Geopark Digital EGN Magazine: getting to know the work of European geoparks
UNESCO World Geoparks are unique places. Territories where we can explore and connect with the history of the Earth. Areas with a unique geological heritage, where we can discover extraordinary landscapes, where science and local communities get involved for mutual benefit. They are territories committed to contributing to resolving the serious constraints that humanity is currently facing as a result of the transformation of nature by the actions of human beings and, therefore, territories of resilience. Education at all levels is at the heart of the geopark concept. From the local community to university researchers, geoparks encourage knowledge of the Earth’s history, read in the rocks, landscape and geological processes. These territories also promote links between geological heritage and all other aspects of natural and cultural heritage, clearly demonstrating that geodiversity is the basis of all ecosystems and also the basis of human interaction with the landscape. Finally, World Geoparks contribute to achieving UNESCO’s objectives by promoting geology and science in general through a broader contribution to UNESCO’s goals, while also addressing education, culture and communication.
In 2000, the European Geoparks Network (EGN) was founded by four territories: the Haute-Provence Geological Reserve (France), the Lesvos Petrified Forest (Greece), Vulkaneifel (Germany) and the Maestrazgo Cultural Park (Spain). The evolution of the EGN in the first decade of the 21st century has been remarkable. Over 20 years (2000 – 2020), the EGN expanded from 4 geoparks in 4 countries to 74 geoparks in 24 countries. In 2004, the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was founded and in 2015, in a process of unequivocal recognition of the work carried out by geoparks and their recognized importance, UNESCO’s 195 member states ratified the creation of UNESCO World Geoparks during their 38th General Conference.
We invite you to get to know the work and projects of the various European geoparks, in their journey of work in favor of geoconservation, geotourism and education for sustainable development, through their magazine “EGN Magazine“, published annually since 2001.
