In May 2023, the Visegrad Group (V4) countries signed a cooperation agreement on geoparks. On 13-14 of May 2024, the second meeting of representatives of the signatories to this agreement took place in Przybram, Czech Republic (Barrandien Geopark). The event was attended by representatives of ministries, geological services and geoparks from the V4 Group countries, including staff from the Polish Geological Institute-NRI.

During the meeting, a number of workshops, discussions and presentations took place, allowing participants to learn more about the specifics of geodiversity conservation and the associated cultural heritage.

The Global Geopark Network (GGN) was founded in 2004 (so this year it celebrates its 20th anniversary) and its Council consists of 12 voting members. There are currently 213 UNESCO World Geoparks from 48 countries (in Poland we have three UNESCO World Geoparks: Muskau Arc, the Holy Cross Mountains and Land of Extinguished Volcanoes). Geoparks collaborate within the network in evaluation and revalidation, interpretation and popularisation of science and implementation of the GGN strategy.

During the meeting in Przybram, representatives of each member of the V4 Group gave presentations on the operation of geoparks in their own country and the status of the national geoparks committee. The cooperation of geoparks with the country's geological survey and/or the relevant ministry was also discussed. The president of the GGN presented information on the protection of geological heritage, which showed the participants what UNESCO's approach is to, for example, the sale of jewellery products made of rare stones.

Of particular interest were the lectures and presentations on Earth science education. It is important for those who are guides, teachers, etc. to be aware that tourists are not experts in earth sciences, so specialised geological terminology is difficult for them to understand. A similar issue applies to leaflets, brochures, presentations or exhibitions - they must be interesting and eye-catching and, above all, understandable to the average viewer.

The method of granting certificates and revalidation (checking whether the geopark still meets certain requirements) of geoparks by the GGN was also discussed.

In connection with Poland's Presidency of the Visegrad Group from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, a commitment has been made to hold the next V4 Group geoparks meeting in Poland, most likely at the UNESCO Holy Cross Mountains Geopark.

Participants in the meeting of the Visegrad Group countries on geoparks. From the left: Deputy Director for Research and Development prof. dr hab. Stanisław Mikulski (PGI-NRI); prof. dr hab. Piotr Migoń (UNESCO Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark); Monika Cychowska-Nowak (UNESCO Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark); Marta Banasiewicz (PGI-NRI); Nancy Sauer (UNESCO Muskau Arc Geopark) and Witold Wesołowski (PGI-NRI, UNESCO Holy Cross Mountains Geopark)

Text: Marta Banasiewicz