cyprus 2 - “unesco global geoparks – geological, natural and cultural heritage: a new paradigm...

“UNESCO Global Geoparks – Geological, Natural and Cultural Heritage: A new

paradigm for community involvement and the establishment of comprehensive

partnerships to promote the principles and objectives of the UNESCO 1972 and

2003 Conventions.”

Dr Antigoni Polyniki (Officer, Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO)

Email: [email protected]

A project of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO

and Cyprus UNESCO Associated Schools Network (2015-2016)

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mailto:[email protected]

UNESCO Geoparks: An integrated concept of protection, education and

sustainable development

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• 38th session of UNESCO’s General

Conference, endorsed the statutes of the new

“International Geoscience and Geoparks

Programme”.

• A new site designation and label of

“UNESCO Global Geoparks” alongside

“World Heritage Sites” and “Biosphere

Reserves”.

• Single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of significant

geological value are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and

sustainable development.

• Bottom-up, community-led approach.

• Geoparks use their geological heritage and its links to natural and cultural heritage to

promote awareness and understanding of Earth processes and key issues.

• Role of an area’s geological heritage in cultural and historical events, giving local

people a sense of identity and pride for their region.

• Geoparks support local socio-economic and socio-cultural development.

Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark: The oceanic crust away from the sea

• As of September 2015, Troodos Geopark, the first Geopark in Cyprus, has been included in the

UNESCO Global Geopark Network.

• Geological significance and ecological, anthropological and sociological uniqueness.

• The formation of Cyprus is directly linked to the creation of the Troodos mountain range, part of

the ancient oceanic crust that was formed 92 million years ago and 8,000 metres below sea

level.

• The most complete and best studied ophiolite (a section of the Earth’s oceanic crust) in the world.

• Natural and cultural features: impressive rock formations and minerals, unique endemic

flora and fauna, forests of exquisite beauty and high ecological value, striking architecture,

religious sites and historical monuments –including 10 UNESCO Heritage sites and

monuments–, cultivated farmlands and a vast array of traditional products, traditional arts

and handicrafts and a diverse range of cultural and religious events.

• The area falls within three districts (Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos) and includes 110 communities

with a total population of 25,000 inhabitants'. It covers the altitude from 300 metres to the

highest peak, Mount Olympus, which stands at 1,952m above sea level.

• Part of a comprehensive plan for the socio-economic development of the region on a

sustainable basis and through the valorization of its unique ecological elements, heritage and

identity.

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Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark: The oceanic crust away from the sea

4 © 2015, Μάνος Μανώλη

What does UNESCO ASPnet have to offer in relation to the fundamental goals within the UNESCO Geopark

Concept?

The Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO collaborates with the relevant

departments of the Ministry of Education and Culture for the promotion of UNESCO’s

objectives through educational programmes and mainly the activities of school networks

and UNITWIN networks operating under the auspices of UNESCO.

The Commission has a leading role in the planning of the annual activities of the national

UNESCO Network of Associated Schools, which include an annual two-day Symposium.

Since its launch in Cyprus in 1969, the national UNESCO Network of Associated Schools

has been committed to promoting UNESCO’s overarching mission of promoting peace,

solidarity and international cooperation in and through education.

Today, the 24 public and private primary and secondary schools of the network

promote UNESCO’s ideals by developing effective partnerships and innovative

educational methods and materials to better prepare young people to meet the

challenges of an increasingly complex, diverse and interdependent world.

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Acknowledging the significance of Troodos Geopark’s inclusion into the Global Network

of UNESCO Geoparks as well as the key role of formal (and informal) education in

safeguarding and promoting the natural and cultural heritage of the region, the

Commission proposed in 2015 the implementation of the project entitled:

“Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark: Geological, Natural and Cultural heritage”

The one-year place-based educational project was designed to be implemented mainly

through the national network of UNESCO Associated Schools.

The implementation involved the collaboration and input from various governmental and

non-governmental stakeholders.

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“Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark: Geological, Natural and Cultural Heritage.” A project by the Cyprus

National Commission for UNESCO and the Cyprus UNESCO Network of Associated Schools .


National Commission for UNESCO and the Cyprus UNESCO Network of Associated Schools .

Scope and objectives of the project

the overall goal of the project was to increase participants’ (educators and students)

knowledge and understanding of the history, heritage, function and role of Troodos

UNESCO Global Geopark through activities that are jointly developed and based on

real stakeholder input.

