UNESCO Global Model regions for sustainable development Geoparks From geological heritage to a sustainable future UNESCO Global Geoparks From geological heritage to a sustainable future 4 Foreword challenge but also an opportunity for stake­challenge but also an opportunity a only not is areas the of use commercial logical heri geo significant this preserving of goal the Attaining diversity. geological rich Germany’s evi are They countries. 40 over in Geoparks Global UNESCO 160 than more of anetwork to belong and by UNESCO status this awarded been have Geoparks six German that proud very We are accordingly. growing Geoparks of is network the and after, sought much is designation Geopark Global UNESCO The Heritage. Natural and Cultural World of Protection Convention the Concerning the and Reserves Biosphere UNESCO the include this of Examples diversity. and geoscientific biological cultural, of areas and sustainable development of sites and conservation for the protection, tiatives com Programme Geoparks The established. was Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) programme andgeoscientific the International UNESCO’s into integrated was Geoparks Net Geoparks Global the established Geoparks, Chinese the with EGN together the 2004, In (EGN). Network Geoparks European the form to together came Germany and Spain Greece, France, from Geoparks national four 2000, In outset. the from Programme Geoparks the of hasnational an been cooperation integral part Inter­ gained. thusly knowledge scientific of commu the –and settlements of materials, skeletal remains and the histories for strata, rock of analysis the example, –for research of consisting concept aholistic is this for foundation The visibility. their enhance and significance geological and geoscientific of areas special protect Pro Geoparks the of basis the forms that approach this is It 1990s. the in emerged that approach an is way asystematic in tangible history Earth’s of traces the Making evolution. human of evidence and past Earth’s the of markers by the fascinated been long have people readers, Dear for UNESCOGlobalGeoparks Chair of the GermanNational Committee at the Federal Foreign Office, Director for Cultural Relations Policy Irmgard Maria Fellner, work (GGN). In 2015 the global network of network global the 2015 (GGN).In ­work plements UNESCO’s­plements conven tage while, at the same time, making making time, same the at while, ­tage gramme, which aims to help help to aims which ­gramme,

mations and and ­­mations

dence of of ­dence ­tions and ini nication ­nication -

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history. in steeped regions these explore personally to you inspire and light, anew in places familiar show it May network. entire the and Geoparks Global UNESCO German our of awareness public increased an to contribute will brochure this that wish my sincere is It applying geoparks forthose UNESCO status. but also for toGeoparks, provide support existing six the developing of aim the with only not UNESCO for Commission German the at body an and advisory established committee anational appointed 2016, in and, programme the of advancement the supports actively Office Foreign Federal The geosciences. the in abecome flagship for international cooperation already nevertheless, has, it long that all running been not has programme this While about management experiences. exchange of beyond information, borders, successful the witness to gratified also We are levels. state and local the both at holders

Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks before the creation of the UNESCO status status UNESCO the of creation the before even engaged and were actively already Geoparks as experience of years many have all They regions. their of future the for working are Geoparks Global UNESCO six Germany, In region. entire the to value added bring to accomplished be can change structural how us show can and change climate about knowledge convey They energies. renewable accepted widely for alaboratory and tion aloca­ both are and stone bulk and ashlar of They promote quarrying resources. sustainable natural of nature finite the about information provide and vulnerabilities planet’s our us show Geoparks history. cultural and use resource agriculture, for point starting the fauna, and flora for life of basis the are rocks and Soil use. sustainable they com conservational; purely not is Geoparks the of role the that highlights This region. their invigorate economic development and, in this way, tourism andpromotion sustainable of soft conser landscape and protection and research, education through atan heritage this make They living. worth afuture of shaping the and use sustainable –with sites mining also but volcanoes, caves, sites, fossil important conser the combine They age. present our on humanity and Earth of history the of influence the with concerned are Geoparks Global UNESCO Develop Sustainable 17 its with Development Sustainable for Agenda 2030 the adopted Nations United the year same the in 2015, in up set was Programme Geoparks UNESCO’s levels. regional and communal the at here practice into put being is development communalthe and regional levels.Sustainable develop Sustainable suchand concepts. testing areGlobal Geoparks model regions developing that are The UNESCO systems sustainable. economic and living of ways weneed today, of challenges global major To the meet for UNESCO German Commission Presidentof the Prof. Dr. Maria Böhmer, ment is being put into practice here at at here practice into put being is ­ment vation of their special heritage – heritage special their of ­vation

vation, through the the through ­vation, bine protection with ­bine with protection gible experience experience ­­gible ment Goals. Goals. ­ment

fasci these discover to you encourage to like I would features. distinguishing respective their with Geoparks Global UNESCO German the of six all time, first the for we present, brochure this In Germany. in networks and sites UNESCO other and Geoparks Global UNESCO German the between links create and areas programme UNESCO other with gies syner­ we generate UNESCO for Commission of At the Geoparks. partnerships the German international the facilitate to us help sions commis­ national UNESCO other to ties close Our relations. public as well as workshops, and events Agenda expert through consultation, 2030 the implementing for instruments as role their in Geoparks Global UNESCO the support We process. this in Geoparks the supports and forThe Commission UNESCO guides German model. arole as served already which and ambitiously develop existing activities, has provided an to incentive status redesign Being awarded UNESCO Global Geopark 2015. in nating and innovative landscapes. and innovative ­­nating 5 UNESCO Global Geoparks – UNESCO Global Geoparks – 6 Model regionsModel for 6 • • functions: of avariety perform They Germany. in are them of six and worldwide countries 40 than more in Geoparks Global UNESCO 160 over are There well. live to wish who those to to explore, visitors encourage and are inviting Geoparks Global UNESCO change. climate and resources (especiallyof natural geological) finiteness the as such challenges, societal global addressing and region the in future the they focus on developing viable options for model regionsAs for development, sustainable in. living worth regions create to and ditions, our planetunderstand current and its con­ to order in past the of contours the trace to geo andgeological of sites landscapes international are with areas Geoparks Global UNESCO sustainable developmentsustainable Regional value creation ­ sustain by facilitating and protection education, through firsthand it experience to and alikevisitors residents and allow them to accessible heritage this make They future. the for significance international of heritage geoscientific They preserve scientific significance. They prompt us prompt They significance. ­scientific International partnerships able development in their region.

