application front8 - Novohrad

Transcription

Novohrad - Nógrád Geopark
Application dossier for nomination
as a European Geopark
Birth of the Pannonian basin - the last 30 million years
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K A.1. Name of the region being proposed for nomination as a European Geopark
The name of the proposed Geopark is
Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark. Being a
transnational Geopark, the name comes
from the Slovak and Hungarian names of
the County, where the proposed
Geopark is located. The emblem of the
Geopark
represents
the
Somoska/Somoskı Castle. At the very
foot of the castle marked the border line
between Slovakia and Hungary after the First World War, separating
communities from each other and artificially the landscape for 85
years. The castle stands on a basalt outcrop which represents
beautifully the human interaction with the geological past.
A.2. Location
Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark
is
located in Central Europe, in NorthHungary and South-Slovakia. It
comprises the administrative area of
63 settlements in Hungary (including
urban county Salgótarján) and 28
settlements in Slovakia. The
Southern part of the Geopark can
be reached by car in an hour from
the Hungarian capital Budapest.
Lučenec is the biggest Slovak city
close to the Geopark.
A.3. Surface area, geographical and human statistics
Administrative details
The total administrative area of the Geopark is 1. 587 km2 (1. 251 km2 in Hungary and
336 km2 in Slovakia). Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark comprises every settlement of two
micro-regions in Hungary (Salgótarján and Szécsény) plus some settlements from the
micro-regions of Balassagyarmat, Bátonyterenye, and Pásztó. In Slovakia the proposed
Geopark incorporates the southern parts of the districts Rimavská Sobota, Lučenec and
Veľký Krtíš, the settlements of Velických jazerách, Obručná, Pod Bučeňom and Medveš
micro-regions.
Physical characteristics
The area of the
proposed Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark is landlocked and dominated by
hills, divided by valleys and basins. The area’s varied history is
reflected in a unique landscape comprising rolling hills, volcanic
plateaus and lowlands overshadowed by volcanic peaks.
The peaks provided ideal sites for fortresses during the middle ages
and in the hidden valleys isolated communities maintained their special
folklore, consequently the human landscape is interwoven on several
levels with the geological past. The geological and geomorphologic
characteristics of the proposed area are detailed in Chapter B.
The two most significant rivers are the Zagyva and the Ipoly, the latter
forming a natural border between Hungary and Slovakia. The river
Ipoly discharges into the Danube, while the Zagyva flows to the Tisza,
with the Medves mountain acting as a dividing ridge. Several smaller
lakes and wetlands are to be found in the proposed Novohrad-Nógrád
Geopark.
Landuse
More than one third of the area is forested, grazing meadows and
orchards play an important role in local animal husbandry and for
harvesting fruits, mainly for local markets. However, the arable lands
are not very productive due to poor soil conditions. Although almost
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K half of the Geopark's area is cultivated, agriculture does not play a significant role in the local economy. Of the total area, proportion of
agricultural land in the proposed Geopark area is considerably lower than the national average. The largest part of this comprises ploughed
fields. The turf ratio is higher than the national figure, and kitchen gardens' ratio is also higher thanks to the many small villages. There are
industrial areas around and inside the bigger towns and most of the settlements are linked with roads. In two localities railways cross the state
border. Important parts of the whole Geopark are set aside as protected natural areas for future generations, where sustainable ecotourism can
be developed.
Climate
The climate of the area is determined by the low and medium height mountain ranges. The mean annual temperature is 8-9 degrees Celsius,
annual precipitation is 550-600 millimetres. Frosts are common both in the spring and in the autumn. Foggy days frequently occur in September
and October. The prevailing wind direction is North-West. On average it snows 50-70 days a year.
Population and culture
Small villages typify the Geopark’s settlement structure and in most of the settlements, the population is below 1. 000. Due to high
unemployment rates the number of population is stagnant. Approximately 150. 000 people live within the whole area of the Geopark.
Commuting to the Capital to find jobs increases migration from the region.
The region is famous for its archaeological finds, important type localities preserve traces of Bronze-Age cultures on both sides of the border.
Slovak and Hungarian citizens, partly as minorities live on both sides of the border and gypsy population stands high in some villages. The
Palóc are an ethnic group inhabiting the area and they maintain multicoloured traditions despite long-term changes in life-style. After the
Hungarian Conquest, the Palóc undertook the duty of guarding the frontiers but the harsh environment and the soil's low fertility made life
difficult. In the last third of the 19th century, capitalism made significant inroads; large-scale coal mining was established and new industries
sprang up, such as iron and glass manufacture. At the turn of the century the Nógrád basin supplied all of Budapest 's energy requirements.
The high rates of economic development gave way to stagnation in the interwar years but with the intensive development of the Salgótarján Lučenec industrial basin following World War II the region
took off again.
The area is an important centre for Palóc folk art. Hollókı with
its unique Palots architecture and environment is on
UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List, but other settlements
also maintain their own special folklore which is recognized
world-wide.
Industrial heritage and economy
Brown coal was discovered in 1766 in the Medves area. The
first industrial cogwheel railway line of Central Europe
operated here at the end of the 19th Century. The brown coal
was mainly used by the steelworks established in 1869. Iron
ore for steel making came from the neighbouring Gemer
county (today Slovakia), thus the Rimamurány-Salgótarján
Iron Works joint stock company was founded, being the
largest enterprise in Central Europe at the time.
Basalt was quarried in the area from 1878, in cubic form, it
was used for paving streets. The Medves-basalt was to be
found in the streets of Budapest, Vienna, also Paris and
London! Today the area is relatively poor in natural resources.
Earlier economic development was based on its brown coal
deposits but the Salgótarján basin reserves have been
exhausted. After the transition from the communist era the
traditional heavy industry collapsed in both countries and that
took its toll, the region sank into economic depression. The
area is still in a difficult position, and there are factors which
both promote and hinder its development. Its proximity to Budapest is an advantage. There are long traditions in industrial production and the
labour force is low-cost. Fully-equipped industrial sites and office space are available. There is however a great potential for tourism and the
proposed Geopark is rich in historical monuments and living folk traditions. The biggest economic problem is the relatively high level of
unemployment compared to the national average. The skills of the labour force do not correspond to the demands, marketable skills are low and
business and management skills are lacking. The development of new, innovative industries is hindered by shortages of both domestic and
foreign capital. In local GDP production agriculture plays a bigger role than in the national average. Industry is present to a lesser degree than in
other counties of the region, yet it’s important to stress the industrial parks created to boost the economy, one of which is located in
Salgótarján. Services in the proposed Geopark would contribute to the local GDP in a greater % than the regional average. The planned
Geopark has an international border crossing. The Salgótarján crossing provides a public railroad and road crossing. More than two thirds of
the region’s tourism accommodation is privately operated. In the proposed Geopark the number of commercial accommodation spaces is
growing. Half of all retail businesses and catering establishments were operated by individual ventures in 2007. Of the planned Geopark’s
micro-regions, only the Salgótarján one had 1000+ stores, which constituted about 5.5% of the region. In the proposed Geopark, the foreign
investment ratio is considerably worse than the regional figure, and it lags even further behind the national ones. Geotourism could provide a
significant boost for the local economy with immediate results as well as helping to preserve the territory’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K A.4. Organization in charge of the European Geopark zone
The proposed Geopark is managed by a cross-border partnership between two national organisations registered in each of the partner
countries. Each of the organizations will act on their own national territory and can apply for financing in their country. In addition, each
organisation will represent the Geopark with respect to their own national representatives, institutions and organisations.
This cross-border partnership will represent the Novohrad – Nógrád Geopark at the international level. It will ensure continued development of
the Geopark, co-ordination and implementation of all international relations and activities, including other international projects. During the first
two years of its operation the Geopark’s activities will concentrate around the headquarters slowly extending its functionality to the whole
territory of the Geopark.
Description of the joint Novohrad – Nógrád Geopark organization:
Each side delegates 4 members
for the term of 4 years to the
Committee, which is presided over
by a presidents and will employ a
voting system requiring a two third
majority. There are experts working
for the Committee, who may
represent the Geopark during local
and international consultati-ons. A
detailed explanation of the
functioning of the organization is in
Enclosure 2.
Description of the Nógrád Geopark organization ( Hungarian side) :
The Nógrád Geopark Nonprofit kft was founded by
the micro-regions, representing the 63 municipalities
on the Hungarian side and by private investors to lead
the administrative work of the Geopark. Its
headquarters is in Salgótarján. The director of the organization is delegated to the
Committee of the transborder geopark. The Nógrád Geopark Association represents
NGOs, universities, the Bükk National Park Directorate, tourism organizations, experts and
different stakeholders who are willing to co-operate on Geopark issues. The Association
delegates three members to the Committee.