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National Commission for UNESCO and the Cyprus UNESCO Network of Associated Schools.

The main objectives of the project were:

a) to bring participants into contact with the idea of UNESCO Global Geoparks and

advance their knowledge and understanding of Geoparks’ function for conserving

Earth’s heritage – the common heritage of all humankind,

b) to advance participants’ knowledge and understanding of Troodos’ UNESCO Global

Geopark role in the history, welfare and growth of the local communities,

c) to provide participants with opportunities to acquire new knowledge, skills and

attitudes related to the physical and cultural characteristics found within the region,

d) to provide participants with opportunities to examine and offer new ideas,

suggestions and solutions, thus making tangible contributions towards achieving the goals

and objectives of Troodos’ Global Geopark,

e) to encourage and facilitate the forge of strong ties between local stakeholders and

other governmental and non-governmental organizations for the promotion of UNESCO’s

ideals and values and the implementation of UNESCO major programmes and

Conventions.

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Implementation methodologies and work topics

Within the framework of a place-based pedagogical approach (experiential

environmental learning, hands-on learning, project-based learning), the project’s

objectives were achieved through:

a) An introductory teacher training seminar organized in collaboration with Troodos

Geopark Management Committee.

b) In-school presentations entitled “Meet Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark”, organized

in collaboration with the Cyprus Geological Survey Department, Troodos Geopark

Management Committee and Troodos Development Company.

c) Experiential workshops organized and delivered in-schools and on-site in

collaboration with public and private stakeholders, including amongst others the

Department of Antiquities, the Forestry Department and Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

d) A national Poster Design Competition under the theme “Troodos UNESCO Global

Geopark”, open to primary and secondary school students.

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e) A two-day Symposium in the village of Agros (emblematic community for

Mediterranean diet) for 200 teachers and students from Cyprus and Greece.

f) A Structure Democratic Dialogue workshop for students organized by the Cyprus

Academy of Public Administration and the Future Worlds Center.

g) Production of short publicity films in collaboration with Mediazone service support

centre and the UNESCO Chair at the University of Nicosia.

h) The publication of a bilingual (in Greek and English) booklet providing a general

presentation of the project.

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Themes and sub-themes of study

The 24 primary and secondary schools participating in the project, were invited to focus on

the following themes and sub-themes of study:

Troodos Geopark Geological Heritage 1. Troodos Geopark rock formations

2. The mining heritage of Troodos Geopark

Troodos Geopark Natural Heritage

3. Hiking and cycling routes

4. Endemic plants of Troodos Geopark

Troodos Geopark Tangible Cultural Heritage

5. The UNESCO World Heritage Painted Byzantine Churches of Troodos

6. Medieval / Venetian Bridges of Cyprus

Troodos Geopark Intangible Cultural Heritage 7. Traditional handicrafts

8. Gastronomic heritage

9. Locally produced products

10. Wine routes of Troodos

11. Fairs and festivals

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Troodos Geopark Geological Heritage - 1. Troodos Geopark rock formations

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© 2013, Αναπτυξιακή Εταιρεία

Τροόδους / Χαράλαμπος Φασουλάς



Troodos Geopark Geological Heritage - 2. The mining heritage of Troodos Geopark

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© 2015, Μάνος Μανώλη



Troodos Geopark Natural Heritage – 3. Hiking and cycling routes

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© visitcyprus.com



Troodos Geopark Natural Heritage - 4. Endemic plants of Troodos Geopark

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© Troodos Geopark



Troodos Geopark Tangible Cultural Heritage – 5. The UNESCO World Heritage

Painted Byzantine Churches of Troodos

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© 2006, Γραφείο Τύπου και Πληροφοριών / Χρίστος Αβρααμίδης



Troodos Geopark Tangible Cultural Heritage – 6. Medieval / Venetian Bridges of

Cyprus

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© Τμήμα Γεωολογικής

Επισκόπησης



Troodos Geopark Intangible Cultural Heritage – 7. Traditional handicrafts

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© 2015, Κοινοτικό Συμβούλιο Ομόδους



Troodos Geopark Intangible Cultural Heritage – 8 Gastronomic heritage

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© 2015, Κοινοτικό Συμβούλιο

Ομόδους



Troodos Geopark Intangible Cultural Heritage – 9. Locally produced products

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© 2015, Όμοιλος Κοιλανιωτών /

Μαρία Κοντογιώργη



Troodos Geopark Intangible Cultural Heritage – 10. Wine routes of Troodos

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© visitcyprus.com



Troodos Geopark Intangible Cultural Heritage – 11. Fairs and festivals

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Project planning and implementation: Assembling knowledge and resources

A project implementation design and schedule was set a) to clarify and describe what the project

would deliver and within what time-frames, b) to build a collaborative team and establish further

partnerships and c) to assemble the knowledge and resources necessary to implement the project.

