad, para promocio- conservation of geodiversity. As part of an social, la Charte écossaise de la Diversité nar y generar un enfoque estratégico de la ecosystem-based approach, and through Géologique a été développée pour fournir conservación de la geodiversidad. Como the engagement of all relevant stakehold- une approche stratégique vers la conserva- parte de un enfoque basado en los ecosis- ers, it represents an important step towards tion de cette diversité et en faire la promo- temas, y por medio de la implicación de better integration of geodiversity and geo- tion. En tant qu’élément d’une approche todas las partes interesadas, representa heritage conservation across a range of de type écosystème, et avec l’engagement un paso importante hacia una mejor inte- key policy areas. This article outlines the pertinent de tous les dépositaires d’enjeux, gración de la geodiversidad y el patrimonio background to the Charter and its key aims cela représente un pas important vers une geológico en una amplia serie de políticas. and objectives as a model for a collabora- meilleure intégration de la conservation Este artículo repasa los antecedentes del tive approach involving government, local de la diversité et de l’héritage géologiques Estatuto y sus principales objetivos como authorities, public bodies, voluntary organi- à travers l’éventail de secteurs politiques modelo de un enfoque colaborativo impli- zations, academics, teachers, commercial clés. Cet article souligne les fondements de cando al gobierno, las autoridades locales, businesses, land owners and individuals in la Charte, ses buts et objectifs prioritaires los organismos públicos, las organizaciones promoting and maintaining geodiversity. en tant que modèle pour une approche de voluntarios, la universidad, los profe- synergique impliquant le gouvernement, sores, los empresarios, los propietarios y les autorités locales, les organisations pub- los individuos, en la promoción y manten- liques et bénévoles, les enseignants, le milieu imiento de la geodiversidad. des affaires, les propriétaires et les particuli- ers, unis dans la promotion et la pérennité de la diversité géologique.

eoconservation has a strong focus 2011), and initiatives such as ProGEO’s tion to landscape, biodiversity, economic on the assessment and manage- GEOSITES project and the evaluation and development, climate change adaptation, ment of protected sites for geologi- promotion of geomorphosites by the Inter- sustainable management of the natural Gcal and geomorphological features. This is national Association of Geomorphologists environment, historical and cultural her- reflected in many national programmes (Reynard et al., 2009). Such activities have itage, and people’s health and well-being across Europe to establish site inventories, delivered benefits for geoheritage, tourism, (Johansson, 2000; Gordon & Leys, 2001; including the benchmark Geological Con- education, public awareness and geoscience Gray, 2004; Stace & Larwood, 2006; Gordon servation Review in Great Britain (Ellis, research. As recognized in the European & Barron, 2011). Manifesto on Earth Heritage and Geodi- * School of Geography & Geosciences, versity (2004), there has also been growing At an international policy level, the University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AL, appreciation in the last decade of the wider importance of the conservation of geo- Scotland, UK, [email protected] role and relevance of geodiversity in rela- diversity and its wider values has been

48 Topical - Geoheritage

highlighted by the Committee of Min- isters of the Council of Europe (2004). They recommended that the “geological heritage constitutes a natural heritage of scientific, cultural, aesthetic, landscape, economic and intrinsic values, which needs to be preserved and handed down to future generations” and that geological and geomorphological features are essential characteristics of landscapes that should be considered when implementing the Euro- pean Landscape Convention. IUCN, too, has recognized the wider role and relevance of geodiversity - “the conservation and management of geological heritage need to be integrated by governments into their national goals and programmes” (IUCN, 2008). Similarly, UNESCO has promoted the cultural and economic importance of geodiversity through the Global Geoparks network (McKeever et al., 2010). However, in many relevant policy areas, including climate change, water, economic development and marine conservation, geodiversity has not been integrated either at European or national levels.

An ecosystem approach, as set out in the Convention on Biodiversity (1992) and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005), is now a key policy driver for nature conservation globally and is a central pillar of the EU Biodiversity Strategy (2011). Although often undervalued or overlooked, geodiversity contributes to critical ecosystem services (Gray, 2011; Gordon & Barron, 2011; Gray et al., in press). Consequently, there is now advocacy for a more holistic approach that recognizes the wider benefits of geodiversity to society and integrates geodiversity more closely in environmental policy and practice (Prosser et al., 2011; Henriques et al., 2011; Gordon et al., 2012; Gray et al., in press). This should lead to Figure 1: Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter (http://scottishgeodiversityforum.org/charter). better recognition that geodiversity is of significant value to society and relevant to of biodiversity, geodiversity and land- help to identify priorities for geoconser- society’s needs. In turn, this should help to scape within the framework of an ecosys- vation activities and provide a foundation strengthen geoconservation and the role tem approach and underpinned by sound for actions by different stakeholders and of geodiversity as the essential foundation Earth system science. Working in collabo- sectors. of most ecosystems and the services they ration, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) provide. Such an approach underpins the and the British Geological Survey (BGS) Geodiversity interacts with biodiversity development of Scotland’s Geodiversity prepared an evidence base to support such through our ecosystems and also links land- Charter. an approach (Gordon & Barron, 2011). scapes, people and their cultures. In some Their report demonstrated that geodiver- cases the benefits from geodiversity are Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter: recog- sity delivers or underpins many different direct (e.g. enhancing the aesthetic quality nizing the wider importance and value types of ecosystem service and provides a of the landscape), whereas in others they of geodiversity wide range of benefits for society and the are achieved through the influence that environment (Table 1). It concluded that geological, hydrogeological, geomorpho- The rationale behind Scotland’s Geodi- a strategic framework would highlight the logical or pedological factors and processes versity Charter (Fig. 1) was to demonstrate wider role and benefits of geodiversity and have on both landforms and the biodiversity and build on the wider values of geodi- associated geoconservation activities and they support. Not only is the conservation versity and to advocate a more strategic facilitate their better integration into the management of the non-living parts of the and integrated focus to the conservation existing policy framework. It would also natural world crucial for sustaining living

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 49 Benefits arising from geodiversity and geoconservation Links to EU policies The knowledge to help society adapt to climate change and sea-level rise and to mitigate natural hazards through better understanding of Supporting the Floods Directive, the EU Climate Change Policy – Adapt- natural processes and regional differences ing to Climate Change

Supporting the EU Habitats Directive, the EU Water Framework and The physical basis for our varied landscapes (both rural and urban) Groundwater Directives, the EU Biodiversity Strategy, the European and the foundation for terrestrial and marine habitats, wildlife and Landscape Convention, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, use of land and water the Integrated Maritime Policy and Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management

The resources for many aspects of economic development, including Supporting EU Economic policy, the Sustainable Development Strategy minerals, tourism-based activities (e.g. Geoparks), soils, and renew- and Sustainable Tourism Policy able energy

A powerful influence on our cultural heritage as a source of inspiration for art, sculpture, music, poetry and literature, and on the character Supporting EU cultural and education policies of our built environment through the use of different building stones

The resources for education and research (Earth system science) that support cross-curricular activities, provide opportunities for employ- Supporting EU science, education and economic policies ment and enhance our knowledge of how the Earth works

The resources for a variety of recreation and outdoor activities, with Supporting the EU Health Strategy and Health Programme consequent benefits for people’s health and well-being

Table 1: Benefits from geodiversity and geoconservation and links to EU policies. species and habitats (e.g. Anderson & industry, education and academic sectors, people to re-connect with the natural Ferree, 2010), but geodiversity also has a related governmental and non-governmen- environment. fundamental bearing on people’s health and tal organizations and interested individuals. well-being. The basis of the Charter, there- The Charter encourages determined and fore, is that geodiversity has an essential The Charter was launched in June 2012 collective action from all sectors – public part to play in dealing with the challenges by Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for bodies, commercial businesses, land owners that society faces today, such as climate Environment and Climate Change. It sets and managers, academics, teachers, volun- change adaptation, loss of biodiversity, sea- out a vision that Scotland’s geodiversity is tary organizations and individuals – to fulfil level rise, sustainable economic develop- recognized as an integral and vital part of the vision and so ensure that geodiversity ment and improving people’s quality of life. our environment, economy, heritage and is adequately considered and conserved, These are cross-cutting issues of current future sustainable development, to be safe- and continues to provide essential benefits concern to decision makers in government. guarded and managed appropriately for for Scotland. To achieve the vision, future By aligning with the Scottish Government’s this and future generations. The signatories action should address four main areas of Strategic Objectives on the economy, qual- commit to maintain and enhance geodiver- activity: ity of life, education, the environment and sity, recognizing its contribution to: health, the Charter can help to add value to 1. raising awareness of the importance important economic, social and environ- • natural heritage, valued landscapes of geodiversity and its wider links mental outcomes (Gordon & Barron, 2012). and sea-bed features; with landscape, culture and sense • habitats and species, and the many of place, and encouraging a sense of The voluntary geoconservation sector, essential benefits it provides for pride through education (at all levels through the Scottish Geodiversity Forum, society; including schools, universities and has taken a lead in developing the Scot- • adaptation to changes in climate life-long learning), promotion, out- tish Geodiversity Charter, facilitated by key and sea level through sustainable reach and public interpretation; organizations including SNH, BGS and the management of land and water at a 2. integration of geodiversity in rel- Scottish Government. The Forum www.( landscape/ecosystem scale based on evant policies to ensure sustainable scottishgeodiversityforum.org), established in the principle of ‘working with natural management of the natural heritage, 2011, promotes Scotland’s geodiversity and processes’; land and water at a landscape/eco- seeks to widen the profile of geodiversity • sustainable economic development; system scale for the wider benefit of and influence national and local policies • historical and cultural development, Scotland’s people, environment and in education, community involvement and intellectual growth and creative economy; health, the development of tourism and the expression; 3. conservation and enhancement of wider economy. Its members include local • public health, quality of life and our geoheritage and its special char- geoconservation groups, Geoparks, the national well-being and helping acter: within existing designated sites

