23 Oct 10th Open Days of the Spanish Network of UNESCO Global Geoparks
Over 150 people and 17 geoparks take part in the Open Days of the Spanish Geoparks Network with education as the central theme
The UNESCO Global Geopark of Central Catalonia hosted the 10th Open Days of the Spanish Network of UNESCO Global Geoparks from October 14th to 16th — a meeting point that brought together more than 150 professionals from the educational field and representatives of 17 different geoparks from across Spain. The event, held in Montserrat, became a space for debate and reflection on the role of Geoparks in education, science and sustainability, and served to highlight the work carried out by the Central Catalonia Geopark in these areas.
The opening session, open to the educational community, had a large turnout and focused on three thematic blocks that allowed participants to share experiences on the role of Geoparks as educational drivers. The blocks focused on formal education in Geoparks, education addressing climate and sustainability challenges, and educational interpretation and innovation in geology in the classroom.
Institutional dinner with strong political and institutional support
That same evening, more than 150 people attended the institutional welcome dinner, which was marked by a broad political and institutional representation from the region and other geoparks across the country. The event was chaired by Josep Rull, President of the Parliament of Catalonia, who emphasized the value of geoparks as spaces of knowledge and sustainability:
“The scientific knowledge provided by Geoparks must help us envision the future in terms of sustainability. I congratulate the Central Catalonia Geopark for being able to develop its own narrative and place it at the service of the country and its sustainable development.”
Also speaking at the event was Eloi Hernàndez, President of the Bages County Council, who described “the Geopark as a shared, living project open to the world, born from the work of many institutions and people.” Hernàndez stated that “the best way to preserve our heritage is to put it at the service of education, knowledge and sustainable development.”
For his part, Eduard Mata, President of the UNESCO Global Geopark of Central Catalonia, remarked that “geoparks are laboratories of the future: by understanding the past, we can learn how we want tomorrow to be.” Mata also highlighted “the support of the region and the institutional network that gives strength to the Central Catalonia Geopark,” and pointed out that “these sessions strengthen, make visible and position the Geopark as an educational benchmark and as a sustainable tourism destination.”
Visits and networking
The sessions held on October 15th and 16th were dedicated exclusively to representatives of the 17 geoparks of the Spanish Network, with the participation of around eighty people. Attendees were able to visit various sites of geological interest in the Bages region — including Cardona, Súria, Sallent and Manresa — and took part in the regular meeting of the Spanish Network of UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Two anniversaries and a very positive assessment
This edition of the Open Days coincided with two significant anniversaries: the 10th anniversary of UNESCO’s International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, and the 25th anniversary of the European Geoparks Network.
The overall assessment from the Central Catalonia Geopark has been very positive, as the event consolidates the Geopark as a benchmark for outreach, research and education, and reinforces its role within the global network of UNESCO Global Geoparks.
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