The Association maintains close ties with the Slovakian partner and leads widespread
consultation among governmental and private entities.
Description of the Novohrad Geopark organization ( Slovakian side):
The Novohrad Tourist Information Centre
is the main Geopark office and the visitor
centre at the same time. It is located in
Fiľakovo and run by the municipality.
The office delegates one member to the Committee of the trans-boundary Geopark due to
the fact, that it represents the 28 municipalities of the Slovakian side.
The Geopark Novohrad-Nógrád Association is an autonomous corporate body,
independent of the political and state institutions. It delegates 3 members to the
international Geopark’s committee. Its mission and aims are co-operation among all of the
partners with the aim of sustainable development of the whole territory in the field of
tourism (geotourism) together with the preservation of natural and cultural values.
Activities and responsibilities of the association:
promote effective co-operation between the state, local and
regional self-government, as well as with international partners;
co-ordination of activities to promote tourism, including the
provision of complex services, information services and marketing;
co-ordination, preparation and realisation of Geopark
development projects;
fundraising for projects and association management costs;
the preservation of nature as the necessary prerequisite for
tourism development;
consulting, services intervention and provision;
organisation of activities supporting the tourism
development;
support and development of environmental education and
training;
-
informa
tion service and utilisation of information technologies in the field
of regional development
Membership: ordinary or honorary
Only corporate bodies can be ordinary members. The
membership is open, and it begins by giving in an application form
and by paying the membership fee.
Honorary members can also be a physical body. An
honorary membership is a form of moral reward for the long-term
work for the Geopark development.
The structure of the association:
1. The Plenary Assembly – the highest body of the
association, approves the statute and its changes and comprises
the members of the administrative board and the supervisory
board. It discusses and approves the annual progress reports,
approves the basic vision targets of the association and the
publicity and presentation activities;
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K annual membership contribution, decides about the end of the
association. It is called at least once a year.
2. The Administration Board – statutory organ of the
association, in fact the management of the Geopark. It has five
members, who are elected by the Plenary Assembly for three
years. It has to decide on all of the matters concerning the
association activities, fulfils the tasks given by the Plenary
Assembly, prepares the budget, submits the financial audit,
negotiates the agreements with other subjects, submits the plan of
the functioning the association. It contacts the potential partners of
the Geopark, fundraises the sources of project financing, and
communicates with other partners in the territory. The
Administrative board hires a professional manager for all of the
organisational and coordinating work.
3. The Director of the Association – is a director of the
Administrative Board, as well. This person is responsible for the
activities and financing of the association, and is elected from the
members of the Administrative Board. This position lasts for three
years.
4. The Supervisory Board – has three members elected by the
Plenary Assembly. It supervises the association activities, submits
the auditor’s report.
The budget of the association is prepared by the Administrative
Board and is agreed by the Plenary Assembly. The budget is
supervised by the Supervisory Board, who submits the annual
financial audit.
The incomes of the association come from the following
sources:
1. membership contributions – financial means obtained from the
members of the association (municipalities, microregional
associations
of
municipalities,
entrepreneurs,
expert
organisations, non-governmental organisations, schools etc);
2. financial means from various programmes, funds (E.U. funds,
community programs, cross-border co-operation, euroregional
activities etc.) or foundations. The financing will be realised
through joint cross-border projects (the recipients are both of the
national associations), or through national projects realised
separately in each country (the recipient will be one of the national
organisations), or through small particular projects concerning the
Comprehensive Strategy of the territory and realised by the
members of the association.
3. sponsorship – from various subjects.
4. direct incomes from souvenirs, advertising, admissions fee etc.
The partners and the expert support of the association
Partners of the association:
1.
local subjects: local self-governments, microregional
structures (Microregion Obrucna, Microregion Medves,
Microregion Velicke jazera, Microregion Pod Bucenom), non-profit
organisations, entrepreneurs, church, etc.
2.
international subjects: relevant Hungarians partners,
the European Geopark Network, other E.U partners
3.
regional and expert partners – The Ministry of
Environment of the Slovak Republic, The Self-government of the
Banska Bystrica district; expert organisations – the State Nature
protection, the Slovak Environmental Agency, the Regional
Development Agencies, universities, experts, museums, etc.
4.
euroregional associations: Neogradiensis Euroregion
and Slaná – Rimava Euroregion
5.
Geopark visitors – tourists, school trips, so called
schools in nature, thematic and advertising excursions, experts
stays etc.
The expert support of the Geopark:
For the Geopark development work, advise and help
will come from experts in various fields like geology, nature
protection, sustainable development, archaeology, history, culture,
techniques, education and training, ecology, marketing,
gastronomy etc.:
Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic:
RNDr. Jozef Klinda, environmental care, science, education
The State Nature Protection Banska Bystrica – Administration of
the Protected Landscape Area Cerova vrchovina Upland :
RNDr. Katarína Gaálová, nature protection
RNDr. Ľudovít Gaál, geology, Mgr. Csaba Balázs, biology
The Slovak Environmental Agency, the Centre for the Care of
Rural Environment, Banská Bystrica
Ing.arch. Anna Kršáková, rural development
Ing. Ivona Cimermanová, project consultant
Ing. Martin Lakanda, conception expert
Ing. Lucia Vačoková, demography, human potential
Ing. Lucia Skokanová, tourism
Ing. Alexander Králik, agriculture, folklore
Ing.arch. Stefan Galdik, Geographic Information Systems expert,
architecture
Ing. Vangel Atanasov, technical infrastructure
The Technical University Košice, Faculty of Geology, Department
of Geotourism
Ing. Bartolomej Baláž, CSc., geoturism
Architecture:
Ing.arch. Vladimír Paško, Ing.arch. Michal Kasa
The Banska Bystrica regional self-government
Ing. Peter Cibuľa, head of Division of tourism services,
Department of tourism and cultural heritage
Museum of Novohrad Lučenec:
Mgr. Iveta Kaczarová, history
The European Geopark Network
RNDr. Tomáš Řídkošil, mineralogy, Geopark Český ráj, Czech
republic
The Regional development Agency Lučenec
Ing. Michaela Hrnčiarová, marketing
Andrea Papp, regional development
Local experts:
Ing.arch. Erika Anderková, architect, project management
Ing. Peter György, building, regional self-government
Mgr. Attila Agócs, history, JUDr. Norbert Gecso, law and
legislation , Andrea Mágyelová, accounting
Local civil organisations:
The civil association Oppidum Fileck – the natural and cultural
heritage preservation, regional development
The civil association Koháry – history
The civil association Genius – information technologies
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NOVOHRAD-NÓGRÁDGEOPARK
B : Scientific description of the region being proposed for nomination as a European Geopark
B.1. Definition of the geographical region in which the nominated area is located
The territory of the Novohrad – Nógrád Geopark is a part of the Pannonian basin in Central Europe. The area spans from the
southern edge of the Western Carpathians to the North Hungarian Mountains.
some places, appears distinctly asymmetric in many
places. The highly diverse geomorphology comprises
elements including peneplaned horsts, erosional hillocks,
medium height volcanic and sub-volcanic mountain
ranges, piedmontal semi-plains, rolling hills and flatlands.
Significant relief, dense valley pattern with varied slopes
conditions also contributes to the topographic diversity.
Intense tectonism and highly varied quality rock lithology
have also contributed to the development of the present
terrain. Marine and terrestrial sediments are
predominantly Oligocene and Miocene in age.
In
addition, there are large areas occupied by Miocene and
Pliocene volcanic exposure. The sedimentary fill in the
fragmented basins generally comprises PleistoceneHolocene fluvial deposits with loess and slope-loess
cover on the valley flanks and hillsides.
The sidevalleys also share a similar asymmetric
character. Erosion processes are rather characteristic of
the western flank of the valley is characterised by
erosional processes. However, it possible that , land
cultivation may also be responsible for some of the soil
erosion observed. The valley is the most densely
populated and industrialized area in the region.
It covers the areas of the Cerová Vrchovina Upland and
the Inner Cserhát Mountain in the “Nógrád Region”.
Although the elevation ranges only between 120 - 730 m
above sea level, the morphology is highly varied, resulting
in a very diverse landscape.
The Cerová Vrchovina Upland is subdivided into the
following segments from the west to the east into the
following segments: the Mučínska Vrchovina Upland, the
Fiľakovská brázda Furrow, the Hajnáčska Vrchovina
Upland, the Petrovská Vrchovina Upland with the
Bučeňská Vrchovina Upland forming the northern part of
the region.
