(L-R) Louise Schockmel, Claude Petit, Conny Koob, Jean-Luc Nosbusch, Birgit Kausch, Ben Scheuer, Simone Beck, Luxembourg Delegation; Credit: Tourism Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall

Two UNESCO-appointed experts, Sara Gentilini from the University of Southern Denmark and Goran Pavic, who works in Papuk Geopark, Croatia, visited the region to assess how the NGPM has developed since joining the international network in 2022. During an “intensive programme” they gained an insight across all member municipalities and the diversity of projects and achievements within the geopark.

The evaluation mission included visits to key sites such as the Geo-Pad Haupeschbaach and Halerbaach in Beaufort, the Geo-Expo and several geosites and projects, highlighting the geopark’s consistent holistic approach.

NGPM organised the revalidation process with support from regional partners, including municipalities, tourist offices, museums, hospitality businesses, LEADER Mëllerdall, ORT-MPSL, the Nature and Forest Agency and national institutions.

Claude Petit, Director of the Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall, stated that this recognition reflects close cooperation across the region and shows that stakeholders are working successfully together to preserve geological, natural and cultural heritage while developing the region sustainably.

In their final report, the experts highlighted the “impressive progress” achieved by the geopark. They particularly praised the many projects that strengthen the protection of natural and cultural heritage while contributing to sustainable development, climate protection and biodiversity, noted the NGPM.

They also noted the significantly increased visibility of the geopark, both on site through educational offers and infrastructure and online via social media. The geopark’s consistent visual identity was recognised as a sign of a professional and effective communication strategy.

The report also noted that the geopark plays a “unifying role” in the region, bringing together municipalities, experts, residents and institutions.

Alongside this evaluation, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council issued several recommendations for the next four years, including:

  • increased use of English content to improve international accessibility;

  • further development of geological interpretation at the Tudor Museum in Rosport;

  • development of information materials on natural hazards in the context of climate change;

  • highlighting the discovery site of the “Loschbour Man” in Heffingen within a geological context.

Over the next four years, NGPM said it plans to further develop existing projects, introduce new initiatives and strengthen cooperation across the region.

Ben Scheuer, President of the Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall, stated that the “Green Card” represents not only recognition of past work but also a commitment to continue on the chosen path, adding that the geopark looks forward to actively shaping its future together with its partners.

The NGPM brings together eleven municipalities and the state to support sustainable regional development, with such areas as climate and renewable energy, drinking water protection, education, cultural heritage preservation, support for regional producers and small and medium-sized enterprises, geology and landscape protection along with nature and geology.

The member municipalities are Beaufort, Bech, Berdorf, Consdorf, Echternach, Fischbach, Heffingen, Larochette, Nommern, Rosport-Mompach and Waldbillig. Reisdorf and Vallée de l’Ernz are currently candidates for membership.