Global Geopark Network Research Articles

Geotourism Contribution to Sustainable Develeopment in Ranah Minang Silokek Geopark Sijunjung District

This paper aims to shed light on the significant contribution of tourism development in the geopark area, particularly through the concept of geotourism. The Ranah Minang Silokek geopark area in Sijunjung Regency is a treasure trove of attractions and developed destinations in geodiversity, biodiversity, and cultural diversity. While tourism, in general, can foster a sustainable life, cultural tourism, and cultural heritage can have a significant positive and negative impact on people's lives. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the extent of the contribution of sustainable tourism development through geotourism in Silokek Geopark. This research, conducted through qualitative methods and a narrative approach, aims to develop the objects in Silokek as geotourism based on sustainable tourism development. Data collection was carried out through interviews with management and the observation of geological objects and FGDs with stakeholders. Data analysis was done through a Stepwise Forward approach. The findings reveal that the development of geotourism can have a profound positive impact, not only supporting economic growth for the local community and government but also serving as a foundation for efforts to preserve and protect landscapes and geology, the main essence of the Silokek geopark. This research aims to shift the perspective that geotourism is the antithesis of mass tourism, and instead, highlight its contribution to the principles of geoparks (Unesco Global Geoparks Network).

Collaboration Governance On Ecotourism Belitung Unesco Global Geopark

This study aims to analyze the governance of collaboration of the Belitung Ecotourism UNESCO Global Geopark. Attention is given to the study of collaboration governance considered one of the key issues of success in the context of Belitung tourism development as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark network. The contribution and role of each actor whether from the government, private sector, community, or community has made a positive contribution to building sustainable and environmentally sound tourism quality. This research uses a sequential mixed methods research exploratory approach, in this research data is obtained through in-depth interviews, document reviews, and surveys so that the triangulation process can be carried out more completely. Research informants consisted of elements of government, the private sector, associations, society, and communities. A total of 13 informants were interviewed and 31 people responded to the survey. The results show that trust, values, and social networks have become the glue and bind each actor so that they function as a basic element to form a good collaboration.

Scientific Utility of Selected Latin American Global Geoparks: A Literature-Based Case Study

Global geoparks, i.e., the members of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) network, possess highly valuable geoheritage resources, which can be used for the purposes of not only education and tourism, but also science. Five examples from four Latin American countries (Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru) were employed to realize the importance of these global geoparks as facilitators of international research. Journal articles devoted to these geoparks were selected with the major bibliographical databases, and the information from them was analyzed quantitatively. Particularly, the numbers of articles published before and after the UGGp membership, paying significant and marginal attention to geoparks, and published by international teams were calculated; the general themes of the articles were outlined. It was established that the total number of publications grew after the UGGp membership of these geoparks, but not steadily. The established dynamics of publishing are unstable and differ between the geoparks. Geoparks of Mexico (Mixteca Alta) and Peru (Colca y Volcanes de Andagua) are notable examples because they started to facilitate international research before the UGGp membership. Many articles consider geoparks only marginally (nonetheless, there are also articles paying significant attention to geoparks, especially in the cases of two Mexican geoparks). The author teams are often not restricted to Latin America. The research themes are rather diverse (geoheritage, geology, ecology, innovations, society, technology), although the majority of the publications are geoheritage-focused. Of special interest is the Colca y Volcanes de Andagua global geopark, which has been considered in the innovation-focused article. Generally, our results indicate a moderate importance of the considered global geoparks to international research activity and the incomplete exploitation of their scientific potential. Two Mexican geoparks (Comarca Minera and Mixteca Alta) seem to be the most successful in the facilitation of international research. Indeed, the scientific utility of global geoparks should be strengthened.