The Ipoly river flows along part of the western margin of
the Geopark and forms a section of the border between
Hungary and Slovakia. The Middle Ipoly Valley
represents a terraced valley-basin. In the Eastern region
of the Geopark lie the Karancs Mountain and the Medves
Plateau that link the two countries together.
The asymmetric basin of the river Zagyva separates the
Cserhát and Mátra mountains.
Within the Zagyva Valley, there is a marked difference
between the northern and southern sections. The valley
cross-section, which is dissected by high angle faults in
B.2. Full geological description (include all elements that demonstrate the international, national and/or regional
geological significance of the proposed geopark) Definition of the geographical region in which the nominated area is
located
B.2.1. Preface:
The geological heritage of the Novohrad - Nógrád Geopark has a special significance. The area’s stratigraphy represents
deposition over the last 30 million years commencing with the initial opening of the Pannonian basin. The geology of the
region is the product of a series dynamic of Earth processes. These processes include the collision of accreted terrains
resulted in highly complex volcanism spanning 20 million years, the destruction and reactivation of marine basins, burial and
the conservation of palaeohabitats.
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The outstanding geological heritage of the region is a treasure to both the inhabitants and visitors It’s value was recognised
even by earth scientists who started to reveal it’s secrets three centuries ago, when the geological research first began in
the area .
Historically the are area is very important in geological science. 33 of the 69 geological formations from the area were
described in the Hungarian Stratigraphic Encyclopaedia as long ago as 1852. 48 per cent of the type localities have been
described from the region, with research articles and monographs on the region dating back to the mid 1700s.
The Novohrad - Nógrád Geopark is rich in volcanological
phenomena, which offer exciting research opportunities
both for experts and a great learning opportunity for
laymen and students. The huge variety of volcanic
processes preserved in the rock record of the area is
outstanding. These include pumice flows, rhyolitic
ignimbrites, dacite and andesite stratovolcanoes formed
both in submarine and terrestrial environment under the
sea and on land, dyke swarms and laccoliths, a basalt
plateau which is noted amongst the largest uninterrupted
examples in Europe, deeply eroded vents of andesite and
basalt volcanoes, maar diatremes and not only columnar
basalt but also rare examples of slow cooled columnar
andesite.
The area’s harsh geological history has created a unique
landscape to which man has added his contribution. Cave
dwellings were carved in the sedimentary rocks, the
crests of the andesite and basalt dykes and the rising
peaks of volcanic vents are marked by medieval castles.
Geological land forms and features are utilised for their
architectural value and geographical significance creating
a harmonious mix of the natural and the man made.
After the First World War small countries were created
from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, a new political
border cut the area into two halves, separating
communities and isolating territories. The logo of the
geopark symbolizes the Somoska castle, which was built
on a peak of columnar basalt.
The border line between Slovakia and Hungary was
drawn at the foot of the fortress.
The fortress, which once played an important historical
role, characterises this symbiosis of the geological and
the human historical past standing on the ancient basalt
rock with the famous colonnade of arcuated basalt
“organ pipes” below.
The creation of this geopark would provide a great
opportunity for geotourism, with several of its geosites
already having self-guided trails, an underground mining
museum and its most famous geosite, and the European
Diploma holding Ipolytarnóc Fossils Nature Conservation
Area that has been running guided tours on its geological
trail since 1986.
The geological heritage of the territory would make a
huge contribution to this region. The creation of a
transboundary Geopark initiative, will reunite both people
and landscape.
The conservation situation of important geological assets of the geopark
The proposed geopark has the following natural resources within it’s boundaries. In accordance with national, county and
municipal legislation for both countries these are either protected or their usages are strictly regulated. These resources
include representative rock formations, caves, characteristic stratigraphic sections , mineral resources of the type
economically exploited elsewhere, , fossils, characteristic soil profiles, landforms and landscapes, springs and water bodies.
By endorsing the protection, scientific research and interpretation of the area’s geological resources the geopark can
contribute to various geoscientific disciplines.
Geoscientific Discipline
solid earth sciences
economic geology and mining
engineering geology
geomorphology
glacial geology
physical geography
hydrology
mineralogy
palaeontology
petrology
sedimentology
soil science
speleology
stratigraphy
structural geology
volcanology
Strength of capability for
contribution
weak
moderate
moderate
moderate
weak
moderate
moderate
moderate
strong
moderate
strong
moderate
moderate
strong
moderate
strong
Examples
ultramafic xenolith fragments
closed coal mines and quarries
swelling clay, varied regoliths
structured surface features
only redeposited glacial outwash
Carpathian Basin corridor
water bodies and hydrothermal waters
no exceptional crystals
renowned fossil sites
from metamorphic lithologies only contact ones
great variety of sedimentary rocks
Miocene paleosols and Quaternary soil sections
various cave types but absence of carbonate caves
type localities for several formations
good evidences of tectonism observable
great variety of volcanic types and bodies
The Novohrad - Nógrád Geopark seeks to explore and demonstrate methods and best practise for the preservation of the
region’s unique geological heritage.
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B.2.2. Geological setting
The period of geological time represented by the Geopark covers the Cenozoic Era. This includes the Tertiary (Upper Paleogene and Neogene)
and Quaternary periods and the Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. The classification of the geologic stages
within the region follows the Central Paratethyan nomenclature.
The plate tectonic evolution representing the initiation of the Pannonian Basin is characterised by the Savian, Styrian, Leithaian and Rodanian
orogenic cycles.
The various Cainozoic formations span the last 30 million years from the Kiscellian marine Kiscell Clay - Číž Formations, and the Egerian
Szécsény Schlier - Lučenec Formations through to Holocene fluvial deposits.
The detailed description of the constituent geological formations can be found in the Enclosures 5 and 6( Geology I and Geology II).
Mode of superposition of Egerian, Eggenburgian and Ottnangian formations in the middle part of the Geopark
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B.2.3. The Basin and its pre-Tertiary Basement:
Geologically the area is part of the ALCAPA (c.f. Alps-Carpathians-Pannonian basin) structural unit. Within this an older (PreTertiary) "base mountain" and a younger(Cainozoic) "cover mountain" unit can be distinguished.
The surface "cover mountain" unit comprises Cainozoic formations
and is part of the North-Hungarian and South-Slovakian
Paleogene-Neogene Basin. The deepest point of the basin is in
the central area, with some 4000 meters of sedimentary cover.
The southerly edge of the basin is made up of Pre-Tertiary horst
blocks. To the north the basin pinches-out in south Slovakia,
forming the foreland basin of the Ostrôžky and Vepor mountains.
To the west the Basin is bordered by high-lying areas of
Mesozoic block exposure.
Stratigraphically the geological structure in the east is dominated
by Paleogene and early Miocene formations. In the central zone
by a full Oligocene section with some Early Miocene and
complete Middle Miocene sections.
The southern zone is dominated by Late Miocene suites including
the Pannonian and Pontian Formations. The central zone gave
way to the development of masses of andesite volcanoes in the
Cserhát and West-Mátra Mountains. On the northern part of the
geopark, young Pliocene basalts rose to the surface along the
fracture lines. The basin structure is largely dominated by ditchand-horst structures with a lot of fractures and faults.
The most common rock types in the group of formations -classified as Ipoly Complex due to their complicated lithological
and geological constitution -- are varieties of mica schist. The
biotite paragneiss is also common. Further varieties are: phyllite,
fillowite, microgneiss, greenschist and amphibolite seams. As
these are all metamorphic formations, their age can be determined
by means of a radiothermic test. The results suggest that the age
of metamorphosis is 96 and 116 million years, the Cretaceous
period within the Alpian structural stage. The Slovakian data and
the retrograde metamorphosis (e.g. phyllonite) imply that the
metamorphosis is older than the Alpian structure system: the
Variscian or late Palaeozoic metamorphosis, belonging to about a
308–369 million year-old metamorphic period. This theory is
reinforced by investigations based on rocks discovered by
exploratory drillings that localize the Ipoly Complex on the Slovak
side, yet separating the spreading of abyssal intrusive, granitoid
formations as independent units.
Also, distinguishable are the continental Permian, sometimes
carbonic formations that overlie the crystalline formations by
means of erosional discordance; and finally, the zone of marine
Triassic carbonic formations, which had eroded from Hungarian
territories long before the late Palaeogene.
.
The evolution of the whole younger basin was determined by its
pre-Cainozoic basement, the "base mountain", which has a
complex built up of accreted terrains.
The base mountain unit can be classified into a crystalline
(metamorphic Palaeozoic) subunit and another subunit comprising
non metamorphosed Mesozoic formations.
