The Geoparque Algarvensis Association has already been created, which brings together the Municipalities of Loulé, Silves, Albufeira and the University of Algarve, and will manage the Algarvensis Territory's candidacy for UNESCO World Geopark.
Three years later (December 2019) after the signing of the protocol of understanding between the three Local Authorities, the University of Algarve, and CIMA – Center for Marine and Environmental Research, this was the time to establish the respective management unit.
This association will be responsible for submitting the application during the next year.
The next step will be to hold the first General Assembly, with the respective governing bodies taking office, approval of the activity plan for the year 2024 and discussion of the main lines of the Strategic Plan for the Algarvensis Territory for the next four years.
For Vítor Aleixo, mayor of Loulé, this is «a happy day on a path that still has some stages to go».
The mayor has no doubt that, «given the characteristics, political will and density of the work already carried out that will constitute the content of the candidacy to be presented in Paris, at UNESCO headquarters, it will be crowned with success».
Rosa Palma, president of the Chamber of Silves, highlighted that this is a project that does not only involve the scientific area but is only possible «with the involvement of people».
«We have counted on the excellent work of the University of Algarve in all aspects (Paleontology, Geology, Botany…). But the project can only be achieved if it has more identity with the place it is part of, and if people start by promoting what their territory is, developing within themselves a feeling of belonging», stated the mayor.
The other signatory was José Carlos Rolo, mayor of Albufeira, who highlighted the added value of this aspiring Geopark.
«It will diversify the tourist offer, with a focus on scientific tourism, as a way of breaking seasonality a little, as it is not about 'sun and beach' and, as such, it can complement a little what is our main activity . In addition, it will develop everything that is involved in our communities, such as crafts, gastronomy and other activities that can be included in this grand project», he said.
For his part, Paulo Águas, rector of UAlg, expressed his joy in being part of the constitution of this association.
«Our teachers and our researchers are strongly committed to this project, a project that transforms the territory, clearly aligned with the challenges of sustainability, and that is also why we are here. The University of Algarve was created and exists to cooperate with regional and local entities, in order to build a better Algarve and a better future for our people», highlighted Paulo Águas.
The development of activities linked to creative tourism, raising awareness of climate change and the preservation of natural values, the valorization of gastronomy and local products, cultural and intangible heritage, among other aspects, will be one of the work priorities of the Associação Geoparque Algarvensis, now looking for partners in the area of geoeducation, geoconservation and geotourism.
Entities that operate in this territory, in the most diverse areas of activity, and that have in their culture, criteria of responsibility towards the environment, cultural heritage, and appreciation of endogenous resources, will be able to present their partnership proposals and projects to the aspirant from now on. Algarvensis Geopark, for greater socio-economic dynamization of the territory.
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