and landscape development heritage for sustainable Geological Education

Planning Dialogue, Facilitation,

Conservation of geological the heritage and landscape and landscape

since It 2015. evolved from the non existed has Programme Geoparks UNESCO’s • • their respective regions. respective their develop­ successful a as themselves established have Geoparks Global UNESCO the time, ashort Within Reserves. Biosphere and Sites Heritage World the to addition in category, site UNESCO third the become have Geoparks then, Since (IGGP). Programme” Geoparks and science Geo­ precisely, into “International UNESCO’s or more intoincorporated UNESCO structures, thus was programme existing an time, first For the 2004. in established was which (GGN), Network” Geoparks “Global mental

sustainably shaped future to shaped develop future sustainably there. a for and too, history, geological experience it for possible people in to other countries Their close collaborations worldwide make develop­ment. region, tourism and economic sustainable the with identification promote They

ment framework for

- govern­

Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks 7 8 8 Geoparks of UNESCOGlobal is comprised area of land the 7 % are rigo appli UNESCO new standards, quality high the of view In 2002. since award this granting WegenerGeoUnion Alfred Foundation has been The Germany”. in Geopark a“National as recognition prior is UNESCO with application an filing for Germany in prerequisite The with highstandards A quality label criteria. in accordance national with and interna programme of the development qualitative the and criteria demanding the with compliance to regard with Geoparks to guidance and body, provides advice the National Committee ­ govern national from sentatives repre­ as well as education and tourism ment, sus offields geosciences, the from experts leading includes and 2016, in Office Foreign Federal by the appointed was committee This of requirements. fillment UNESCO Global monitors the ful­ Geoparks for Committee National the Germany, In evaluation. asuccessful after confirmed be only can status UNESCO years. four every evaluated are Geoparks Global UNESCO Besides its function as a function decision its Besides Committee. National the of approval the with UNESCO to forwarded be only can reports progress and Applications states. federal the in Germany UNESCO Global Geoparks cations –­cations national both and international – ­­r ously reviewed. Moreover, reviewed. ­ously existing of Germany

­tainable develop­

ment andment - making

tional ­tional

“UNESCO GlobalGeopark”status corresponds

Global Geoparks, which takenGlobal togethercover to becomeinternationally exemplary and to satisfying aset of demandingrequire­ the respective regions and their populations. In Germany, there are currently six UNESCO globally visible modelregions for sustainable ments –UNESCO GlobalGeoparks are intended about 7 percent of Germany’s landarea. development that offer real added value for on side either of the German is them of one transnational; are Geoparks Global UNESCO 160 over the of Four globe. the and each with other formal around partnerships informal maintain also Geoparks joint projects. ­­the Geo development of that will the further advance strategies on agree to experience, and expertise share to conferences global and European at regularly meet of all Geoparks the tatives internatio UNESCO Global Geoparks also collaborate Germany. in Geoparks Global UNESCO for Committee National the on represented also is It develop­ conceptual The forum promotes the strategic Geoparks. Global UNESCO German six the for platform anetworking provides Germany in Geoparks Global UNESCO of Forum The at alllevels Well-established networks ment of and Geoparks geosciences. parks and the network, and to developparks and the network, ­nally way; re in an exemplary

- Polish border.

­presen­

Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks 1 Germany: in are them of six and countries 40 than more in Geoparks Global UNESCO are over 160 there At present, 6 5 4 3 Ostfalen 2 Bergstraße TERRA.vita TERRA.vita

Vulkaneifel Schwäbische Alb /Poland) (Germany Łuk Mużakowa Faltenbogen Muskauer · Land ·Braunschweiger Harz Vulkaneifel 6 - ae 20 /21 Page Odenwald TERRA.vita 5 ae 18 Page

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1 Bergstraße- Odenwald ae 10 Page 4 Schwäbische Alb / 11 ae 16 Page