These form two distinct structural units. The crystalline formations
comprising parts of the Veporicum and the Mesozoic formations
forming eastern edge of the Transdanubian sub-unit of the Pelso
mountains. The two structural units are separated by the Diósjenı
line.
The Veporicum, which contains the oldest formations in the area,
has a unit called Tatricum all along the Čertovica line. The
structure of this unit is similar to that of the Veporicum, which is
broken into a northern and a southern veporic zone by the
Pohorela upcast line.
In Hungary, there are no Veporicum formations on the surface.
Their limited subsurface appearance is covered by younger
sediments and volcanic formations of the Southern Veporicum.
Their thickness varies from a few to 1500 meters. On the Slovak
side, drillings discovered various levels of the Veporicum quite
close to the border and upon the surface.
8
The eastern border of the Ipoly Complex can be a tectonic line
along Ipolytarnóc–Lırinci, east of which the bottom of the
Palaeogenic basin is constituted from Palaeozoic formations of the
Gemer-Bükk unit, containing argillite, sandstone and limestone.
The Gemericum may intrude the Veporicum on the north-west
side of the Diósjenı line.
The newest data on the basement were gained from the borehole
of Rapovce in 2007, showing the existence of Triassic carbonates
under the surface, close to Ipolytarnóc.
Explanation: 1- Quaternary; 2 - Lipovany Beds, Fiľakovo
Formation; Eggenburgian; 3 - Szécsény Schlier, Lučenec
Formation, Egerian; 4 - Panica Beds, Kiscellian; 5 - Rapovce
Beds, Číž Formation; 6 - Lenártovce Beds; 7 - Blh Beds, Číž
Formation, Kiscellian; 8 - Dachstein Dolomitic Limestone and
Dolomite, Upper Triassic; 9 - Dolomite complex, Middle and Upper
Triassic.
B.2.4. The Cenozoic volcanism: construction, destruction and natural beauties
Devastating pumiceous ash-flows, submarine and subaerial lava flows, one of Europe's largest coherent lava plateaus,
exposed subvolcanic bodies and volcanic vents, maars, diatremes, "petrified" gas bubbles, lava spatters, platy and columnar
jointed basalts and andesites including a unique “andesite-slide”, garnet in the volcanic rocks and fragments from the upper
mantle!
The area of the planned Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark
presents various volcanological phenomena. These are
strongly linked with cultural and historical heritage of the
region. The area is natural laboratory for volcanologists,
but also presents a wealth of interest for lay visitors.
Here, the remnants of a 20 million-year long volcanic
activity can be found in a relatively small area. Due to the
strong erosion, the deep structure of the volcanoes is now
clearly exposed. The Geopark is - without doubt - an
excellent place to gain a unique insight into volcanogenic
processes.
Ignimbrites – remnants of one of the most destructive
types of volcanic eruptions
There are various types of ignimbrites exposed in the
Geopark. These deposits are formed when the mixture of
volcanic gases, hot pumices and millions of tiny glass
shards are rapidly deposited over the landscape, often
with devastating effects. One of these ignimbrites
conserved the track site of a 20 million-year old wateringplace, now exposed at the world-famous and European
Diploma-holding Ipolytarnóc locality. Here the ignimbrite
has resulted in a Pompeian-style preservation of petrified
trees, crops and fruits, remnants of leaves, charcoal
fragments.
Charcoal fragments in the ignimbrite at Ipolytarnóc: a petrified
tale about a catastrophic volcanic eruption and the ancient
forested watering place
Not too far away another ignimbrite blanket has been deeply eroded creating a classic spectacular badlands topography.
9
Badland at Kazár: various natural forms in a strongly eroded ignimbrite plateau
What is inside a devastating ignimbrite? Spongy pumice fragments, smaller and larger crystals, incorporated rock chips and many-many tiny
glass shards, which represent fragments of the exploded magma (left). The concentric structure of a plagioclase phenocryst, like the treerings, records the development of the mineral, and contains a wealth of information about the processes active in the magma chamber when
the crystal was formed.
A couple of million years later, another huge ignimbrite eruption occurred in this area. Deposit of the Middle Miocene
pumiceous ash-flows filled the deep valleys, covered the babbling brooks and as a result, formed a desolate, steamy
landscape roughly similar to what was found in the Ten Thousand Smoke Valley after the Katmai-Novarupta eruption in 1912
Fehérkı-bánya at Tar reveals the great thickness of pumiceous ash-flow deposit, which filled a deep valley about 13 million years ago
(left). Well-preserved vertical gas escape pipes imply that the hot volcanic deposit possibly buried a stream active at the time. The hot
steam escaped through the loosely deposited ash, producing a smoky ignimbrite blanket (right)
10
10
A close look into the inner structure of andesite volcanoes
Large stratovolcanoes, or more accurately composite volcanoes develop mostly along subduction zones. They are classically
constructed by the alternation of lava flows and pyroclastic materials. During the Middle Miocene (13-16 million years ago),
andesite volcanoes formed isolated islands in a subtropical sea in the present area of the Geopark. The long history of
erosion in the area now presents an opportunity to observe the inner structure of these volcanoes in the Cserhát Mts.
At the village of Sámsonháza, a nice example of the stratified structure of a composite volcano can be intimately examined
and at Szanda, the feeder dyke of another volcano has been exposed.
Unique insights into the deep structure of andesite volcanoes: alternations of lava flows and pyroclastic deposits at Sámsonháza (left) and
columnar jointed andesite, representing the feeder dyke of a volcano at Szanda (right).
At Bér a particularly exceptional outcrop shows the curvilinear columns of an andesite body, which has cooled in very rare
circumstances and is a very rare natural phenomenon worldwide. This is the so-called “andesite-slide”, another unigue
feature of the Geopark. These curved columns were formed when the relatively fluid andesite lava flowed into a wide crater
or a valley and cooled very, very slowly. Contraction during cooling resulted joints or fractures perpendicular to the cooling
surface, i.e. to that of the surface of the wall of the valley or the crater.
The “andesite-slide” at Bér, a unique natural form of columnar-joint places this locality in a special category worldwide.
The long, curvilinear columns of the Bér andesite represent a most exceptional natural heritage of the Geopark..
11
11
A magmatic body, which could not erupt, but is finally exposed due to the strong erosion
In the middle of the Novohrad-Nógrád monogenetic
alkaline basaltic volcanic field, an andesite body rises
above. This is Karancs, the so-called “Palóc Olympus”. It
represents an igneous body, which solidified at a shallow
depth, but later it has been exposed as a result of the
massive erosion.
The reason for this being that this mineral can only form
only under special circumstances in a silicate magma. It
needs high pressure, i.e. lower crustal depth of
crystallization, relatively high water content and alumina
concentration in the magma. But these are even not
enough to preserve this mineral phase! The magma
should ascend fast without stopping in a lower magma
chamber. A particular geodynamic situation, a tensional
stress field and a metasomatized mantle source region
could fulfil all these requirements! The concentric
structure of the almandine crystals tells more about their
formation.
The so-called "Palóc Olympus" is an andesite laccolite, a
subvolcanic body
Although this is a common rock, an amphibole-pyroxene
andesite, it has a peculiar feature. In the grey, crystalline
groundmass, red, rounded crystals occur sporadically.
These belong to the garnet-group and is called
almandine. Such minerals in volcanic rocks are fairly rare
worldwide.
The rare primary almandine garnet minerals
A long-lived monogenetic basalt volcanic field with many natural wonders
The monogenetic volcanic fields form a special type of volcanic activity. They comprise many individual volcanic centres,
which were formed periodically in active volcanic phases interrupted by periods of long quiescence, often several hundred
thousand years long. The Novohrad-Nógrád basalt volcanic field started to work at about 6 million years ago and the last
eruptions occurred only 400-500 thousand year ago. At least six active volcanic phases have been recognized. The long
repose time between them suggests that recurrence of volcanic eruptions cannot be unambiguously excluded. The
Novohrad-Nógrád volcanic field includes almost 100 basalt volcanoes with a wide range of morphologies. These include
maar volcanoes, scoria and cinder cones, lava flows and lava plateaus, in addition to the spectacularly exposed volcanic
vents and feeder dykes, with their columnar jointed basalts and diatremes. Study trails around the volcanoes help the visitors
to understand these processes.
The Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark: where the natural wonders meet the cultural heritage: the castles of Somoskı/Šomoška (left) and
Fil’akovo/Fülek (right) are sitting on the exposed necks and maar volcanic beds of former basaltic volcanoes
12
12
The "Basalt organs" at Szilváskı comprise 20 to 25 m tall basaltic columns (left). “Petrified waterfall” at Somoskı/Šomoška (right). The
exceptionally regular curvilinear basalt columns place this locality in the special category of natural wonders, similar to the Devils Postpile
National Monument, California, USA, the Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, USA, the Organ Pipes National Park in Australia
and the "Organ Pipes" formation on Mount Cargill in New Zealand.
