"Sunset in the Ngorongoro Crater, the true Garden of Eden, is pure magic. Golden light spills over the crater’s rim, painting the grasslands in amber and crimson. Silhouettes of wildebeest and zebra stretch across the plains, while lions stir in the fading light. Flamingos wade through Lake Magadi, their reflections shimmering. Above, the sky becomes a canvas of pink, orange, and violet, embracing this ancient wilderness in a perfect, timeless glow." - Elia, The Engaruka English Medium Primary School Geoclub Teacher

From March 4 to 6, 2025, an international meeting of the members of the Coordination Committee of the European Geoparks Network took place in Paris to mark the tenth anniversary of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Program.🏞️

The event was attended by representatives of UNESCO and delegations from the relevant UNESCO member states.🤝

📢 Better Communication

➡️ We aim to increase awareness and visibility of Geopark Río Coco.

➡️ We are working on the nomination of Somoto as a Creative City, bringing new opportunities for cultural and artistic development in the region.

📚 Education & GeoSchools

➡️ Expanding the GeoSchools project with 4 new primary and 2 secondary schools.

➡️ Strengthening education about the natural heritage and geological significance of the region.

➡️ Creating a didactic guide with innovative teaching strategies.

➡️ Launching a diploma course on geoparks for local government representatives and institutions.

🔬 Scientific Research & Collaboration

➡️ Developing new archaeological and geological studies in key geosites.

➡️ Collaborating with universities on research in tourism, geology, and ecology.

➡️ University students will conduct case studies and graduation theses focused on the geopark.

🏞️ Geotourism & Sustainable Travel

➡️ Completing 25 community-based and 5 municipal tourism circuits, showcasing the geopark’s beauty.

➡️ Offering active tourism experiences: rappelling, canopy tours, hiking, birdwatching, traditional farming, and cultural programs.

➡️ Engaging local communities to boost economic opportunities through tourism.

🎭 Arts & Culture in Communities

➡️ Supporting music, dance, and theater within Geopark Río Coco communities.

➡️ Organizing workshops and equipping schools to promote local arts and creativity.

➡️ Children and youth learn about their cultural identity through music and theater.

🎓 Additional Educational Programs & Partnerships

➡️ Hosting a UNESCO Geopark diploma course for local governments and institutions.

➡️ Partnering with local universities, ministries, and specialized institutions to enhance education.

💡 Together, we protect nature, support education, and develop sustainable tourism! 🌿🌎 Follow us for more updates! 📲

Thanks to Abraham Caceres Cabana and others from Colca y Volcanes de Andagua UNESCO Global Geopark, with support from the Czech 4GEON team members, we are pleased to announce the fourth annual meeting of the 4GEON project which will take place this coming September 2025. Again, we will be able to share knowledge, discuss the objectives and outcomes of the project, visit sites, assess their interpretation, meet local people, and support the involvement of schools in geopark activities. See you in the region of Colca and Andagua, Peru! Download

Step into a land of extraordinary beauty and geological wonders at the Colca & Andagua Geopark in Peru! Nestled in the Andes, this UNESCO-recognized geopark combines stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and an incredible story of Earth’s history.

What Makes Colca & Andagua Unique? The Geopark is home to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, carved by the Colca River over millions of years. Marvel at its sheer cliffs and watch the majestic Andean condors soar overhead. Nearby, the Valley of the Volcanoes in Andagua features over 80 small volcanic cones that create a surreal and otherworldly landscape.

Shaped by Fire and Water This region is a living testament to the forces of nature. From volcanic eruptions to river erosion, the Colca & Andagua Geopark showcases the dynamic processes that have shaped the Earth over millions of years. It’s a geological paradise where you can witness volcanic craters, hot springs, and glacial valleys.

Biodiversity and Culture in Harmony The Geopark is not just about landscapes; it’s a thriving ecosystem rich with unique plants and wildlife. It’s also a cultural treasure, home to the Indigenous communities of the Collagua and Cabana peoples, who have preserved their traditions for centuries. The ancient agricultural terraces in Colca Canyon are a testament to their ingenuity and harmony with the environment.

Adventure Awaits Whether you’re hiking, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the stunning views, Colca & Andagua offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to visit the charming towns of the region, where you can enjoy traditional Peruvian cuisine and warm hospitality.