/ 17 2 Land ·Ostfalen Harz ·Braunschweiger ae 12 Page

/ 13 3 Łuk Mużakowa Faltenbogen / Muskauer ae 14 Page

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9 9 The Bergstraße- Odenwald UNESCO The The varied landscapeisareflection 10 The sandstone and ofThe sandstone mudstones the “Bunter years of Earth’s eventful history Global Geopark andNature Park the Neckar valley in the South. to the Main valley in the Eastand that extends from the Rhine valley UNESCO Global Geopark motion sandstone –continents in 1 Odenwald” was from plutonic formed rocks Over the course of the Earth’s history, history, Earth’s the of course the Over Global Geopark combines a range of themes themes of arange combines Geopark Global of the geological substratum – combines anatural andcultural area continents about 340 million years ago. ago. years million 340 about continents on the Kühkopf (an island in the Rhine) and Rhine) and the in (an Kühkopf island the on and makes it tangible. ago. The landscape that we see today was was today we see that landscape The ago. paleo­ two of collision the during schists and UNESCO Global has Geopark undergone several which, for example, pro To end, region. that the of view aholistic with it brings to life over 500million in the WesthillsOdenwald via the In order to this help special people understand In the subsequent “Muschel Odenwald”Sandstone were from deposited Rift Valley began about 50 million years years million 50 about began Valley Rift Rhine Upper the of downfaulting The region. ago. years million 245 about era, Mesozoic the during asemidesert in rivers temporary transformations. For example,transformations. the “Crystalline the landscape of the Bergstraße the of landscape the In addition, special locations invite you to to you invite locations special addition, In topossible convey the diver way, is it this In products. local market Eberstadt, the environmental education centre centre education environmental the Eberstadt, redis regional development. andto to visitors contribute sustainable ultimately shaped during the ice age. ice the during shaped ultimately it collaborates with numerous businesses, numerousit with collaborates businesses, in Lautertal, the stalactite cave in Buchen in cave stalactite the Lautertal, in rocks) (or of sea “Felsenmeer” the includes limestone] a shallow sea covered the whole whole the covered sea ashallow limestone] landscape and its eventful history, the UNESCO UNESCO the history, eventful its and landscape cover the region over region and This over the again. ­cover Between granite and ­duce, promote and Bergstraße-Odenwald sity of the region ­sity ­kalk” [shell - Odenwald Odenwald

-

about 3,780 km Area Baden- Hesse, Bavaria and Federal States Website the topic of “Discovering Earth’s (© History” Bergstraße-Odenwald UNESCOGlobalGeopark) Each stonehasitsown specialstory –Ranger initiative on

www.geo-naturpark.net Württemberg 2

Dr. Jutta Weber

/

Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks Trained Geopark rangers and volunteers can can volunteers and rangers Trained Geopark information Geopark’s Global UNESCO The The uniquegeologicalandnatural heritageas A total of 102 municipalities in seven ad seven in municipalities 102 of A total The Felsenmeer –anexcellent geosite,a former Roman quarry and tourist highlight in the UNESCOGlobalGeopark. Nature andCulture on foot Explore Earth history, International modelregion Global Geopark are reflected in the broad visitor centres, numerous rest points, mountain mountain points, rest numerous centres, combine to form an inspiringoffering. co of the UNESCO Global Geopark. There are also also are There Geopark. Global UNESCO the of and, upon request, educational activities and activities educational and, upon request, in features highlight special trails adventure are members of the Bergstraße of the are members UNESCO Global Geopark, including the univer­ the including Geopark, Global UNESCO well as the richcultural heritageof the UNESCO services. Insights into the history ofservices. the Earth, sity cities of Darmstadt and Heidelberg. In Heidelberg. and Darmstadt of cities sity provide visitors with advice and support and support advice with provide visitors environment. and natural landscape the the landscapeand the regional food culture min various thematic guided tours. geo of number alarge addition, In visitors. Pit, Lorsch Abbey and the Roman Limes. Roman the and Abbey Lorsch Pit, Messel the sites: Heritage World UNESCO three municipalities member hundred one than more numerous in destinations the other visitor huts and mar and huts r Jta Weber Jutta (© Dr. ­ope ­istrative districts and three federal states ration with the municipalities, tourism tourism municipalities, the with ­ration ked hiking trails are available to to available are trails hiking ­ked dnad NSO lbl Geopark) Global UNESCO /Bergstraße-Odenwald

- Odenwald ­-

“UNESCO Global Geopark”status Awarded 2015 National Geopark Recognized asa 2003 the GlobalGeoparks Network (GGN) European Geoparks Network (EGN) and Joined the 2002 Global Geopark acts asGlobal a Geopark acts cross Geoparks Lushan andGeoparks Hong Kong as well as organi develop suc of the region and, in particular, to share and and share to particular, in and, region the of visibility global the raise to order in ences and partner­ projects cooperation currently also has awell has also with the Portuguese UNESCO Global Geopark UNESCO Global Geopark the Portuguese with support and development of local products and andand development of products local support for rangers and cooperation infor and rangers Geopark cooperation the identity, regional of preservation the to way, contributes it this In platform. networking ships with the Chinese UNESCO Global Global UNESCO Chinese the with ships Geopark Global UNESCO the Furthermore, projects. of infrastructure realisation to the participates regularly in international confer­ in international regularly participates manage mutual of form the take These Naturtejo. are there For level. instance international the visits, the sharing of expertise, joint training training joint expertise, of sharing the visits, sations and local businesses, the UNESCO the UNESCO and­sations businesses, local ment and research. The Geopark Geopark The and­ment research.

cessful hands ­cessful - established network at network established

- on projects. - thematic

11 12 450 million years of Earth’s history Valuable mineral resources were Geopark region isnot only an the Harz Mountains and the heath that spansboth sidesof the former the eventful andexciting geolo­­­- tropical swamps andglaciers. UNESCO GlobalGeopark is the Harz Sea cover alternated with deserts, Land Global Geopark Global geology 2 gi­ crude oil.Important fossils evidence cre­ have lefthave theirbetween traces also anattractive travel destination area of more than 9,650 km², the landscape inNorthern Germany. largest Geopark inGermany. The internal Germanborder. industrial andresearch location, but epr HBLO) Dargatz /Geopark (©Simone School campaign“Looking for fossils in the Hainholz region” cal history of the region. With an

ated, in­ -Braunschweiger Land-Ostfalen The classic square mile of of mile square classic The cluding ore, salt,coaland · Ostfalen UNESCO UNESCO Ostfalen Harz

