European Geopark Network celebrates 20 years
In June 2000, four Geoparks took the initiative to establish the European Geopark Network. The very first geoparks in this network were:
- Reserve Geologique de Haute-Provence – France
- Natural History Museum of Lesvos Petrified Forest – (Lesvos island) Greece
- Geopark Gerolstein/Vulkaneifel – Germany
- Maestrazgo Cultural Park – Spain
Main objective of the cooperation between Geoparks is the protection of geological heritage and the promotion of sustainable development of their territories in Europe. The above listed Geoparks signed a convention on Lesvos Island, Greece in June 2000 declaring the creation of the European Geoparks Network. The purpose of this general designation was to share information and expertises, as well as definition of common tools.
Magma geopark has joined the network in 2010, and by the end of 2019 there were already 75 European geoparks in the network!
You can find the full list of all the member geoparks today here.
Geoparks across Europe will celebrate this cooperation that has been established over 20 years and will arrange events to mark the special occasion. Magma geopark is planning an event in September, so stay updated on Facebook.
Read more about the activity at EGN.