BEAUJOLAIS UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK
THE BEAUJOLAIS REGION AWARDED UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK STATUS !
When the Beaujolais region was officially granted the UNESCO Geopark label, a region that is already world-renowned for its wine also took its place in the limelight for the wealth, complexity and exceptional nature of its geological heritage.
The UNESCO Global Geopark label is awarded to single, unified geographical areas with sites and landscapes of international geological significance that are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. All UNESCO Geoparks aim to create widespread public awareness of geo-diversity while supporting best practice in conservation, education and tourism. Together, they tell 4,600 million years of the Earth’s history, the geological events that shaped it and the way Homo Sapiens evolved.
The Beaujolais region now belongs to this select network of 140 “UNESCO Global Geoparks” rafter having started the application process in 2012. With Beaujolais region, there are now a total of 7 Geoparks in France; the others are Haute-Provence, Luberon, Massif des Bauges, Chablais, Les Monts d’Ardèche and Les Causses du Quercy.
The designation, that recognises actions that have been initiated as well as future projects, is re-examined every 4 years. Le Geopark Beaujolais has already identified the major projects for this first 4-year cycle :
– Refurbishment of the interpretation areas at Pierres Folles
– Continuation of tourism development at Mont Brouilly
– Creation of a viewpoint platform and discovery trail at the Terrasse de Chiroubles
– Refurbishment of the house of Victor Vermorel
Further proof of the wealth of the Beaujolais region as well as the implication of the whole region was when Geopark Beaujolais was awarded the distinction of becoming one of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 26 Emblematic Tourist destinations in September 2017.
- Understanding, preserving and protecting our geo-heritage : scientific understanding of the
area and sites within it in collaboration with the scientific committee and universities. - Development of teaching activities : creation of tools, school visits and training for our public
advocates. - Communication : website, creation of the Geopark Beaujolais explorer’s map, information tools,
exhibitions etc.
- Development and equipment of our geo-sites : geo-site technical support, development of signposting for the sites that are open to the general public.
- Economic and tourism development : geo-initiatives competition, development of a network of ambassadors, backing for and development of tourist services and economic goods.
- Partnerships and networking : actions and partnerships with French and international UNESCO
global Geopark institutions and networks.
https://www.geopark-beaujolais.com/
“Celebrating Earth Heritage, Sustaining local Communities”
