Algarvensis is an aspiring UNESCO Geopark
Experts from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network travelled to the Algarve between August 2 and 5 to check up on the progress of the Algarvensis Geopark, which brings together Loulé, Silves and Albufeira and is aspiring to join the official network of UNESCO Geoparks since 2019.
The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress made in the application, which is to be submitted to UNESCO later this year, the Algarvensis Association said in a statement to the press.
“During the visit, experts were shown the Information Point already inaugurated and open to the public at the Loulé Market, as well as two additional Information Points currently under preparation in the municipalities of Silves and Albufeira. In total, 12 partners of the Algarvensis Geopark were visited, including local associations, rural tourism accommodations, restaurants, and maritime-tourism companies,” the association says.
Additionally, several projects aimed at “promoting the geological, natural, and cultural heritage of this aspiring Geopark” were presented.
According to the association, the aspiring Algarvensis Geopark is a “well-defined territorial area that possesses geological heritage of significant national and international importance.
“It integrates a strategy of geoconservation and a series of educational and environmental awareness policies with the promotion of sustainable socio-economic development based on geotourism activities. These efforts involve local communities and contribute to the valorisation and promotion of local products,” it says.
Officially recognised in 2019 as an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark by the Portuguese National Commission for UNESCO, Algarvensis is an “observer member” of the Portuguese Network of UNESCO Global Geoparks. Since its recognition, the Geopark has “actively worked on raising awareness among local populations about the Geopark concept across its territory and is currently preparing the formal application dossier for the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network,” the association adds.
“The aspiring Algarvensis Geopark is a territory rich in identity, inspiration, and transformation, inviting visitors to explore, settle, and invest consciously, in harmony with natural and cultural values. In essence, it represents a territorial development strategy that allows the territory to be experienced and preserved for future generations,” the press release states.
