idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
The Commission for the Recognition of National GeoParks in Germany, which works under the roof of GeoUnion Alfred-Wegener-Stiftung, has recognised Emsland Geopark as National GeoPark. This was communicated as the commission's major decision at its autumn session in Kassel on November 14, 2023. With this new acquisition the number of National GeoParks in Germany increases to 19.
Geoparks are territories (with a size comprising about one or more administrative districts) which present their geological heritage in a specific way to the general public. Their aim is to convey the tasks and achievements of the Geological Sciences to the society at large and also foster regional economic growth through geotourism. Since 2002 Germany has seen both national and international geoparks evolve; the latter were incorporated into a UNESCO programme in 2015.
Emsland Geopark is managed by Emsland Tourism Agency, a company run by the District of Emsland. Thematically, Emsland Geopark focuses on peatlands; for this type of landscape the region is the most important area in Central Europe. In addition, Emsland offers dune and airborne sand landscapes as well as extended alluvial plains. Natural oil and gas are important resources which owe their existence to geological processes, a feature which is also highlighted by the geopark.
With its decision the National GeoParks Commission acknowledged the fact that Emsland Geopark already comprises all the elements necessary to become a National GeoPark, among them a competent managing institution and existing destinations which may serve as information centres (like the Emsland Peatland Museum, Theikenmeer Natural Park Information Point and the Natural Oil and Gas Museum in Twist). The most relevant geosites in the geopark are signposted – not only the peatland locations but also large glacial erratics and prehistoric stone graves. Attractive publications, both in print and online, present the regional geology. The geosites and information centres are also accessible by bicycle along the bike routes which Emsland Tourism has installed.
The newly recognized Geopark Emsland increases the number of National GeoParks in Germany to 19; eight of these are also recognized by UNESCO as UNESCO Global Geoparks. With its focus on peatlands, the latest acquisition in the German geoparks community presents the youngest phase of geological formation: the postglacial millennia of the last 10,000 years. Peatlands have gained immensely in importance in the present-day discussion on climate change with their relevance for regional water budgets and with their capacity to store large quantities of CO2. With this thematic focus and with its attractive geotouristic potential Emsland Geopark will greatly enrich the ‘family’ of the German geoparks.
Dr. Christof Ellger
http://More information on geoparks in Germany is provided by:
http://www.nationaler-geopark.de;
https://www.geopark-bayern.de/AGG/de/
Bourtanger Moor Peatland
Dr. Erhard Nerger
Naturpark Bourtanger Moor
Infotafel Helter Düne Geopark Emsland
Emsland Tourismus GmbH
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Bourtanger Moor Peatland
Dr. Erhard Nerger
Naturpark Bourtanger Moor
Infotafel Helter Düne Geopark Emsland
Emsland Tourismus GmbH
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