Regional Government reinforces commitment to Azores Geopark at 11th International Geoparks Conference - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, attended the 11th UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference (UGGp) last week. This event took place from September 8 to 12 at the Kutralkura UGGp in Temuco, Chile.

This biennial meeting is the most important global forum dedicated to UNESCO-recognised Geoparks, bringing together more than 700 participants from 50 countries, including representatives from more than 200 geoparks across five continents.

Alonso Miguel pointed out that "the theme of this edition – 'From ancestral knowledge to the Geoparks of the Future: technologies and digital innovation for sustainable development" – brought to the fore the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into new digital tools. It highlighted the role of geoparks as drivers of sustainable development, social innovation and the enhancement of natural and cultural heritage, with emphasis on geological heritage."

According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, "the unprecedented participation of an Azorean government official in this conference reinforces the commitment and institutional involvement of the Regional Government of the Azores in maintaining this UNESCO recognition for the territory."

“It should be noted that, as part of a UNESCO assessment covering the 2017 – 2021 period, the Azores Geopark was awarded a yellow card. This required the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action to take over the presidency of the Azores Geopark Association and strengthen its commitment to obtaining a green card and maintaining this important international status, which was achieved in July 2024. As such, this presence is yet another firm demonstration of the political commitment to consolidating the Azores Geopark as a strategic tool for territorial development, environmental education and community resilience," he said.

During the conference, the Azores Geopark was represented in eight presentations, which addressed crucial topics for the sustainable development of the archipelago, with special emphasis on the presentation made by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, on the theme "Commitment to Resilience: the Strategic Support of the Regional Government of the Azores to the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark."

Alonso Miguel highlighted the investments made by the Regional Government in geological risk monitoring and management systems, as well as in instruments and plans for the Region's adaptation to climate change, aligning science, public policies and innovation to improve the resilience of the territory and communities. He also emphasised the importance of the work carried out by the Azores Geopark in building bridges between science and communities.

The government official ended his speech by saying that "science, public policy and the community can work together to build a more resilient future."

Presentations were also given on stakeholder training, including teachers, nature guides and tourism professionals, highlighting courses, workshops and international cooperation projects that have contributed to the training of local agents, developed by the Azores Geopark. Education on seismic and volcanic risk was also highlighted as a priority for a Region with active geological systems.

Geoconservation was another prominent topic. The Azores Geopark presented the results of its inventory, monitoring and management work on the 122 geosites identified in the archipelago. This was accomplished using geographic information systems and digital tools to align usage with the conservation of natural resources.

In addition to the technical sessions, the Azores Geopark participated in several cultural and promotional initiatives. The film ‘The Energy of the Earth at the Azores UGGp,’ produced as part of the TerraAzores project, was entered into the Global Geopark Film Festival competition.

The Azores also participated in the international initiative "Weaving the Future" with "Pummice," a piece crafted at the Casa de Trabalho do Nordeste (craft production unit) by artisans Fátima Cabral and Maria da Conceição Menezes, symbolising the link between local identity and the geological heritage of the territory.

The book "Local Stories of Our Volcanoes," published by the Volcanic Geoparks Working Group of the European UGGp Network, coordinated by João Carlos Nunes, was also presented at the event. This work brings together legends and traditional tales associated with volcanism in various geoparks, including the Legend of Sete Cidades. It is an innovative resource designed to promote scientific knowledge among children and young people.

The Azores also took part in the Global Geopark Fair, an international Geoparks fair held in parallel with the conference, sharing a stand with the Portuguese Geoparks Network. This space was an opportunity for the public to learn about the richness of national geodiversity and the good geoconservation practices developed in Portugal, promoting international cooperation and the exchange of experiences.

During the meeting, the General Assembly of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was also held, a moment of paramount importance for defining the strategic lines of action of this organisation. Among the deliberations, the election of Portuguese geologist Artur Sá, the Scientific Coordinator of the Arouca Geopark, as President of the GGN Executive Council was a highlight, putting Portugal at the forefront of the international geoparks scene. The entry of the Algarvensis Geopark into the Global Geoparks Network was also made official, bringing the number of Portuguese geoparks belonging to this organisation to seven.

The Azores' involvement in this global conference was crucial in establishing our archipelago as a hub of science, culture, and innovation. It highlighted our role as a living laboratory of geodiversity and showcased the positive impact of the Azores Geopark on the conservation of geological heritage, environmental education, and the resilience of our communities," emphasised Alonso Miguel.

“The Regional Government is deeply committed to supporting these and other initiatives aimed at promoting scientific literacy, territorial development and sustainability, and preparing the population for the challenges of climate change and natural hazards,” he added.

Alonso Miguel pointed out that this participation reaffirms the Regional Government's ongoing commitment to the excellence of the Azores Geopark. It highlights the relevance of the work carried out in conservation, environmental education, and sustainable development, while emphasising the archipelago's role as a benchmark in the responsible management of natural heritage and the promotion of community resilience.