Cross section of the erosional remnant of a complex
basaltic volcano: Dunivá hora: 1. The products of phreatic
explosions: a) groundmass of dominantly sandy material
from the underlying sediments, b) blocks of the underlying
Early Miocene sediments, c) schist and granitoide
fragments, 2. formations of phreatomagmatic eruptions:
lapilli tuff with fragments from the underlying sediments and
rare basaltic bombs, 3. products of Strombolian type of
volcanic activity: basaltic scoria and bombs 4. spatter
deposits of Hawaiian type lava fountain activity: welded
bombs, scoria and lava fragments, 5. basalt dyke.
The Medves/Medveš (Medvedia výšina) basalt lava plateau is the largest in Central Europe. It is composed by platy jointed basalt lava rock
overlain by phreatomagmatic volcanic products. Remnants of cinder cones are found sporadically within the lava pile
Volcanological curiosities: Remnant of a huge gas bubble (left)
and a gas escape pipe in the diatreme (explosive vent; right) of
a former basalt volcano (Baglyaskı)
13
13
A "message" from the upper mantle
The magmas that supplied the basaltic volcanoes of Novohrad-Nógrád volcanic field were formed in the upper mantle at a
depth of about 80 km. Passing trough the lithosphere, they incorporated fragments, both from the mantle and from the lower
crust. The peridotite, pyroxenite and granulite xenoliths and the amphibole and pyroxene megacrysts provide a unique
opportunity to study directly the deeper regions of the inner Earth.
A close-view of an ultramafic xenolith enclosed by basaltic lava
of the Novohrad-Nógrád volcanic field: this fragment represents
the upper mantle, at about 40 km depth (left). Big pyroxene
crystal, a so-called megacryst in a basalt tells about the
crystallization history occurred at the crust-mantle boundary
(right).
B.2.5.Palaeontological importance of the Geopark
The rich fossil assets of the Geopark span the last 30
million years of the Carpathian basin. Most of the non
volcanic geosites represent fossil resources in abundance
as well. (Beside in situ fossil localities, important
collections exist in museums and depositories found
within the Geopark. For example, at Rákóczibánya, a
building complex stores -- beside eventual fossils -- the
North Hungarian deep drilling core samples of the last 40
years. The facility is run by an agency of the Hungarian
Geological Institute.)
From the numerous
fossil sites only the
two most important
ones are summarised
in this chapter, the
detailed descriptions
of the paleontological
resources are in the
Enclusures 2 and 3
Types of fossil resources on the site’s geological trail:
Shark teeth:
23 million-year-old sediments, the ooze once at the
bottom of a tropical sea, are exposed at the beginning of
the path. At the bay of a coastal zone the famous stratum
containing sharks' teeth was accumulated by the wave
action of an ancient sea. In addition to the sharks,
remains of rays, bony fish, bones of crocodilians,
dolphins, and manatees are also present in the
sandstone.
After its 1903 description by Koch, the 'Ipolytarnóc shark
tooth-bearing bed' became the characteristic, marker bed
of the Eggenburgian stage of the Lower Miocene in the
Central Paratethys.
Ipolytarnóc Fossils ( http://ipolytarnoc.kvvm.hu ) :
The most famous fossil site of the Geopark is the
Ipolytarnóc Fossils (H-G01 sign on the map and on the
list of geosites), which is a world-recognised “Prehistoric
Pompeii” due to a volcanic catastrophe, which destroyed
and at the same time conserved a terrestrial paleohabitat.
The 510-hectare large area is managed by the Bükk
National Park Directorate.
The site received national protection in 1944, and in 1995
it officially became a part of the Pan-European Natural
Heritage, when it was awarded the European Diploma by
the Council of Europe. Its inner core -- under the name of
The Palaeohabitat of Tarnóc -- is on the Tentative List of
the World Heritage sites.
Fossil tracks:
The outcrops of the middle part of the path are dominated by 2120 million-year-old terrestrial strata. Unique snapshots and life
traces have remained on the paleosurface, mostly in the form of
footprints left at the ancient watering places and fords. At the
excavations along the path, which accidentally winds over the
location of an ancient
riverside beach, more
than
3
thousand
footprints of 11 different
animal species have
been identified so far.
14
14
Leaf impressions :
Tropical rain forest foliage blended with creeping palms to
gave shelter to the animals. It was multi-storeyed and
dominated by palm, laurel and magnolia, as well as giant
pines rising above. The
drip-tips of the leafimpressions testify to a
wet climate.
The
predominantly
palaeotropical flora of
Ipolytarnóc is a remnant
of the flora inhabiting a
terrain that moved at that
time, on to much more
southern latitudes, from
Africa to Europe.
It
represents
an
environment and a vege-
tation that were alien to Europe at this age and did not
survive anywhere else on the planet.
More than 15 thousand leaf imprints have been collected so far
from the site
Petrified forest:
The area came to the attention of scientists with a
fantastic phenomenon
of nature. The Borokas
stream
exposed a
gigantic petrified tree
from the embedded
layers, and its trunk, a
40-42
metrelong
natural stone bridge
spanned the ravine by
the end of the 18th
century.
Its
fame
attracted
Ferenc Kubinyi to the
area in 1836, who
started the first scientific excavation of the site with that
very tree, which proved to be the largest petrified pine in
the world! A petrified forest rests under the cover of
volcanic debris.
Petrified tree logs along the geological trail
A volcanic catastrophe destroyed the environment of ancient
Ipolytarnóc 20 million years ago. The grey volcanic rock, rhyolite
tuff, which demolished the paleohabitat, contains the charred
remnants of the ancient vegetation.
15
15
Fossilised plant remains can be found on the Slovakian
neighbourhood, around Lipovany and Mučín, too.
The Bone Ravine:
The Bone Ravine – SE of the Hajnáčka village (SK-G01
sign on map and on the list of geosites) -- is the most
important fossil locality on the Slovakian side.
Animals got trapped in a Pliocene maar-lake and their
skeletons got fossilised.
Predominantly mastodons, rhinoceroses and tapirs, but
rare finds of the panda bear, remnants of monkey, hyena
bones were also excavated. First mentioned in 1861, the
locality was reiteratively investigated by renowned
palaeontologists. It is a type locality for NM 16 zone of the
European Neogene Biostratigraphic Scale.
Hyena Crocuta perrieri from the “Bone ravine”
Mastodon tooth
16
16
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K B.2.6. Landscape and the caves
The morphology of the Geopark is remarkably diverse and
characterised by peneplaned horsts, erosional hills, medium
height volcanic and sub-volcanic mountain ranges, piedmontal
semi-plains, rolling hills and flat plains.
The Ipoly river represents the borderline between the two countries
The Buda hill of Sámsonháza
Surface sedimentary cover ranges from eroded Oligocene–
Miocene sediment, and Middle Miocene lithologies that have
been gradually fragmented along faults. These deposits were,
then got tilted asymmetrically and uplifted during the Upper
Miocene.
By the end of the Pliocene, a dissected terrain had developed,
divided by deeply erosional valleys, faults and wide piedmonts.
Basalt volcanic formations also added to this varied landscape .
Intensive erosion and structural movements continued in the
Pleistocene, resulting in a dense drainage dominated by valleys.
The Kozárd valley
The hill ranges are generally composed of Oligocene – Miocene
sandstones and commonly feature distinct morphological features.
Terény, Budafok Sandstone Formation / Bárna –Szerkı , Pétervására
Sandstone Formation
Similarly, weathered sub-volcanic andesite masses and basaltic
volcanic areas produce spectacular morphological features.
The Central Cserhát, which is the core of the Geopark, has some
of the lower mountain ranges and hilly areas that are dissected by
valleys and gorges. Its morphology is mainly controlled by faults
and comprises eroded Miocene marine sediments and andesite
volcanics and dikes.
Sandstones of Tachty in the upper part of the Profile of Čakanovce
17
17
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K Szanda
Inner Cserhát
The andesite laccolith of Karancs Mountain
Sámsonháza Várhegy
The ravine of Felsıtold
The forms of basalt volcanism:
Basaltic forms dominate the middle and the western regions of the
Cerová Vrchovina Upland. They produce an interesting range of
morphological types and can be largely sub-divided along
petrogenetic lines i.e. cinder cones, maar-structures, diatremas,
volcanic necks, lava sheets and lava flows.