(Photos by: Global Geoparks Network)

The Ngorongoro Geopark is a UNESCO-listed site of immense natural and cultural significance, encompassing diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. Among its highlights are the Endoro Waterfalls, a serene natural feature, and the Elephant Caves, remarkable formations carved out by elephants seeking essential minerals. These unique locations provide visitors with both scenic beauty and insight into the behaviors of local wildlife.

Park rangers play a critical role in preserving this ecosystem. They guide tourists along well-maintained forest trails through lush bushlands, ensuring a safe and enriching experience. Additionally, they engage in crucial conservation efforts, such as controlling invasive species like jimsonweed, which threaten native vegetation, and actively protect the area from illegal poaching activities. This combination of natural wonder and dedicated stewardship makes Ngorongoro an exceptional destination for eco-tourism and sustainable travel.

During the entire year of 2024, the 4GEON project account on the Pinterest social network was developed. Thematic photo galleries were supplemented with links from the network, pictures from project activities and our own AI-created images. The result is over 16 thousand unique visits per month. Read more

During the entire year of 2024, the 4GEON project account on the Nightcafe social network was developed. Thematic photo galleries were created and thematic images on geological phenomena, paleontology, minerals, rocks, flora and fauna and other topics in geoparks were uploaded and created. The position of the account on the network was also built with the results: 648 published posts, 2245 likes, 187 followers, five connected accounts from geoparks. Read more

The third 4GEON face-to-face annual meeting of the project team was held in Tanzania, at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark. It was 9 days of intense program, focused on geoscience education development and practical steps in local school engagement, sustainable tourism, and community involvement, and meeting Indigenous group representatives.

Several Interim workshops focused e.g. on 4GEON information systems and the potential of generative AI in geoeducation. The meeting resulted in feedback for Ngorongoro Geopark, fostered multilateral geopark-to-geopark senior-junior experience exchange, deepened cooperation with local geoschools as well as an action plan with tangible tasks and goals. Download

Which ensures the protection of a diverse community of species around the lake of the same name. Although the national park lies in close proximity to the Ngorongoro caldera (crater), it is dominated by different habitats – the lake itself, which serves as a refuge for numerous bird species, the adjacent swamps, and the tropical forest🌿, which rises sharply from the plains around the lake to the steep volcanic cliffs surrounding Ngorongoro. With some luck, one can spot not only lions🦁, various species of monkeys🐒, antelopes, and birds, but also lions resting in the treetops, especially during the rainy season🌧️. 👣During the visit, the team also became acquainted with the organization of tourism in national parks and with the differences in the approach and intensity of protection in national parks compared to Ngorongoro, which is a conservation area.

Near Lake Eyasi in the central part of the Rift Valley. 🌎📚 In the Church Primary School Fr. Lieberman they attended a meeting for parents

and friends of the school, which included a presentation on the activities of the geoscience club. ⛪️

This was followed by a meeting with the school administration and teachers regarding 4GEON activities and a discussion on the aspect of their possible further enrichment. 🤝 Similarly, in the nearby Mang’ola government primary school, geo-club students presented the club’s activities, outputs and benefits from visits geo-locations and the knowledge gained. In the discussion that followed, the value of

of not only natural but also cultural wealth - customs, language, traditional knowledge. 💡 Through the chairman and the spokesperson of the club, students presented to the 4GEON team a plea for help in securing a connection to the internet and technical resources that the school does not yet have and which would add an important new dimension to the learning experience, including, for example, the possibility of connecting with students from other geoparks. 🔗 Specific possibilities for assistance were then discussed with the school management. Finally, the team visited local tribal communities - Hadzabe bush people and Datoga pastoralists, who introduced them to some of the their knowledge, skills and way of life.🏞️

These schools together teach over 2,000 students from 6 to 18 years of age. 🏫🌎 The visits included discussions with school management and selected teachers on the education system in Tanzania,📚 the methods used and possible ofintegrating geoscience education into the curriculum,

presenting activities and outcomes of the members of the school 4GEON clubs, a brief introduction of the Bohol, Colca geoparks,🏞️ Barrandien to students including video demonstrations, discussion with teachers and students on the project, its benefits so far and concrete ways to further to support teaching with the help of the 4GEON project in the spirit of its motto “geo is fun!”.😁

