A Geopark is an area recognized by the Global Geoparks Network with geological heritage of international significance. The geology in a Geopark is linked to sites with interesting archaeology, wildlife, history, folklore and culture. Tourism industry promotion in a Geopark focusses on highlighting the geographical character of a place. Geoparks also inform about the sustainable use and need for na
tural resources, whether they are mined (like metallurgical coal), quarried or harnessed from the surrounding environment, while at the same time promoting respect for the environment and the integrity of the landscape. Compared with national or provincial parks which are often “top-down”, government-initiated projects, a Geopark is typically a grassroots, community-driven initiative that depends on local passion and “sense-of-place". Information can also be found at www.trmf.ca
