the Mullerthal;
Credit: Pierre HAAS © kl
The Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall (Mullerthal) team has confirmed that it is eagerly awaiting news from the UNESCO evaluators (they announced their arrival for the end of September).
After the first application was not accepted in September 2018, UNESCO certified the great potential of the region and the internationally remarkable geological heritage on the one hand, while two crucial points of criticism were mentioned on the other. UNESCO has therefore formulated recommendations aimed at improving the visibility of the Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall (NGPM) and becoming more actively involved in the international network of UNESCO Global Geoparks.
In recent years, the NGPM has not only continued to work continuously on all existing projects, but also very specifically on the points highlighted in the previous application. The general visibility of the NGPM as well as the information on the planned application has been improved thanks to increased measures in the field of communication, for which a person has been recruited. This has significantly increased the presence of the NGPM on the most diverse channels, both in the written press and on social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The NGPM website has also been revamped. The inhabitants of the region were made aware of the candidacy, among other things by means of information in the municipal bulletins. In addition, information panels were installed in the NGPM region, which notably highlight the remarkable geological heritage.
In the meantime, a lot has also happened in the area of networking. In addition to regular network meetings with neighbouring UNESCO Global Geoparks Famenne-Ardenne (B) and Volcanic Eifel (D), NGPM staff members participated in international network meetings as well as the “Intensive International Course on UNESCO Global Geoparks” in Lesvos, Greece, where they were able to present the region and be re-trained in the objectives and content of UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Additional valuable contacts with other UNESCO Global Geoparks were established and specific questions were asked. There is currently a regular exchange between the NGPM and the international network of UNESCO Global Geoparks. These meetings have already resulted in the first concrete projects in which the NGPM cooperates with other UNESCO Global Geoparks.
In addition, the NGPM is very pleased with the active support it receives at regional, national and international levels and looks to the future with confidence.
