What is a geopark?

A geopark is not a legally anchored category of protection, but a title for areas that have a particularly rich geological heritage and a strategy for sustainable regional development. A geopark does not have to be exclusively focused on geological potential. Archaeologically, ecologically and culturally important sites can also be integrated and connected in a network.

In the European and Austrian Geopark, the following goals are strived for:

• Environmental education for a broad public with a focus on area-specific geo-topics.
• Regional added value through sustainable geotourism offers.
• Support and encourage scientific research within the park.

You can find further information on this at umweltbundesamt.at.