·

Braunschweiger Braunschweiger

Area The Harz The area between Goslar andBadHarzburg Website Lower Saxony, Federal States Saxony Goethe was fascinated by geologicaldiver Geopark. The Minesof Rammelsberg together geological structure of synclines andanticlines gion three times; healsoclimbed the highest about 9,650 km and mysteries and travelled to the Harz re­­- UNESCO GlobalGeopark encompasses the Harz with the historic town of Goslar and the Upper with saltdomesanddepositsof iron ore and World Heritage Site.World Johann WolfgangHeritage von Harz Water Management System form aUNESCO Harz ore depositsisaunique feature of the research history associated with these and the range. In the substratum there isaparti­ the north of it,up to the Flechtinger mountain Mountains and the Braunschweiger Land to Brocken. moun is internationally known as the “Classic Square lignite. The over 1,000-

www.geopark ­­tain in the Harz, the 1,141 metre high -Braunschweiger Land-Ostfalen - Anhalt and Thuringia Anhalt

-hblo.de 2

year -old miningand cular ­sity

Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks The UNESCOGlobalGeopark isalsomeeting Two associations manage the Geopark together Model regionModel for 250 million years ago). There are alsoprehis­- due to itslarge area. These associations are (Triassic, Jurassic andCretaceous, from 65 to adventure trails, show mines,alandscape and humankind’s oldesthunting tools, the and locals to explore. with erratics andmuseumsallinvite both visitors which in turn benefits the Geopark’s member sustainable development Braunschweiger Land–Ostfalen e. Schöningen spears. Geopark information points, sible travel. This secures jobsandincome, from the business field are committed to respon­ managing associations and their partners the regio­ tourist destination. In closecooperation with present Regionalverband Harz e. toric graves, excavation finds from Neanderthals Mile of becauseof Geology” the uniqueinsights the educational activities have been been have activities educational the Geopark, the of foundation the Ever since municipalities. View of the shaft head frame of the Sollstedtpotash plant (© heritage city Quedlinburg, and the Trägerverein in Königslutter. into the sediments from the Mesozoic era -day socialchallenges.Itisapopular nal tourism associations, the Geopark’s

V., basedin the world

V., based

Dr. KlausGeorge

/ Geopark HBLO) “UNESCO GlobalGeopark”status Awarded 2015 Joined the 2004 National Geopark Recognized asa 2003 the GlobalGeoparks Network (GGN) European Geoparks Network (EGN) and destinations for excursions.destinations geosites grouped around a number of out­ of anumber around grouped geosites continuously expanded and adapted to current change, forests and water. All activities and and activities water. change, All and forests areas are not addressed in isolation but as but isolation in addressed not are areas and cultural history are addressed in a lively alively in addressed are history cultural and way for diffe suitable learning locations and attractive and attractive learning locations suitable landmarksstanding provide simultaneously following the principles of Education for Sus part of an integrated approach. More than approach. 250 integrated an of part The individual subjecttainable Development. social debates. In the varied programme, programme, varied the In debates. social promoting con provi services the focus is on topics of sustainability, climate climate sustainability, of the focus is on topics nature archaeology, soil, as well as resources history, rocks and the topics geological of Earth

­rent groups. visitor Increasingly, ded by the Geopark are aimed at aimed are Geopark by the ­ded ­scious and responsible action

13 -­­

14 Herrmann pitseen from the air (© and geosites worthy of protection. home to alarge number of biotopes scape hasbeencreated here that is years of mining, acultural land­ the substratum by glaciers. After 130 examples of the deformation of of one the world’s bestlarge-scale to speak. Today itisconsi­ the footprint of alarge glacier, so The arch isapushmoraine – the air itresembles abighorseshoe. (Germany Geopark Global UNESCO Faltenbogen Europe’s of Muskauer heart the 3 border region; when seen from and Saxony as well asaPolish the federal states of Brandenburg Mużakowa liesinanarea that spans Faltenbogen /Łuk Muskauer The

Moraine amphitheatre in in amphitheatre Moraine Peter Radke_LMBV) / dered Poland) /

Łuk Mużakowa Mużakowa Łuk Voivodeship inPoland Area Website faltenbogen.de Brandenburg andSaxony Federal States pro and extraction 1970, and 1840 Between forth. gush springs mineral numerous which from clays, alum as well as clays quality high sands, glass lignite, example for surface, the to low compression, this Through it. of front in earth of masses huge up piling and metres 300 of adepth to substratum the “crushing” emerged, suddenly thick) metres 500 to up and long and wide (20 kilometres glacier a“small” Muskau, Bad today’s of north ice, of mass this of Out today. Greenland to similar thick, meters 3,000 about sheet ice an under was line Krakow Hamburg the to up Europe Central time, At that ago. years 350,000 age ice Elster the during formed was Arch Muskau The about 580km as well as the Lubusz www.muskauer - cessing industries for these natural re for these industries ­cessing lying rocks and natural resources came came resources natural and rocks lying

