Rules of operation

Main objective of the cooperation between Geoparks is the protection of geological heritage and the promotion of sustainable development of their territories in Europe. The above listed Geoparks signed a convention on Lesvos Island, Greece in June 2000 declaring the creation of the European Geoparks Network. The purpose of this general designation was to share information and expertise, as well as the definition of common tools. Guy Martini Director of the Reserve Geologique Haute Provence, Nickolas Zouros Director of the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest and Mari – Luise Frey Scientific Coordinator of the Geopark Gerolstein/Vulkaneifel Geopark established the first Coordination Body of the Network. The Network owns the “European Geopark” trademark registered within all countries in the European Community.

On April 2001 the European  Geoparks  Network  signed  with  UNESCO  (Division  of  Earth

Sciences) an official agreement of collaboration placing the Network under the auspices of the organization.

In February 2004 the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was founded in Paris as an international partnership developed under the umbrella of UNESCO and serves to develop models of best practice and set quality-standards for territories that integrate the protection preservation of Earth heritage sites in a strategy for regional sustainable economic development.

In October 2004 the European Geoparks Network in the frame of the existing agreement of collaboration with UNESCO (Division of Earth Sciences) signed an official declaration (Madonie Declaration) according to which the EGN is recognized as the official branch of the UNESCO – Global Geoparks Network in Europe. With this declaration UNESCO recognize that the European Geoparks Network serves as a reference for the creation of similar Continental Networks of Geoparks worldwide.

In September 2014 the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), became a non-profit organization subject to French legislation (the 1901 law on associations) and a non-governmental organization.

Recognizing the very strong role networking has played in the success of the Global Geoparks movement and recognizing the valuable role it plays in facilitating the sharing of experience, formation of joint initiatives and projects and the highly significant role it plays in capacity-building, the GGN encourages the strengthening of Regional Geopark Networks.

Regional Geopark Networks include all the existing GGN members at a regional or continental level.

Regional Geopark Networks serve for the coordination of GGN activities at a regional or

continental level for the exchange of information and co-operation between Global Geoparks and Global Geopark professionals in the region.

The activities of Regional Geopark Networks include the organization of Regional Geopark Conferences, workshops and seminars, capacity building activities, common projects, promotional and marketing activities and common publications.

Each Geopark Network forms a Coordination Commission which is the governing body of the Regional Network and elects two Coordinators and an Advisory Committee according to the Regional Geopark Network Rules of operation.

All Regional Geopark Networks shall submit an Annual Report of Activities to the GGN Executive Board.

The Statutes of the Global Geoparks Network (hereinafter referred to as “GGN”) is the basic document of the Organization.

The internal Rules of the GGN, and the Code of Ethics define and complete these Statutes.

The European Geoparks Network is the Regional Geoparks Network in Europe of the GGN and follows the above mentioned GGN documents as well as the EGN Rules of operation

The European Geoparks Network Coordination Committee at its 35th session on March 31 – April 1st, 2015 in Paris adopted the following:

1. The EGN Charter remains the basic document which inspires the operation and development of the European Geoparks Network.

1. The European Geoparks Network following the GGN statutes, will continue to operate as the Regional Geoparks Network of the GGN in Europe.
2. The European Geoparks Network based on its history and the EGN operation guidelines developed during the last 15 years, adopts the existing structure and operational rules of the EGN as described in this document.
3. GGN Individual members from Europe become members of the EGN Coordination Committee and up to two individual experts are elected members of in the EGN AC.
4. The EGN AC meetings follows the representative of EGN Magazine Editorial Board
5. Changes to the existing EGN structure and Operational Rules are subject to a decision of the EGN Coordination Committee.

Article 1. Name

The European Geoparks Network (EGN) is the Regional Network in Europe of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN). The use of the EGN name, acronym and logo is restricted to functions authoried by, and for the benefit of, the EGN and its members.

Article 2. Location of the Coordination Cellule.

The Coordination Cellule of the EGN is in the Haute Province Global Geopark at the:

Musée Promenade,
Montée Bernard Dellacasagrande,
04000 Digne les Bains, France.

The location may be modified by a decision of the EGN Coordination Committee.

Article 3. Categories of Membership.

1. GGN Institutional Members — UNESCO Global Geoparks located in Europe.
2. GGN Individual Members – Global Geopark Professionals — Persons who have combined or proved professional experience in Global Geopark management (geological heritage, sustainable development, tourism development and promotion, and environmental issues) from a European country.
3. GGN Honorary Members — Persons who have rendered exceptional services to the international Global Geopark community or to the GGN from a European country.
4. GGN Cooperating Members — International Organizations, institutions or persons providing substantial financial or other assistance to the EGN because of an interest in Global Geoparks and international co-operation between Global Geoparks, from a European country.

