News
Portuguese geo-park gets UN backing
30 August 2006
Central Portugal's Southern Plateau Naturtejo Geopark has joined Unesco's Global Geopark Network.
The Naturtejo Geopark based in the Beiras region around the district of Castelo Branco - is home to Portugal's biggest network of footpaths and contains many sites of natural and geological importance.
It is hoped the Unesco backing will encourage tourism in the area and special trails covering the park's fossils, mines and ravines have been established.
The Geopark status will also help to promote local craft and cottage industries in the area, such as beekeeping, carpentry and embroidery meaning the local development is maintained as well as the ecology.
Besides significant geological sites, the park contains villages, museums, lakes and a cultural centre.
The Unesco Geopark network exists to recognise and protect areas that are of geological as well as archaeological, ecological and cultural value. The scheme supports local communities, promotes ecological tourism and boosts development activities.
© Adfero Ltd
The Naturtejo Geopark based in the Beiras region around the district of Castelo Branco - is home to Portugal's biggest network of footpaths and contains many sites of natural and geological importance.
It is hoped the Unesco backing will encourage tourism in the area and special trails covering the park's fossils, mines and ravines have been established.
The Geopark status will also help to promote local craft and cottage industries in the area, such as beekeeping, carpentry and embroidery meaning the local development is maintained as well as the ecology.
Besides significant geological sites, the park contains villages, museums, lakes and a cultural centre.
The Unesco Geopark network exists to recognise and protect areas that are of geological as well as archaeological, ecological and cultural value. The scheme supports local communities, promotes ecological tourism and boosts development activities.
© Adfero Ltd