50 Topical - Geoheritage

and areas, by further designation of Scotland, 36 sites were identified for their benefits for tourism and people’s health and nationally and locally important geological/scientific merit, education value, well-being. Better integration of geodiver- sites, and in the wider rural, urban community site value, cultural heritage, sity and geoconservation in existing water and marine environments; economic importance, access and fragility, policies, measures and decision frameworks 4. research to improve our understand- and 34 were recommended as Local Geodi- would help Europe to find more sustaining of the role of geodiversity in pro- versity Sites. As well as having geoheritage able solutions that in the long term would viding benefits to ecosystems and importance, the sites have numerous links be less costly as well as providing positive people, and to address key knowl- to landscape character, historical structures, economic benefits. At the same time, it edge gaps such as the functional links ecology and the economic and cultural his- would help to protect Europe’s geoherit- between geodiversity and biodiver- tory of the area. Such systematic inventory age and safeguard the quality of the living sity in terrestrial, freshwater and and evaluation provides a foundation for environment of European citizens, while marine environments. developing a Local Geodiversity Action mitigating risks such flooding, biodiversity Plan and better integration of geoheritage loss and soil loss. For example, local authorities, public in local planning policies. agencies and government departments Conclusion should undertake to ensure that due con- As of August 2012, the Charter had sideration, management, enhancement and 31 signatories, including public bodies, Integration of geodiversity in wider promotion of geodiversity and national and NGOs, industry and landowner representa- environmental policy and decision frame- local geosites are an integral part of deci- tive groups, geoconservation groups and works is now essential not only to protect sion making. The types of action they can Geoparks; further signatories are expected. our geoheritage, but also to ensure more take include: The next step now underway is to monitor holistic conservation management of biodi- progress towards delivering the aims of the versity, geodiversity and landscape through • Acknowledging the value and impor- Charter, to encourage further sign-up and an ecosystem approach, to inform climate tance of geodiversity in policy and to develop and promote more examples change adaptations, and to contribute to guidance documents at national and of best practice. In terms of outcomes at resolving broader environmental, economic local levels, including: national plan- a UK level, the Charter also aligns with, and social issues. Scotland’s Geodiversity ning policy and Local Plans; policies and supports, the UK Geodiversity Action Charter represents an important step in this and guidance for biodiversity, nature Plan (UKGAP) (www.ukgap.org.uk) and will direction. It instigates a process through conservation, climate change, tour- contribute to its delivery. which key stakeholders will work together ism, landscape, greenspace, land and to achieve greater awareness of geodiversity water management, the historic envi- Opportunities at a European level and the realization of its benefits through ronment and marine conservation, as the sustainable management of land and well as seeking advice from appro- The type of approach underlying the water, consistent with the economic, social, priate expert bodies and agencies in Charter may have wider relevance since cultural and environmental needs of Scot- decision making where appropriate; conservation of geodiversity and geoher- land. By moving in this direction, the Char- • Promoting Scotland’s geodiversity itage can play a vital part in a more sus- ter aims to demonstrate that geodiversity as a tourism asset that adds value to tainable Europe in line with a range of EU matters and that geoscience knowledge visitor experience and enjoyment; policies (Table 1). For example, this was and geoconservation can deliver positive • Forming partnerships with local demonstrated at a stand organized by the benefits for people and the environment geoconservation groups to audit EFG Panel of Experts on Soil Protection at national and local scales. In doing so, it geodiversity sites and develop geo- and Geological Heritage, together with five should help to place geoconservation and diversity action plans, and involving other European Earth Sciences and related geoheritage on a more strategic footing. local communities in collating infor- organizations, at the Exhibition, ‘Every This is part of a broader European chal- mation about sites of interest (e.g. Drop Counts’, held as part of the European lenge to raise awareness of the value and former quarries, building stones); Commission’s Green Week in Brussels, benefits of geodiversity at a policy level and • Encouraging developers to allow 22-25 May 2012 (www.eurogeologists.eu). The to position geodiversity at the foundation access to temporary exposures to key message presented was that the role of of an ecosystem approach. record and sample, and to contribute geodiversity in the EU water policy frame- borehole data to BGS. work should be enhanced. Care for Europe’s Acknowledgements geodiversity and geoheritage is crucial in Appropriate case studies illustrate the relation to the globally increasing demand We thank Eleanor Brown, Natural Eng- types of action that can be taken. For for clean drinking water, management of land, for helpful comments. HFB publishes example, East Dunbartonshire Council, water-related hazards such as flooding and with permission of the Executive Director one of the signatories, completed a geodi- coastal erosion, climate change adaptation, of the British Geological Survey. versity audit in 2010, jointly funded by the development of renewable energy (hydro Council and SNH, and carried out by BGS. power) and opportunities for water-based In this local authority area in the west of recreation and outdoor activities with their

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 51 References

Anderson, M.G., Ferree, C.E. 2010. Conserving the stage: climate change and the geophysical underpinnings of species diversity. PLoS ONE 5(7): e11554. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011554.

Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe 2004. Recommendation Rec(2004)3 on conservation of the geological heritage and areas of special geological interest. https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=740629&Lang=en

Ellis, N. 2011. The Geological Conservation Review (GCR) in Great Britain - rationale and methods. Proceedings of the Geolo- gists’ Association, 122, 353-362.

European Commission 2011. Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020, COM(2011) 244 final. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/comm2006/2020.htm

Gordon, J.E., Barron, H.F. 2011. Scotland’s geodiversity: development of the basis for a national framework. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 417.

Gordon, J.E. & Barron, H.F. 2012. Valuing geodiversity and geoconservation: developing a more strategic ecosystem approach. Scottish Geographical Journal, DOI:10.1080/14702541.2012.725861.

Gordon, J.E., Leys, K.F. (Eds) 2001. Earth Science and the Natural Heritage. Interactions and Integrated Management. Edinburgh, The Stationery Office.

Gordon, J.E., Barron, H.F., Hansom, J.D., Thomas, M.F. 2012. Engaging with geodiversity – Why it matters. Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, 123, 1-6.

Gray, M. 2004. Geodiversity: Valuing and Conserving Abiotic Nature. Chichester, John Wiley & Sons.

Gray, M. 2011. Other nature: geodiversity and geosystem services. Environmental Conservation, 38, 271-274.

Gray, M., Gordon, J.E., Brown, E.J. in press. Geodiversity and the ecosystem approach: the contribution of geoscience in delivering integrated environmental management. Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association.

Henriques, M.H., Pena dos Reis, R., Brilha, J., Mota, T. 2011. Geoconservation as an emerging geoscience. Geoheritage, 3, 117-128.

IUCN 2008. Resolutions and Recommendations adopted at the 4th IUCN World Conservation Congress. Resolution 4 040: Con- servation of geodiversity and geological heritage. http://intranet.iucn.org/webfiles/doc/IUCNPolicy/Resolutions/2008_WCC_4/ English/RES/res_4_040_conservation_of_geodiversity_and_geological_heritage.pdf

Johansson, C.E. (Ed.) 2000. Geodiversitet i Nordisk Naturvård. Copenhagen, Nordic Council of Ministers.

McKeever, P.J., Zouros, N., Patzak, M. 2010. The UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. European Geoparks Magazine, 7, 10–13. http://www.scribd.com/doc/80356479/EGN-Magazine-Issue-7

Prosser, C.D., Bridgland, D.R., Brown, E.J., Larwood, J.G. 2011. Geoconservation for science and society: challenges and opportunities. Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, 122, 337-342.

Reynard, E., Coratza, P., Regolini-Bissig, G. (Eds) 2009. Geomorphosites. Munich, Verlag Dr. Friedrich Pfeil.

Stace, H., Larwood, J. 2006. Natural Foundations: Geodiversity for People, Places and Nature. Peterborough, English Nature.

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How to implement Geoheritage and Geodiversity in the QualityCoast Label and COASTLEARN?

Hanneke van den Ancker and Albert Salman*

The QualityCoast Label and Flag EUCC The Coastal & Marine Union (EUCC) is the largest net- ith the QualityCoast Award work of coastal practitioners and experts in Europe, programme, EUCC aims to an association with member organizations in 40 coun- establish a worldwide network tries, 14 National Branches, and offices in five coun- Wof coastal areas that encourage sustainable tries. Its main objectives are promoting sustainable development, conservation of nature and coastal development, and maintaining healthy seas biodiversity, care for cultural heritage and and attractive coasts for both people and nature. EUCC identity, and social responsibility, whilst advocates best practice by developing coastal and maintaining high standards in tourism. marine policies, mobilizing experts and stakeholders, providing advice and information, and implementing The idea followed the Blue Flag pro- demonstration projects. gramme, with 3489 beaches and marinas worldwide participating, (see www.blueflag. org). The public responds very well to the December is the dead- Blue Flag label because it indicates a good line for submitting quality of water, a clean and well-managed applications. Filling out beach and marina and proper safety regu- the questionnaire takes lations. As a result, local communities are a community approxi- eager to have a blue flag flying for their mately two weeks. Costs beaches and marinas. for participating depend on the size of the area and For visitors, a holiday is more than a the number of inhabit- beach, and local authorities and the EUCC ants. Some financial started to expand the scope from a single support for the QC pro- beach to a whole tourism destination. Since gramme is received from 2007, more than 140 tourist destinations in the EU. The application 23 countries have received a QualityCoast is screened by a team of Award, including coastal towns, resorts, experts and the response regional parks and islands. To acquire Figure 1: QualityCoast flag in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. of the public visiting the a QualityCoast flag, a destination has to area is incorporated into pay attention to sustainable policies and the judgement. The final evaluation is done Depending on the score and Jury evalua- management of nature and biodiversity, by a Jury, paying attention to the regional, tion, a gold, silver or bronze award and flag education and tourism facilities, the envi- national and international standards in are presented to applicants for the quality of ronmental quality (including Blue Flag sustainability and the score is computed their sustainability policy. This is a higher requirements), keeping the identity of the by adding several sectorial scores. A Quali- award level than the BasicQ Award and Flag region: the culture and historical values of tyCoast policy Award is valid for a two-year that a community receives when the actual villages, towns and landscapes, and respect- period. situation (‘status’) meets the basic criteria ing human rights. for sustainable coastal management. Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards A local authority or a national or regional Top 100, Top 10 park can submit an application for a QC For more details about the QualityCoast Award by completing a form. Every year, criteria and indicators, see the EUCC web- Each year a Top 100 ranking list of sus- site and brochures: http://www.qualitycoast. tainable coastal destinations is published, * Director Sustainable Development, info/local-authorities/QCAward2013_Applica- and a Top 10 list of coastal regions that EUCC, [email protected] tion_Manual.pdf best satisfy the sustainable policy criteria.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 53 The Top 10 of coastal regions are highlighted in a special brochure Azores, Portugal that is freely distributed, and available on www.qualitycoast. info. This year, 2012, the Azores ended first in the Top 10 of coastal regions. All its nine islands were screened.

