Useful information about Geopark Tourism

The Geoparks concept adds a new dimension to the 1972 World Heritage Convention by highlighting the potential for interaction between socio-economic and cultural development and the conservation of the natural environment. The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was established in 2004, under the umbrella of UNESCO, as an international network, which provides a platform of cooperation among Geoparks. The GGN brings together governmental agencies, local authorities, universities, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, scientists and experts from countries around the world. The GGN consists today a unique worldwide partnership including 120 Global Geoparks in 33 countries working to protect geological heritage sites and landscapes on international importance and promote local sustainable development. The GGN’s mission is to influence, encourage and assist local societies all over the world to valorize their unique heritage and identity, to conserve the integrity and diversity of abiotic and biotic nature, to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and sustainable and to support economic and cultural development of local communities through the development of sustainable tourism. Thus Geoparks are promoted as innovative sustainable tourism destinations! In 2014 after one decade of successful operation as a volunteer network the GGN gained legal personality. The GGN General Assembly in Stonehammer Global Geopark, Canada  agreed to the new GGN Statutes, which follow the ICOM model and the GGN became an international non-profit association. On November 17th 2015 the 38th UNESCO General Conference ratified the statutes of the new International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and the UNESCO Global Geoparks Operational Guidelines, introducing the brand UNESCO Global Geopark as a label of excellence for areas that meet the criteria set by the above mentioned guidelines. In doing so, it has legally endorsed the new UNESCO label of “UNESCO Global Geopark" and the endorsement of the existing 120 Global Geoparks to become UNESCO Global Geoparks with immediate effect. Thus GGN is the official partner of UNESCO for the operation of the UNESCO Global Geoparks under the umbrella of the International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme (IGGP).

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) as  international association

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is an international organization subject to French legislation (the 1901 law on associations) maintaining formal relations with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). According to its statutes the GGN is the international organisation of the Global Geoparks and Global Geopark professionals which is committed to the conservation, management and communication to the society of the Earth’s heritage as an integral part of the world's natural and cultural heritage, tangible and intangible. The GGN organises co-operation and mutual assistance between Global Geoparks and between Global Geopark professionals. The GGN initiates and co-ordinates Regional Geopark Networks which foster international co-operation and promotion of sustainable development. Regional Geopark Networks serve for the coordination of GGN activities at a regional or continental level and as fora for the exchange of information and co-operation between Global Geoparks and Global Geopark professionals in the region. The activities of Regional Geopark Networks include the organisation of regional Geopark conferences, workshops and seminars, capacity building activities, common projects, promotional activities and common publications. The GGN represents, advances, and disseminates knowledge in Sustainable Tourism Development, Geodiversity management and other disciplines related to studies in conservation of geological heritage sites and landscapes, geo-tourism, geo-education and/or the management and activities of Global Geoparks.

Global Geoparks’ activities

A Global Geopark integrates the range of resources found within its broader region, including existing geological attractions and sites, landscapes, wetlands, sites of natural beauty and ecological value, as well as cultural monuments and traditions including gastronomy and local crafts and agricultural products. A broad range of activities combines the main components for the operation of each Geopark, including scientific research, the creation of an inventory and map of geological sites, protection of the geological heritage operation of thematic museums and interpretation centers, interpretation and promotion of geological sites, the conservation of fossils, the creation of parks for visitors, the establishment of a network of walking trails linking geological sites to ecotourism infrastructures, the development of environmental education programmes on geological sites, the organization of scientific and cultural events, the promotion of monumental geological sites aiming at the sustainable tourism development. In order to measure the progress made in each territory and to achieve high quality standards in Geoparks operation and services provided to visitors, UNESCO Global Geoparks established an evaluation procedure for all new applicants.  UNESCO Global Geopark label is limited to a period of 4-years after which a revalidation procedure leads to the renewal or not of the membership. The revalidation follows similar procedures as the evaluation. With the evaluation procedure in place, Global Geoparks through geotourism development can contribute to the preservation of geological heritage sites and landscapes of international value, ecosystems and biodiversity, the protection of natural and cultural heritage, to gender equality and inclusive growth and offer solutions to many other pressing challenges our world is facing today.

