Sierras Subbéticas Nature Park confirms its status as Geoparks November 14, 2011

The Minister of Environment in Andalusia has delivered, on November 14, 2011, to the mayors of the municipalities that are part of the Natural Park of the Sierras Subbéticas, a certificate attesting to this space as a member of the European and Global Geoparks Network until 2015. Nowadays there are seven Geoparks in Spain, three of which are located in Andalusia (Sierras Subbéticas, Cabo de Gata-Nijar and Sierra Norte de Sevilla), which then becomes the European region with the highest number of Geoparks.

Sierras Subbéticas Geopark designation has been renewed by four years, following the periodic process of evaluation that are subject to these territories. After the visit of the evaluators during the month of July, was unanimously approved by the members of the European Geoparks Network the permanence of the geopark in the network. The renewal confirms the international recognition of its geological heritage, efforts and results by preserving and spreading the cultural heritage and supports the local economy through geological tourism development. This consideration leads beyond geological values, an integrative view of natural and cultural values and requires the involvement of local people.

Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park joined the European and Global Geopark Network in 2006. The Sierras Subbéticas Geopark is characterized by an extensive surface karst landscape, where virtually all elements of such relief are present; a dense net of cavities (more than 800 inventoried); extensive outcrops of Jurassic and Cretaceous series with abundant fossils, especially ammonites; numerous springs; a wide variety of limestone rocks, reflecting the complex history of the South-Iberia Platform; and tectonic structures easily observable due to the quality and extent of the outcrops.

The Minister for the Environment, Jose Juan Diaz Trillo, has presided in Rute (Córdoba), the delivery of the distinctive that revalidates the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park as European and Global Geopark. Trillo Diaz pointed out that this form of protection is given to areas with unique geological heritage, as is the case of limestone formations and paleontological richness of the Sierras Subbéticas, and with a sustainable development strategy.

Andalusia is firmly committed to the protection and promotion of geodiversity to achieve sustainable development as stated in the Andalusian Strategy for Geodiversity Integrated Management.