Ambassadors, travel • The rich marine life, including dolphins, sperm and great • The islands offer an amazing variety of volcanic features: organizations (TUI, whales, marine turtles and birds, pelagic fishes and cold cones and domes, craters (caldeiras) and crater lakes, booking.com), tour- water corals, can be experienced through snorkelling, caverns, grottoes and thermal springs. diving, sighting (e.g. from old watch towers) and whale ism fairs watching trips. • Only small parts remain of the original laurel forest (Macaronesian Laurisilva), a subtropical evergreen forest; To promote the • Top quality regional products are: wine, cheese, passion best preserved parts are on Pico, Terceira, and S. Miguel. fruits and tea; Azores tuna is captured with traditional QualityCoast policy poles and lines, dolphin friendly; processed in S. Jorge, it • The hiking trail of Pico is among the top 10 in the world. programme and label is among the most sustainable canned tuna in the world But also other islands offer unobstructed views over the sea market. EUCC has a network of and often towards other islands. ambassadors, television • The Azores regional authority aims at exploring and • The Azores’ architectonic patrimony is supported through personalities and poli- optimizing renewable energy, in particular wind and a set of policies aimed at preserving and valuing traditions geothermic. Currently 28% of the energy originates from ticians that endorse the and cultural heritage. renewable resources, targeted at 75% in 2018. concept. QualityCoast destinations are pro- © Gerrit van Ommering moted in several travel brochures of the TUI travel organization. The Azores mainly consist of nine inhabited islands. The Azores Several tour operators regional government has participated in a QualityCoast policy audit have supported the QC for the entire archipelago. label since 2010 and in Sustainability Status of Azores islands according to BasiQ indexes 2012, for the first time, QualityCoast destina- Azores islands B-score NAT ENV ID&C tions were promoted at Corvo 8,0 9,2 8,3 8,7 tourism fairs, includ- Flores 7,9 8,6 8,3 8,9 São Miguel 7,6 6,8 8,8 8,9 ing those of Essen and Graciosa 7,5 7,7 7,7 8,9 Utrecht and the special Pico 7,2 7,9 7,2 8,4 Tourism Fair of Berlin, Faial 7,1 6,1 7,7 9,4 ITB, (see photograph). Terceira 7,1 5,8 7,7 9,9 Santa Maria 6,9 5,4 7,7 8,9 São Jorge 6,8 6,7 7,7 6,7 EUCC cooperates with the business sector, a number of individual hotels and tourist businesses, including Booking. com, the internet hotel booking system (Try booking your hotel 7 next time via EUCC’s Spotted Dolphins © Stephen Frink homepage, www.eucc. Figure 2: Page from the brochure re the Azoren and extra table of scores of the separate islands. net).

Call for experts to evaluate local policies regarding (coastal) geoheritage and geodiversity To evaluate the geoheritage and geodiversity policy of areas that have applied for a QualityCoast Award, and will apply in the near future for a QualityTourism Award, a network of Earth Scientists is required. For this purpose, we would like to cooperate with organizations specialized in this and to set up a special database of geo-experts per country. The fee for a complete evaluation will depend on the size of the area, but is about 200 – 400 Euro per evaluation. This only makes an evaluation possible, if you already know the region. If you are interested in participating, please submit a short CV, 1-2 A4 pages, highlighting your coastal and evaluation expertise and the regions that you are willing to evaluate. You can submit your application through [email protected] under the heading: QC-expert.

54 Topical - Geoheritage

Extending the QC policy label to inland be acquired by all destinations, coastal and destinations and cooperation with other non-coastal. Furthermore, discussions with organizations other organizations such as Blue Flag, EFG, EGN and GGN are taking place on how to By adopting the global destination crite- improve cooperation. ria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Coun- cil (GSTC), QualityCoast is now open for Geoheritage and geodiversity in the Qual- destinations from all over the world. Under ityCoast / QualityTourism label the umbrella of the ECNC Group, the Expertise Centre for Biodiversity and Sus- In 2012, with support of the EFG board, Figure 3: EUCC director Albert Salman at the tainable Development (www.ecncgroup.eu), a PE Geological Heritage established a small Tourism Fair in Berlin. broader programme is being developed, a working group of six persons that checked QualityTourism Award and label, that can the questionnaire of the QualityCoast label for improvement re geoheritage and geodiversity policies. It proposed a number of Call for case-studies and modules on geoheritage and geodiversity for suggestions to the QualityCoast team on EUCC’s databases on coastal education (COASTLEARN) and best practices how to improve the questionnaire for geodiversity and geoheritage purposes. Minor Apart from the QC label, the EUCC network developed a database with pro- adaptations only were needed in the nature, jects, best practices, see www.coastalguide.org and educational programmes, see cultural heritage and tourism sections. New www.coastlearn.org. The overview of educational programmes and assignments of applications will be screened for geoheritage COASTLEARN especially attracts many visitors, with over 60,000 unique visitors and geodiversity, around January 2013. For in 2011. the screening we will need an extra group of experts in coastal geoheritage and geodiver- Within the EFG - PE Geological Heritage, we have been regularly discussing the sity, from those regions and countries that need for databases that promote best practices in geoheritage and geodiversity. did submit a QualityCoast application, and Natural England, for example, developed such a database for quarrying. To give that will submit a QualityTourism applica- impetus to the idea, gain experience and have a bigger public looking at our tion in the near future. EFG’s Board and PE materials, we think it is sensible to start a cooperation with EUCC and try to apply team on Geological Heritage have decided for best practices projects in coastal management with respect to geodiversity to support its development. and geoheritage. The format will follow the EUCC format. An alternative or additional database is the OURCOAST database that was prepared by Arcadis and Further reading EUCC, under contract for the European Commission, see http://ec.europa.eu/ourcoast. If you are interested, submit a short description of a best practice example(s) – 1 http://www.eucc.net A4 page maximum (see websites for proper formats) - through info.efg@eurogeolo- http://www.qualitycoast.info gists.eu under the heading: Coastal Best Practice project or COASTLEARN.

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SLR Consulting Ireland has over 25 geoscience professionals based in Dublin who are part of the 700+ strong SLR Group with offices in the UK, Africa, Canada, USA and Australia.

SLR provides a full range of services in the following areas:

· Minerals & Mining · Energy Resources · Geothermal Energy To find out more, please contact: · Environmental Management Deirdre Lewis / Róisín Goodman · Infrastructure / Geotechnics SLR Consulting (Ireland) Limited 7 Dundrum Business Park, Windy Arbour · Competent Person / Independent Reporting Dundrum, Dublin 14 · Carbon Management T: +353 1 296 4667 F: +353 1 296 4676 · Waste Management [email protected] · Strategic Planning / Valuations [email protected] www.slrconsulting.com EFG Stand at the European Commission’s Green Week 2012 “Every drop counts”

Patricia Cortés, Hanneke van den Ancker* and John Gordon

ater shapes our landscapes and An EU Policy response to the Water their geology, geomorphology, Framework Directive, the “Blueprint soils and biodiversity. The role to Safeguard Europe’s Water”, has been Wof geodiversity in the EU water policy developed to ensure good quality water in framework should be enhanced. Better sufficient quantities for all legitimate uses: integration of geodiversity and geoconser- http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/blueprint/ vation in existing water policies, measures index_en.htm. It will be issued in winter 2012. and decision frameworks will help Europe to find more sustainable solutions that in EFG, together with five other European the long term will be less costly. At the same earth sciences and related organizations, time, it will help to protect Europe’s geoher- organized a stand under the theme, “Water itage and safeguard the quality of the living shapes most of Europe’s geological heritage Figure 1: EFG stand with Patricia Cortés Polo, and landscapes”. The main objective of the environment of European citizens, while Office Assistant, Dr. Isabel Fernandez, EFG mitigating risks such flooding, biodiversity stand was to draw attention to the fact that Executive Director and Dr. John Gordon, Uni- loss and soil loss. The European Federation sustainable water management should take of Geologists participated in the European regional geodiversity into account. Standard versity of St Andrews, Scotland. Commission’s Green Week, 22-25 May, solutions for water problems are often based 2012, with a stand at the Exhibition: “Every on models that do not consider geology, Drop Counts”. geomorphology, soils and history of the landscapes. In the models, the subsoil is This year’s theme of the 12th Annual frequently treated as a uniform medium. Conference on European Environment Furthermore, EU water policy should Policy was “Water”. This is the largest include the natural character of water environmental conference organized by bodies as part of our geological heritage. the EU and seeks to raise awareness about The handout “Geodiversity, an omission protection of the environment. It provides in EU policy” summarizes these messages a unique opportunity for discussion and and links to other EU legislation in which Figure 2: Patrycja Czerniak, EUCC-Integrated exchange of experiences and good prac- geodiversity can contribute to sustainable Coastal Zone Management and Hanneke van tice, since the audience is made up of offi- management. It can be downloaded here. den Ancker. cials from all levels of government, local, regional and national, as well as non-gov- At the stand we met with officials, mem- Union), IAG (International Association of ernmental organizations, scientists, techni- bers of NGOs and the public. Everybody Geomorphologists), EFS (European Fed- cians and representatives of companies in we spoke with seemed to agree with our eration of Speleologists) and ProGEO (The the environmental sector within the Euro- messages. EU officials mentioned that they European Association for the Conservation pean Union and other countries. Every year are working towards such improvements, of the Geological Heritage): some thousands of international experts in as suggested in our stand, but part of the environmental management meet during problem is that these issues are difficult • EFG: a non-governmental European the event. to standardize and scientists as yet have umbrella organization of 21 national not come forward with practical solutions. earth sciences associations, whose The 52 stands at the Exhibition associ- main objectives are to contribute to ated with the Conference included green The stand was prepared by the coordina- a safer and more sustainable use of business solutions, NGO activities, local tor of the EFG Panel of Experts (PE) on Soil the natural environment, to protect and regional authorities, and European and Protection and Geological Heritage, Ms and inform the public and to pro- international bodies. Debates, presenta- Hanneke van den Ancker, with Dr. John mote more responsible exploitation tions and stands reviewed actions in water Gordon and Miss Patricia Cortés, and sup- of natural resources. policy, the uses of this valuable resource ported by the coordinator of the EFG PE on • European Geoparks Network: com- and the elimination of water pollution. The Hydrogeology, Dr Marco Petitta. prises 50 Geoparks in 19 European presentations and documents of the confer- countries, that promote sustainable ence can be downloaded here. The stand was co-organized by six Euro- regional development by using that pean organizations that care for Geodi- territory’s geological heritage, pri- * Coordinator Geoheritage NL and Coor- versity and Geoheritage: EFG (European marily through the development of dinator of the EFG Panel on Geological Federation of Geologists), European geotourism. Heritage, [email protected] Geoparks, EUCC (The Costal and Marine • EUCC: an association with 2700 mem-