Getting started! Introducing the project idea and motivating the key implementers.

• October 2015, Project presentation during the annual first meeting of the Secretariat and

teachers of the Cyprus ASPnet network

• An introductory teacher training seminar

• The community of Agros was proposed to host the Symposium (Cyprus’ emblematic community

for the inscription of the Mediterranean Diet on UNESCO’s Representative List of ICH)

• Schools from Troodos were invited to join ASPnet

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Getting started! Introducing the project idea and motivating the key implementers.

October 2015, Project presentation during the annual first meeting of the Secretariat and teachers

of the Cyprus ASPnet network, Lanit

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© Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO/ A. Polyniki



Listening matters! Retaining the bottom-up, stakeholder led approach of Geoparks.

• Bottom-up partnership approach. Local stakeholders participate in decision-making about the

project strategy and in the selection of the themes and priorities to be pursued. Stakeholder

participation extended throughout the implementation process.

• December 2015, meeting amongst main stakeholders in Agros to discuss the content and

delivery of the project.

• Local practices, knowledge, skills and materials utilized in the design and delivery of the project.

• Establishment of a small cross-departmental working team to carry out decisions and execute

the working plan.

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Listening matters! Retaining the bottom-up, stakeholder led approach of Geoparks.

December 2015, meeting amongst main stakeholders in Agros to discuss the content and delivery of

the project.

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© Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO / A. Polyniki



Aiming for best results! Partnering to share knowledge and resources.

• Utilizing the Commission’s extensive network of friends and collaborators (governmental and

non-governmental).

• Invitations sent to relevant government departments, local authorities, private organizations and

institutions, as well as individuals, asking them to support the project, either through funding,

assistance, guidance, relevant material, on-site and in-classroom training, seminars, workshops or

sightseeing tours.

• Collaborators: Agros Community Council, Agros Youth Group, Agros Secondary School,

Antiquities Department, Cyprus Academy of Public Administration, Cyprus Food Virtual Museum,

Plumed Bread Museum, Cyprus Tourism Organization, Forestry Department, Geological Survey

Department, Troodos Development Company, Troodos Geopark Visitors Centre, Troodos

Regional Board of Tourism, Tsiakkas winery in Pelendri, traditional products workshops and

companies in Agros, UNESCO Chair at the University of Nicosia and Media Zone Centre at the

University of Nicosia, and OPAP Cyprus Ltd.

• In addition, a number of ICH experts and practitioners supported the project.

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Aiming for best results! Partnering to share knowledge and resources.

March 2016, members of Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, Cyprus ASPnet, Future Worlds

Centre and Cyprus Academy of Public Administration during the final day of the symposium in

Agros.

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© Θάσος Θεοδοσίου



From ideas to action! Key project activities.

Throughout the school year, participants had the opportunity to participate in a range of

activities, including in-school lectures and workshops, building and construction activities,

hiking and cycling excursions and on-site visits and workshops organized in collaboration

with a range of governmental and non-governmental departments and organizations,

including the Department of Activities, the Forestry Department, Troodos Geopark

Visitor’s Centre, and Cyprus Tourism Organization.

It is worth highlighting the following activities:

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National Poster Design Competition “Troodos UNESCO Global

Geopark”

In January 2016, the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, in

collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Geological

Survey Department and the Troodos Development Company, launched a

national a national Poster Design Competition under the theme “Troodos

UNESCO Global Geopark”, open to primary and secondary school

students.

The competition involved the following five categories: 1) Geo routes, 2)

Flora and Fauna, 3) UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 4) People and

Traditions, and 5) Geotourism, Ecotourism, Agrotourism and Farming.

More than 150 students from 28 primary and secondary schools of

Cyprus sent their design. Awards were presented during the opening

ceremony of the Annual two-day Symposium of Cyprus ASPnet, in

March 2016, in Agros.

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“Meet the Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark” in-school

seminars

In February and March 2016, the Cyprus National

Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the Geological

Survey Department and Troodos Development Company,

organized in-school seminars entitled “Meet Troodos UNESCO

Global Geopark”. The seminars, lasting between 60-90

minutes, included the presentation of audio-visual material

and discussion.

