F.A.Q.s
2.
WHEN WAS THE NETWORK ESTABLISHED?
The EGN was established in June 2000 by four territories.
3.
WHAT IS THE MAIN AIM OF THE NETWORK?
The main aim of the network is to bring sustainable territorial development to
the geopark by using that territory’s geological heritage, primarily through
the development of geotourism. It is our aspiration that geotourism on a
European-scale can be developed in this way.
4.
HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM MEMBERSHIP OF THE EGN?
Members of the network are entitled to use the registered “European
Geopark” brand as a quality brand. Members benefit from use of the common
promotional tools (i.e. website, magazine etc…) and have a forum from which
to find new partners for international co-operation, exchange of experience
and for seeking funding from EU programmes. It is important that all members
participate as active members of the network.
5.
HOW IS THE WORK OF THE NETWORK FINANCED?
The work of the network is financed mainly by various EU funding programmes
such as LEADER and INTERREG as well as through members own contributions.
6.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL ACTIVITIES OF A EUROPEAN GEOPARK?
There are a variety of activities that can be considered typical of a geopark.
Most are either geotourism– or educational-based, including schools
programmes, guided walks and museum exhibitions. Geological heritage
protection and promotional activities are also essential activities of a
geopark. Socio-economic activities in geoparks are important for sustainable
regional development. Geoparks adopt a holistic approach to their heritage and
promote all aspects of their regions natural and cultural heritage. During the
co-ordination committee meetings members present a summary of their activities
over the previous four month period.
7.
WHAT KIND OF ORGANISATION IS THE EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK?
The European Geoparks Network is a voluntary, co-operative organisation. It
has a clearly defined internal structure comprised of two co-ordinators, an
advisory committee and a co-ordination committee. Decisions are only taken by
the co-ordination committee.
8.
IS THERE A SUBSCRIPTION FEE FOR NETWORK MEMBERS?
There is no subscription fee for network members. The main method of
participation is to actively work within the network.
9.
HOW CAN I APPLY TO BECOME A MEMBER?
Ask for details on how to become a member and how to put together an
application dossier by contacting the co-ordination committee at:
Cellule
de coordination du reseau des Geoparks europeens,
Reserve
Geologique de Haute Provence,
BP
156,
F-04005
Dignes-les-Bains Cedex
France
CONTACT Sylvie Giraud at
Tel:
+33 (0)492 36 70 72
Fax: +33 (0)492 36 70 71
E-mail:
s.giraud@resgeol04.org
10.
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP?
The EGN Charter refers to all the criteria that are considered essential to
being a European Geopark and this is available on the EGN website. A detailed
list of criteria that will be evaluated as part of the application process is
presently being drawn up and will be available by May 2004
11.
WHEN SHOULD AN APPLICATION DOSSIER BE SUBMITTED?
A completed application dossier, with supporting documentation, should be
submitted to the above address at least two months before a meeting of the co-ordination
committee (normally the committee meets in mid-February, mid-June and early
October). The application should be compiled in your national language and
submitted along with 6 copies of your dossier in English (send an electronic
dossier in pdf not exceed 2Mb).
12.
HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT IT TO TAKE TO PREPARE AN APPLICATION DOSSIER?
This really depends on things such as the physical size of your territory,
your geological diversity and the availability of information and the number
of projects you are operating your territory. It is therefore hard to put a
time limit on it. It is likely to take a minimum of several months.
13.
WHAT ARE THE COMMITTEES AND WHAT IS THEIR JOB?
The advisory committee facilitates the work of network meetings, especially
with regard to the integration of new members. The members of the advisory
committee are representatives of the founder members, representatives of two
more members of the network plus a representative of UNESCO and IUGS. The co-ordination
committee is composed of two representatives of every member of the network.
It is this committee that makes ALL decisions concerning the work of the
network.
14.
IS A EUROPEAN GEOPARK A UNESCO GEOPARK?
There is no UNESCO Geopark designation at the moment however the members of
the European Geoparks Network are members of the Global Network of Geoparks
assisted by UNESCO.
15.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF UNESCO WITHIN THE NETWORK?
UNESCO participates fully in the work of the Network and has a right-of-veto
concerning all decisions made by the Network.
16.
HAS A EUROPEAN GEOPARK A MINIMUM OR MAXIMUM SIZE?
According to the Network’s charter, a geopark must have a sufficiently large
surface area to develop a sustainable development strategy. It must have a
clearly defined boundary and it must be managed by a clearly defined
management structure.
17.
IS THE PERIOD OF MEMBERSHIP OF THE NETWORK LIMITED?
Membership of the European Geoparks Network is limited to a period of three
years for all members. After that, membership is re-evaluated. A list of re-evaluation
criteria is available though it is crucial that geoparks participate as active
members of the network to ensure continuing membership.
18.
ÉS COMPLIANCE WITH THE MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA EXAMINED?
Yes, each application is examined in detail by members of the advisory
committee and discussed by the co-ordination committee which then takes the
final decision.
19.
IS THE NUMMBER OF GEOPARKS WITHIN THE NETWORK LIMITED?
No, at the moment it is not. The important issue is the quality of the
territories and their work.
20.
IS THE NUMBER OF EUROPEAN GEOPARKS WITHIN ANY ONE COUNTRY LIMITED?
No, at the moment it is not but national representation on the co-ordination
committee might be limited in the future.
21.
IS THERE ANY LEGAL STATUS ATTACHED TO THE EUROPEAN GEOPARK LABEL?
Yes, the EGN label is a registered trademark in every European nation.
22.
ARE THERE ANY STATUTORY RESTRICTIONS ATTACHED TO BEING A MEMBER OF THE
EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK
No. The European Geopark designation has no legal status and does not imply
any level of protection or restriction within a geopark territory. Such
measures can only ensue from national legislation.
23.
IS THE COLLECTING OF ORIGINAL GEOLOGICAL MATERIAL (E.G. ROCKS, MINERALS,
FOSSILS) PERMITTED WITHIN A GEOPARK?
Yes, the collecting of original geological material is permitted within a
geopark provided that is done in a sustainable manner or for scientific /
educational purposes AND that it is carried out under scientific supervision
and in accordance local legislation.
24.
IS THE SELLING OF ORIGINAL GEOLOGICAL MATERIAL (E.G. ROCKS, MINERALS, FOSSILS)
PERMITTED WITHIN A GEOPARK?
No, the selling of original geological material either from within the geopark
or from anywhere else in the world by organisations that form part of the
geopark structure and/or are permitted to use the European Geoparks brand is
not permitted.
25.
WHAT ARE THE ANNUAL COSTS INVOLVED IN BEING A MEMBER OF THE NETWORK?
The cost of members travelling to the meetings of the co-ordination committee
is borne by individual members themselves. The committee meets 2 times each
year and participation of two representatives of each geopark at all meetings
is obligatory. The hosting territory of a meeting pays for all official
representatives subsistence. On one occasion each year a
meeting of the co-ordination committee coincides with the open Annual Meeting
of the European Geoparks Network which gives all members the opportunity to
welcome new members and to discuss with and advise potential candidates.
26.
DOES THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION COST ANYTHING?
No, however, as part of the application preparation any potential new member
may wish to invite an advisor from the network to their territory and the
costs of such a visit should be borne by the inviting territory.