56 Topical - Geoheritage

bers and member organizations in 40 European countries, that is dedicated to conserving and maintaining healthy seas and attractive coasts for both people and nature. • IAG: an international scientific, non-governmental and non-profit organization, whose principal objectives are development and promotion of geomorphology as a science through international co-operation and dissemination of knowledge of geomorphology. • EFS: an international group of speleological federations to promote sport and scientific speleology with com- missions and working groups (e.g. Commission on Cave Protection). • ProGEO: a network of individuals and organizations from nearly all European countries, that promotes the conservation of Europe’s rich heritage of landscape, rock, fossil and mineral sites, and informs and advises the public of the importance of this patrimony.

During the exhibition, the stand was staffed by Ms Hanneke van den Ancker (Coordinator Geoheritage NL and EFG PE Soil Protection and Geological Herit- age), Miss Patrycja Czerniak (EUCC-Inte- grated Coastal Zone Management), Miss Jet Krantz (EUCC – Coastal Quality Label), Dr Figure 3: EFG Greenweek poster. John Gordon (University of St. Andrews), Mrs Isabel Fernández (EFG Executive ProGEO, EFG and IAG added best prac- the “Quality Coast Label” Director) and Miss Patricia Cortés (EFG tices linked to the interrelations between • EUCC – “Integrated Coastal Zone Office assistant). water and landscape and how to incorpo- Management: Our Coast”, produced rate geology, geomorphology, processes by the European Commission The exhibition included three posters and soils in sustainable water management • Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter pro- with the headlines: “Water shapes our land- practices, such as in Scotland’s Geodiver- duced by the Scottish Geodiversity scapes and soils”, “Geodiversity influences sity Charter and London’s Geodiversity Forum Europe’s cultural diversity and biodiver- Action Plan. Examples came from all the • Geoheritage NL leaflet sity” and “Knowledge of geodiversity is different European regions, from Finland • IAG’s leaflet on the book “Geomor- vital for sustainable water management”. to Spain, and from Greece to Ireland. Care phosites”. These messages were signed “We care about for Europe’s geodiversity and geoheritage is Geodiversity and Geoheritage”, under the crucial in relation to the globally increasing As well as Environment Commissioner, logos of the six organisations on the fourth demand for clean drinking water, man- Janez Potočnik, who attended the Green poster. A rotating powerpoint presentation, agement of water-related hazards such Week exhibition, including our stand, we “Six European / International organizations as flooding and coastal erosion, climate were visited by different companies and on Water, Geoheritage and Geodiversity”, change adaptation, development of renew- NGOs interested in linking their activities showed examples of the wide variety of able energy (hydro power) and opportuni- with ours and working together on geodi- activities of each group, with around 100 ties for water-based recreation and outdoor versity and the protection of geoheritage. slides and illustrated with engaging photos. activities with their benefits for tourism and The examples included care in European people’s health and well-being. In conclusion, the visitors appreciated the Geoparks for heritage watersand land- issues addressed in our stand and we had forms, education, tourism and sustaina- Other documents and leaflets available stimulating discussions and exchanges of ble management; the achievements of the at the stand included: ideas. The EFG and partner organisations EUCC integrated coastal zone manage- increased their visibility by participating in ment programme and the certification of • The EFG leaflet the Exhibition, explained their activities to European coastal communities through the • Special issues of EUCC’s magazine many visitors interested in geology and the quality coast label; and the cave protection on “Sustainable tourism: Looking profession and improved their networks and cave research programme of the EFS. for a sustainable destination” and of contacts.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 57 Interview with Spanish EurGeol title holder

EFG Office*

In order to promote the European Geolo- Pour la promotion du titre de Géologue El Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Geólogos (ICOG), gist title, the Spanish Professional Geolo- Européen, l’Organisation Espagnole des empezó en 2012 una serie de entrevistas gists’ Organization, ICOG, started in 2012 Géologues Professionnels (ICOG), a entre- con eurogeólogos españoles con objeto de a series of interviews with Spanish EurGeol pris en 2012, une série d’interviews avec les promocionar el título de geólogo europeo. title holders. EFG publishes here one of those EuroGéologues espagnols. La FEG publie ici La FEG incluye aquí una de esas entrevistas interviews in which Raul Sanabria reflects l’un de ces interviews où Raul Sanabria rend en la que Raul Sanabria reflexiona sobre on the benefits of professional titles and compte des avantages à posséder une quali- los beneficios de los títulos profesionales y his exploration experiences abroad. EFG fication professionnelle reconnue ainsi que su experiencia en exploración en el extran- plans to carry out similar interviews with son expérience des travaux d’exploration à jero. La FEG planea realizar entrevistas simi- title holders of other national associations l’étranger. La FEG a l’intention d’effectuer lares a eurogeólogos de otras asociaciones for future issues of the European Geologist des interviews similaires avec des Euro- nacionales para próximas ediciones de la magazine. géologues appartenant à d’autres Associa- revista European Geologist. tions nationales avec publication dans les prochains numéros de l’European Geologist Magazine.

Raul Sanabria The super-specialization of the sector has sional title became imperative in order to brought companies to explore the world be able to head the exploration department Graduate of the Complutense University from here, with the latest techniques and as Exploration Manager or Vice President, of Madrid, Member of the Ilustre Colegio knowledge. This is possible thanks to the Exploration. Given these responsibilities Oficial de Geólogos de España (ICOG), Euro- creation of a single stock market, the TSX and the requirement for companies to pean Geologist (EurGeol) and Professional and the TSX-V, specialized solely in mining disseminate reports publicly as the stock Geoscientist (P.Geo) and exploration and supplying the sector’s exchange market obliges, arose the need companies with capital, a government of being a Qualified Person. As a European politically committed to the sector and pro- Geologist (EurGeol) I was logically consid- moting exploration and being pro-mining, ered as complying with the regulations that as well as an efficient national geological opened the door for applying to the P.Geo service. Let’s get back to the initial question, title at the APEGBC in British Columbia. whether the professional title is relevant This way, the experience I had gained, com- here. The title is “compulsory” for certifying bined with the professional titles, means that the exploration work is carried out with that I can design, carry out and report the the most elevated quality and professional- results of exploration programmes at the ism standards and the subsequent obliga- majority of the world’s stock exchange mar- tion of public dissemination of technical kets and work on all five continents. information for the investors. The latter is very much regulated by the stock exchange Do you consider that these titles have an market of Toronto and has to be carried added value for finding a job? out by qualified professionals (Qualified For me personally it was useful for Persons according to the standard NI43- working at a higher level and especially in 101 in Canada or Competent Persons accredited by the « The title is “compulsory” for certifying that the Are professional titles useful abroad? Australian JORC, among exploration work is carried out with the most elevated The answer is very simple. Yes, of course. others) who take, with their quality and professionalism standards and the subse- In the country where I am currently living, signature, responsibility for quent obligation of public dissemination of technical Canada, it is the most important thing a the mentioned information, information for the investors. » geologist can write on his business card. without the least distortion Canada is the “centre of the universe” for or modification, a consequence of the Briex terms of remuneration. The responsibility exploration and mining issues. This is due scandal in the 1990s. of my signature is very great and, from there to the rich natural resources of this coun- on, increases my appreciation. From being try and the infrastructure created around Could you explain to us why you applied a field geologist splitting stones from one them; the latter includes education and the for the European Geologist title? side to the other, I switched to directing my development and financing of projects. For the same reasons explained above. own team of geologists, engineers, drillers, After several years of work experience as an etc. and being able to budget and design * Isabel Fernández Fuentes, exploration and mining geologist, I decided regional exploration programmes in dif- EFG Executive Director, to make the jump and to dedicate myself ferent places and, what is most important, [email protected] to exploration at a higher level. The profes- to be responsible, lately, for the discovery