Eroded surface of rhyolite tuff near Kazár
The gorge of the Páris brook
The Salgó and the Boszorkánykı (Cliff of witches) / The Medves basalt
plateau with Mount Karancs in the background
The Cerová Vrchovina Upland
The Cerová Vrchovina Upland forms an individual crest on the
southern edge of the Western Carpathians. Its surface has a
remarkable geographic structure. Its highest point is Mount
Karancs at 725 m. Its low lying areas are the eastern pediments at
155 m that lie at the confluence of the Rima and Sajó Rivers.
The geomorphological forms seen in the Upland are controlled by
the underlying geology. These can be sub-divided into three types.
Those dominated by Tertiary sedimentary rocks, the forms
dominated by andesite intrusion and those characterised by basalt
volcanism.
The Ragáč (536.6 m) next to Hajnáčka is still one of the most
intact cinder cones in the area that has a typical horn-shaped peak
due to the intrusions of basalt dykes.
A view on the denuded cone of Ragáč from Steblova cliff
The Pagan Castle (Pohanský hrad) can be regarded as the
textbook example of the mass movements under the influence of
gravity that takes place on the edge of the basalt plateau.
Central ridges of denuded Pliocene sandstone ranges in the eastern part
of the Cerová Vrchovina Upland
The form of the andesite intrusions:
A classic example of an andesitic intrusive landform is Mount
Karancs. This exhumed andesite laccolith represents the highest
point of the Cerová Vrchovina Upland.
Basalt plateau on the lava cover of the Pagan Castle / Cliff structures and
spectacular examples of block-type slides represented mainly by slid rock
blocks, stony avenues, crevasses and stone fields
18
18
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K above former artificial shafts. Such caves, deriving from their
nature, can be found mainly in old mining areas or in old parts of
towns that are ensnared with casemates underneath.
Most of the non-karstic (pseudo-karstic) caves of the Cerová
Vrchovina Upland are in basalt or basalt tuff, but there are some
specific cases known where caves deepened into rhyodacite tuffs.
The talus slopes were formed
by the disintegration of the
down-slid
boulders
(the
southern slope of Pagan
castle.)
In the region of Pagan castle 31 caves are known. Each of them
was formed by the means of mass movements or disintegration of
The remains of a volcanic conduit(diatreme) in the Hajnáčka
Castle Hill/ The cliff of the „Owl castle“ represents a diatreme
formed by tuff fill, intersected by several basalt dikes
down-slid boulders.
The pattern of cave genesis at Pagan castle
Explanation: 1. the fracture caves deepened into the cracks on the
rim, 2. the wide fracture caves beneath the rim,
3. talus caves in down-slid boulders, 4. talus cave
A down-slid boulder on
the edge of the lava flow
of Belina
Caves of the Geopark
Caves of the Medves - Cerová Vrchovina Upland
Many of the caves found in the Karancs Medves – Cerová
Vrchovina Upland are formed in basaltic lithologies.
There are 71 caves known from the area, caves of eight different
genotypes.
Some of them belong to caves of rare genetic types. These are
the fumarole caves and the consequence caves.
Fumarole caves were formed during lava-flows and partly during
clastic eruptions, or during hydro- and gas-exhalations following
the previous ones. These are, actually, exit channels or chimneys
of gaseous volcanic products of high temperature and with a size
passable even for man.
The Cave of Mučín was formed by the mouldering of a tree trunk in
rhyodacite tuff
Caves of the Cserhát Mountains
There are 10 known non-karstic caves in the mountains. Some of
them were formed in Miocene andesite, alike in the case of the
basalt, but marine calcareous sediments also enveloped natural
cavities.
A conduit of exhalation at Ragáč / The Szilváskı fissure was developed
above collapsed cavities of coal mining a century ago
Caves that were formed as natural developments of former
artificial cavities (e.g. mines, casemates, etc.), mainly through
collapse, are considered to be consequence caves.
These are natural caves, because they were formed through a
natural balancing process of strains that accumulated in rocks
The Pappenheim sandstone cave
19
19
The Betyár cave
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K Artificial caves from the Middle-Ages
There are historical records of using artificial cavities of less
accessible cliffs on the territory of the Geopark either for refuge or
religious seclusion purposes during the Middle-Ages.
Caves at Kishartyán carved in Oligo-Miocene sandstone / Hermit
caves carved in calcarenite at Szentkút (Holy Well)
B.3. Lists and description of the geological sites present in the region being proposed for nomination as a European
Geopark
There are several localities with touristic interests within the boundary of the Geopark. (Because of the very high number of the surveyed, locally
significant sites and because of the available limited space, their enlisting was omitted from this document.) The borderline among the classified
groups bellow is quite flexible, changes within the enlisted sites are likely to occur and new ones can step into the front line in the future. Some
sites are cluster ones, different outcrops within 3km of the same municipality were drawn together under an umbrella name, to maintain
distinguishability under the given map-scale.
The sites’ basic classification – according to the territory audit - has identified three main categories:
1. geological sites or geosites (G) – are representing the geological heritage of the Geopark;
2. natural sites (N) – are representing the richness of living nature (fauna, flora) or uniqueness of the landscape;
3. cultural – historical sites (C) – places with archaeological, historical and cultural value, national cultural landmarks;
Some sites belong only to one of these categories, the others are mixed, they can have the combination of all kinds.
From the point of view of rank of importance, the localities can be divided into the following order:
1. sites of International importance (INT) – recognised as of international interests by scientific communities or bodies of
international organizations;
2. sites of National importance (NAT) – recognised in registries of national bodies;
3. sites of Regional importance (REG) – recognised in registries on regional or county level;
From the point of view of usage, the localities can be divided into the following groups:
1. sites without access - there are sites which - because of their high stage of preservation of biotic and inanimate nature and/or
because of their vulnerability or for safety reasons - are advised not to enable to the public. Also, some sites of private
properties are still closed for the public. But they are part of the Geopark, because they represent important values and
increase the importance of the geopark as a whole, and it can happen, that of new events their accessibility may change;
2. scientific sites– sites with limited access. Because of their preservation or difficult access, these site are accessible only to selected
groups or for scientific research;
3. educational sites– sites with geological, natural, cultural – historical importance are open for all target groups. All of these sites are
scientific sites, as well;
4. tourist sites – sites assigned for recreation, with or without any special scientific or aesthetic value. They enlarge the offer of the
Geopark as touristic destinations.
Enlisted geosites of the Novohrad – Nógrád Geopark
N.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Name of the site
The Bone Ravine
Somoska
The Pagan Castle
The Stalk Rock
Ragac
The Owl Castle
The Castle Hill of Hajnacka
The Castle Hill of Filakovo
The Profile of Cakanovce
The Sandstones of Lipovany
The Bukovinka Formation
The Cave of Mucin
The Rocks of Belina
The Sharp Rock
The Quarry of Camovce
Karanc
Mackaluk
Medves – Duniva Hora
Country
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Site
type
G
G/N/C
G/N/C
G/N
G/N
G/C
G/N/C
G/C
G
G
G
G
G/N
G
G
G/N
G/N
G/N
Importan
ce
INT
INT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
20
20
No
access
X
Scientific
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Educatio
nal
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Touristic
X
X
Identifier
SK-G01
SK-G02
SK-G03
SK-G04
SK-G05
SK-G06
SK-G07
SK-G08
SK-G09
SK-G10
SK-G11
SK-G12
SK-G13
SK-G14
SK-G15
SK-G16
SK-G17
SK-G18
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K N.
Name of the site
Country
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
The Siator Andesite Quarry
Bujar
The Headward Erosion
The Bore in Rapovce
Chrast
Zaboda
The Landslides of Tachty
Telka
Monosa
The Diatreme of Tachty
The Excavation of Mucin
The Big Hardes
The Basta Diatreme
Guda
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
Slovakia
N.
