Barrandien National Geopark, Czechia
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...
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.
About the geopark
The territory of the aspiring geopark follows the Berounka River between Prague and Pilsen and is built of Proterozoic and Palaeozoic bedrock. The area is particularly rich in fossils. The most famous fossils are trilobites, which were with other fossils described from there by Joachim Barrande. Abandoned coal fields are exposed in western part of the area. From there fossil plants associated with coal measures were described by a founder of scientific palaeo-botany Kašpar Maria Sternberg during years 1820-1838.
Carboniferous swamp forest buried by several meters of volcanic ash is preserved as Bohemian Petrified Forest. The quaternary period is documented by fossil skeletons found in caves. Geomorphology of the area is characterized by high cliffs of the Berounka river valley and isolated rocks, small waterfalls, and caves, which give a special flair to the place. The area of the potential geopark is valuable for its easy accessibility, well-preserved nature. It is unique in the combination of frequently visited sites as the Koněprusy Caves or Karlštejn Castle and less visited areas of Křivoklát Castle and Radnice village. Hiking and biking trails in these areas are very popular and relaxing. The geopark management is supported by the scientific committee including the National Museum, Prague (Paleontology department).