Review of the general meeting of the Swabian Jura Geopark on November 12, 2024

The annual general meeting of the Swabian Alb Geopark took place on 12 November 2024 at the Göppingen District Office. Chairman Ulrich Ruckh welcomed the representatives of the districts and partner organisations, while Jochen Heinz, First State Official of the district of Göppingen, conveyed the greetings of District Administrator Edgar Wolff and opened the meeting.

Ulrich Ruckh and Iris Bohnacker presented the Geopark's main activities and projects in the annual report from the office. Special mention was made of the successful UNESCO visit in 2024 and the renewed award of the “Green Card”. This award recognizes the Geopark's commitment to sustainable geotourism and the preservation of the region's geological and cultural heritage. The restructuring and establishment of new information points were also key topics. The Geopark Festival 2024 in Beuren and the first Geopark symposium in Steinheim am Albuch also received special mention.

Prof. Dr. Heidi Megerle, Chairwoman of the Scientific Advisory Board, emphasized the importance of the eleven geopark schools, which raise awareness of geoscientific and environmental issues among children and young people. She also presented the INTERREG project Danube GeoTour Plus which promotes cross-border geotourism and barrier-free offers.

The budget for 2025 was approved by a majority.

Iris Bohnacher reported on the intention of the German National Tourist Board(GNTB) to increasingly include Germany's eight UNESCO Global Geoparks in its international marketing.

The general meeting looks back on a successful year that has further strengthened the Swabian Jura Geopark and set the course for 2025.