58 Professional profiles

and dissemination of results in extremely and mapping at the same time anomalies in one of the most important gold mines of regulated public channels. Without the title, the exploration of the valued black mineral, the world. While looking for similarities I wouldn’t have been able to reach the stage all this with few English abilities and living in the regional geology, we found a very where I am now which is, I believe, the most in canvas tents. It goes without saying that prospective area and started to do explora- important one in my professional career in summer the sun is up for 24 hours, that it tion, bibliographic studies and to add eve- and where I was able to find, promote and was snowing in August and that spring only rything to a GIS. It turned out to be a good finance with public funds my own discov- lasted ten days, and last but not least, there exploration basis which we investigated in eries, and have this way founded my own were bears, wolves and other wild fauna. May 2010. The result was that we found companies. From there I started the same rocks, to look for gold on « Without the title, I wouldn’t have the same altera- Currently a demand for geologists exists the west coast of Brit- been able to reach the stage where I am tion, the same abroad. Would you recommend to geolo- ish Columbia, in the now which is, I believe, the most important structures and gists who are unemployed to look for work “golden triangle” at the one in my professional career and where I finally gold! outside Spain? border with Alaska, was able to find, promote and finance with Immediately we On the path I have treaded across the with American Creek public funds my own discoveries, and have demarcated the world, I have identified regions which effec- Resources Ltd. This is a this way founded my own companies. » area, applied for tively lack geologists, at least in the explora- whole world of glaciers the license and tion sector to which I am dedicated. Canada and steep mountain ranges and some of started to explore with our own money and is, of course, an exceptional place where the biggest and most spectacular porphyric at our own risk. Now that the group is fully more than 50% of the territory has not yet gold, copper and epithermal deposits in involved in the search for gold and precious been explored. Every year not only deposits the world. During this period, I applied metals, we are starting to look for pro- but also new mining districts are discov- for the European Geologist title in order jects in new areas which are not very well ered. From Canada onwards, they explore to become a Qualified Person for a project explored yet, in order to add more projects also Central America, South America, and I also started the process to become and create a new company. Which place is Europe and mainly western Africa. Aus- P.Geo with the APEGBC. Thanks to this, I better suited than Colombia in these days tralia is the second competitor where a lot of could carry out the exploration as Explora- to find gold? After one year of field work exploration is carried out within the coun- tion Manager and could then become Vice and negotiations with miners we managed try, mostly for iron and gold. Furthermore, President, Exploration. I was working in to buy two small-scale gold mines in the cities like Perth are the starting point for one of those places that you normally only centre of Colombia. The combination of exploration in western Africa, Madagascar, see in documentaries (and they pay us to high-level epithermal deposits together Indonesia and the whole of south-east Asia. travel there), for two consecutive summers, with the Red Lake gold project gave rise to Currently, I am working very actively in the 2008 and 2009. Two discoveries were made the creation of the CondorPreciousMetals exploration of Colombia which has lately during this time, an epithermal system of company of which I am currently President opened its doors to foreign investments and intermediate sulfidation (gold-silver) and and CEO. that is a unique opportunity. The truth is a copper and gold porphyry. We had three that they don’t have many geologists over drilling rigs and a camp of 30 persons situ- In summary, these experiences are more there and the companies pay Canadian ated on a mountain surrounded by glaciers than good, the possibilities are infinite and salaries for national geologists or those accessible only by helicopter during a lim- the limits are only created by yourself. The imported mainly from Peru. ited period of three months in summer. advantage of being here is that you discover With the same company, I also found a that the world is not as big as it seems and Tell us about your experiences in Canada unique iron-vanadium deposit in British you can’t get bored because all projects are and Colombia. Columbia (Ironmist) in Barriere, in 2008. different and everybody here is dedicated The adventure started in January 2007 Because of the financial crisis of 2008, to this. Thanks to professional titles, the when I decided to jump to the other side of the majority of the exploration companies prestige of geologists is recognized here, the Pond, to Vancouver on the west coast. didn’t have any capital for exploration in contrary to my experiences in Spain - even The times were not very promising for the 2009, including the one in which I was if it is painful to say this - where I dedicated Spanish mining industry, in which I was working. It was time to move towards a myself to geotechniques in the engineer- working, and my possibilities within the new opportunity. I was invited, as Vice ing world. From here I invite geologists to company were quite limited. On the con- President, Exploration, in March 2010, to become members of professional organiza- trary, in that year there were a lot of job found our own company, NorthernIron tions, to specialize themselves and to apply vacancies in both Australia and Canada. For Corp, which arrived on the stock market in for the professional titles of ICOG (I have different reasons, I opted for Canada and August 2011. The idea is to reopen the old the one specialized in Mineral Resources Cash Minerals Ltd. At the beginning, I spent Griffith mine (closed in 1986 with ¾ of its as well) and of the European Federation seven months in Yukon, in the Werneckes reserves still to be recovered) in the north of Geologists (European Geologist, Eur- mountains, searching for uranium in IOCG of Ontario. After a summer of exploration Geol) and if they go to Canada they should deposits, surrounded by Australians. It was we found a satellite deposit at the mine at apply for the Professional Geoscientist title an incredible experience. We resided one only 14 km distance which will allow us (P.Geo) or the equivalent in Australia if and a half hours by light aircraft from the to go for a scenario of two open pits and this is their choice. Afterwards the world closest little village and our daily means of which we are currently drilling in order to will seem small to them. This gave to me a transport was the helicopter. I was in charge define the reserves. unique opportunity to evaluate projects not of a camp of 25 persons, with two drilling After two summers in the Red Lake Area, only in different parts of Canada but also in rigs working 24 hours per day and 10 geol- an opportunity came along. In Balmertown Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Argentina ogy students making systematic samplings (Goldcorp), 50 kms from there is located and Chile among others.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 59 Book review: Geoheritage in Europe and its conservation Sylvia Smith-Meyer and Hanneke van den Ancker*

Geoheritage in Europe and its conservation urope is diverse in geology, land- The book is published by ProGEO, the by W.A.P. Wimbledon & S. Smith - Meyer (eds.) scapes, countries and history. The European Association for the Conserva- new ProGEO book, Geoheritage in tion of the Geological Heritage, a network EEurope and its conservation, gives an over- that promotes the conservation of Europe’s Expected date of publication: November – Decem- view of the different situations re: geocon- rich heritage of landscapes, rocks, fossils ber 2012 servation in Europe. It is the first time such and mineral sites, involving all countries in an overview has been produced. Europe, exchanging ideas and information How to order? Information on how to purchase in an open forum, including the formula- the book are available on the ProGEO website: Contributions from 37 countries are tion of conventions and ideas for legisla- www.progeo.se. arranged in alphabetic order. Each country tion. The book is co-dedicated to the late Dr. has its own chapter of about 10 - 14 pages. Gerard Gonggrijp of the Netherlands, who Each chapter follows the same pattern and proposed the production of this book at the starts with a general introduction; a short beginning of the 1990s. His early death pre- overview of the most important geoheritage vented him from seeing the book become of that country and its history of geoconser- a reality. Gerard Gonggrijp was also one of vation. These paragraphs are followed by a the founders of “The Working Group for description of the geoconservation policies Earth Science Conservation”, as ProGEO and strategies as well as the legal frame- was called in its early days, and was its first works for protection. Practices and legisla- executive secretary. He thought the book tion vary considerably between countries, would be an important product in achieving but there appears to be a mutual basis for the ProGEO aim of sharing information and geoconservation throughout the continent. that it could act as a source for inspiration for the different countries. The text then proceeds with a concise description of the management of geodiver- The political situation and legislative sity and geological heritage, and the organi- frameworks of the European countries will zations that are active in these fields. Each change over the years. The ProGEO website chapter ends with literature, addresses, a will regularly provide information to update summary and future challenges. the content of the book.

Book review: An interview with Prof Dr Murray Gray about the new edition of his book: Geodiversity, valuing and conserving abiotic nature Hanneke van den Ancker*

n 2004, for the first time, a book with Visiting Professor in the School of Earth GEODIVERSITY in big capitals on its Sciences at the University of Minho, Portu- cover was published, by Wiley: Geo- gal. He has seen the beauty of geodiversity Idiversity, valuing and conserving abiotic in many parts of the world and recognizes nature. The book examined whether you the numerous problems to be overcome for could look at the physical environment of its sustainable management. our planet in a similar way that the concept of biodiversity has done for the living ele- The second edition of his book will be ments of Earth. Since its publication, the published in the spring of 2013, a perfect author Dr. Murray Gray has been invited by moment to look back with the author on many countries to explain and forward the ten years of geodiversity. idea of geodiversity and geoconservation, including USA, Canada, Norway, Neth- The book led to the inauguration of a erlands, Portugal, Poland, Hong Kong & university undergraduate course on geodi- Malaysia. He is now Reader Emeritus at versity and geoconservation at Queen Mary, Figure 1: Dr. Murray Gray. Queen Mary, University of London and University of London in 2005. Professor Gray is still involved in this course and in He is also the Chairman of the Planning * Coordinator Geoheritage NL and Coordi- teaching the Masters course in Geoheritage Committee of a UK National Park and has nator of the EFG Panel on Geological Herit- and Geoconservation at the University of been a local councillor in eastern England age, [email protected] Minho, Braga, Portugal. for over 20 years.

