Jornal de Leiria – Oeste Geopark recognized as a UNESCO World Geopark

The Oeste Geopark has just been recognized as a UNESCO World Geopark, by the Global Geoparks Network.

The title was validated by the UNESCO Executive Board.

The geopark integrates the municipalities of Bombarral, Cadaval, Caldas da Rainha, Lourinhã, Peniche and Torres Vedras and became the sixth UNESCO World Geopark in Portugal, and one of more than 200 territories worldwide.

In a statement, João Serra, representative of the municipality of Lourinhã, in the presidency of the Board of AGEO – Associação Geoparque Oeste, this is a historic moment for the West region, but especially for these six municipalities that now see their entire territory and products recognized by UNESCO.

“I believe that this is not just an important moment, it will certainly be the first stone of a legacy for future generations, as they will come to see their natural and local heritage as something exceptional and unique.”

In turn, the executive coordinator of Geoparque Oeste, Miguel Reis Silva, states that “this recognition is the result of the work, will, vision and ambition of the municipalities that make up Geoparque Oeste, as they have always believed that this is the strategy for regional development that they must advocate, based on geology, biodiversity, respect and promotion of traditions, customs and people who are the face of this unique West. What UNESCO recognizes today is not just heritage, it is above all the identity of a territory with history and a desire to show that it is in local thinking that we value what is ours and in welcoming those who visit us. ”

Geopark Oeste is thus recognized for more than a dozen unique species of dinosaurs, for the four dinosaur nests, for the recognition of one of the stratigraphic points of global reference – Ponta do Trovão, for its protected areas, but also for the presence of Man from the beginnings of civilizations, to its history, customs and traditions that date back to the beginning of Portugal’s constitution as a nation.

The Oeste Geopark Association – AGEO was created in 2018.

One year later, the process of establishing the technical and scientific team began.

In 2020, the technical and scientific team began diagnostic and research work related to geosites, but also a set of activities that allowed the development of the geosite map, catalogs of educational programs and tourist programs, as well as the creation of networks of work and partnership throughout Geopark Oeste.

In 2022, the application was submitted to the Global Geoparks Network, followed by a technical visit to the territory by the evaluators of this Network in 2023.

In September of that year, the Executive Committee of the Global Geoparks Network approved the application, which presents more than 440 bibliographic references and 15 internationally recognized geosites.

In 2024, it was awarded the UNESCO World Geopark seal and now has three UNESCO designations, in addition to Berlengas – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Caldas da Rainha – UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Popular Arts.