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© 2016, Λύκειο Αγίου Ιωάννη



From ideas to action! Key project

activities.

“Cypriot Breakfast” in-school seminars

In March 2016, the Cyprus National

Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration

with the Cyprus Tourism Organization

organized in-school seminars entitled

“Cypriot Breakfast”. Based on the Organization’s successful

“Cyprus Breakfast” Programme for

promoting the authentic gastronomy of

Cyprus through the island’s hotel industry,

the seminars introduced students to the

authentic gastronomy of Troodos region.

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© 2016, Αννίτα Γιαννή




“Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark: Geological, natural and cultural

heritage” Symposium

On 17th and 18th of March 2016, more than 200 students and teachers

from ASPnet schools in Cyprus and Greece participated in the annual two-

day Symposium of the network that took place in the community of Agros.

The Symposium’s Programme of activities included: planting trees and

creating a UNESCO park in memoriam of the Symposium, guided tour of

the Church of the Holy Cross in Pelendri, a UNESCO World Heritage site,

guided tour of a winery, traditional style bread-backing and decoration

workshop, traditional culinary workshop, guided nature trail tour,

traditional herbs workshop, natural ingredients cosmetics workshop, mud-

brick construction workshop, dry-stone workshop, and woodcarving

workshop.

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© 2016, Λανίτειο Λύκειο

Traditional style

bread-backing and

decoration

workshop

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Student

presentations:

traditional dancing

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Locally produced

products workshop

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Guided tour of the

Church of the Holy

Cross in Pelendri

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© 2016, Cyprus National Commission for

UNESCO / A.Polyniki



From ideas to action! Key project

activities.

“Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark:

Geological, natural and cultural heritage”

Symposium

Structured Democatic Dialogue Workshop

The proceedings of the Symposium

concluded with the realization of a

Structured Democratic Dialogue workshop

for students organized by the Cyprus

Academy of Public Administration and the

Future Worlds Center. During the workshop

students had the opportunity to examine and

offer new ideas, suggestions and solutions,

thus making tangible contributions towards

achieving the goals and objectives of

Troodos’ Global Geopark. 47

© 2016, Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO

/ A.Polyniki



Getting the message across! Dissemination of project’s results.

To effectively disseminate and exploit the project’s outcomes, appropriate processes were

considered and designed at the beginning of the project. The work of the project was

disseminated mainly though the following means:

• Short publicity videos

• Videos made during the Structured Democratic Dialogue workshop

• Symposium Official Photographer role assigned to a student

• Dissemination of project’s work amongst UNESCO colleagues

• Booklet publication

• Meeting/party with trainers and members of collaborating organizations

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Getting the message across! Dissemination of project’s results.

The Mediazone’s team at work.

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© 2016, Cyprus National

Commission for UNESCO

/ A.Polyniki

© 2016, John Ioannou

© 2016, John Ioannou



Lessons learned and planning for the future.

“It is in the singer that the song becomes relevant”

(Robin Morton, 1991, p.138)

• Establishing a broad and diverse set of collaborative relationships and partnerships

• Sharing decision making and inviting local communities’ and local practitioners’ and experts’

input From public relations to meaningful partnerships.

• National Commissions for UNESCO maintain a wide and flexible network of friends and

collaborators

• Maximum realization of available resources and knowledge, inter-sectorial integration and

good planning.

• Educating and sensitizing relevant government and non-government bodies creates truly

collaborative, value-producing alliances

• Training teachers of all levels on UNESCO related matters can multiply the effects of initiatives

and actions and enhance UNESCO’s capacity to reach all segments of societies.

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UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS: A new paradigm for community involvement and the establishment of

comprehensive par tnerships to promote the principles and objectives of the UNESCO 1972 and 2003 Conventions.

Managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and

sustainable development, Geoparks have become an increasingly

successful model for shared ownership and collective responsibility

for promoting and protecting shared cultural and natural assets,

for the benefit of present and future generations.

Systematic exchange of experiences, cooperation and synergies

between UNESCO’s culture conventions and other UNESCO

instruments and programmes, can increase UNESCO’s effectiveness

towards the realization of the internationally agreed-upon goals

for sustainable development and culture.

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Thank you!

For more, please visit our website, youtube channel and facebook page:

Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO

[email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]

cyprus 2 - “unesco global geoparks – geological, natural and cultural heritage: a new paradigm...

Presentations & Public Speaking