60 News

Geodiversity, valuing and conserving abiotic nature - 2013 edition

The book is divided into 15 chapters:

1. Defining Geodiversity; how the term geodiversity has grown 8. Global Geoparks; explaining the principles behind this since its first introduction in Tasmania and Australia in the growing network of geo-areas that use community sup- 1990s by Kiernan, Sharples and Dixon. port to promote geoconservation, education and economic 2. Global Scale Geodiversity; explaining how the Earth’s geo- development through geotourism. diversity evolved. 9. National Geoconservation; reviewing the geoconservation 3. Local Scale Geodiversity; describing the variety of miner- programmes of many countries, including USA, Canada and als, rocks, fossils, soils, landforms and physical processes. throughout Europe. 4. Valuing Geodiversity: relating the different perspectives 10. The Wider Landscape; describing how geodiversity con- from which to value our geoheritage, the historical, the tributes to landscape beyond protected areas. aesthetical, the economic, the tourism, the geosystem and 11. Geoconservation & Planning; explaining how the planning ecosystem functions. system can be a crucial tool in conserving geodiversity. 5. Threats to Geodiversity: an overview of the many threats. 12. Geoconservation and Policy: explaining how policy initia- 6. International Geoconservation: an introduction to the tives can be a crucial way of conserving geodiversity. organizations and geoconservation programmes operat- 13. Geodiversity & Geoconservation; describing how geocon- ing at a global scale. servation should be based on preserving geodiversity and 7. World Heritage Sites: explaining the principles behind the reviewing the methods of doing so. UNESCO scheme and the geological/geomorphologicalsites 14. Comparing and Integrating Geodiversity & Biodiversity included in the network. 15. Conclusions

Your book starts with a quote by African What will be different in the new edition of geodiversity and continues to have an conservationist Baba Dioum: “For in the of the book? What will be new? active group of researchers in the public end we will conserve only what we love. We There are now separate chapters on sector and a government committed to the will love only what we understand. And we World Heritage Sites and Global Geoparks role of geodiversity. will understand only what we are taught.” to reflect the growth in both the number Do you think this quote is still an important and importance of these networks. The The UK probably leads the world in geo- message for those involved in geoconserva- ‘Valuing Geodiversity’ chapter has been conservation policy and practice though tion? To get our audience to love the variety restructured around the ‘ecosystem ser- there have been recent setbacks. The geo- of geo-nature, what does this mean for our vices’ concept now prominent in nature logical community in Spain has made very teaching of these issues? conservation circles but which underplays important strides forward in recent years Yes, I think the quote is important the role of geodiversity. The description of in ensuring that new nature conservation because without explaining the value of abi- geoconservation methods in Chapter 13 is legislation includes geodiversity and in otic nature the public will not understand among the other new aspects along with a promoting geodiversity within the IUCN why it should be conserved and why limited general updating. (international Union for the Conservation public resources should be expended on of Nature). doing so. As geoscientists we have not been Where and how have we moved forward good at explaining how geological research over the last ten years? What new issues What do you think is the most important tells us about the evolution of the planet have come up? issue to pay attention to? and its life and how modern societies could I know that in many countries, geo- Each country (and provincial/regional not exist without a geodiverse world. For conservation has made significant strides government) should review its nature con- example, about 15 different geomaterials forward though there is still much to do, servation legislation to ensure that geodi- are used to make a mobile phone. particularly in the developing world where versity and biodiversity are put on an equal we are losing geodiversity (and biodiver- footing. sity) every day. The global economic reces- sion has not helped to increase resources What could be the role of universities? for this work and in some cases has even University degree courses in geology and meant severe cutbacks. geography could usefully teach geodiver- The ‘Geopark’ initiative has been sity and geoconservation within existing or very successful and promises to con- separate modules. There is also a need for tinue expanding. I think we remain too additional Masters courses and research. obsessed with protecting small geological sites (important though this is) and do You have added a role in local government not focus enough on respecting geodiver- and national park management to your sity in the wider landscape, for example academic interests. What have you learnt Figure 2: Controversial planning/geoconservation in protecting the natural topography and from this? site known as Birling Gap in East Sussex, England designing authentic landforms in landscap- My appointment as Chairman of a local (summary on p.322). The photo shows the erod- ing schemes. government Planning Committee made me ing Chalk cliffs, the staircase access to the beach shift my research interests to the interface and the terrace of houses, three of which have What countries do you think have a between planning and geomorphology. I been demolished already. The site is an SSSI and modern approach to geodiversity and could not and would not have written my visited on the course fieldtrip. sustainable management? book without that local government and Tasmania in Australia was the birthplace planning experience.

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 61 News corner: Compiled by Isabel Fernandez Fuentes and Anita Stein*

34th IGC The European Federation of Geologists • Wayne D Pennington, AGI President participated in the 34th IGC through a symposium on “Strengthening communi- and, Cross Communication in Geoscience cation between fundamental and applied and Education in Geosciences. 34th International Geological Congress (IGC) Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, geosciences and between geoscientists and Queensland, Australia 5 - 10 August, 2012

Unearthing Our Past And Future – Resourcing Tomorrow public” (Theme 1 of the Technical Pro- Speakers: gramme, Geoscience for Society, Sympo- • Barbara Murphy, AIPG President; The 34th IGC is supported by the member societies of the Australian Geoscience Council sium 6). The objective of this symposium • Luca Demicheli, SG EuroGeoSurvey; Courtesy of Brisbane Marketing Courtesy of Brisbane Marketing was to discuss the benefits to be gained • Suzette Kimball, USA-USGS, United from a better understanding between geo- States Geological Survey, Deputy logical communities. These include: incor- Director; The 34th International Geological Con- poration of more relevant and informed • William J. Siok, AIPG Executive gress (34thIGC) took place in Brisbane, education in applied geology and profes- Director; Australia, from 5 to 10 August 2012 with sional skills at university level; an improve- • Roberto Greco, Olympiad Earth Sci- pre- and post-conference field trips. EFG ment of industry competitiveness through ences; was represented during this event by its more rapid conversion of research findings • Ruth Allington, EFG President. President Ruth Allington, UK. to applied technologies and methodologies; clear pathways and assessment criteria for The chair of the first session, Oliver The Congress attracted a total of 6012 geoscience graduates seeking to attain Pro- Bonham, CEO of Geoscientists Canada - delegates from 112 countries. According fessional Qualifications and their employ- the organization of the provincial and terri- to Neil Williams, the President of the 34th ers and mentors; and design of research torial professional associations that regulate IGC, this was a very good outcome for the projects and allocation of research funding geoscience practice in Canada – confirms organizers, given the long distances most based on a better appreciation of societal that he was “very happy to have collabo- of the participants had to travel to get to needs. The symposium was organised in rated with colleagues at EFG, AIPG and Brisbane and the economic crisis currently collaboration with a number of other pro- AIG to help organize and participate in this faced by many countries. The Congress was fessional organizations with which EFG special session at the 34th IGC in Brisbane. also well attended by students from around has developed important working rela- Geoscience is a truly global profession, and the world. tionship: American Geological Institute with the public’s expectation of profession- (AGI), American Institute of Professional alism in all that we do as scientists - wher- As at previous IGC’s, an impressive Geologists (AIPG), Australian Institute of ever in the world - IGC offers the perfect Technical Programme had been organized Geoscientists (AIG), Geoscientists Canada venue to explore broad and challenging which included 3232 oral presentations and International Union of Geological Sci- worldwide issues facing our profession. The covering a wide range of today’s geosciences (IUGS). special session on “Strengthening commu- ence issues, as well as 5 Plenary Sessions nication between fundamental and applied with dynamic speakers, 24 Professional According to EFG President Ruth Alling- geosciences and between geoscientists and Development Workshops, 29 multiple- ton, the symposium was extremely well public” was timely, topical and effective.” day field trips and 283 spaces occupied supported and attended by a core group Bonham further asserts that “as geoscien- by exhibitors in the GeoExpo hall which of more than 50 persons. Delegates were tists we all know the empirically bridge that completed the programme. The Brisbane impressed by the quality of the papers and exists between the outcomes of primary Convention Center provided an impressive the smooth organisation. Earth science research and their application venue for the presenters and exhibitors. in the day-to-day work of all practitioners, Neil Williams further states that the 34th The symposium was subdivided into but we seldom take time to reflect together IGC differed from former Congresses by two sessions: Framing the Issue: Academia on how critical good two-way communica- its majority representation from new world - Industry Linkages, some examples. tion across this key bridge really is. We also countries, its focus on the private sector needed, yet again, to continue to challenge which is today the biggest employer for Speakers: ourselves about how better to communicate geologists and the strong interest expressed • Peter Bobrowsky, IUGS SG; with the public about the vital services that by politicians resulting in the organization • Oliver Bonham, CEO Geoscientists geoscientists provide to society every day.” of the first IGC Ministerial Forum. Canada; He finally commends “the effort made by • Ross Large, AIG; EFG to initiate and organize this sympo- • Tim Baker, Geological Survey Of sium. The range of talks that it attracted and * EFG Office, [email protected] South Australia; the discussion it provoked were rewarding

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for all concerned. It was a pleasure to have was about as an international gathering of and registration/licensure requirements been involved and we look forward to fur- geoscientists communicating amongst and procedures) (for more information ther collaborations in the future, including each other and sharing their enthusiasm see article below). at the next IGC in Capetown, South Africa, and knowledge of their field of geology but in 2016.” also realizing the importance of commu- Other networking activities included nicating with the public the importance of the presentation of the EFG/EGS photo Barbara Murphy, President of the Ameri- what we do.” Barbara also enjoyed working competition prize book to other co-chairs can Institute of Professional Geologists with EFG, CG, AGI, and AIG in the organ- and invited speakers at the symposium, as (AIPG), who co-chaired the second session, izing of these sessions and looks forward to well as discussions with delegates of other commented: “What was very evident were working together on other efforts for the geoscience organisations (YES, EuroGeo- the common global issues that we profes- geosciences profession. Surveys, IUGS, etc.). sional geoscientists share and the role our organizations have as the voices for the In addition, EFG President Ruth Alling- In conclusion, the symposium was co- profession of geology. Our session, Cross ton participated in the meeting of the Affili- organised by EFG, and the presentations Communication in Geoscience, included ated Organisations of IUGS. This meeting given as well as other networking activi- six talks that focused on the importance helped to intensify the contact with partner ties helped definitively to raise the profile of communicating what geologists do, on organisations and the executive of IUGS of EFG in an international forum. In the the need for common global academic and and initiated, as a final point, the kick off words of EFG President Ruth Allington: professional standards in part to increase of the new “Task Group on Global Geosci- “personal contacts with the IUGS execu- the public awareness of the important role ence Professionalism”. The mission of this tive and representatives of other Affiliated of professional geologists, to improve public new TG will be to provide practical support Organisations were very helpful in estab- perception and trust in geologists, but also for the whole community of professional lishing EFG as part of the international geo- to encourage students to enter the geo- geoscientists, for example by providing sciences ‘family’ and in spotting starting sciences and to have a better understanding information (probably in form of a portal points for collaboration and new projects of the educational background they need to with information on relevant national and at international level, for the benefit of the become a professional geologist. The ses- regional websites) about working in par- profession and wider society”. sion Cross Communication in Geoscience ticular countries and continents (different seemed to really represent what the 34th IGC educational requirements, residency rules More information: www.34igc.org