Geoparks and Geotourism

Geo-tourism is a form of tourism that sustains, or even enhances, the identity of a place, such as its environment, culture, heritage and the well-being of its residents. Through Geoparks’ operation important geological sites gain worldwide recognition and benefit through the exchange of knowledge, expertise, experience and staff among Geoparks. During the last years Geoparks following the provisions of their management plan implemented a range of activities aiming at the further improvement of their infrastructure, services, activities and promotion.

Geotourism activities in Geoparks include:

•    Interpretation of Geo-heritage for the general public(e.g. publication of books and visitors guides, creation of interpretation panels, production of multimedia presentations and DVD’s) in order for visitors to explore the fascinating story preserved in the rocks and the landscape of the Geoparks. •    Creation of thematic geo-museums and interpretation centres •    Organization of temporary travelling exhibitions •    Exchange of know-how and best practices on geotourism development. •    Creation of geotourism data base describing tourism activities offered by the Geoparks (museums and info-centers, trails, events etc.). •    Organization of geotourism-activities in Geoparks i.e.: exploring the geological history of the Geopark, nature observation, bird watching, conservation of fossils, mountain biking, trekking, rafting, boat trips connecting geosites. •    Organization of working holidays in Geoparks and volunteer activities. •    Organization of conferences with a thematic focus on landscape, heritage interpretation and tourism. •    Promotion of common geotourism packages and organization of events promoting alternative tourism in Geoparks.

Geoparks as learning platforms

Geoparks promote themselves as ideal destinations for field educational activities and thus develop educational tourism. Geopark’s activities focus on our common geological heritage as a key factor for environmental understanding and sensitisation on nature protection. Main target group for Geoparks are schoolchildren and University students. Ages range from 4 years upwards to university level and the interpretation and information material produced is tailored to the needs of each age group.

Educational activities for universities and school classes include:

•    Preparation and organization of field trips for university students that include guided tours, provision of scientific data, organization of field work,  organization of student camps and the organization of research activities and projects related to the main scientific objectives presented in the Geopark (e.g. palaeontological excavation works) as well as areas of conservation (wetlands, nature parks). •    Organization of Intensive courses on Geoparks with the collaboration of academic staff. A special course for scientists and staff members working in Geoparks, technicians, rangers, postgraduate students as well as local enterprises wishing to improve their knowledge about the Geopark’s function and activities. •    Establishment of children’s geology clubs in Geoparks, focusing on fun and discovery through activities suitable for children. There is an exchange of good practice in organising and promoting the clubs. •    Organization of special educational programmes according to age (nursery school, primary school, secondary school, higher education college) including tools such as theatrical plays, puzzle constructions, and experiments. •    Educational resource material for use by schools and colleges. •    Educational activities and material on topics such as climate change and natural hazards •    Common thematic teaching kits that reflect the differing natures of each Geopark, e.g. kits on impact craters, volcanoes and the water cycle, which are either, shared or exchanged providing “A Trip through the Geological History of our planet”. •    Teaching kit focusing on the geological history of each Geopark including the production of information leaflets, special guides for teachers and students, maps, videos, and CD - ROMS. •    Children’s books: Specially designed books for children in order to familiarize them with the Earth's geological history which illustrate the structures and processes that can be seen in the Geoparks. •    Workbooks: Special workbooks for students of all grades. These workbooks familiarize the reader with geological processes that lead to an understanding of the Earth’s history. •    Educational CD-ROMs that inform students about the geological heritage of the Geoparks (including photos, videos and maps) in an engaging manner. •    Special guides for teachers that provide instructions on delivering classes on geology in order to familiarize pupils with geological processes. •    Special publications on educational activities in Geoparks, natural monuments and museums in the Geoparks. •    Training: Vocational training activities that offer an example of the potential of cooperation between Geoparks. Vocational Training Centres have been created with the aim of training young unemployed people to cover new development needs.

