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The
34th Coordination Committee of the European Geoparks Network has
acknowledged the impossibility the Global Geoparks Network to be a
partner of UNESCO, because the Network itself is today without a real
and definite legal form. By unanimous vote, the delegates approved a
resolution in favor of the transformation of the Global Network in a
non-profit association. The statute and the governing bodies will allow
the new GGN to operate as the primary partner of the future UNESCO
initiative/program on Geoparks, if desired final approval of this
development of strategic action for preservation and enhancement of the
geological heritage on a global scale. The rules of operation and
organization are still to be defined, although it is conceivable that -
along the lines of other initiatives and programs - the National
Committees within UNESCO assume a leadership role not only limited to
the presentation of new nominations. The hope of all is that, in the
future, a formal correspondence between the National Committees and the
National Fora of the GGN member countries can be established.
Even during the current phase of transition, the EGN Coordination
Committee considered appropriate to continue the publication of the
annual number of the EGN Magazine, the update of the EGN Newsletter, the
printing of the second edition of EGN Book and the participation in
international tourism fairs.
At the 34th Coordination Committee, the Apuan Alps Geopark was
represented by Alessia Amorfini (Geopark manager) and Giuseppe Ottria
(Commission of scientific management). The Delegation also attended the
session of the Working Group “Use of waste material from legal
mining/quarrying”. The catalyst of the group, Tony Ramsay, said he was
pleased to have practically defined all aspects of the activities
related to the processing of waste materials in ornamental objects. The
purpose of these rules is to promote the small craft activities that
traditionally take place in the territories of Geoparks to add another
element of sustainable micro-economy. The experience of the Apuan Alps
Geopark to develop the "short chain", to obtain art objects with high
added value from waste of marble quarrying, has made an important
contribution to the discussion. In the final version of the rules of use
of waste material, the absolute incompatibility between GGN membership
and the sale of minerals, fossils and rocks will once again affirmed.
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