EUROPEAN GEOPARKS - Geoparks européen. Un outil pour le développement de geotourisme en Europe
According to UNESCO, GeoParks could play an active role in the economic development of their territories by reinforcing the general image resulting from their geological heritage and by developing geotourism.There are a few cases of GeoParks that could attract large numbers of visitors and have a direct impact on the environment and on local living conditions, but many require great efforts in the areas of organisation, management and promotion. In spite of their scientific, aesthetic and educational interest they are less well-known than other natural attractions. Moreover, the lack of transnational and interregional cooperation does little to resolve these problems. Overall objective / Objectif général The main objectives of this project are: to establish a network for continuous communication between the partners to encourage and organise the sharing of information, experimentation, methodologies and tools for assessment, preservation and promotion of the geological heritage; to create common quality standards to achieve a high level of services in all European GeoParks; to offer a high quality tourism product that is closely linked with other sectors in the local economy; to encourage enterprises within the territories of GeoParks to provide a high level of service to visitors; to exchange staff, exhibitions and cultural events in order to guarantee the transfer of know-how. Expected results / Résultats attendus The main results expected are the drafting of common quality standards and the consolidation of the network, together with increased visibility of the GeoParks as both visitor sites and as agents for local development. The following activities have been carried out: • Prospective members of the network have been assessed and re-assessed, in order to guarantee quality standards in tourism services and promotion as an attractive tourism destination. • Experience and know-how have been shared in order to preserve the geological heritage through staff exchanges and shared activities (exhibitions, etc.). • Establishment of collaboration between regional communities and enterprises to develop geotourism. • Strengthening communication and tourism awareness regarding geological preservation by creating working tools and drawing up specific methods.