The UNESCO Global Geoparks could be described as nature museums. They are territories recognized with this distinction due to their geological heritage, representative of the geological structure of the planet. And it is that, in addition to being impressive to the eye, they allow to know the geological events that have shaped the Earth since its origin. They are also conveniently preserved and used as an engine for local development. The program was launched in 2004 and, with the new additions of 2022, it already forms a network of 177 protected spaces throughout 46 countries. These are his last eight (and spectacular) additions.
Buzău Land (Romania)
Forty million years of geological history guarantee the inclusion of this almost Martian site in Romania on the UNESCO list. Throughout that time, tectonic movements pushed up the mountains and transformed a deep marine environment into a terrestrial one. 1,036 square kilometers of territory in which fossils of marine species, terrestrial vegetation, mammals and birds dating from the last ice age have been very well preserved. Characteristics of Buzău Land are the eternal fires (natural gas flames), the mud volcanoes or some of the longest and deepest salt caves in the world.
Mëllerdall (Luxembourg)
In the new Mëllerdall Geopark is the Luxembourg Sandstone formation, which, with its thickness of up to 100 meters, forms one of the most spectacular sandstone landscapes in Western Europe. It dates from between 205 and 180 million years ago and has been a tourist attraction since the late 19th century. The place is perfect for lovers of hiking as it is explored through an important network of well-signposted hiking trails.
Platåbergens (Sweden)
In Platåbergens, fifteen flat-topped mountains they name the place. Located in western Sweden, they were formed by erosion during the last Ice Age (ie 115,000 years ago). From the stone of its quarry have emerged, throughout the history of the local civilization, from megalithic tombs to the first known stone church in Sweden, which was built by Christian Vikings at the beginning of the 11th century.
Serido (Brazil)
Seridó can bear witness to the last 600 million years of Earth’s history. It houses one of the largest scheelite mineralizations in South America and basalt flows arising from the volcanic activity of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras, as well as the “caatinga” (“white forest” in Tupi), an ecoregion of an exclusively Brazilian subtropical flora. In addition, among its inhabitants are communities such as the quilombolas, who keep alive the memory of their enslaved ancestors in Africa and preserve their culture.
Roads of the Southern Canyons (Brazil)
The Atlantic Forest is one of the richest ecosystems on Earth in terms of biodiversity and is located in the south of Brazil. The pre-Columbian inhabitants took refuge here in underground cavities that had been excavated by extinct paleolithic vertebrate fauna and whose vestiges are still visible in Camino de los Cañones del Sur. To highlight is also its enormous cliff 200 kilometers long and heights that do not fall below 900 and reach up to 1,300 meters.
Salpausselkä (Finland)
Salpausselkä is located in the Lahti region, in the south of the country of Finland and more than half of its territory is covered by forests and about 21% is water thanks to its hundreds of lakes. On the other hand, the pointed ridges of Salpausselkä stretch for more than 600 kilometers and are formed by sediments deposited by glaciers.
One night at Greenstar Hotel Lahti
Ries (Germany)
With most of its territory in the State of Bavaria, Ries is famous for the impact of a kilometer-diameter meteorite that left an impact crater that is currently the best preserved in Europe and the most studied impact structure among the nearly 200 known craters in the world. In addition, in the place there are various nature trails that lead to scenic viewpoints.
One night at Hotel Donau-Ries
Kefalonia-Ithaca (Greece)
This complex of islands occupies 773 square kilometers, inhabited by only 35,801 inhabitants and rich in sinkholes and underground streams. Its history dates back more than 250 million years and, in addition to its geology, it also has a rich culture in which they can be found. prehistoric, hellenistic and roman remains. In other words, medieval castles, Byzantine and post-Byzantine monasteries, traditional settlements, windmills or lighthouses are easily found.
One night at Mentor Hotel
Cover photo | istock