2 -

- Berlin

- ­-

Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks to regional sustainable development through particular in contributes Geopark The prospects. future lighting and regional high­for strengthening identity platform important an thus is Geopark The devel the with a special geological feature in Europe. feature geological a special iron The springs. of number alarge and water, erratics of bodies round small Neisse, the towards run which valleys, dry and plateaus by dry separated moors, with lowlands the in seen be can This landscape. age ice an of forms of wealth the into insights provide that paths of awell along by bike or foot on explored be can arch the of landscape The diversity. ecological significant with woodlands with rich area anatural and water of full landscape mining aformer is Today arch the landscape. changedof the nationwide importance industry aceramics and glassworks 30 than under mines, lignite 60 Around developed. ­­sources landscape in developmentlandscape its – hand in han post the supporting and assets re natural serving con­ of task the itself set has Geopark The culture. and language own their with minority Slavic West arecognized Sorbs, Lusatian the includes This Geopark. Global UNESCO Faltenbogen Muskauer the of area the in live people 48,000 About development sustainable Contribution to The Babinasprings in the Polish part of the territory (© ­ground more mines, and opencast -

rich Babina springs in Łęknica are are Łęknica in springs Babina rich opment of tourism in the region. region. the in tourism of ­opment sources, preserving cultural cultural preserving ­sources, / u Mużakowa Łuk - developed net developed - mining mining

Head Office Łuk Mużakowa) d work ­work

stand special to contribution international under­ neighbouring the Geopark makes countries, a two the of history eventful the Given wide. UNESCO Global worldtransnational Geoparks four just currently of one and Germany in the only cross is Geopark Global UNESCO Mużakowa Łuk the German Furthermore, Geopark. the in located is Site, Heritage World aUNESCO Park, Muskau “UNESCO GlobalGeopark”status Awarded 2015 the GlobalGeoparks Network (GGN) European Geoparks Network (EGN) and Joined the 2011 National Geopark inPoland Recognized asa 2009 National Geopark inGermany R 2006 • • • ecognized as a ecognized asa mining areas historic of renaturation the to up right resources natural of use the including climate change anthropogenic social issues, ranging from natural and and natural from ranging issues, social and important addressing communicating tourism, soft sound environmentally Poland, and Germany between gateway aconnecting as function its n ad peace. and ­­ing

- Polish Muskauer Faltenbogen - border UNESCO Global Geopark

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15

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16 Area Website The Falkensteiner cave –arare active water cave with Baden- Federal state Alb UNESCOGlobal Geopark karstthe mountains Schwäbische 4 about 6,200km an impressive entrance portal (©

www.geopark Württemberg From the Jurassicsea to - 2 alb.de Reiner Enkelmann)

“Heidengraben” the largest Celticsettlement The Swabian Alb (SchwäbischeSwabian Alb Alb)The Jurassic period. There are over 2,800documented The meteorite crater with acentral hillin which are worldwhich - which developed over millions

of years,craterswith volcanic and Celts alsoleft their traces. The “Heuneburg” Rhaetian Limes” near Aalen and a site site a German-Rhaetian and Limes” near Aalen but also forms akarst landscape, years. Today itconveys auniqueimageof the covers the entire Swabian Alb. Around 1.4 million of the Swabian Alb were formed over millionsof caves and twelve show caves to discover in years ago. In the landscape, you canstillspot over 350 volcanic vents, craters, maars, fens, culture. The oldest figurative artworks were of the “Prehistoric PileDwellings” inBlaustein geo-scientific andscenically mostsignificant unique fossil deposits,someof and geologicalnatural resources contributed UNESCO GlobalGeopark insouthwest Germany are likewise located within the Geopark. largest number of caves inGermany, With around 6,200square kilometres, the is not only the region with the UNESCO GlobalGeopark. The three UNESCO World Heritage Sites “Caves andiceageart in famous. Sites have entered academicjargon – Its special topography with shelteringcaves people livein this area. The karst mountains the Swabian Alb. Their fossil sitesare world a pae i te Jura. the in phases geolo­­gi­cal the In 2006, apanelof experts selected the 77 Steinheim am Albuch isalsoaninternationally found in the caves (the “Venus of the Hollow It becameoneof the birthplaces of the human thermal andmineral springs. for the Alb,is themillion fromvolcanism 12to15 renowned geosite. Just asexotic, but typical Rock” and the “LionMan”) together with to the early settlement of the Swabian Alb. the Swabian Alb”, asectionof the “Upper Nine of them are located in the Schwäbische Alb points in Germany, the “national geosites”. humankind’s oldestmusicalinstruments. The in Europe. northoldest townof is the theand Alps like the Aalen­ i­ um or Pliensbachium– to denote famous.

Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks The network of partnetwork The ­ The Schwäbische Alb UNESCOGlobalGeopark The “Blautopf” nearThe Blaubeuren “Blautopf” –animpressive karst springin the Swabian Alb Development Education for Sustainable Geopark Experience the districts andmunicipalitiesas well aspartner designated asgeopoints and,in this way, of acomprehensive visitor guidanceconcept companies from the fields of businessand universities,administrative with cooperation ous nature, caveInguides. landscape and geo of the planet, inaspecial way. Schoolsin the area that meet certain criteriaand would addresses andencourages children and young wealth and dealing responsibly with this trea­ With so-called“Geopark Schools”, the Geopark sure that hasbeenentrusted to us. As part servation centres andeducational facilities. for the region, specialgeositeshave been knowledge of ideas: the geological core two tourism, projects are beingrealised that convey maintains a total of 27 information points, people from the region, as futureas region,frompeople trustees the the region hasbeenmadeaccessible for to anchor the relevanceto of sustainablebe­- the Geopark. As “Geopark Schools” they help the Geopark canbecomepartner schoolsof has launchedacooperation programme that C BY (© Uoaei1 /CC including show caves, museums,nature con­ like to implement the messagesandgoalsof ­tourism. - A 4.0_wikicommons) SA ners alsoincludesnumer­