Article 4. Annual Promotional Fee

4.1. Amount and Payment of the Promotional Fee

Each Institutional and Cooperating Member of the EGN shall pay an annual promotional fee at a rate recommended by the EGN Advisory Committee and approved by the Coordination Committee.

Every year, the EGN Coordination Committee will announce the amount of the annual membership fee for the following year.

4.2.     Period Covered by the Promotional Fee

The annual promotional fee will cover the calendar year in question.

Article 05. Members Representation

5.1 Designated Representatives

Institutional Members should designate two persons to represent them at the EGN Coordination Committee, one is an Earth Scientist (using a broad definition of that term) with experience in geological heritage protection and/or promotion and the other is a geopark manager (including a local authority representative) or a specialist on local development / community involvement / tourism.

Cooperating Members can  designate  one  (1)  person  to  represent  them     at  the  EGN Coordination Committee

5.2.      Special Status

Honorary and Cooperating Members are entitled to membership rights and privileges but may not hold an elected office in the EGN.

Article 06 – Components of the EGN

The EGN is composed as follows:

1. Coordination Committee
2. Advisory Committee
3. Coordinator and Vice-Coordinator
4. National Geopark Fora / Committees
5. Working groups – Catalysts
6. European Geoparks Conference
7. European Geopark Meetings
8. Affiliated Organizations
9. Operational Secretariat

Article 07 – Governance Structure

7.1 – The Coordination Committee (CC)

The Coordination Committee is the only decision making committee of the EGN, regarding regional issues.

The CC meets regularly, at least twice a year, each time hosted in a different Geopark, to

discuss the Network’s progress and to coordinate joint programmes and activities between members.

The CC comprises the two officially nominated representatives from each geopark, GGN Individual members from Europe plus the representative of UNESCO, IUGS and IUCN.

The Institutional members of the EGN Coordination Committee are represented by two representatives from each European Geopark, one is an Earth Scientist (using a broad a definition of that term) with experience in geological heritage protection and/or promotion and the other is a Geopark manager or a specialist on local development / community involvement / tourism.

During the EGN CC meetings each representative of the institutional members and each

individual member has one vote

UNESCO, IUCN and IUGS do not have voting rights in the CC.

No individual can officially represent more than her/his Geopark or Aspiring Geopark. This refers in particular to the official positions as mentioned in the Geopark Application Document.

An official Geopark representative cannot provide private paid consultancy (by contract) to other Geoparks or Aspiring Geoparks.

7.2    – The Advisory Committee (AC)

The Advisory Committee is made up of specialists in sustainable development and the enhancement and promotion of geological heritage. These specialists include representatives of the zones that originally initiated the EGN plus elected members and representatives of international structures working in the area of enhancement of geological

heritage (UNESCO, IUGS, IUCN). The Advisory Committee provides advice on all issues concerning strategy, external relations and the nomination and integration of new zones within the network. The AC has no decision making ability.

The AC advises on particular topics of discussion within the network, but does not have the authority to take decisions for the network.

Two positions within the AC are reserved for the elected Coordinators.

Three positions within the AC are reserved for Guy Martini, Nickolas Zouros and Andreas Schüller as representatives of the founding members of the EGN in recognition of their particular experience and knowledge on Geoparks development. If one of  these individuals leaves the AC, for whatever reason, their position will not automatically  be transferred to another individual from their geopark but will be subject to election by the CC.

One position in the AC is automatically reserved for UNESCO, one is reserved for IUGS and one for IUCN.

Four (4) positions within the AC are elected by the members of the CC for a period of two years.

One position in the AC is reserved for the EGN Magazine Editorial Board Representative.     The EGN CC may elect up to two special advisors from the GGN Individual Members to join EGN AC.

7.3    – Coordinator and Vice-coordinator

The role of these positions is to coordinate the life and continuing growth of the network. The positions are elected by the CC for a period of two years. There is no limit to the number of times an individual can be re-elected to these positions.

7.4    – Official Representatives to the EGN

A European Geopark must nominate two official representatives to the EGN Coordination Committee (CC). These individuals should be thoroughly familiar with the application dossier of their territory (for those representatives who did not assist with the writing of their application dossier). One of the official representatives of the new geopark to the EGN CC must be an Earth Scientist (e.g. geologist, geomorphologist, soil scientist etc). The other official representative must come from an administrative – local authority / managerial / economic development (incl. tourism) background. An official substitute must also be nominated whose role will be to attend meetings should one of the official nominees be unable to attend and have decision responsibility and have the background of that type the two official representatives have.

7.5    Elections

Elections for Coordinators and EGN AC members take place alternately every two years at the March Meetings of the EGN CC.

