European Geoparks Network

The UNESCO’s Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences announced its Geopark Programme in 1997, and then in 2000 a committed group of French, German, Spanish and Greek experts established the European Geoparks Network (EGN). The basic aim of the organisation is to protect geodiversity, to promote geological heritage to the general public as well as to support sustainable economic development of geopark territories primarily through the development of geological tourism.

Involving local communities in the activities of the Geoparks is crucial to achieve these aims. Besides emphasizing the importance of geological heritage, interpreting the cultural and biotic natural assets of the areas are highlighted tasks as well. The rapidly growing network has drawn together territories from across Europe that share these aims and which are now working together in an active and dynamic way to achieve them. The success of the initiative is indicated by the fact that the network currently (Autumn 2015) includes 68 territories across 23 European countries.

We are proud that the Bakony–Balaton Geopark has been the member of the European Geoparks Network since 20 September 2012!

The network operates primarily by continuous electronic communication, frequent coordination meetings, annual conferences and the establishment of common projects through which territories can exchange ideas, experience and best practice thereby supporting each other to fulfil our common goals.

The EGN is funded by its members and through collective bids for European Union funding for common projects. Based on formal agreements between the European Geoparks Network and the UNESCO Division of Earth Sciences, UNESCO gave the network its endorsement and gave the EGN responsibility for regulating membership of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in Europe. This way those Geoparks that have successfully applied for EGN membership become also the members of the Global Geoparks Network Association. Membership of the EGN is for a period of four years after which membership is reviewed and assessed in order to ensure high quality.

To reach the official webpage of the European Geoparks Network, click here.

The annual magazines of the European Geoparks Newtork can be downloaded from here.

The read the newsletters of the network, click here.

A spectacular video about the members of the European Geoparks Network: