Conference Description:

The aim of the Conference is to provide opportunity for geoscientists, public authorities and other stakeholders to share their experience and best practices in establishing, developing and managing geoparks, and to discuss increased Earth heritage significance for the economy of the underdeveloped regions. Papers representing experience in establishing aspiring geoparks and criteria for geodiversity identification in geopark environment will be of special interest.

Conference themes:
I. Geodiversity identification, assessment and protection in geopark environment.
II. Geopark agenda – link between geological heritage and all aspect of natural and cultural heritage: interpretation, education and networking.
III. Experience in establishing aspiring geoparks – establishment of management body, management plan, geopark infrastructure, etc.
IV. Integrated geopark management – management structure, community involvement, partnership agreement and financial support.
V. Geoparks towards sustainable tourism development – new approaches and trends.
VI. Relation between geoparks and other categories of protected areas - National parks, Biosphere reserves, Natura 2000, etc.
VII. Establishing National Geopark Committees according to the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) of UNESCO.
VIII. Moveable geoheritage – municipal, university and national museums.
Benefits