Inventory and classification of geosites in the South-Central Coast of Vietnam

The establishment of a connection to sustainability is evident through the expansion of the Global Geoparks network and geotourism initiatives, emphasizing the protection of geodiversity alongside biodiversity conservation. The outcomes of the geosite inventory laid the foundation for the development of the geopark. In the South-Central Coast of Vietnam, characterized by its small and narrow area, intricate tectonic structure, distinctive topography, and unique climate, where conservation efforts are yet to be initiated, the geosite inventory assumes particular significance. The geosite inventory was conducted using four research approaches, which are as follows: 1) Studying documents on geosite inventory, geological and geomorphological investigation documents; 2) Field survey; 3) Expert methods and 4) GIS techniques. The results of the inventory demonstrate how diverse the geosite types and geometries are along Vietnam South-Central Coast. The research findings reveal a total of 90 geosites distributed among 10 geo-theme groups, categorized into 5 types: area, section, point, viewpoint, and complex. These geosites align with 5 primary scientific interests, encompassing tectonics, lithology stratigraphy, hydrology, and geomorphology. Notably, three distinct tectonic units characterize the geosites, with the Kon Tum massif exhibiting the highest number and diversity. Across the eight provinces/cities along the South-Central coast, all are endowed with rare or precious geosites. Despite Ninh Thuan province’s arid climate, it boasts a notable count of 16 geosites. In contrast, Quang Nam province has the fewest geosites (only 6), while other provinces range between 8 and 13 geosites. Remarkably, three provinces – Quang Nam, Khanh Hoa, and Binh Thuan – showcase geosites of all five types.

Инвентаризация объектов геологического наследия геопарка «Торатау»

Introduction. The article presents the results of an inventory of geological heritage sites in the Toratau geopark. An analysis of international experience in inventory geological heritage sites has been carried out. Criteria for assessing the scientific, educational, tourist significance, and vulnerability of geological heritage sites have been selected. Based on the analysis, the following principles for inventorying geological heritage sites in the Toratau geopark have been adopted: 1. To make effective decisions in managing geological heritage objects, expert assessment of their scientific, educational, touristic significance and vulnerability is necessary. 2. The use of a 5-point scale is promising. 3. Each evaluation criterion has its own degree of importance, so the introduction of weighting coefficients is necessary. The aim of the study is to inventory geological heritage sites of the Toratau geopark, assessing their scientific, educational, tourist significance and vulnerability. Materials and methods. Analysis of international best practice and own research allowed selection criteria for different types of significance. Three criteria were used for scientific significance, five for educational significance, nine for tourist significance, and four for the assessment of the need for conservation and vulnerability. Some criteria were used in the assessment of several types of significance. The assessment was carried out using a five-point system. For some criteria, previously developed methodologies (e.g. aesthetic evaluation) or geoinformation technologies were used. The overall assessment of all significance options can reach 100 points. Special coefficients were calculated to adjust the values. Passports are filled out for each object, and their analysis allows determining which geological objects of the geopark have greater significance. Results. Currently, sites actively visited in the geopark have the highest ratings. Scientific significance has high ratings mainly for geological sections. Educational significance correlates with scientific significance, but there are some discrepancies. For example, many hydrological and karst sites have a high rating of educational significance, unlike scientific significance. Most key sites of the geopark have relatively high touristic significance. However, geological sections have lower tourist significance on average, unlike hydrological and karst sites. It is important to note that most sites have relatively high vulnerability (less than 10 points). The analysis shows that creating a sustainable infrastructure (stairs, ramps, observation platforms) allows regulating number of tourists and ensuring the preservation of geological heritage sites. Discussion. The presented approach to the inventory of geological sites is in many ways similar to foreign practices. The analysis revealed objects with potential for scientific, educational, and touristic use. The proposed methodology has been developed taking into account the socio-economic and landscape features of the Toratau geopark. Conclusion. More and more regions in Russia strive to create geoparks. The inventory and detailed assessment of the geological heritage sites of an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark is determined by Criterion 1 of UNESCO Global Geoparks. The methodology for inventory and assessment of geological heritage sites of the Toratau geopark used the experience of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network. Resume. This methodology was adapted to the natural conditions of the Toratau geopark territory but can also serve as a basis for similar inventories of other geoparks in the Russian Federation and Central Asia Countries.

Selected Geoheritage Resources of “Atlantic Geopark” Project (Central Portugal)

The “Atlantic Geopark” Project corresponds to the first stage of a broad project addressing a future application to the Global Geopark Network of a territory located in Portugal: “The Atlantic Geopark: 600 million of geological history”. It covers six central littoral and rural municipalities (Cantanhede, Figueira da Foz, Mealhada, Mira, Montemor-o-Velho, and Penacova), which display special and singular geodiversity, and it includes geological heritage with international relevance representing the opening and closing of the Rheic Ocean, the formation and breakup of Pangea, and the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean. Besides the geological heritage, here presented through the description and characterization of six geological sites (one per municipality) which served as anchors for the development of the project currently underway, the territory also provides other geoheritage resources related to uses of the local geological features. These resources hold significance in bolstering an application to the Global Geopark Network soon. They encompass partially artificial elements such as road excavations, agricultural soils, and quarries, as well as entirely artificial elements such as interpretation centers and museums. These elements serve as tangible representations of the various ways in which the Earth and local communities interact.