Took place, during which progress in the development and implementation of the project’s information tools was presented – specifically the GeoEduGame media portal and the Toursman system, designed to support destination management, integrated with a mobile tourist guide application.✈️📲 This application offers advanced tools for monitoring and managing tourism in the destination📍. The workshop also included a presentation on the potential use of current generative artificial intelligence tools in promoting the activities of geoparks and enriching school education📚. In addition to those physically present, about 10 other participants from the Czech Republic🇨🇿 and the Philippines 🇵🇭 joined virtually. After the workshop, the team visited a nearby gallery and market in Karatu for a brief tour of a tanzanite exhibition – a blue or violet variation of zoisite, whose only known deposit is near Mount Kilimanjaro.🏔️

🌎Fourth day of the meeting of the 4GEON project. The team visited the cultural boma of the Maasai tribe. The visit anabled to became familiar with the way of interpreting their original lifestyle. We had the opportunity to visit their kindergarten. Then we went to the Olduvai valley. ⛰️ On the way, we stopped at the Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO Global Geopark Information Centre. The next stop was the Shifting Sands geosite. From there, we drove to the place where the skull of Paranthropus boisei was found. Next, we arrive to the Olduvai Gorge Site Museum, where we saw the exhibition and visited the community centre for local tribes. All this was accompanied by a magnificent view of the cradle of mankind.

4GEON project as a tool for sharing playful geoscience knowledge 🔧 Including: 4GEON Project Introduction, Participating Geoparks, Promotion, Partnership Conference and Workshops, Project Outputs, Current activities.Updates from Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark 💡 Including: Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark Management Council, Geopark Management Section Structure, First Bohol Island Geopark Youth Camp, Promotion and visibility, Eskaya Indigenous community development Ngorongoro-lengai geopark progressive report📜 Including: Geoheritage of Ngorongoro-Lengai, Geohazard, Environments, Culture, Geoscience around us, Wildlife, Geotourism, 4Geon Project

including the Endoro Waterfalls and the Elephant Caves 🐘 (carved out by animals that come to the site as a source of minerals). While on-site, the team familiarized themselves with the work of park rangers👮‍♂️, who maintain the tourist infrastructure🚗, guide visitors along forest paths through the bush🌳, combat invasive plant species (such as jimsonweed🌿), and deter poachers. The day ended with a meeting with representatives of the Iraqw tribe, who strive to preserve and promote their traditions and values at a cultural boma they operate independently☀️.

It is one of the biggest of volcanic calderas in the world 🌎, in the heart of which a colorful savannah ecosystem arose interlaced lakes, marshes and streams and which provides habitat for a number of iconic animals of Africa 🦓🦒. During the visit to the territory, the team focused on interpretation of natural and cultural values ​​provided by the global the Ngoronogoro Geopark, on the territory’s potential in terms of its further development sustainable development of tourism and the possibility of using information technologies in territory management 🌱

We would like to invite you to the third meeting of the 4GEON project. The objectives and outcomes of the project will be thoroughly discussed, with special focus on the UNESCO Global Geopark Ngorongoro Lengai, its activities and sites. Save the date: September 20th - 30th 2024 and stay tuned in! Download

On Friday, a pleasant and useful meeting took place between the Rio Coco Geopark team and the 4GEON project experts (Helga and Ben) on the topic of geological heritage interpretation and geoscience education, especially for schools in the geopark. Other 4GEON geoparks will follow. Creative outreach to youth and sensitive engagement with indigenous communities remains a priority. Read more

The UNESCO Global Geoparks Nagorongoro Lengai (Tanzania) and Azores (Portugal) arranged a digital meeting between students from these two territories. The meeting was a culmination of a multidisciplinary work carried out by students and teachers, rediscovering their territories and presenting them to peers, so far away geographically but so close through the Global Family – Global Geoparks Network. Thanks to Colégio de Santa Clara and to Tumaini Junior Primary School! Read more

Students from the National Agrarian University visit community tourism circuits in the community of Oruce, Municipality of Las Sabanas, Department of Madriz.

Coordination with INPRHU (Institute for Human Promotion, NGO), Geopark Rio Coco UNESCO Global Geopark, Mayor's Office of Las Sabanas Municipality, Community of Oruce.