Name of the site
Country
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
Geological trail of Ipolytarnóc
Uderground mine of Salgótarján
Bér andesite
Nógrádszakál
Krétabánya-ravine of Litke
Egyházasgerge
Outcrops of Karancsberény
Eye-stones of Karancsberény
Salgó
Bagó-kı basalt
Kiskı of Bárna
Kazár
Baglyaskı
Etes
Schlier of Szécsény
Sóshartyán
Kılyuk of Kishartyán
Quarry of Salgótarján
Rákóczibánya
Clay quarry of Nemti
Hermit cave of Szentkút
Oszkoruzsa-ditch of Sámsonháza
Castle hill of Sámsonháza
Nádas-lake of Nagybárkány
Andesite quarry of Zsuny
Garáb
Quarries of Mátraszılıs
Road cut of Mátraszılıs
Dacite tuff of Tar
Stratotype of Kozárd
Pappenheim-cave of Buják
Castle hill of Szanda
Peres of Terény
Sand quarry of Szirák
New-well land of Buják
Nagyboldogasszony-spring of Ecseg
Old quarry of Cserhátszentiván
Gorge of Felsıtold
Dike of Hollókı
Dike of Szorospatak
Betyár-cave of Szentkút
Gravel pit of Ludányhalászi
Nyerges brook valley of
Szécsényfelfalu
Sand
pit of Mátraszele
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Hungary
Site
type
G/N
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G/N
G
G/N
Site
type
G/N
G/C
G/N
G/N
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
Importan
ce
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
Importan
ce
INT
INT
INT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
NAT
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
REG
21
21
No
access
X
X
No
access
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Scientific
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Scientific
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Educatio
nal
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Educatio
nal
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Touristic
Identifier
X
SK-G19
SK-G20
SK-G21
SK-G22
SK-G23
SK-G24
SK-G25
SK-G26
SK-G27
SK-G28
SK-G29
SK-G30
SK-G31
SK-G32
X
X
Touristic
Identifier
X
X
X
X
H-G01
H-G02
H-G03
H-G04
H-G05
H-G06
H-G07
H-G08
H-G09
H-G10
H-G11
H-G12
H-G13
H-G14
H-G15
H-G16
H-G17
H-G18
H-G19
H-G20
H-G21
H-G22
H-G23
H-G24
H-G25
H-G26
H-G27
H-G28
H-G29
H-G30
H-G31
H-G32
H-G33
H-G34
H-G35
H-G36
H-G37
H-G38
H-G39
H-G40
H-G41
H-G42
H-G43
H-G44
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K The Bone Ravine (SK-G01) and the Geological trail of Ipolytarnóc (H-G01) geosites are world-famous paleontological sites, their short
description is in theChapter B.2.5. .
The Somoska (SK-G02 ) and the Bér andesite (H-G03) geosites
Altogether 76 geosites were listed,
5 of them of international, 40 of
are unique volcanic ones, they appear in the B.2.4. chapter.
The Underground mine of Salgótarján (H-G02) is an in-situ
national and 31 of regional
mining museum, its strata represent the Lower Miocene
significance.
The
detailed
Salgótarján Browncoal Formation, a kind of stratotype for the
description of the geosites can be
browncoal seams of that time in the Pannonian basin.
found in the enclosures Geology I
and Geology II.
B.4. Details on the interest and international, national or regional significance of these sites (scientific, educational, etc.)
The region’s rich geological heritage is represented by the
Geopark’s geosites. The importance of these localities are
explained in the Chapters B.2.2 and B.2.3. The area has been the
focus of geological research for the last two and a half centuries in
the Carpathian Basin. (The Enclosure of Reference enlists some
of the important publications.)
The region has provided important type localities of geological
formations, and most of them have national significance from the
point of view earth sciences. (Those sites which are used only
between Slovak-Hungarian relations are still considered of
national significance.)
Cross section of Beduant through Mount Karancs and Salgó hill from 1818
22
22
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K There are 5 sites of international significance within the Geopark.
Some of them are considered by their merit as potential geoparks
on their own. For example the Ipolytarnóc Fossils was declared by
international experts such a one. (In 2004 the IUCN report (WHC04/28.COM/INF.14B) recommended that “the State Party be
invited to consider the option of nominating the site under the
emerging Geoparks Initiative supported by UNESCO and the
International Earth Sciences Union. Such status would seem to
certainly be warranted in view of both the level of importance of
the site, and the high quality of its management.”)
Of course a geopark is much more than just the simple assembly
of its geosites. Within the Novohrad – Nógrád Geopark a whole
variety of volcanism is represented, ideal for interpretative and
educational purposes. The Geopark has a tale to tell which
captures the mind. It is an ideal field for geotourism developments.
Drawing of Karoly Marko the Elder from 1840, depicting the collapsed
huge “stone bridge”(petrified pine) of the Borókás ravine (Ipolytarnóc)
B.5. Current or potential pressure on the proposed geopark and these sites
The region is in the regression of industrial developments: most of
the mines and quarries were closed and their land got
rehabilitated. Large scale agricultural monocultures ended by the
demise of socialist co-operatives 20 years ago. Tourism is still
underdeveloped: not much investment has taken place to change
the trend.
Nevertheless, pressure on some of the internationally recognised
sites within the Geopark already exists; it peaks mainly on national
holidays of the touristic season.
Although the most important natural and cultural resources are
already protected (see B.6. chapter), new challenges may arise
with the developments in the proposed geopark.
The compulsory management plans must deal with this threat. To
reduce the high pressure peaks, the extension of the tourism
seasons with extra programs and activities is already advised.
Linking the geosites and offering package geo-adventures can be
a part of the solution.
Those, still unprotected would-be localities which can be promoted
as geosites need legislative protection before the development.
Local municipalities should take the initiative of setting aside for
future generations those potential areas.
The Geopark’s advisory body maintains this preservation policy:
the dialogue between the stakeholders is the first priority, the most
important thing in solution seeking. Legislative force should be
applied only after that; namely, this is the secondary tool for the
conservation.
Easter Monday at Hollókı and Ipolytarnóc
B.6. Current status in terms of protection of the sites
Heritage conservation is built on four levels in both countries.
Within the Geopark, the Nature 2000 areas are protected
according to EU legislation, while the Protected Landscape Areas,
Nature Conservation Areas, Natural Monuments, caves, springs
and wetlands are protected by Nature Conservation Acts at
national level (Act No.543/2002 Coll. of June 25th, 2002 on Nature
and Landscape Protection in Slovakia and LIII/1996. Act for
Nature Conservation in Hungary).
At regional level the county legislations, while at local level the
municipality regulations protect the sites.
European Diploma-holding and Cultural World Heritage Sites
(Ipolytarnóc Fossils and Hollókı Ancient Village) have special
protection attention at national level.
The Bükk National Park Directorate (Hungary) and the
Administration of the Protected Landscape Area Cerova vrchovina
Upland (Slovakia) are the main stewards of the on-the-spot
protection of the natural resources within the region, where the
Geopark exists. The experts of both organizations have long
traditions on transborder co-operation and strong official ties for
consultations and doing joint projects.
Cultural Monuments and archaeological sites are protected by the
Cultural Heritage Act LXIV of 2001 in Hungary and by Act No.
49/2002 on the protection of monuments and historic sites in
Slovakia.
Each of the sites has its own management plan, which has to be
revalidated annually and reworked in every ten years.
Municipalities work on compulsory urbanistic development plans,
which also enforce the preservation of natural and cultural
resources.
The body of the Geopark Management has Memorandums of
Understanding with the main stakeholders on heritage protection.
The extension of the protection on newer sites is expected with
geotourism developments.
Signs indicating the protective status of the site at the border line
of the Hollókı Protected Landscape Area
23
23
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K B.7. Data on the management of the sites
different stakeholders under the umbrella of its own association.
The co-ordination is necessary for an effective network’s
establishment.
It is expected that after the initial period the Geopark organisation
will also take part in the field management activities in the case of
some sites where responsibility is neglected. With newly
developed sites may the whole management be assigned to a
strengthened administration body of the Geopark.
The structural level of how the Geopark organisations are built up
and how the transborder co-operation is solved are detailed in
Chapter A.4.
The level of legal protection of the site decides who is responsible
for managing it. The task of stewarding nationally protected areas
is delegated to the Bükk National Park Directorate in Hungary and
to the Administration of the Protected Landscape Area Cerova
vrchovina Upland in Slovakia.
Sites at regional level are protected by county or microregional
entities, locally protected areas are managed by local
municipalities. In some cases, NGO-s also take part in the
preservation activities at several managerial levels.
The proposed Geopark tries to enhance the standard of
management by taking the initiative of bringing together the
B.8. Listing and description of non-geological sites present in the territory that may be linked to the sites of geological
interest. These should include sites across the full spectrum of the regions natural and cultural heritage.
The regions of the River Ipoly and the Cerová vhrovina – Porimavie belong to the NATURA 2000 network of European interest. Important
ecological corridors cross the territory of the Geopark. The nationally protected natural sites mainly belong to the IUCN category number 5.
The area represents a kind of living landscape, where the natural heritage is - sometimes inseparably - interwoven with the cultural one. The
medieval town centres of Szécsény and Filakovo, the border fortresses, the National Shrine at Szentkút, the colourful Palóc traditions — folk art,
folk craftsmen, the cavalcade of culinary pleasures, the Ancient Village (Ófalu) of Hollókı, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites,
link the Geopark’s unique geological heritage with the rich natural and cultural resources of the region.