Karst ecosystem services and their roles in the management of Gunung Sewu UNESCO global geopark

As a member of the Global Geopark Network, Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global Geopark is designed to attract tourists, with a focus on the tourism industry to generate revenue. However, this development triggers environmental pressure on the already fragile karstic ecosystem, necessitating the implementation of mitigation measures. This research aims to employ Karst Ecosystem Services (KESs) as a tool for managing the karst area and the Geopark itself, exploring both the concept and its implementation. Two examples of ecosystem services, scenic and habitat quality, are generated using InVEST tools as the representations of Karst Ecosystem Services. In the Karst of Gunung Sewu, the habitat quality of tree covers, ponds, and caves is threatened by limestone mining, agriculture, and large-scale infrastructure, while the scenic quality is degraded by the presence of construction sites, large statues, and unused or abandoned building. These ecosystem services can contribute to strengthening the Geopark’s pillars through conserving intactness and maintaining energy flow within the habitat for the Geoconservation pillar. For geoeduaction pillar, scenic landscapes provide visual interpretation, and the integrity of landforms supports morphological interpretation. Lastly, habitat and scenic quality can be developed to enhance tourism attraction while maintaining the environment quality for the Sustainable Local Economic Development pillar.

Southern Canyons Pathways UNESCO Global Geoparks: Strategies for Sustainable Development

Objective: This article aims to understand the process of setting up the GMCCS and its prospects for the sustainable development of the communities living in the territory. The following research questions are posed: a) How did the prospecting of UGGps take place in the LAC region? b) How did the process of recognition and approval of the GMCCS take place? c) How has the GMCCS contributed to the sustainable socio-economic development of the towns that make up the territory? Method: In order to achieve the above objectives, the state-of-the-art methodology was used, together with bibliographic and documentary research, to understand the conception of the idea of geoparks in the international context and their dissemination around the world. Results and conclusion: As a result, it was found that the territories that have been recognized, including the GMCCS, have proved to be effective and sensitive tools for the socio-economic development of their respective communities, although the prospecting of geoparks in LAC is still happening slowly and gradually. Research implications: UGGps (UNESCO Global Geoparks) aim to promote the sustainable development of local communities. The GGN (Global Geoparks Network) currently has 177 accredited territories around the world, ten of which are in the LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean) region. The research shows that the territory of the UNESCO World Geopark Caminhos dos Cânions Sul is moving towards promoting sustainable development in its territory.

Manajemen Perancangan Taman Budaya Banglipuran, Melikan, Rongkop, Gunungkidul

Melikan Village area is part of Pegunungan Sewu area. This area is included in a national protected area and has been part of UNESCO's Global Geopark Network since 2015. As a karst areas, this area has potential natural resources, human resources, and socio-economic-culture. This research has mapped all of these potentials to become the basis for designing the Taman Budaya Banglipuran which is the focus of the development of the Melikan Village area. The approach used in this study is action research which is carried out in three stages. The research phase are: mapping, planning and development. The mapping is digital using Quantum GIS. Planning is carried out with FGD. And development includes area planning with 3D visuals. This research aims to assist the community in developing the Banglipuran area by producing area designs.

The role of water as a significant resource in UGGps results of an international workshop

Water resources are becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world. The protection and the sustainable use of water resources is highly relevant to mitigate climate impacts. This article aims to investigate the activities of UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) in regard to ground and surface water resources. Using a mixed-methods approach, a questionnaire was administered and an international online workshop was held. The results show that there are various common fields of activities and common threats in regard to water resources. The identified topics are structured and discussed within a SWOT analysis. The article provides a starting point for UGGps to jointly promote water as a significant resource and to define common fields of activities that can be supported by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (UGGpN). The article recommends the establishment of a new working group within the UGGpN. This will provide a platform to exchange best-practice experiences and develop guidelines on how to effectively integrate the protection and sustainable use of water resources into the management of UGGps.