The fun mobile application designed to enrich the experience of visiting a geopark and also to support educational activities in the field has been significantly improved. Namely, offline support for working with the map has been added. The final tests are now underway, the improved version of the app will be published soon. Stay tuned! Read more

In May 2024, following thematic photo galleries were created on the 4GEON project account on the Nightcafe social network:

Barrandien Czechia

Bohol Island Geopark Philippines

Caves Hero Image

Dinosaurs

Earth landscape

earthquake

fantasy landscape

fauna

flora

geological evolution of the Earth

Geology

choice

Minerals

Ngorongoro Lengai UGGp Tanzania

Paleontology

Rocks

The Colca and Volcanoes of Andagua UGGp Peru

the evolution of life

the life of prehistoric people

valleys and canyons

volcanism

waterfall Read more

 Read more

In April 2024, the 4GEON project account was created on the Nightcafe social network. This network is focused on creating, sharing, presenting, commenting on and comparing images generated by artificial intelligence or uploaded photos. Read more

Chuño is a traditional freeze-dried potato which plays a significant role in Quechua and Aymara communities of Bolivia and Peru, dating back to before the time of the Inca Empire in the 13th century. Both natural aspects, such as local geology or minerals present in the local soil, and cultural aspects such as legends, traditions or spiritual meanings are being investigated to prepare a new captivating narration.

Facebook Rio Coco Nicaragua promotes the 4GEON project

The Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark International Forum with the theme Sustainable Management of Geoparks: Raising Awareness, Empowering Partners, and the launching of the Bohol Island Geotrails in celebration of World Soil Day. Over 180 individuals from seven countries have registered to participate via Zoom and on-site at the Bellevue Resort, Panglao, Bohol. Organised by team members from the Bohol Island UGGp, Philippines, Karl Din, Jovencia Ganub.

Various school field trips in the Global Geopark Colca y Volcanes de Andagua involving meetings with elders from the local community explaining how to plant local crops took place throughout the year paired with educational excursions to various geosites.

TV-covered celebration of the International Disaster Risk Reduction Day and 4GEON project presentation together with the Commemoration of the 2013 Bohol Earthquake at the Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The School Scout Troop of the Geopark was fully involved in the Geodiversity Day celebrations.

Celebration of the International Geodiversity Day at The Buzz, Abatan River together with the partners and members of the Geopark Technical Working Group in the morning, and Bohol Culture and Education Summit 2023 in the afternoon together with culture and education advocates and university and high school students and teachers. The International Geodiversity Day was also launched in the said events.

Gender and Development Alignment Meeting and Preparatory Meeting for the celebration of International Geodiversity Day with the UNESCO Philippine National Commission and the Centre for Neighborhood Studies Philippines.

As an expression of social responsibility within the framework of education for responsible behavior in the 4GEON project, school children in Andagua participated in waste recycling arranged by Abraham Caceres Cabana, Global Geopark Colca y Volcanes de Andagua, Peru.

Radek Mikulas presented the 4GEON project and a meeting with foreign partners as part of The second Face-to-Face 4GEON Annual Meeting in RTVK (regional television south). Read more

Celebration of World Tourism Day with the students and faculty of the Hospitality Management Department of Mater Dei College in Tubigon, Bohol. Organized by team members from the Bohol Island UGGp, Philippines, Karl Din, Jovencia Ganub.

The 4GEON project was presented at the 29th Colloquium of African geology and in the book of abstracts, authors Martina Paskova, Josef Zelenka, David Zejda, Lubos Gardon, Radek Mikulas. Read more Download

Based on the press release issued by the Academy of Sciences and authored by Radek Mikulas about the 4GEON workshop in Hradec Kralove, an article was published at the Cysnews.cz website. Read more

A rich program full of workshops, field trips and networking activities is awaiting the team of experts from all participating geoparks. Starting with hands-on experience with tourism products and Earth history visual interpretation made by famous paleoartist Zdenek Burian in Dvůr Králové ZOO Safari, a field trip to the Rychory Centre of Environmental Education and Ethics. The next day, followed by a Ceremonial opening at the University of Hradec Kralove presided over by the Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Management, prof. Josef Hynek and progress presentations from all 4GEON geoparks. Knowledge-sharing, discussion on 4GEON mission and implementation of its activities, hands-on experience, field trips and much more is in store in the following days... Read more

A press release of the Academy of Sciences about the 4GEON workshop in Hradec Králové was published on the website of the Academy of Sciences and distributed to the media. Read more

In the territory of the Colca Global Geopark and the Valley of Volcanoes, Peru, various school events took place in 2023, aimed at promoting the 4GEON project and its mission. The activity was coordinated by the team member Abraham Caceres Cabana.

