Geopark and ISTE Continue Their Partnership
Geopark and ISTE Continue Their Partnership
At a meeting held at Schwenk Zement in Allmendingen, the focus was on discussing current projects and new approaches to collaboration. The partners also agreed to extend their partnership agreement.
How can geoparks and the raw materials industry work together to drive sustainable regional development? This question was the focus of the meeting of the Geopark Alliance working group on October 28, 2026, at Schwenk Zement GmbH & Co. KG in Allmendingen. Representatives of the UNESCO Global Geopark Schwäbische Alb and members of the Baden-Württemberg Association of the Stone and Aggregates Industry (ISTE) took the opportunity to exchange information on current activities and discuss potential joint projects.
ISTE is an important partner of the Geopark and supports its work. A partnership agreement forms the basis of their collaboration. During the meeting, an extension of the agreement was unanimously approved. This ensures that the existing cooperation will continue and will continue to provide a foundation for joint projects and professional exchange.
Insights into Projects and Prospects
Iris Bohnacker, the Geopark’s executive director, began by presenting the organization and its current priorities. She also provided an overview of the Geopark’s long-term projects and its network, which currently includes 25 information centers, 13 Geopark schools, and 42 Geopoints. The focus then shifted to the activities and projects for the year 2026, including the nearly completed geotope registry, which lists approximately 450 geotopes.
An important part of the discussion centered on prospects for joint educational and outreach projects. Among other things, a teaching module for schools is planned. The further development of the ISTE geokit with digital content is also taking place in collaboration with the Geopark. In addition, ideas for reviving the “Albschtoi” campaign as part of the 2027 State Garden Show in Bad Urach were discussed.
Bringing Collaboration to Life
In addition to the project presentations, the meeting provided an opportunity to bring together different perspectives from the geopark and the raw materials industry and to explore further avenues for collaboration. Open dialogue and personal interactions are essential for further developing the partnership through concrete projects.
To conclude the event, Erik Schleicher gave the guests a tour of the Allmendingen cement plant and provided insights into the on-site operations and processes.
The UNESCO Global Geopark Schwäbische Alb would like to thank Schwenk Zement for its hospitality, the invitation, and the stimulating exchange.
Info
ISTE (Industrieverband Steine und Erden Baden-Württemberg e.V.)