New IUGS Task Group on Global teaching arenas, which tend to fall out- among geoscientists and geoscientific Geoscience Professionalism side the purview of professional registra- organizations involved in professional tion and oversight. Raising the profile of affairs, at the local, national and inter- professionalism and gaining acceptance of national level; its importance amongst the academic and • To act as a resource to IUGS on pro- research communities is vital if their work is fessional affairs in the geosciences to truly serve society. It is rapidly becoming as they may influence and impact accepted that excellence in practical and “Earth Science for the Global Com- professional skills go hand-in-hand with munity” in general - both now and excellence in scientific research. in the future; • To offer and provide leadership and Subsequent to the successful symposium To ensure that the international geosci- knowledge transfer services to coun- on “Strengthening communication between ence community is engaged in this trans- tries and geoscientist communities fundamental and applied geosciences and formation of its profession and to enable around the world seeking to intro- between geoscientists and public” co-organ- IUGS to secure itself as the logical home duce systems of professional govern- ized by EFG at the 34th IGC at Brisbane, of the professional dimension of the Earth ance and self-regulation in the Earth a new Task Group (TG) has been created sciences over time, it has been proposed sciences; at the IUGS on Global Geoscience Profes- that a new IUGS Task Group entitled the • To facilitate a more ‘joined up’ geo- sionalism. Task Group on Global Geoscience Profes- science community fostering better sionalism is formed. appreciation by academics and teach- The starting point for this new Task ers of the professional skills that Group is the idea that, in general, the The purpose of the Task Group on Global geoscientists need in the workplace, majority of those who define themselves Geoscience Professionalism will be: and facilitate better communication as professional geoscientists work in indus- • To provide a specific international between academic and applied com- trial/applied sectors, but professionalism forum for discussion of matters munities leading to more effective is just as important in the academic and of common concern and interest application of research findings and

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 63 technology to applied practitioners ing communication between funda- The sponsors of the new TG are: and development of research pro- mental and applied geosciences and • European Federation of Geologists grammes that truly address urgent between geoscientists and public”, (EFG) issues; held at 34IGC in Brisbane in 2012 • Geoscientists Canada • To provide geoscientists in all areas -- In addition, the sponsoring • American Institute of Professional of professional practice and at all organisations for this proposed Geologists (AIPG) stages of their careers with practical Task Group have collaborated on • Australian Institute of Geoscientists guidance and support on professional International Professional Geology (AIG) matters; Conferences held every four years, • South African Council for Natural • To continue and increase over time the most recent being in Vancou- Scientific Professions (SACNSP) the provision of symposia and tech- ver, Canada in January 2012, under • El Colegio de Geólogos de Bolivia nical sessions to allow for exchange the theme “Earth Science – Global (College of Geologists of Bolivia) and knowledge transfer at IGCs and Practice”. other events for those involved in, • To act as a resource to members of The EFG office in Brussels has agreed and impacted by, the evolution of IUGS, and others, of material and to serve as the initial secretariat for the professionalism in the geosciences. speakers to present to geoscience Task Group, and the office of Geoscien- Examples of such exchanges are: groups – in particular young Earth tists Canada in Vancouver has agreed to -- The European Federation of Geolo- scientists - around the world on be responsible for setting up and maintain- gists sponsored workshop “Issues professional practice and registra- ing the website. One of the first actions will for geologists in the 21st century – tion matters (including geoscience be to broaden the geographical basis of the mitigation of man’s influence and practice standards and guidelines, group and to increase its communication. serving society’s needs”, held at and reporting standards, codes of We will continue to inform you on the pro- 33IGC in Oslo in 2008; and ethics and conduct, and professional gresses of the Task Group in the following -- The symposium on “Strengthen- registration.) issues of the GeoNews.

PERC and Markets Authority), together with governmental organization. According to other CRIRSCO-aligned standards, for these new statutes there now exists a ‘core’ use in reporting mineral reserves, mineral membership nominated by and represent- resources, and exploration results on mar- ing the four parent organizations, with four kets within the European Union, and is also members for each organization. These four accepted for reporting on stock exchanges parent organizations are the European Fed- The Pan-European Reserves & Resources in Canada. Because of the close similar- eration of Geologists (EFG), the Institute of Reporting Committee, PERC, is the Euro- ity of all the CRIRSCO-aligned reporting Materials Minerals and Mining (IMMM), pean equivalent of the Australasian JORC, standards, including the same classification the Geological Society of London (GSL) and SAMREC in South Africa and similar system and the same set of standard defi- the Institute of Geologists of Ireland (IGI). reserves reporting standards bodies in the nitions, it is also very simple to translate The list of members is currently being com- USA, Canada, and Chile, and with them is reports from one standard to another. pleted by a list of ‘Special Adviser’ members a constituent member of the Committee for representing the industry sector. Mineral Reserves International Reporting Since December 2011, a caretaker crew Standards (CRIRSCO - www.crirsco.com). of PERC officials composed by Paul Gribble According to the agreements with PERC, Representation on PERC covers major and (acting secretary), Ruth Allington (acting EFG provides an accommodation address minor mining sectors, industrial miner- treasurer) and Stephen Henley (acting and office facilities. Furthermore, EFG cur- als, aggregates, coal, the investment and chairman), and a few others have been rently provides to PERC secretarial and financial community and the professional preparing the reconstitution of PERC in a administrative services with regard to the accreditation organizations, including the new formal structure and the relocation of creation of the new not-for-profit organisa- Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining the organization to Brussels. tion under Belgian law which is likely to be (IOM3), the European Federation of Geolo- fully constituted by the end of 2012. gists, the Geological Society of London, and A revised constitution for the new PERC the Institute of Geologists of Ireland. has been prepared to replace the old ‘terms More information: www.perc.co of reference’ and to provide a formal frame- The PERC reporting standard is recog- work within which it will work in future, nized by ESMA (the European Securities established as a Belgian not-for-profit non-

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Developments on the PanGeo • Policy makers concerned with assess- meaning that the city is very advanced in a project ing and comparing risks across the certain area. Individuals can be appointed David Norbury with contributions territory as Campaign Champions for their extensive from Isabel Fernández (EFG) and • The public work and knowledge within a certain area Maraina Osihn (UNISDR) and the role of Champions is to connect A total of 52 towns within the Urban with - and convince - government officials Atlas are being processed within the at all levels, high-profile thinkers, innova- PanGeo project; these represent 13% of the tors and entrepreneurs whose activities can EU population. The remaining 205 towns catalyse action to address those challenges. within the Atlas are targeted for similar The Mayor of Venice, Mr. Georgio Orsoni, processing after the project. is so far Europe’s first and only Champion. Geohazards in the built environment can be dangerous and costly, yet information This project fits neatly alongside the A Handbook for Local Government about these phenomena can be difficult United Nations International Strategy for Leaders has also been developed to pro- to obtain. The PanGeo project is aimed at Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) campaign vide mayors, governors, councillors and generating information on urban geohaz- “Making Cities Resilient – My City is Get- other local government leaders with a ards and making this information freely ting Ready!”3 which was launched in May generic framework for risk reduction and available online1. 2010. The Campaign addresses issues of points to good practices and tools that are local governance and urban risk. With the already being applied in different cities for Geohazards include natural and man- support and recommendation of many that purpose. It discusses why building made phenomena that make the ground partners and participants, and a Mayors disaster resilience is beneficial; what kind unstable and cause it to move. These Statement made during the 2011 Global of strategies and actions are required; and include earthquakes, landslides, mineral Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, the how to go about the task. It offers practi- workings, fluid abstraction and recharge, Making Cities Resilient campaign will carry cal guidance to understand and take action shrink and swell clays, compressible or col- on beyond 2015. Based on the stock-taking on the “Ten Essentials for Making Cities lapsible deposits and landfill. by partners and participating cities in the Resilient” as set out in the global campaign first phase (2010-2011) the campaign will “Making Cities Resilient: My City is Getting The outputs from the project are made continue and shift its focus to more imple- Ready!”. At present 1276 cities have joined by integrating: mentation support, city-to-city learning the campaign worldwide. In Europe 403 and cooperation, local action planning and cities have joined. • Terrain motion measurements monitoring of progress in cities. The cam- derived from satellite radar image paign will furthermore continue to advo- The resilience planning in this campaign processing cate widespread commitment by local gov- does not cover all cities and also does not • Geological and geohazard infor- ernments to build resilience to disasters and include geohazards. This is where the mation held by national geological increased support by national governments common drive with PanGeo comes in – to surveys to cities for the purpose of strengthening broaden the resilience planning to include • Polygonal land cover and land use local capacities. To achieve these objectives, geohazards. So those EFG members with data contained within the GMES it will be necessary to develop global goals an interest in geohazard mitigation should Urban Atlas2. and targets that are applicable for all cities. contact their local city to encourage them to Private sector partners will be targeted to take up on these initiatives for the benefit The users of the service are anticipated support development of ‘industry stand- of society as a whole. to include: ards’ and innovative urban risk reduction solutions. Based on the five priorities of During the month of October EFG par- • Government and local authority the Hyogo framework for Action (HFA), a ticipated in various European events, which planners and regulators concerned ten-point checklist for making cities resil- were celebrated in Brussels, in relation to with managing and controlling ient, that local governments sign up to, was geohazards: development and risk developed. By doing so, local governments • National geological surveys and commit to implement disaster risk reduc- • Disaster risk reduction takes into geoscience institutes who collect tion activities along these Ten Essentials. consideration that Climate Change and disseminate geohazard data for Cities that have joined the Campaign are Adaptation is an important topic for public use encouraged to conduct city-to-city learning Geologists active in Natural Hazards. and expert exchanges addressing building In this context the projects Terrafirma 1 Information about the PanGeo project is resilience at the local level. Cities can also and PanGeo offer important tools for at http://www.pangeoproject.eu/sites/default/ th files/pangeo_images/documents/Brochure_ join the Campaign as Role Model Cities, the users. In the context of the 10 version_7th_March_2012.pdf European Week of Regions and Cities 2 More information on the Urban Atlas is 3 More information on the Campaign is avail- taking place in Brussels, on 9 Octo- available at http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and- able at http://www.unisdr.org/campaign/resil- ber, EC DG Climate Action and EC maps/data/urban-atlas ientcities/about