Geotourism and Rural Development, Baktiraja Subsub-District

This research aims to evaluate the achievement of rural development in the study area after UNESCO designated Toba Caldera Geopark as a member of the Global Geopark Network (GGN) in July 2020. For that purpose, the authors conduct research to measure the relationship of geotourism with rural development in the area. The methods employed are library research, discussion, observation, field trips and questionnaires to 127 respondents from the village government officers, students, MSME communities and Youth Organizations. The results show that average: 65% of all respondents understand the existence of geotourism and geosites in their area, although only around 40% know precisely two out of 16 existing geosites in the area. There are 60% of them feel improvement in their economy with the presence of this geotourism. After the designation of this area as a Tourism Village Pilot Project in September 2018, more than 2/3 of the MSMEs businessmen feel an increase in consumer visits and receive an increase in revenue of up to 70%. However, questionnaires related to the improvement after the designation of Toba Caldera as UNESCO GGN are unable to be reconciled by them since the Covid19 pandemic also impacts them

Global geoparks: Opportunity for developing or “toy” for developed?

Geoparks can provide socio-economical benefits to local communities, but their relative importance to developed and developing countries is yet to be fully realized. The present study aims at analyzing the correspondence of the UNSECO Global Geopark network to countries with different level of human development. The information about the geographical extent of this network and the human developed index is taken into account. Its analysis implies that global geoparks have strong presence in the countries with very high and high human development, but they are relatively rare in the countries with moderate and low human development. Less than 10% of global geoparks exist in the countries with the human development index below its median value. Examination of how social issues are stated in the official descriptions of these geoparks and on their web-pages indicates on its insufficient explanation in some cases. It is proposed to facilitate international mechanisms supporting geopark creation in developing countries.

Kepentingan Nasional Indonesia Menjadikan Kawasan Kars Gunung Sewu Sebagai Unesco Global Geopark Network (GGN)

This research is a contemporary study that addresses Indonesia's national interests to make Gunung Sewu a UNESCO Global Geopark Network. Global Geopark Network is a network with the name UNESCO that has a role to preserve the geological heritage and promote sustainable development in the community. Whereas Gunung Sewu is a karst region that is rich in tourism potential and geological heritage. In this study, the author focuses on the importance of the basic Indonesia to make Gunung Sewu the Global Geopark Network. The researcher used Felix Oppenheim's theory of national interests which stated that national interests were the ideals or goals of the state to prosper. As well as perspective from Joshua Goldstein that in order to achieve the goals of a country, a country cooperates with other parties. Based on the analysis and data, it is known that the national interests that Indonesia wants to achieve are our economic interests, namely increasing state revenues from the tourism sector and conservation interests to preserve the nature of mountain waste for the survival of the community.

Design of Toba Caldera Geopark Museum in Balige With A Green Architecture Approach

The Lake Toba area as a Global Geopark Network is imaged as a super destination with the world's largest and one of the deepest volcanic lakes, thus making it a world heritage with diverse diversity such as geology, biology, and culture. Lake Toba creates extraordinary natural phenomena, making this area rich in geological diversity such as expanses and rock types, and contains geological heritage values (heritage), cultural heritage, and bio-heritage that are well known International. However, attractions in the Toba Caldera Geopark area have not provided education only as a place of recreation for tourists. Therefore, it is necessary to design the Toba Caldera Geopark Museum as a place for organizing, collecting, maintaining, researching, presenting information about the benefits and potentials of the Toba Caldera Geopark area with the theme of green architecture and accommodating recreational and educational activities for visitors. This study used qualitative research methods. Several data collection, several data collection methods are used, primary data and secondary data. In designing the geopark museum utilizing the concept of energy-efficient green architecture in natural lightings such as skylights, natural ventilation, respect for the site, respect for users, and experience materials.