“UNESCO Global Geopark”status Awarded 2015 the GlobalGeoparks Network (GGN) European Geoparks Network (EGN) and Joined the 2004 Recognized asaNational Geopark 2002 Global Geopark provides a valuable contribution dayfuture.and the educational offerings with ageo-scientific conscious­ focus. In this way the Schwäbische Alb UNESCO to under to the 2030 Agenda andmakes itpossible haviour andmanagement in the collective ­stand how geo­

ness ofness pupils through targeted the

logy shapes the present

17 TERRA.vita, the name of the Geopark UNESCO Global Geopark 18 The TERRA.vita UNESCO Global Geopark Geopark Global UNESCO TERRA.vita The Teutoburg Forest and the Wiehen Hills – and –and Hills Wiehen the and Teutoburg Forest years are nearly fully docu­ 5 Global Geopark the past300million The dinosaur tracks inBadEssenrank among the Earth” – the Earth’s geolo­ Between moors and wooded history inoneday coal forests, dinosaur tracks and climatic processes canbeseen history. AtTERRA.vitathe UNESCO moraine fea between river landscapes andend mountain ranges geolo­ of the German low mountain ranges – the –the ranges mountain low German the of foothills the northwesternmost comprises and life” or the “course of the life of and Nature Park,stands for “Earth as the Ankum Heights that lie in between. between. in lie that Heights Ankum the as erratic boul­ the hilly Osnabrück Land region as well well as region Land Osnabrück hilly the the bestknown geologicalphenomenaat the Geopark (© Natur - undGeopark TERRA.vita) 300 million years of geological ders from the iceage. ­tures: there are hard gical and mented.

gical gical

TERRA.Vita Teutoburg Forest 1962, as early as founded was TERRA.vita The mining of hard coal, which lasted for for lasted which coal, hard of mining The about 1,560 km about 1,560 Area North Rhine- Lower Saxony and Federal States Website on rocks and soils – in particular, on just how how just on particular, –in soils and rocks on closely they are linked to our landscape, landscape, our to linked are they closely our of understanding the evolution of forests im an to witness bears 2018, until centuries at that time as a Nature Park of the Northern Northern the of Park aNature as time that at almost 20 years, the focus has also been been also has focus the years, 20 almost almost 60 years now it has been committed committed been has it now years 60 almost and the origin of flying insects. Likewise, the the Likewise, insects. flying of origin the and extinct long of fossils to access provided also staff at the Geopark convey the stories stories the convey Geopark the at staff systems and illustrate their significance significance their illustrate and systems for science, business and as a habitat for for ahabitat as and business science, for to to people and nature. that rocks tell us about the long gone eco­ gone long the about us tell rocks that The life. everyday and environment natural numerous sands and gravels in the Ankum Ankum the in gravels and sands numerous to contribute They insects. large and plants andmountain, near on Osnabrück, the Schaf­ Piesberg the On tradition. mining portant humankind in the region. Furthermore, for for Furthermore, region. the in humankind heights not only constitute an important raw raw important an constitute only not heights mining coal berg Ibbenbüren, mountain, near www.geopark promoting the coexist Westphalia - Wiehen HillsWiehen region. For 2 - terravita.de ­ence of nature and

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Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks A contribution to The focus is on geology; from the layers of rock rock of layers the from geology; on is focus The The team at TERRA.vita is committed to to committed is TERRA.vita at team The Geopark addresses these societal challenges challenges societal these addresses Geopark Geopark area. In the Middle Ages, the sandy sandy the Ages, Middle the In area. Geopark earth. To this end, the Geopark works closely closely works Geopark the To end, this earth. and a range of events. and of a events. range also bear witness to climate changes in changes climate to witness bear also ways of generating energy or geo risks. The The risks. ways ofgeo generating energy or ecosystems previous how out discern we can with environmental education institutions, institutions, education environmental with future challenges, such as global warming, new new warming, global as such challenges, future From disappeared. they why and functioned sustainable development soils provided the basis for a farming practice practice afarming for basis the provided soils showing that people the possibilities visitors so this one can draw conclusions in relation to to relation in conclusions draw can one this took place at Kalkriese. Battle Varus The homes. their made Europe the regions of Central settlers where the first so of making the namely, region, the to specific was that penultimate the –in past geological recent the industry, they material for the construction regional tourism associations. In the terrain, terrain, the In associations. tourism regional to life by using various infrastructure measures measures infrastructure various by using life to vita UNESCO Global Geopark was among among was Geopark Global UNESCO vita universities, UNESCO associated schools and and schools associated UNESCO universities, Observation tower on the Piesberg mountain inOsnabrück between the Romans and the Germanic tribes tribes Germanic the and Romans the between have to create a sustainable life on this this on life asustainable create to have (© ice age, enormous glaciers slid into the Natur - called TERRA.guides bring the landscape landscape the bring TERRA.guides called - undGeopark TERRA.vita) - called “plaggen” soil. The TERRA. The soil. “plaggen” called

