Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark infrastrukturájának fejlesztése

A Geopark is an area with a geological heritage of significance, with a coherent and strong management structure and where a sustainable economic development strategy is in place. A Geopark creates enhanced employment opportunities for the people who live there bringing sustainable and real economic benefit, usually through the development of sustainable tourism. In the framework of a Geopark, geological heritage and geological knowledge is shared with the broad public and linked with broader aspects of the natural and cultural environment, which are often closely related or determined to geology and landscape. The Geoparks initiative was launched by UNESCO in response to the perceived need for an international initiative that recognizes sites representing an interest for the earth science. The International Network of Geoparks program aims at enhancing the value of such sites while at the same time creating employment and promoting regional economic development. For the purposes of the program the organization developed new internationally recognized label 'UNESCO Geopark. The idea of UNESCO is to label up to 500 Geoparks worldwide. The UNESCO Geopark Program works in synergy with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre and Man and the Biosphere (MAB) World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The idea of developing the sites was formed about five years ago. Since then several project ideas were developed. The sites are strongly in need some kind of development or at least some reconstructional works. The project in present form can be an example for developing other important sites which are not included in this step. But of course this is not the first project of this kin din the area. there are several examples, how the improvement of the given sites qualities can improve the life around it exceptionally regarding sustainable development issues.

Geological sites can be found on both sides of the SK-HU border. By establishing a Geopark, the region can be perceived as a unified area providing a single target destination for the public. The project aimed at the infrastructural development, the improvement of the conditions and the quality of protection of the presenting sites of inanimate natural values. Within the project the cooperating partners intended to preserve and present the geological, landscape, natural, ecological, archaeological, historical and cultural heritage and integrate all these to form geo-touristic offers, thereby developing the local economy. Another important goal was to provide a platform for active cooperation between experts and practitioners in geological heritage. The main results of the project are a visitor centre and a nature trail, a paleontological exhibition space in Fülek and a geological exhibition space in Mucsény.