Individuals from Geoparks that have been successfully re-validated (green card holding) and they have been in the network for at least 4 years, can stand for the AC positions.

Individuals from Geoparks with at least 2 years’ experience as a member of the AC can stand for the positions of Coordinators.

Article 08 – General operational rules

8.1. Synergies in Geopark activities

All activities undertaken by Geoparks have to be in a spirit of complementarity with the other members of the European Geoparks Network. Especially in the fields of common geotourism packages and the creation of new by-products linked with geological heritage, all European Geoparks have to work together in order to improve their common image as special, sustainable tourist destinations and attractions.

8.2.     Use of EGN logo and EGN Map

8.2.1. EGN Logo

Each member will be entitled to use the European Geopark logo and name in its communications, thereby contributing over time to creating a common image of quality, linking enhancement of geological heritage and sustainable development.

Only an EGN Institutional Member is entitled to use the logo of the EGN in its promotional material and is entitled to call itself a European Geopark. The EGN logo must only be used on products produced directly by the Geopark management or by official PR collaboration partners and may not be given to so called “third” partners or contractors. All Geoparks are required to check the regulations regarding the use of these logos and guidance may be sought from the EGN Cellule.

8.2.2.      EGN Map

The EGN map reproduced in the EGN magazine has been produced by the Lesvos UNESCO Global Geopark and is available to all EGN members. Any inaccuracies regarding Geopark location on this map should be referred directly to the team of Lesvos UNESCO Global Geopark who will be happy to make any changes for the members.

8.3    Meetings of the EGN

The CC of the EGN meets at least two times each year (once in association with the open annual meeting). It is obligatory to attend all these meetings. An explanation for any anticipated absence from a CC meeting should be provided to the EGN Cellule and EGN Coordinators. It is obligatory that both official representatives attend all meetings of the CC. If, for some reason, one of the official representatives cannot attend then the officially nominated substitute from that Geopark may attend. In this instance, the EGN Cellule and EGN Coordinators must be advised in advance of any CC meeting. Furthermore, two members from each Geopark are obliged to attend, even if one of them is the substitute. However, in no instance can three representatives of any one Geopark attend a meeting of the CC, unless there is a special invitation from the EGN AC or EGN Coordinators.

8.4    Reports

8.4.1     Annual Reports

Every March, EGN members submit an Annual Report which includes the main achievements of the previous year and is published through the EGN website. These reports will be published in the EGN and GGN websites.

8.5    Agenda

Prior to each meeting, a draft agenda and registration form will be circulated by email. It is the responsibility of each member to react to these emails and to take part in any discussions that might arise from them.

For the structural and other important decisions on the operation of the Network, a written proposal has to be circulated to all members at least one month before the meeting of the CC. No discussion or decision on such items can be undertaken unless it has been included on the meeting agenda.

8.6    Minutes

The minutes of the CC meeting include the decisions agreed by the CC and as such constitute the official documents of the EGN. The draft minutes of the previous CC meeting should be circulated to all of the CC members within a month after the meeting and will be formally adopted during the next EGN CC meeting.

Each new member should familiarize themselves with the minutes of the previous CC meeting so that they will be in a position to understand the discussions within the network and to be able to make a positive contribution at their first CC meeting.

Article 09 EGN Coordination Cellule

The EGN coordination cellule is the official contact office for the EGN. The cellule coordinates the distribution of information on the network and acts as the initial contact point for new and aspiring members.

Article 10 Internal Committees / Working Groups

An Internal Committee / Working Group may be authorized by the EGN Coordination Committee to implement programmes and activities, and to serve as a channel of communication between members of the EGN with similar scientific and professional interests.

10.1    Catalysts and Working Groups

At meetings of the EGN CC Working Groups may be set up to advance a working paper or project on a particular item of discussion. Typically, such working groups consist of 5 or 6 members of the CC who have volunteered to take part in this work.

Catalysts may also be selected to advance work on a particular topic. These are individuals

who have voluntarily agreed to coordinate some discussion or activity within the network. Working Groups and catalysts are crucial to the strengthening of the network and it is the responsibility of all members of the EGN CC to actively participate in these positions.

10.2    Thematic networks

Thematic networks within EGN have been formed in response to the need to strengthen collaboration between Geoparks on issues of common interest. The themes of these networks are based on the geological characteristics of each Geopark, which can become a basis for the development of common activities of the group members. An important issue should be the connection between the place (landscape, geoforms and geosites) and human activities (culture, local tradition, food, etc.). Every thematic network will meet during the EGN CC meeting and will present a report to the CC on the second day of each EGN CC meeting.