Geodiversity, Geoheritage and Geoconservation: A Global Perspective

Abstract In recent decades, the growing awareness and necessity of dealing with geodiversity and geoheritage has drawn the attention of the global geoscientific community to conserving and safeguarding it. As a result, the global initiatives, reinforced by the efforts of the regional and local geological communities, have led to a paradigm shift in how geodiversity (diverse geological elements) and geoheritage (geological heritage) are perceived. The efforts and actions of some nations in conserving geodiversity and geoheritage have been exemplary, while others are still in a nascent stage and a few still need to awaken. The concepts of geodiversity, geoparks, geoheritage, and geoconservation are the fruits of the efforts of many global and regional organizations. The collective efforts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Global Geoparks Network (GGN), and the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) have brought the attention of the global geoscientific community, policymakers and governments of almost all nations to ponder the issues of geodiversity and geoheritage. These globally recognised organisations have been at the forefront and their initiatives have permitted the conservation of some significant geological heritage and have demonstrated that they can pave a new path for more sustainable development. These organisations have worked in tandem for the past few decades and have been successful in identifying and designating some of the outstanding and geologically significant sites/geosites as ‘Natural World Heritage Sites’, ‘UNESCO Global Geoparks’. The novel ideas and statutes defining global designation criteria and protocols by these organisations are there to enthuse and encourage earth scientists, policymakers, the public, and governments of all nations to frame their own national and local statutes for the identification and conservation of outstanding national geoheritage and to further integrate them with the international organisations for global designations.

Geodiversity characterization of the Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark of China

The Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark (Danxiashan UGGp) is located in Shaoguan, northern Guangdong Province of South China, and was approved as such by the Global Geoparks Network in 2004. It is an ideal site for geodiversity and geoheritage studies as well as a centre for geoeducation owing to its importance in understanding the geodynamics of South China during late Mesozoic and being the most representative danxia landscape (a red beds landscape characterized by well-developed cliffs and developed dominantly on hard conglomerates and sandstones) in the humid subtropical climate of China. The methods of field investigation and literature reviews were applied to document geodiversity characterization of the Danxiashan. The study area is characterized predominately by well-developed Late Cretaceous red beds deposited in alluvial fan and desert environments within a faulted continental basin. The red beds were uplifted during the Himalayan orogenic cycle (ca. 40 Ma to present) and dissected by faulting and jointing to form prominent escarpments and a variety of erosional landforms in tandem with weathering, water erosion and rockfalls. The danxia landscape of Danxiashan is composed of mesas, peaks, cliffs, canyons, rock walls and pillars with dominant bedrock of reddish conglomerates and sandstones. It is designated as the World Heritage ‘China Danxia’ with other five sites in South China owing to its exceptionally beautiful and distinctive landscape as well as diversified geological features and landforms. As one of the earliest and best developed geoparks in China, an assessment and summary of the geodiversity of Danxiashan sets a practical example in formulating long-term strategies in geotourism and geoeducation for geopark development in China and other countries.

Environmental Pollution in Geopark Management: A Systematic Review of the Literary Evidence.

Dozens of geoparks have been created in the world since the beginning of the 21st century. Their environmental impact is yet to be fully understood. A bibliographical survey was undertaken to systematically review the journal articles devoted to environmental pollution in geoparks. The considered literature focuses on 10 geoparks (many of them are the members of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network) from eight countries, namely, China, Italy, Malaysia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, and South Korea. Significant pollution was registered in half of these geoparks. Trace metals and metalloids such as arsenic and cadmium are often reported as pollutants. Water pollution is the most common. In many cases, environmental pollution is not related to geoparks, but results from agricultural and industrial activities. Sometimes, this pollution is inherited from past mining activities, and the latter are related to the geoheritage represented in the geoparks. However, there are also examples of pollution triggered by tourist activities in geoparks and the related infrastructural failures. Various mitigation approaches are considered in the literature (establishing monitoring networks, installing filtration membranes, etc.). It is argued that environmental pollution can be used in geoparks for eco-education and eco-awareness initiatives. Research in environmental pollution in geoparks is an emerging field, and does not avoid multiple biases. Nonetheless, the actual importance of this research is undisputable, and it will be demanded in the future.