GGN Promotional activities and promotional tools

The Global Geoparks Network participates in Global initiatives such as the International Year of Planet Earth, the International day of the Environment, the International day of Museums, the International day of the Earth, the international day of Monuments, the International Day for Natural Disaster reduction, etc In 2017 the Global Geoparks Network is partner of the International Year of Sustainable tourism development 2017 in order to raise awareness of the contribution of sustainable tourism to development among public and private sector decision-makers and the public, while mobilizing all stakeholders to work together in making tourism a catalyst for positive change. The Global Geoparks Network together with its regional networks in Europe and Asia Pacific created several promotional tools: •    GGN - Newsletter is published biannually. It includes articles on the Networks activities, on geo-tourism, on geological preservation and protection and educational activities in Geoparks. It also contains the profiles of the individual Geoparks. •    GGN - Website: A common website (www.globalgeoparksnetwork.org) has been developed with links to all Global Geoparks in order to promote their services and geotourism products. The site is managed by the Network’s Executive Board. •    Publication of the European Geoparks book, presenting the EGN operation as well as all European Geoparks. The book with a preface from the UNESCO DG and ADG is promoting the importance of geological heritage and the beauty of geological objects in order to attract people to conduct educational activities in the Geoparks. •    Participation in Tourism Fairs and Events (e.g. ITB Berlin, ATB Salzburg, FITUR Madrid, “Reisepavillon” Hannover etc) offers to Geoparks contacts visibility among tourism enterprises and agencies. The participating Geoparks cover the participation costs for the promotion of the entire network. •    EGN - Website: A common website (www.europeangeoparks.org) has been developed with links to all European Geoparks in order to promote their services and geotourism products. The site is managed by the Network’s Coordination Committee. •    European Geoparks Magazine is published once per year and distributed to universities, schools and agencies responsible for the promotion of geotouristic and educational activities within the Geoparks. It includes articles on the Network’s activities, on geo-tourism, on geological preservation and protection and educational activities in Geoparks. It also contains the profiles of the different Geoparks. By 2016, 13 issues had been published with a total print run of 15,000 copies per issue. •    European Geoparks Week: Organization of a series of events in each Geopark that are organized during the first week of June and are dedicated to geotourism and educational activities. During the EG Week, visitors in each Geopark participate in common events, and are being informed about the existence of other Geoparks in the Network at the same time. •    Organization of promotional activities for local products and handcrafts. Geoparks organize agrotourism fairs and festivals to promote quality local products (organic, traditional) produced within their territory and to familiarize visitors with the way of life of local people. •    Publication of Geopark’s books and field guides promoting and interpreting landscapes and geosites in each Geopark.   •    Geoparks’ Corner – Geoparks’ Information point: Information points for visitors have been created in each Geopark providing information on the Network and its members common activities in the protection and promotion of our geological heritage, the possibilities of geotourism activities in the Geoparks, educational activities and programmes as tools of the Geoparks as well as the various products of individual Geoparks (fossil casts, books, leaflets, museum-kits etc.). •    Common Information material such as leaflets, posters, tickers, calendars, postcard sets, etc. has been published in different languages to promote the Network and its activities as well as the activities of the individual Geoparks members. Information and promotional material are distributed to tourist agencies and other interested enterprises including hotels, restaurants, airports, bus and train stations.