The De UNESCO Hondsrug Global Geopark, The cooperation was initiated on the basis of of basis the on initiated was cooperation The “UNESCO Global Geopark”status Awarded 2015 National Geopark Recognized asa 2008 Global Geoparks Network (GGN) Joined the 2004 Joined the 2001 European Geoparks Network (EGN) drive from Osnabrück, is a close partner of partner aclose is Osnabrück, from drive explore both UNESCO Global Geoparks. This This explore UNESCO both Global Geoparks. of Education forDevelopment. Sustainable also strengthens cooperation and under­ cooperation strengthens also an INTERREG project and is primarily geared an geared INTERREG and is primarily project which is located directly on the German the on directly located is which standing between the Geoparks. the between standing the TERRA.vita UNESCO Global Geopark. Global UNESCO TERRA.vita the long half and hour an is and border Dutch through various ways following the principles towards the areas of and tourism,education business. Visitors are to thusVisitors encouraged business.

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19 This is where the “Volcanism Ad­ extraordinaryThe Vulkaneifel 20 Bertrich, close to the Moselle,Bertrich, close tothe venture” takes shapeandattracts UNESCO Global Geopark volcano country 6

overthe world. guests andscientists from all youngest volcano. Volcanic activity has has activity Volcanic volcano. youngest carbon dioxide. carbon and Ormont, on the Belgianborder. Up to 10,000 years ago, volcanoes were were volcanoes ago, years 10,000 to Up was created most recently; this is Germany’s Germany’s is this recently; most created was fires from the Earth’s interior blew holes in in holes blew interior Earth’s the from fires and explosions powerful Vulkaneifel, the In mineral water springs and sources of sources and springs water mineral far so behind left has it What ceased. yet not still smouldering here. The Ulmener maar straddles the area between Bad the Earth and caused mountains to bank up. bank to mountains caused and Earth the volcanoes, maars, lava flows and countless countless and flows lava maars, volcanoes, is impressive – almost 350 small and large large and small 350 –almost impressive is Maars – the “eyes” of the Vulkaneifel (© On roadthe inmaar and Natur - undGeopark Vulkaneifel GmbH)

Vulkaneifel about 1,250 km about 1,250 Area Rhineland-Palatinate Federal state Website www.geopark 2 - vulkaneifel.de

Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks The Vulkaneifel UNESCO Global Geopark is is Geopark Global UNESCO Vulkaneifel The Trained make Geopark hosts the intercon As one of the four founding regions, regions, founding four the of one As As a UNESCO Global Geopark, the Vulkaneifel Vulkaneifel the Geopark, Global aUNESCO As Agenda for Sustainable Development, andAgenda Development, for Sustainable Experience the geologicalheritage, sustainable development A contribution to Geoparks Network, which became the foun­ the became which Network, Geoparks One focal point here is thehere special point geology focal One Global Geopark cooperates with schools with and cooperates Geopark Global Geopark guides provide vivid explanations guidesGeopark provide vivid Global Geopark. Geopark. Global protect andutilize it dation for the subsequent Global Network, dation for the subsequent Global Network, change arechange also covered. cri Geopark Vulkaneifel As hiking. when example, geo valuable The benefit. locals and guests a partner region in the ZENAPA (Zero Emission Emission (Zero ZENAPA the in region a partner climate as such topics use; land of history and activities promoting sustainable development. promoting development. sustainable activities and young people, the Vulkaneifel UNESCO UNESCO Vulkaneifel the people, young and activity accessible to interested visitors, for to visitors, interested accessible activity region, the of heritage geological the about and Nature certified manner. The a targeted sea deposits tell the story of both quiet and and quiet both of story the tell deposits sea and mighty reefs tropical Red sandstones, In order to convey the geological value of value geological the convey to order In standing of the planet, especially to children children to especially planet, the of standing turbulent times in the past 400 million years years million 400 past the in times turbulent from which UNESCO’s Geoparks Programme Programme Geoparks UNESCO’s which from the Vulkaneifel the European established its into insights fascinating such provide ­ and ma features and special nal treasures sions provided by the Vulkaneifel UNESCO UNESCO Vulkaneifel by the provided sions sus Nature Protection Area) project. The aim of aim The project. Area) Protection Nature nurseries that increasingly that focus on educational nurseries their homeland as well as a holistic under­ aholistic as well as homeland their meet the delineated quality and environmental and environmental quality delineated the meet and exciting creativity artistic pleasures, nec region. the both which from activity, economic regional take part in the training courses and ex and courses training the in part take neutral. On the one hand, the project contri­ project the neutral. hand, one On the the multi the ultimately emerged. historical origins and transformation. originshistorical and transformation. has set itself the goal of preserving its regio its preserving of goal the itself set has hosts they adhere to the United Nations 2030 2030 Nations United the to adhere they hosts in the Vulkaneifel. Few regions of our Earth Earth our of Few regions Vulkaneifel. the in its traditions and the special features of of features special the and traditions its sustainable the of part essential an them ing lo large gical heritage is maintained and used in used and maintained is heritage ­gical teria for ecological, economic and social social and economic ecological, for ­teria tainability. To this end, they also regularly regularly also they To end, this ­tainability. tion of the volcanic landscape with its rich rich its with landscape volcanic the of ­tion - scale conservation areas that are carbon are carbon that areas conservation scale - year EU year - LIFE project is to create create to is project LIFE