For each thematic network one member of the Coordination Commission will be nominated

as a Catalyst. The catalysts should have the necessary experience on EGN operation. This means that they should have at least 3 years’ experience within the EGN CC.

All of the above positions are totally voluntary and are financially supported from within each individual’s own institute.

Article 11 National Geopark Fora / Committees

A National Geopark Forum or Committee, including all the members of the EGN resident in a State, works to promote Geoparks at the national level. It may be authorized to organize activities of the EGN/GGN in that State.

National Geopark Committees may also include:

• 1 representative of the Government body in charge of Geoparks;
• 1 representative of the national geological organization or survey;
• 1 representative of the national environmental/protected area organization;
• 1 representative of the national cultural heritage body;
• 1 representative of the national tourism organization;

Additional members may be included as seen appropriate to fit the particular national context.

All National Geopark Fora / Committees in Europe shall submit an Annual Report of Activities to the EGN.

Article 12 EGN Internal organization

The EGN is a network with no administration positions such as president, secretary-general, treasurer etc. The rationale behind this is to encourage all members of the network to be equally active within the network for the benefit of the network. It aims to encourage the division of responsibilities within the network and to avoid spending time in unnecessary administrative duties that would require some financial support from within the network.

Article 13 EGN Financing

13.1     – The cost of members travelling to, and accommodation during, the meetings of the Coordination Committee is born by individual members themselves. The Coordination Committee meets 2 times each year and participation of two representatives from each geopark at all meetings is obligatory.

13.2         – The host territory of a meeting pays the costs for the subsistence of all official representatives. The coincidence between the Coordination Committee Meeting and the Biannual Conference of the European Geoparks Network provides all members with the opportunity to welcome new members and to discuss with and advise potential candidates.

13.3     – Each member must also cover an annual promotional fee for the publication and distribution cost of the EGN Magazine and other EGN promotional activities. Each member will receive copies of the magazine

13.4    – Each member must also cover the cost of travelling, accommodation and subsistence

for the two experts who will implement the revalidation mission of the territory every four years (or two years in the case of yellow card).

Article 14. Communication

14.1 EGN Internal Communication

Outside the 2 meetings per year of the EGN CC, the life of the network is continued largely through correspondence by email. Email correspondence between and among the EGN members is considered in all cases to be confidential and therefore must not be forwarded or copied to anyone not on the official EGN email list.

Great care must be taken that the EGN email list used is always up-to-date. All members of the EGN CC will be notified immediately of any changes in this email list.

14.2      EGN website “www.europeangeoparks.org”

The EGN website is the main communication tool of the Network. The EGN website provides all information concerning the Networks functioning and operation through the members’ progress and annual reports and links to all members’ websites as well as to the applications of new members. All      members      should      link      their       website       to       the       EGN website www.europeangeoparks.org. All members are responsible for the improvement of the common EGN website by updating their presentation and communicating their activities and news.

14.3. EGN Newsletter

An electronic Newsletter is published twice a year and distributed electronically to the EGN members and the Geopark community.

Article 15. EGN promotion and common publications

15.1 – Communication activities

All members should communicate and promote the EGN activities and achievements, especially to the general public and participate in EGN common promotional activities. Each member is responsible for the promotion of EGN activities and members through media, publications, exhibitions, publications, etc.

15.2      EGN Magazine

The EGN Magazine is the main promotional tool of the network and is published annually. EGN members should provide all necessary contribution and support for the creation of common promotional tools (i.e. submitting articles for publication in the EGN Magazine, providing photos, contributions for books or leaflets ) as well as for their distribution and promotion.

The EGN Magazine Editorial Board consists of three individuals, elected every 2 years by the

EGN Coordination Committee.

A representative of the Editorial Board is attending as external advisor the EGN AC meetings.

15.3    Geoparks Corner

All members are responsible for presenting the Network and all other members through the “Geoparks Corner” which should be organized in the main tourism centre (museum, interpretation centre, etc) of each Geopark. A Geoparks Corner is a promotional display providing information, images, leaflets, products etc… of all EGN members.

Article 16 EGN Common activities

All members should participate in EGN common activities. All members should also participate in EGN proposals for the realization of common activities through European Union funds.

16.1      European Geoparks Week

EGN Week is the annual festival organized in all EGN members during summer to promote Geoparks. The submission of the EGN programme and the report on the results is obligatory for all members. While most members will organize EGN week during the same period as most other members, some geoparks, for local reasons, may wish to hold it at a different time during the period May 1 – August 31.

16.2      EGN Biannual Conference

The EGN Biannual Conference is hosted every second year by a different EGN member and is the EGN’s main outreach activity.

Each member should contribute to the Networks open  Biannual Conference  by

presenting an oral or poster communication about its Geopark’s achievements, activities and experiences.