GeoCourse
"Informal, interactive and playful two-semester study program, tailored to each involved geopark, combining both digital, at-home, and in-situ components, discussion and reflection of local problems and creative work. The bottom-up approach will be used extensively to create each local variation of the course, fully involving local experts, stakeholders as well as knowledgeable members of indigenous communities. Central coordination, methodical documentation, custom information system (within the geoportal) and other organizational support will be provided to achieve the necessary level of consistency among involved geoparks and to allow gradual seamless involvement of other geoparks, as proclaimed in our vision. Participants will be involved in teamwork such as discussion and reflection of local problems, risks, possible solutions, improvements or mitigation approaches. Besides learning about the geopark vision, they will be able to contribute with their own opinions or results of creative work (e.g. participants would create local geo news where they could interpret available data from the geopark; participants would gather and interpret knowledge from the local Elders; participants would spread the news or knowledge via social media)." (4GEON Project Manual)
The Great Story of Chuño
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.
Geoeducation in Tanzania
School education programme at Engaruka primary school and a training session in Karatu District with 4GEON project support was realized. The last picture documents a meeting with local community at village Eyasi in Karatu district on 4GEON mission, activity implementation and other geopark issues.
Geo-educational training for teachers in Tanzania
Teachers from schools in the area are being trained in geopark-related topics.
Sustainable Management International Forum and Bohol Island Geotrails in celebration of World Soil Day
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.
Crop planting wisdom shared across generations in Peru
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.
Youths involved in Geodiversity Day celebrations in Tanzania
The School Scout Troop of the Geopark was fully involved in the Geodiversity Day celebrations.
International Geodiversity Day Celebration in the Philippines
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.
Waste recycling workshop in Peru.
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.
Annual 4GEON global meeting launched!
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...
School Events promoting 4GEON in Peru
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.
Testing version of GeoPortal launched
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.
International Geodiversity Day at Tumaini Junior School
With the support of the 4GEON project, the International Geodiversity Day was celebrated at Tumaini Junior School by team members from the Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark, Tanzania.
Online lectures on geopark-related topics in Peru
Online lectures took place in Colca y Volcanes de Andagua UGGp, Peru. 4GEON mission, activities as well as other geopark-related topics were presented and discussed.
Keynote Speech at Loon Institute Science and Mathematics Fair 2023, Philippines
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.
New Geo-education Activities in the Philippines
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.
Seminar on the Bohol Geopark
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.