The German National Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks held its 16th meeting at the Nördlinger Ries Geopark in Nördlingen on 21 and 22 April 2026.
The meeting, chaired by the Federal Foreign Office, began with discussions with representatives of the German Global Geoparks Network. In-depth technical discussions took place on the interim findings of the working groups formed by the National Committee on the use and extraction of raw materials, as well as on measures to adapt to climate change. In this context, it also became clear that the topic of ‘soils’ represents a potential priority area for all Global Geoparks.
As the National Recognition Criteria for UNESCO Global Geoparks have now been in use for ten years, there was agreement that these should be reviewed in forthcoming meetings.
Dr Gehrlein has been a member of the National Committee since its establishment in 2016 and contributes his expertise in the field of sustainable regional development.
During an excursion, the National Committee had the opportunity to get to know the Geopark better. The Nördlinger Ries is one of the best-preserved large impact craters on Earth. A series of geosites, information centres and information points provide an excellent illustration of the impact event and related processes, bringing them to life for visitors.
Further information:
Geoparks at the German National Commission for UNESCO: https://www.unesco.de/orte/geoparks/
UNESCO Global Geopark Nördlinger Ries: https://www.geopark-ries.de/
Contact persons at IfLS: Dr. Ulrich Gehrlein (gehrlein[at]ifls.de)
