02 March 2006
SHOULD SHETLAND JOIN THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK?
The Shetland Geopark Working Group is holding a public meeting on Wednesday 15 March to provide an insight into the proposed Shetland Geopark and assess public opinion. The event, to be held at the Anderson High School at 7.00 pm, will include a short presentation, followed by an open discussion.
Geopark co-ordinator for Shetland, Allen Fraser, said: “We want to give everyone the opportunity to find out more about the European Geoparks Network, how relevant it is to Shetland, and what benefits it can bring.
“As we know, economic circumstances in Shetland can change rapidly and we have to adapt to survive. The trick is to do so in a sustainable way, which can bring maximum benefit to Shetland and its individual communities, so that we can leave a positive legacy for the future.
“Other small communities across Europe, when faced with similar problems to ours, realised that their geological heritage could provide a source of sustainable economic benefit. Rather than exploiting their heritage in the non-renewable fashion of the past, these communities saw an opportunity to manage it in a beneficial way that conserves it for the future. It is from this concept that the idea of a European Geoparks Network developed.
“A European Geopark is a ‘territory which has a special and rich geological heritage, both from the national and European perspectives, but which also has a sustainable economic development strategy, usually supported by a European funding programme’. While a Geopark must comprise a number of geological sites that are important in terms of their scientific value, other sites relating to the area’s natural and cultural heritage can also be promoted under the Geoparks brand.
“I believe that Shetland is tailor made for membership of the European Geopark Network. We have an outstanding geological heritage and natural history that has given us a distinctive and unique culture.
“We have all the bits of the jigsaw in place to make it a Geopark. In fact, the Geopark ethos is entirely consistent with existing local structure and development plans. Other areas, which have secured Geopark recognition, have seen considerable benefits through increased nature-based tourism and increased funding for conservation.
“It would be great for the entire community if we could promote Shetland across Europe and to the rest of the World as an UNESCO World Geopark.”
Presenting the proposal at the public meeting, and taking questions, will be Allen Fraser, geologist and Geopark co-ordinator for Shetland, Jonathan Swale, area manager with Scottish Natural Heritage and Councillor Brian Gregson.
Notes to Editor
What does a Geopark do?
A Geopark will have a vital role in promoting the sustainable economic development of its area but it must also play a vital role in educating the wider public about Earth Sciences in general and support scientific research into the geology of the area. Educating the public about Earth Sciences is seen as crucial to allowing local people to re-evaluate their geological, along with their natural and cultural, heritage to develop a wider appreciation.
How big is the European Geoparks Network (EGN)?
Established by four founder members in 2000, the EGN is a young organisation but is already working to promote geological awareness and sustainable development on many fronts across Europe. To date there are 25 members of the EGN in 9 European countries. All European Geoparks automatically become members of the Global UNESCO Geopark Network or “World Geoparks” As of October 2005 there are 33 World Geoparks.
How does the EGN operate?
The EGN Charter is the basis for how the network and individual Geoparks operate. These guidelines set out clearly what is expected of members in return for being awarded the European Geopark label. For instance, the EGN does not allow the sale or destruction of geological objects from sites within the Geopark where the Geopark manages those sites. Also, the charter states that a European Geopark must have a clearly defined management structure that is able to enforce protection, enhancement and sustainable development policies within its territory.
The organisation managing the individual Geopark becomes a member of the EGN. The EGN is administered by the Geopark Network Co-ordination Unit, which in made up of two representatives from each Geopark. At the head of the Co-ordination Unit is the Geopark Network Advisory Group (an international expert panel of geologists and others from within the EGN and UNESCO). Guided by the Advisory Group, the Co-ordination Unit sets EGN policy and processes new applicants for Geopark recognition.
How does the EGN benefit its Members?
The EGN does not have a pot of money to spend on local projects, but Geopark status can provide access to other European funding. It also offers access to like-minded partner organisations in complementary areas across Europe.
The EGN is a forum to exchange ideas and expertise on promoting geological awareness and sustainable development. It is with this aim in mind that the members come together three times per year.
One of the main ways that the EGN aims to bring sustainable economic development to a member Geopark is to encourage the use of the area's geological heritage to develop geo-tourism. It is an EGN aspiration that geo-tourism on a European-wide scale can be developed in this way.
What restrictions does membership of the EGN bring?
It must be stressed that European Geopark 'status' is not a formal or statuary 'designation'. It is recognition of the high quality of the area and the best practice used within the area to develop its natural and cultural heritage in a sustainable way.
European Geopark recognition carries no legal baggage so does not require any extra level of protection or restriction within a Geopark territory. Recognition places no extra restrictions on land management, commercial mining or quarrying etc; such measures can only ensue from existing national or local government legislation. Membership organisations within the individual Geopark are not allowed to be involved in the sale or unsupervised collection of geological material.
How does the EGN 'Brand' work?
Members of the EGN are entitled to use the registered “European Geoparks” brand as a leading quality brand. The management of the member Geopark will regulate use of the branding. Local attractions and accommodation providers may, with the prior approval of the management, use the local version of the European Geopark logo to promote their business as being in a Geopark. It must be clear that this is to be used in order to denote that such businesses are 'within' a Geopark not 'part of' a Geopark, or in the case of attractions 'are' Geoparks in their own right.
In order to retain its membership of the EGN a Geopark must demonstrate that it has been an active member; it does this in two main ways:
- Improving the conservation and interpretation of geological features and helping more people enjoy and understand the area’s rich geological heritage. A rigorous revalidation process will be undertaken to examine the quantity and quality of the work undertaken and it’s impact on the area as a whole.
- Attendance at Geopark Network meetings, contributing to the joint projects and sharing of expertise.