UNESCO inspectors in the Harz: Geopark is facing crucial scrutiny!

UNESCO inspectors in the Harz: Geopark is facing crucial scrutiny!

These days the UNESCO Global Geopark Harz – Braunschweiger Land – Ostfalen is being examined. A reassessment takes place every four years, and this time independent experts from different countries have traveled to examine the geopark's developments. The delegation is made up of Sarina from the Alxa Desert Geopark in China and Alberto Gil Toja from the Sierra del Norte Geopark in Spain. The inspectors are currently busy exploring the diverse cultural landscape in the Harz, for example testing the iron-rich water from the steel spring on Wipperberg.

The examiners do not publicly comment on their impressions during their visit, but do record their observations in photographs. There has already been positive feedback from Esther Czymoch and Dr. Volker Wilde, who were able to give the inspectors a good impression. The results of their investigation will ultimately be summarized in a report to UNESCO, and a decision on the geopark's status is expected to be made at the end of the year. The MDR reports that new geopoint boards were also installed at the steel source during the visit in order to offer an interactive learning opportunity, especially to the youngest visitors.

A treasure trove of geological diversity

The “Harz – Braunschweiger Land – Ostfalen” Geopark offers its guests the opportunity to hike through millions of years of geological history in just a few steps. This region is recognized not only nationally but also internationally, and for good reason. The geological and mineralogical diversity is impressive and is vividly presented in impressive landmarks that are geographically, culturally and historically significant.

There are a total of 18 landmarks, which include up to 14 special geo-points. These geopoints represent special features of the area, such as unique rock deposits and important institutions involved in the region's geology. A short walk in the Harz allows visitors to experience the impressive geological stories up close. The Harzinfo also provides information on this.

A sustainable future in the Geopark

The Geopark not only acts as a place of interest for tourists, but also as a model for sustainable developments. The UNESCO geoparks in Germany, including this geopark, are actively involved in areas such as education, research, landscape conservation and sustainable tourism. They are members of the European Geopark Network (EGN) and the Global Geopark Network (GGN). Recognition as a UNESCO Geopark is not just a title, but also an incentive for further development, as UNESCO Germany emphasizes.

The role of geoparks will continue to evolve in the coming years. An important challenge will lie in particular in education for sustainable development and in cooperation with geoparks from the Global South. Geoparks are not only islands of knowledge, but also active players in the global dialogue about social challenges such as climate change. This makes it clear that the Harz Geopark, with its rich history and impressive landscape, can make an important contribution.