Tabule 2 (konec stezky u areálu) ENG

UNESCO Global Geoparks network

A Geopark is a label for an area of interesting and unique geological features, where local citizens and organizations cooperate on sustainable development of the area and promotion of tourism and education. The main emphasis is on geoscience, but the cultural, archaeological, and ecological aspects are addressed as well. The network supervised by the high-profile organization UNESCO Global Geoparks (GGN) associates geoparks all around the world. Established in 2014, the network was inspired by the existing European Geoparks Network. The mission of the UNESCO Global Geoparks is to preserve natural and cultural heritage and support geoparks in their activities. In 2024, the network consisted of 211 members from 48 countries in Europe, Asia, America, and Africa.  

Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Global Geopark 

The Bohemian Paradise Geopark UGG was designated a European and Global Geopark in 2005. It covers the area of approx. 700 square kilometres and it stretches across three Regions (Liberec, Hradec Králové, and Central Bohemian Region).

With its remarkably varied geological characteristics, the area can be divided into three main units. The largest one is covered by Mesozoic marine deposits of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin with many rock towns and Tertiary igneous rocks. The northern unit consists of Lower Paleozoic metamorphic rocks of the Železný Brod Crystalline Complex. The third one, easternmost part of the geopark, belongs to the Late Paleozoic Krkonoše Piedmont Basin filled with freshwater deposits, as well as igneous rocks. These volcanics called melaphyres, contain a range of interesting and rare minerals. Particularly famous are local gemstones, but also pyropes (called Bohemian Garnets), and even gold can be found there. Sedimentary rocks often contain abundant and valuable paleontological material. Novopacko is known especially as a site rich on Paleozoic silicified plant remains (silicified stems), but local finds include even plant impressions, fishes, sharks, amphibians, and insects. The amount and variety of fossil records from the geopark are presented in individual stops of the second part of the educational trail.