Baranya County on Its Way to Becoming a UNESCO Geopark With Croatia

Mecsek Mountains and the southwestern Hungarian city of Pécs

Geological history knows no national borders. This was the motto for the official launch of the NETGEO project on February 20. With a budget of over one million euros and support from the European Union’s Interreg program, a modern, cross-border network is to be created over the next two years to promote the geological treasures of southern Hungary and northern Croatia for tourism.

The heart of the initiative is the establishment of the Pannon Geopark in the county of Baranya, reports turizmus.com. The goal is nothing less than the prestigious title of “UNESCO Global Geopark.” While the Pannon Geopark operates as an independent Hungarian institution, the project relies on close professional symbiosis with the established Croatian Papuk Geopark.

Instead of a single, huge park, NETGEO relies on an intelligent network.

Geological attractions, tourist service providers, and infrastructure developments on both sides of the border are digitally and physically linked to strengthen the region’s international competitiveness.

The project relies on modern interpretation to transform dry geology into exciting experiences. The Mecsek Discovery Center in Pécs is home to the “MecseXplorer,” a digital experience center that interactively visualizes the formation of the Mecsek Mountains. The well-known “Komlóverzum” is being expanded to include new areas on paleontology and geological history. In Orfű, the focus is on sustainability. A new visitor center and a specially designed nature trail are in the works.

In Croatia, the “Geogreda Pavilion” is being built in cooperation with the state forestry administration (Hrvatske šume), which will use state-of-the-art technology to bring visitors closer to the cultural and geological heritage.

A UNESCO title requires more than just pretty signs. The project includes a comprehensive strategy for involving the local population.

Plans include special training courses for certified geotour guides; gastronomy programs that combine regional products and sustainability; and educational campaigns for children and schools to promote awareness of natural heritage from an early age.

To ensure that tourism does not impact sensitive geological sites, a joint digital monitoring system is being introduced as part of NETGEO. This will enable operators to accurately measure visitor flows and professionally manage the ecological impact.

With NETGEO, Baranya County, together with its Croatian partners, is positioning itself as a new top destination for sustainable nature tourism in Europe.

Via turizmus.com; Featured image: MTI/Vasvári Tamás

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