Global Geoparks and Local Development

An important component of the Geoparks’ operation is to support the local economy. Global Geoparks through sustainable tourism activities can stimulate local economic growth, create decent jobs and business opportunities and help local communities to improve their livelihoods. Geoparks create links with local tourist enterprises, restaurants and small hotels in order to provide the necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of the increasing number of park visitors. The majority of visits to the Geoparks occur during the summer period (July – September), but the aim is to extend the visiting period to the spring and autumn seasons. Geoparks can present impressive results in this field. In some cases the number of “Bed and Breakfast” accommodations has doubled over the last few years in order to meet the increasing demand. More importantly, visitors have increased the duration of their stay in the Geopark area. As a result many new enterprises are connected with the activities of the Geoparks. The Geoparks also support the making of local handicrafts such as the production of fossil casts and souvenirs by local enterprises. These items are on sale in the Geoparks’ shops along with a variety of other locally made products and the Geoparks promote these products to their visitors. Geoparks also collaborate closely with women’s agrotouristic cooperatives and local organic food producers to offer their visitors the opportunity to taste and buy local food products (pasta, organic vegetables, wine, liquors, traditional sweets and marmalades etc). The catering for all Geopark events (conferences, meetings etc.) is supplied using the local traditional food. The Geoparks organize Agro-touristic festivals, which promote quality local products, food and drinks. The event brings local producers and potential customers together. In this way Geoparks’ visitors experience not only the rich natural heritage of the area and sites of high ecological and aesthetic value, but also the culture, tradition, and local production of the region. Geoparks contribute significantly to territorial development by directly and indirectly creating new jobs. Very important are the new job opportunities that are provided by tourist enterprises, small hotels, guest houses, restaurants and other activities connected with the increase of tourist flow in the Geopark area. Several other local artisans, such as makers of handicrafts and ceramic fossil casts, carpenters, and blacksmiths, are permanent collaborators with the Geopark.

Global Geoparks Networking

Geoparks continuously seek for international cooperation with other partners on common interests. Such cooperation facilitates the development and transfer of new methodologies and approaches for the management of Natural parks and Geoparks through linking biotic and abiotic factors, landscape and cultural heritage in nature conservation strategies and action plans, sharing of know-how and new approaches to improve landscape interpretation, sensitization and understanding of natural heritage issues, and the development of educational and touristic activities. Cooperation results are positive and help Geoparks reach an effective management strategy and a high level of services and infrastructure.  The results of its operation prove the potential of the Geoparks across the globe to be powerful new tools for holistic nature conservation and sustainable rural development through geotourism.

References

European Geoparks Magazine. Issues No 1-13. Published by the European Geoparks Network. www.europeangeopraks.org Global Geoparks Network 2014. Statutes of the Global Geoparks Network www.globalgeoparksnetwork.org Martini, G. (Ed.) 1993. Actes du premier symposium international sur la protection au patrimonie géologique [Proceedings of the First Symposium on Earth Heritage Conservation], Digne, France, 11–16 June 1991. Mémoires de la Societé géologique de France, numéro spécial 165, 276 p. Martini, G. & Zouros, N., 2001. European Geoparks: Geological Heritage & European Identity – Cooperation for a Common Future, in Frey, M-L., (ed):, European Geoparks Magazine. Issue 1 (2001), 4. Mc Keever P. & Zouros N. 2005. Geoparks: Celebrating earth heritage, sustaining local communities. Episodes  vol. 28, No 4, p. 274-278. Mc Keever P., Zouros N., Patzak M. 2009. Global Network of National Geoparks. World Heritage No 52, 54-59. UNESCO 2015. UNESCO Global Geoparks Operational Guidelines. www.unesco.org Zouros, N. & Martini, G., 2003. Introduction to the European Geoparks Network, in Zouros, N., Martini, G., & Frey, M-L., (eds), Proceedings of the 2nd European Geoparks Network Meeting: Lesvos, Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrifed Forest, pp. 17-21. Zouros N. 2004. The European Geoparks Network. Geological heritage protection and local development. Episodes  vol 27, No 3, pp 165-171 Zouros N. & McKeever P. 2007. European Geoparks: Integrating earth heritage in nature conservation. The Lesvos petrified forest as a case study. Geoparque Arouca Workshop proceedings. Portugal, p.9-16. Zouros N. 2012 Measuring progress in European Geoparks: a contribution for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth of Europe. 11th European Geoparks Conference. Arouca Geopark, Portugal. September 2012. Abstract  volume. Zouros N. 2013. European Geoparks: new challenges and innovative tools towards Earth heritage management and sustainable local development. 12th European Geoparks Conference, National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni Geopark; 09/2013