Global Youth Engagement in Promoting Community Empowerment in Indonesian Geoparks Development: Prospects and Challenges for Indonesia Geopark Youth Forum

Geoparks are a fairly new concept, raising to popularity only around the very end of the twentieth century with the formation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Global Geoparks Network (UNESCO GGN). Indonesia currently has six geoparks designated as UNESCO Global Geoparks, as well as fifteen national geoparks and several aspiring geoparks. The National Committee for Indonesain Geoparks which is headed by three coordinating ministries and three technical ministries with twelve other ministries and agencies as members of the committee has identified that youths hold a critical role in the development of geoparks in Indonesia. This was stated clearly in the National Action Plan for Indonesian Geoparks in Ministry of National Development Planning No. 15/2020. In 2021 the Ministry for National Development Planning sought out to realize this by forming the Indonesian Geopark Youth Forum, a youth-led organisation where representatives of Indonesian geoparks help actualize the development of Indonesian geoparks and their local communities. As IGYF continues to develop in its infancy with the hosting of the 1st UNESCO Geopark Youth Forum in Jeju Island, South Korea resulting in the election of Indonesia as the host country and chairman for the UNESCO Geopark Youth Forum for 2021-2023, the author in this paper attempts to give an analysis of the role that IGYF has as a new actor catalyst in the sustainable development of communities in the geopark areas through the unique approach that geoparks have, with great focus on community empowerment as the foundation for the development of the three pillars of geoparks; education, conservation, and sustainable economic development.

ОЦІНКА ТУРИСТИЧНОЇ ПРИВАБЛИВОСТІ ГЛОБАЛЬНИХ ГЕОПАРКІВ ЄВРОПИ

The article provides an inventory of geoparks from the list of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. It is noted that geoparks as important tourist attractions have been the subject of scientific attention of many authors, but the data presented in these publications are outdated and can not claim to be relevant to the current state of the geoparks network, as it is quite dynamic and changes every year. The research of the chosen topic in the scientific domestic and foreign literature is characterized. The insufficiency of the tourism research of the UNESCO geoparks system is pointed out. The structural-territorial analysis of the distribution of objects is performed: absolute and relative indicators of the number of objects by macroregions are established. A cartographic model of the distribution of objects on the planet is presented. Monitoring of a specific set of geotourism attractions within each of the geoparks is done taking into account the following thematic types: geological and geomorphological (geological and geomorphological formations - the mountains, intermountain basins and gorges, craters and cones of volcanoes, river valleys, deltas and canyons, lakes, waterfalls, sea coasts, deserts and aeolian, glaciers and glacial, karst and pseudo-karst landforms, geological forms and phenomena - the minerals, rocks, structural and tectonic formations, paleontological fossils, geothermal phenomena; geological and geomorphological processes - volcanic eruptions, geyser explosions, avalanches, coastal processes on sea and lake coasts, melting glaciers, dune movements, erosion processes); industrial (the open and underground mine workings, clay and sand quarries, pits, exploratory shafts, drain lines, rock dumps, tunnels, catacombs, surface and underground military objects, engineering and geological activities, construction of tunnels, construction of roads and highways, use of geothermal water); cultural and cognitive (works of material culture are different buildings made of natural materials and the elements of their arrangement, stone pyramids, rock cities and temples, the stone artefacts, the stone elements of urban infrastructure, the works of art, jewellery, museum and other expositions, open-air expositions, such places of fossils, supporting stratigraphic sections, places of minerals and rocks location); tourist and infrastructural attractions (availability of the geopark for the access by several types of transport, several tourist accommodation options, currency exchange offices, recreation facilities, parking lots, places for tents; Tourist Information Centres; marked tourist routes for the needs of several types of tourism (cycling, green-, caving, water- tourism); marking of tourist attractions (information stands. Information support of tourism (creating internet portals of the geopark, mobile applications); accessibility of the geopark to the inclusive tourists). According to the indicators of occupancy of various thematic blocks, geoparks were ranked according to the scale of levels of attractiveness.

The Miocene Petrified Forest of Lesvos, Greece: Research and Geoconservation Activities

The Petrified Forest of Lesvos is a Protected Natural Monument showing standing and lying petrified tree trunks, preserved by intense volcanic activity in the early Miocene. The Natural History Museum of Lesvos Petrified Forest contributed significantly to scientific research, conservation, exhibition, promotion and international recognition of the Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark, a founding member of the European and the Global Geoparks Network. The Lesvos Geopark includes a variety of other volcanic, tectonic, geomorphological and coastal geosites. Lesvos Geopark works to identify, protect and promote geosites through the establishment of an interpretation infrastructure, a network of walking trails linking geosites and other sites of interest, relevant information points and eco-tourism infrastructure as well as the organization of exhibitions, scientific events and congresses as well as environmental education programs and activities.