UNESCO Geopark Swabian Alb at the 28th Geotope Conference in the Volcanic Eifel

Around 100 participants from science, administration, geotourism and regional development met in the Volcanic Eifel from May 21 to 24, 2025 for the 28th Annual International Geotope Conference. The traditional conference is one of the most important platforms in the German-speaking world when it comes to the protection and communication of geological sites. It was hosted by the Vulkaneifel Nature and UNESCO Global Geopark in cooperation with the German Geological Society - Geological Association (DGGV).

The focus was on current developments in geotope mapping, quality assurance and environmental education. Under the motto “Discovering geotopes and sharing knowledge - shaping learning sites of the future”, the importance of geological learning sites for education for sustainable development (ESD) became clear. Particular attention was paid to communicating geological contexts to different target groups - from school classes to tourists - as well as promoting a responsible approach to nature.

Prof. Dr. Heidi Megerle (Rottenburg University of Applied Sciences), Iris Bohnacker and Julian Stolz represented the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb. Together, Megerle and Stolz presented an innovative educational program that is being developed as part of the Interreg project Danube Geotour Plus. The participatory approach and the focus on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals met with great interest.

A highlight of the conference was the public evening lecture by Prof. Dr. Georg Büchel (University of Jena) on the new volcanic map of the Western Eifel. He reported on the discovery of previously unknown maars - a discovery in which geologist Sabine Kummer from the Volcanic Eifel Geopark also played a key role.

Fascinating excursions rounded off the conference: for example to the Meerfelder Maar, to geological outcrops near Berndorf or to the bubbling Dreesen in Daun. The Volcanic Eifel proved to be an impressive volcanic landscape with great geoscientific and educational appeal - and a living open-air laboratory that inspires.

Video tip @SWR: Scientists discover new maars in the Volcanic Eifel (german)