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“UNESCO Global Geopark”status Awarded 2015 National Geopark Recognized asa 2005 Global Geoparks Network (GGN) Joined the 2004 Founding member of the 2000 European Geoparks Network (EGN) goals of the EU and the federal government. federal the goals EU and the of con and knowledge. The implemen The knowledge. and The cooperation. through achieved be can and and species through specific climate change specific through and species will be made to achieving the climate protection protection climate the achieving to made be will the end of the project, a further afurther contribution project, the of end the after even way, this In regions. the project beyond changes about bring also to aim that is by backed communica project result is a network for the for sharing of anetwork is experience result mitigation measures and, on the other hand, hand, other the on and, measures mitigation a furthera trademarkof the Vulkaneifel (© butes to the con the to butes it proves that these conservation goals are not not are goals conservation these that proves it Sparkling mineral water springsare Natur tradictory, but are in fact complementary but are­tradictory, complementary in fact - undGeopark Vulkaneifel GmbH)

servation of climate, nature nature climate, of ­servation

tation of the the of ­tation tion measures measures ­tion 21

The globalcommunity hasset 17 ambitiousgoals for sustainabledevelopment The successof these measures will bemonitored continuously. 22 2030 Agenda, adop to beachieved by 2030. The “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) of the Geoparks framework for UNESCOGlobal Developmentreference The 2030Sustainable for Agenda global inequality, protect the climate andpromote peace.Notably, these goals poverty andhunger world­­ and socialinterests of present and future generations through specificmeasures. apply to allstates andare intended to harmonisealleconomic,ecological ­t ed in2015,have anunparalleled ambition to eradicate wide, make quality education accessible to all,reduce

Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks Global Geoparks can provide impetus and a a and impetus provide can Geoparks Global water, (ground) as soil –such Geoparks Global Global challenges, such as climate change and graphic change. For such issues, the UNESCO UNESCO the issues, For such change. graphic can Geoparks landscapes. from extracted UNESCO of themes core the of basis the on addressed meaningfully and explained be can and make important contributions through through contributions and make important demo­ as such topics other with engage also and the use of natural resources. One example example One resources. natural of use the and UNESCO Global Geoparks are exemplary places places exemplary are Geoparks Global UNESCO which building stones and materials can be be can materials and stones building which work. for addressing many urgent sustainability networking and facilitation. facilitation. and networking for and local regionalplatform stakeholders the management of finite natural resour a key frame provides reference Development The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable future. the impor local the from networks in Embedded issues. is of the negotiation the conditions under level to the international level, they form an an form they level, international the to level tant interface for sustainability issues of of issues sustainability for interface ­tant ces, ­ces,

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As sustainable development sustainable As is a in itself Development asa focus Education for Sustainable Geoparks have set out to establish themselves themselves establish to out set have Geoparks devote themselves to the major challenges of of challenges major the to themselves devote our time, in cooperation with their regional regional their with cooperation in time, our central here. The German UNESCO Global ofcontinuous learning, process education of activity for the Geoparks. The concept of of concept The Geoparks. the for activity of all. With their specific contexts in view, they view, they in contexts specific their With all. andas landscapes experience educational places of learning, universities and research and research universities of learning, places other and museums schools, like partners, for a future to sustainable facilitate platforms Education­ for Develop Sustainable builds one of the main pillars and core areas areas core and pillars main the of one builds institutes. institutes.

ment is 23

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Model regions for sustainable development UNESCO Global Geoparks

Summary and outlook

to major challengeslike climate change. respondmeasuresdevisingSouth, through to to brokering partnerships with Geoparks from the Global Education for Sustainable Development projects, to develop in the coming years – from the expanding the role of the UNESCOGlobalGeoparks will continue category of UNESCOsites that isstillquiterecent, operating inter­ The GermanUNESCOGlobalGeoparks are already an international network. sharing of experience, which enables collaboration in into account, cross-border cooperation andmutual and continue to meet standards of quality. Italso takes so that theyspections, may fulfil their adequately, tasks UNESCO regularly subjectsitsGeoparks to strictin­ the respective cultural andnatural heritage. special geologicalheritageandinconnection with change in their region –always with reference to the development, andaddress the challengesof global relevance, suchasdemographic changeandeconomic UNESCO GlobalGeoparks deal with issues of local frameworkfor this. for Sustainable Development provides the refe ­ appropriate solutions. The United Nations 2030 Agenda important globalchallengesof our time as well asof Global Geoparks promote awareness of the most As model regions for sustainabledevelopment, UNESCO nationally inanexemplary manner. As a rence

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The Geoparks Unit for UNESCOGlobalGeoparks of the 26 232 / - 232 - 231 60497 228 +49 T Authorised representatives Authorised Association headquarters: Bonn, entry in entry Bonn, headquarters: Association German Commission for UNESCOsupports the work of the National Committee. Itis the contact point for all VR 4827 4827 VR Imprint

German Commission for Commission UNESCO German of the German Civil Code) Code) Civil German the of (2nd President) Vice (Special representative according to Section 30 30 to Section according (Special representative questions regarding applications, revalidations and further Updated Updated development asaUNESCOGlobalGeopark. Martin Publisher sponsored by: Möller Dr. Lutz Dr. Roman Luckscheiter General) (Secretary Lüdtke Carsten Prof. Dr. Hartwig President) Vice (1st Wulf Prof. Dr. Christoph Prof. Dr. (President) Böhmer Maria E geoparks@unesco.de November 2020 November number: register –Bonn, court register – court local the at associations of register the (statutes) association registered form: Legal - Luther

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