Become a partner
Submit an application dossier.
The official application letter for membership in the European Geoparks Network (duly signed and stamped) and the complete application dossier should be compiled in English.
The application dossier for membership in the European Geoparks Network must be concise and comprehensive, not exceeding 50 pages (including photos and maps) in English.
The application dossier must be submitted in paper copy (3 copies) and electronic form (10 CD’s) in a file not exceeding 10 MB.
The dossier has to be accompanied by
Annex 1 – self evaluation document (Document A).
Annex 2 – an additional and separate copy of section B “Geological Heritage” of the application, prefaced by a geological summary (a maximum of 150 words)
Annex 3 – a letter of support from the relevant governmental authorities linked to UNESCO in the country where the proposed Geopark project is located
The application dossier must include precise information on the following points :
- Identification of the Geopark
- Geological Heritage
- Geoconservation
- Economic Activity & Business Plan (including detailed financial information)
- Interest and arguments for joining the EGN/GGN
This outline for the dossier given below must be precisely, to help the zones interested in structuring their application.
In case of need for assistance, or to refine development strategies in connection with geotourism, the territory may ask for help from an expert from the expert committee. The expertise costs incurred will be managed by the caller territory.
The following topics form the guide to prepare the application dossier for the proposed Geopark. The application dossier must precisely follow the format and topics below, highlighting strong and weak points and will be studied by an independent group of experts verifying the Geopark project though a desktop study. The topics will demonstrate whether the applying area is already a de facto functioning Geopark fulfilling the criteria to become a member of the EGN/GGN, and whether or not an examination mission should be carried out. If the application dossier is considered to be complete and ready for assessment, the EGN CC will approve an evaluation mission to the application area.
A. Identification of the Area
1. Name of the proposed Geopark
2. Surface area, physical and human geography characteristics of the proposed Geopark
3. Organization in charge and management structure (description, function and organigram) of the proposed Geopark
4. Application contact person (name, position, tel./fax, e-mail)
B – Geological Heritage
1. Location of the proposed Geopark (please include a geographical map and the geographic coordinates longitude and latitude coordinates)
2. General geological description of the proposed Geopark
3. Listing and description of geological sites within the proposed Geopark
4. Details on the interest of these sites in terms of their international, national, regional or local value (for example scientific, educational, aesthetic)
C – Geoconservation
1. Current or potential pressure on the proposed Geopark
2. Current status in terms of protection of geological sites within the proposed Geopark
3. Data on the management and maintenance of these sites
4. Listing and description of non-geological sites and how they are integrated into the proposed Geopark
D – Economic Activity & Business Plan (including detailed financial information)
1. Economic activity in the proposed Geopark
2. Existing and planned facilities for the proposed Geopark (e.g. geo-education, geo-tourism, tourism infrastructure etc)
3. Analysis of geotourism potential of the proposed Geopark
4. Overview and policies for the sustainable development of:
- geo-tourism and economy
- geo-education
- geo-heritage
Please include examples illustrating activities in these sectors
5. Policies for, and examples of, community empowerment (involvement and consultation) in the proposed Geopark
6. Policies for, and examples of, public and stakeholder awareness in the proposed Geopark.
E – Interest and arguments for joining the EGN/GGN
Annex 1: Self evaluation document
Annex 2: An additional and separate copy of section B “Geological Heritage” of the application, prefaced by a geological summary of a maximum of 150 words (this will be used only for the geological desktop evaluators from IUGS – International Union of Geological Sciences)
Annex 3: A letter of support from the relevant governmental authorities linked to UNESCO in the country where the Geopark project is located
The full application must not exceed 50 pages (including all photographs, maps, figures and diagrams) and the electronic version must not exceed a file size of 10MB.
When and where to send the application dossier
The application dossier, should be submitted, in any one year, to the EGN (Cellule de Co-ordination du Réseau des Geoparks Européens, see address below) during the period 1 October – 1 December ONLY.
The official application letter (duly signed and stamped) and the complete application dossier should be compiled in English.
The application letter should be submitted along with:
- 3 paper dossiers and 10 CD-Roms containing the complete electronic application dossier in pdf (File not exceeding 10 MB).
- a link on a web page where the complete electronic application dossier as well as additional annexes can be downloaded by members of the Network.
Please contact the EGN Cellule de coordination to obtain more information on the application dossier (address following).
Cellule de coordination du réseau des European Geoparks
Réserve Géologique de haute Provence
B.P 156
O4005 DIGNE LES BAINS- Cedex
FRANCE
Tel: 00 33 4 92 36 70 72
Fax: 00 33 4 92 36 70 71
or by e-mail: sy.giraud@free.fr