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 65 DG Regional Policy organized the Europe’s regions”, organized by the Horizon 2020, DG Research organ- workshop on “Climate Change Adap- European Parliament in Brussels. ized a workshop on “Social sciences tation and EU Cities”. The United Members of the European Parlia- contribution to natural hazards Nations Office for Disaster Risk ment together with representatives research: Towards better risk assess- Reduction presented the UNISDR of the European Commission dis- ment and risk governance”, 22-23 Campaign during this event as one cussed concrete examples of regional October, in Brussels. The scope of of the panellists. On 10 October, space applications to support socio- the meeting was to learn from the during the same European Week of economic and territorial challenges. achievements and outcomes of EC Regions and Cities, EC DG Climate • In the context of the Floods Directive, projects, to address remaining open Action and UNISDR organized the EFG attended, as part of the Euro- questions or barriers, future scien- workshop on “Community action for pean Commission Working Group tific priorities and interdisciplinary disaster resilience and climate change on Flood (WGF), the workshop on work. To move towards a better risk adaptation”. Resilience to disasters “Climate Change Adaptation” cel- assessment and risk governance it is and climate adaptation are increas- ebrated on 17 October in Brussels. necessary to move from emergency ingly important concerns of urban Currently, there is little contribution management culture to the culture development policies. The imple- from Geology in the assessment and of risk management, including pre- mentation of development policies management of floods. EFG experts vention. at a local level is crucial for achieving will work to fully integrate Geology in effective climate adaptation measures land-use planning to avoid unneces- Further information about the UNISDR and managing new climate risks in sary disasters. In the context of Cli- campaign can be obtained from Mariana urban settings. mate Change Adaptation, Geology Osihn [email protected]. • In the context of the project Terra- should be included in the national firma and PanGeo, EFG attended report to increase flood adaptation Further information on the PanGeo pro- on 10 October, the workshop on and to decrease uncertainty. ject can be obtained from David Norbury “The growing use of GEMES across • Finally in the context of the 7FP and (EFG) at [email protected].

EGU more than 4,400 oral sessions and 9,000 The session was very lively and a success. Hanneke van den Ancker posters presented in 530 scientific sessions. Thus, we decided to again try and organize a Participants came from 95 countries, and geoheritage – geodiversity session for EGU- more than 30 per cent of the participants 2013. This time the University of Lausanne were students. has taken the lead, and EFG PE Geological Heritage is one of the co-organizers. The For some years we had been discussing proposed session theme will be roughly the organization of a session on geodiversity similar to that of the EGU-2012 meeting: and heritage in this event, to bring these how to improve geoheritage and geodiver- issues under the attention of young sci- sity teaching and studies in universities and entists. In 2012, with support of the EFG research institutes, and their importance board and the universities of Lausanne for sustainable land management. Too few Annual meeting 2012 and Amsterdam, we submitted a proposal EFG members participated in the EGU- that was accepted by the EGU board. We 2012 session; we hope their number will The EFG – Panel of Experts on Geologi- combined the contributions under the fol- grow in EGU-2013. cal Heritage co-organized the first session lowing topics: on Geodiversity in the European Geo- • university teaching programmes Call for abstracts on geoheritage/geosciences Union meeting of 2012, Vienna: • regional geoheritage studies: inven- diversity for the EGU 2013 session “Geodiversity and Geoheritage in Univer- tory and classification sity Education and Research”. • geodiversity and methods The call for papers for this session opened • geoheritage, tourism and cultural on 10 October 2012. Uploading abstracts The annual meeting of the European heritage stops on 9 January 2013. Financial support Geosciences Union (EGU) - General • geodiversity, nature management and can be requested, if one meets the require- Assembly is one of the important confer- spatial planning ments, through submitting the application ences for earth scientists employed by uniform before 29 November. EGU deadlines versities and research institutes. It is organ- Abstracts of the presentations and the are strict and are not extended. ized in Vienna, in April by the Copernicus posters can be downloaded from: http:// Office. The 2012 EGU meeting attracted meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2012/ More information: www.egu2013.eu more than 11,000 participants and had oral_programme/9732

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ONLUS “WATER for HAITI”Project shipped to Haiti with lots of donations By Carlo Enrico Bravi (dresses, shoes, camp tents, kitchen wares, school equipments, etc.) to be distributed to poor populations by local Rotary Clubs, in addition to seven complete “Solar Systems” (submerged electric pumps, solar panels, supports, pipes and all kinds of accessories), to be installed in drilled water wells. Quite a time, with many difficulties, took the fact that the Container could be available to us, after its arrival to Port-au-Prince harbour!!

Drilling works have started in mid Febru- ary 2012 and the Phase 1 of the Project was In May 2010 issue n°29 of EUROPEAN completed in the first decade of May 2012. GEOLOGIST Magazine (pages 39-40), it had been announced a Water Supply Pro- In LEOGANE area two water wells, both ject that GsF Italy Onlus was about to start, at a depth of 60 meters, have been drilled having accomplished a preliminary mission in GUERIN Village and PETIT PARADIS to HAITI just after the tremendous earth- Community. quake (Jan. 2010), which had completely The drilled water well in Guerin has been destroyed large areas of the Country. equipped with two “Solar Systems”. It is producing around 30 cubic meters /day of The Project has been called “WATER for good drinking water distributed to users by HAITI”. four public fountains, serving a population of around 1.000 people. The drilled well A second mission has been performed in Petit Paradis, equipped with one “Solar in February 2011. Things had been some- System”, is producing 12/13 cubic meters/ what changed in one year time, interna- day of good drinking water, serving a popu- tional aid had already provided some water lation of 700 inhabitants by means of n.° 3 supply systems, so that our Initial Project public fountains. has been adapted to more recent situations Figure 1-3: One of the public fountains in the Vil- and needs. In MONTROUIS area two water wells lage of GUERIN (Leogane - HAITI ); The public - both at a depth of 60 meters - have been fountain in the Market Place - MONTROUIS The most difficult task of collecting the drilled: one in the Market Place and the - HAITI; Drilling operations in Petit Paradis necessary funds has then started, luckily other in the Bogne Community. (Leogane - HAITI ). finding a very helpful partnership with Both are equipped with one “Solar System”, some Rotary Clubs in England (Strat- producing each an average of 12 cubic If interested for more information, please ford-upon-Avon District), who have put in meters water daily. The water distribution contact: place a so called “Matching Grant Project”, to users is guaranteed by two public foun- which has involved more Clubs and Rotary tains, each well. GEOLOGOS Sin FRONTERAS - Italia - Onlus International. - Via G. Boccaccio, 45 - 20123 MILANO - Italy Both in LEOGANE and MONTROUIS Phone: 0039 02 86 46 04 91 / 86 46 31 15 Meantime also some private Italian Insti- area we have had a very good help by local Fax: 0039 02 86 46 05 79 tutions have contributed with significant people, who are quite happy with the real- E-Mail: [email protected] donations, so that in June 2011 the final ized installations, which have considerably [email protected] “WATER for HAITI” Project (Phase 1) improved their standard of living, as water www.geologossinfronteras-italia.org could be designed and planned. is now for them available at a good reaching distance. And, for financial contributions: As GsF interventions were addressed to poor areas, where electricity does not exist, The total cost of Phase 1 of the Project, up Banca Populare di Bergamo - Milano Sede - Via only “Solar Systems” have been foreseen. to present time, has been of Usa $195.314. Manzoni 7 - 20121 Milano - IT A door to door collection of different items GsF Italia - Onlus - is now looking forwards Account: GEOLOGOS Sin FRONTERAS n° to be sent to Haiti has been organized. to collecting more funds to “enlarge” the 24497 In October 2011 a GsF Container has been Project (Phase 2). IBAN: IT 11 O 054 2801 6020 0000 0024 497

European Geologist 34 | November 2012 67 Submission of articles to European Geologist magazine

Deadlines Each article should be laid out in the follow- Correspondence ing manner: • The Editorial Board of the European All correspondence regarding publication Geologist magazine welcomes article • Title followed by author name(s). should be addressed to: proposals in line with the topics agreed • A short abstract (not exceeding 120 EFG Office on by the EFG Council. words) in English, French and Spanish Rue Jenner 13, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium. • The call for articles is published twice a (translation to French and Spanish can E-mail: [email protected] year in December and June along with be provided by EFG). the publication of the previous issue. • Main text without illustrations (illustra- Note • Deadlines for submitting article proposals tions should be sent separately). (title and content in a few sentences) to • Acknowledgements. All information published in the magazine the EFG Officeinfo.efg@eurogeologists ( ) • References. remains the responsibility of individual con- are respectively 15 July and 15 January. tributors. The Editorial Board is not liable for The proposals are then evaluated by the Where there is a reference list at the end of any views or opinions expressed by these Editorial Board and notification is given the article, entries must be laid out as follows: authors. shortly to successful contributors. Journal articles: Author surname, initial(s). Date • Deadlines for receipt of full articles are 15 Subscription March and 15 September. of publication. Title of article. Journal name, • The articles are peer reviewed and finally, Volume number. First page - last page. Subscription to the Magazine: reviewed by a native English speaker. Books: Author surname, initial(s). Date of pub- 15 Euro per issue Notes for contributors lication. Title. Place of publication. Contact Articles for publication in the magazine should Illustrations be submitted electronically to the EFG Office. EFG Office These should be no longer than 3000 words All illustrations should be sent electronically Rue Jenner 13, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium. including illustrations. as jpg or tiff files with a resolution of 300dpi. E-mail: [email protected]