Initial version of GeoPortal for information dissemination, knowledge sharing and as an education support has been launched by geopark Barrandien team members Lubos Gardon and Lubos Gardon Jr. Read more

The contribution with title "4GEON PROJECT AS A TOOL FOR SHARING PLAYFUL GEOSCIENCE KNOWLEDGE" was presented on 8 September 2023 by Martina Pásková in Marrakesh at the 10th International Conference of UNESCO Global Geoparks (held from 4 to 11 September 2023 in the Marrakesh-M’Goun UNESCO Global Geopark) in the section "Sharing of experiences and cooperation between Geoparks", before an earthquake struck Morocco's Marrakesh–Safi region at 22:11 UTC.

Good progress on geoschools and geoeducational material reported, new partnerships, presentations, etc. Greetings from Nicaragua! Download

Education, publicity and involvement of various actors in 4GEON project activities reported. And warm greetings from Peru! Download

Intense cooperation with schools in the region, a new geopark club and geopark competetition, etc. Good job reported from Tanzania! Download

Presentations, talks, geobus visits, integration of geopark concepts in science classes, cooperation with universities, museums, empowering the youth.. Great progress in the Philippines! Download

A Facebook presentation of Peruvian Colca Geopark & Andagua Volcano Valley aiming Spanish-speaking audience has been turned into the main Facebook presentation of the whole 4GEON project! Read more

Celebration of the University of Bohol – Loon Institute Science and Mathematics Fair 2023, where the Geopark Geologist was invited as a keynote speaker and introduced both Bohol Geopark and 4GEON project. The University is an active partner and supporter of the Geopark.

Geo-educational Tour and Geosite Assessment with students at Holy Name University and Bohol Island State University and Geoscience Training for Science Teachers in Candijay, Bohol. The first two days were dedicated for lectures and practical exercises while a special tour visiting the geosites in the town of Candijay and Alicia was organized on the third day. Participants also visited active quarries of the Bohol Ophiolite Complex.

Sharing of experience on networking and collaboration with other Geoparks specifically the implementation of the 4GEON Project during the Asia-Pacific Geoparks Network Let’s Do It Zoom Meeting hosted by the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.

The environmental team of the Colca and Andagua Volcanoes Global Geopark was created, the picture shows the event with the mayor and the municipality. Reported by Abraham Caceres Cabana.

Promoting Bohol’s Geological Heritage through Geotourism - presentation to 2nd-year Hospitality and Tourism Management students at Holy Name University by team members Karl Din and Jovencia Ganub.

A presentation of the 4GEON project was created on the Pinterest social network with a presentation of the activities of the involved geoparks, their geological and cultural heritage and geological heritage in general. Includes posts by Josef Zelenka, Radek Mikulas and team members from participating geoparks. Read more

Discussions on the proposed Memorandum of Agreement with the DEPED Bohol Division legal officer and program supervisor.

Presentation of Geopark and 4GEON Project by the Bohol team at the Bohol Arts Culture and Heritage Council.

Report covering the 4GEON vision and the highlights of the 2022 meeting has been published in Geoconservation Research journal on February 1st, 2023. Read more

Started working with the team of IGCP GEOfood project to share its results within our geoparks on January 29th, 2023. Read more

4GEON has been presented to representatives of other European geoparks and the scientific community at 16th European Geoparks Conference in Verbania, Italy on Septemeber 26th - 30th, 2022. Read more

Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic covered 4GEON project in a press release on Septemeber 8th, 2022. Read more

First-ever 4GEON meeting with participants from all involved geoparks hosted by Barrandian National Geopark was held in Příbram, Czechia in August 28th - September 8th 2022. Read more

Bohol Island press release on 4GEON project on May 5th, 2022. Read more

The first project Press Release has been prepared. Read more

A brief project introduction has been prepared and shared with various partners. Read more