Natural sites of the Geopark
N.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Name of the site
Fenek
The Nature Reserve Water reservoir
Gemersky Jablonec
Cerová vrchovina Upland Protected
Landscape Area
Hollókı Protected Landscape Area
Ipolytarnóc Fossils Nature Conservation
Area
Karancs-Medves Protected Landscape
Area
Etes wooded meadow Nature
Conservation Area
Country
Site
type
Importance
No
access
Slovakia
N
REG
X
Slovakia
N
REG
X
X
Slovakia
N/C
NAT
X
X
X
SK-N03
Hungary
N/C
INT
X
X
X
H-N01
Hungary
N
INT
X
X
X
H-N02
Hungary
N/C
NAT
X
X
X
H-N03
Hungary
N
NAT
X
X
X
H-N04
X
Scientific
Educational
Touristic
Identifier
SK-N01
SK-N02
8
Mátra Protected Landscape Area
Hungary
N/C
NAT
X
X
X
H-N05
9
East Cserhát Protected Landscape Area
Hungary
N/C
NAT
X
X
X
H-N06
10
Sóshartyán Hencse Hill Nature
Conservation Area
Hungary
N
NAT
X
X
X
H-N07
11
Meszes-tetı Nature Conservation Area
Hungary
N
NAT
X
12
Verı-alja moorland
Hungary
N
NAT
13
Márkházapuszta wooded meadow Nature
Conservation Area
Hungary
N
14
Maconkai-rét Nature Conservation Area
Hungary
N
15
Kis-Sőrő bog
Hungary
N
NAT
16
Ipoly-valley Protected Landscape Area
Hungary
N/C
NAT
X
X
X
X
NAT
X
X
X
H-N10
NAT
X
X
X
H-N11
For the explanation of the abbreviations please refer to Chapter 8.3.
24
24
X
X
X
X
X
X
H-N08
H-N09
H-N12
X
H-N13
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K Cave dwellings were carved in the sedimentary rocks, the crests
of the andesite and basalt dykes and the rising peaks of volcanic
vents are watched over by medieval castles; geological forms and
cultural-architectural values are interwoven with each other. The
wealth of geologic diversity resulted in a strongly dissected
morphology.
The inhabitants of small isolated villages in hidden valleys
developed their individual traditional costumes, and they have
been devotedly cultivating their traditions for centuries. Every
small settlement has its own individual characteristics, a peculiar
smell of its air and a flavour of its cuisine ideal for touristic
discoveries.
Cultural sites of the Geopark
N.
1
2
3
Name of the site
The Archaeological Site Radzovce
The Roman Catholic Church of St. Nicolaus
in Nova Basta
The Roman Catholic Church in Gemersky
Jablonec
Country
Site
type
Importance
Slovakia
C
Slovakia
Slovakia
No
access
Scientific
Educational
NAT
X
X
C
NAT
X
X
X
SK-C02
C
NAT
X
X
X
SK-C03
25
25
Touristic
Identifier
SK-C01
Name of the site
Country
Site
type
Importance
No
access
Scientific
Educational
Touristic
Identifier
4
The Minor church with Monastery in
Filakovo
Slovakia
C
NAT
X
X
X
SK-C04
5
The Chapel of Biskupice
Slovakia
C
NAT
X
X
X
SK-C05
Slovakia
C
NAT
X
X
X
SK-C06
Slovakia
C
REG
X
X
X
SK-C07
6
7
The Roman Catholic Church of the Holy
Trinity in Petrovce
The Berchtold's Mansion with Park in
Filakovo
8
The Folk House in Kalonda
Slovakia
C
REG
X
X
X
SK-C08
9
The Local Ethnographic Museum in
Studena
Slovakia
C
REG
X
X
X
SK-C09
10
Hollókı Ancient Village
Hungary
C/N
INT
X
X
X
H-C01
11
Alsótold / Belfry
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C02
12
Bér / Old peasant houses
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C03
13
Bokor / Cemetery ruins
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C04
14
Buják / Castle-hill
Hungary
C/N
NAT
X
X
X
H-C05
15
Cered / Churchyard
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C06
16
Cserhátszentiván / Bell tower
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C07
17
Ecseg / Ilona castle
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C08
18
Etes / Palóc house
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C09
19
Felsıtold / Peasant houses
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C10
20
Herencsény / Spinner house
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C11
21
Karancsság/ Prónay mansion
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C12
22
Kazár / Palóc peasant house
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C13
23
Kozárd / Pogányvár
Hungary
C/G
NAT
X
X
X
H-C14
24
Mátraszılıs / Motte-and-bailey
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C15
25
Mátraverebély / Church
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C16
26
Mátraverebély / Szentkút monastery
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C17
27
Nagylóc / Church
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C18
28
Nógrádsipek / Church
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C19
29
Piliny / Peasant cellar row
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C20
30
Rimó / Village museum
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C21
31
Ságújfalu / Kubinyi mansion
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C22
32
Salgótarján / Salgó fortress
Hungary
C/G
NAT
X
X
X
H-C23
33
Salgótarján / Baglyaskı fortress
Hungary
C/G
NAT
X
X
X
H-C24
34
Sámsonháza / Fejérkı fortress
Hungary
C/G
NAT
X
X
X
H-C25
35
Szanda / Fortress
Hungary
C/G
NAT
X
X
X
H-C26
36
Szécsény / Forgách mansion
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C27
37
Szécsény / Benzúr mansion
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C28
38
Szirák / Róth-Teleki – Dégenfeld mansion
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C29
39
Tar / Saint Michael Church
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C30
40
Terény / Old peasant houses
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C31
41
Varsány / Village museum
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C32
42
Nagybátony / Maconka church
Hungary
C
NAT
X
X
X
H-C33
43
Kisterenye / Castle park
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C34
44
Nemti / Church
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C35
45
Lucfalva / Village house
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C36
46
Márkháza / Old peasant houses
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C37
47
Mátraszele / Statue of Saint John of
Nepomuk
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C38
48
Nógrádmegyer / Topolcsány house
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C39
26
26
Name of the site
Country
Site
type
Importance
Hungary
C/G
No
access
Scientific
Educational
Touristic
Identifier
REG
X
X
X
H-C40
49
Nógrádszakál / Kálvária
50
Salgótarján / Stefan tunnel
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C41
51
Salgótarján / Rónafalu house
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C42
52
Salgótarján-Zagyvaróna / Zagyvafı fortress
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C43
53
Somoskıújfalu / Petıfi hut
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C44
54
Sóshartyán / Village museum
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C45
55
Szalmatercs / Cross
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C46
56
Szilaspogony / Church
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C47
57
Tar/ Stupa
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C48
58
Vizslás / Village house
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C49
59
Zabar / Church
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C50
60
Vizslás / Kökényes-valley
Hungary
C/N
REG
X
X
X
H-C51
61
Varsány / Willow of Táb
Hungary
C/N
REG
X
X
X
H-C52
62
Terény / Szent-Györgyi Albert memorial
park
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C53
63
Tar / Tuzson-arboretum
Hungary
C/N
REG
X
X
X
H-C54
64
Tar / Csevice-spring
Hungary
C/N
REG
X
X
X
H-C55
65
Szirák / Castle park
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C56
66
Salgótarján / Pocik fortress
Hungary
C/N
REG
X
X
X
H-C57
67
Nógrádsipek / Dobos well
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C58
68
Mátraverebély / Oak of Forró-kút
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C59
69
Ludányhalászi / Castle park
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C60
70
Lucfalva / Krakkópuszta dancing ground
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C61
71
Litke / Millenium grove
Hungary
C/N
REG
X
X
X
H-C62
72
Karancslapujtı / Park
Hungary
C
REG
X
X
X
H-C63
73
Herencsény / Arethusa-spring
Hungary
C/N
REG
X
X
X
H-C64
74
Buják / Egidius-spring
Hungary
C/N
REG
X
X
X
H-C65
75
Bárna /Spring of the Bárna-stream
Hungary
C/N
REG
X
X
X
H-C66
For the explanation of the abbreviations please refer to Chapter 8.3.
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K C : Arguments for nominating the region as a European Geopark
C.1. Comprehensive analysis of the regions potential for the development of economically sustainable geotourism
The region’s tourism potential has been analysed several times in both countries. The proposed Geopark’s geological assets, natural and
historical attractions were systematically investigated in 2007. Due to internationally recognized sites, like the European Diploma-holding
Ipolytarnóc Fossils and the Cultural World Heritage enlisted Hollókő Ancient Village, the Geopark’s capability for economically sustainable
geotourism is considerably fair.
Catchment area
The prospective Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark can be reached in an hour by car from the Hungarian capital Budapest. More than three million
people live within this one-hour driving distance, making it possible to make one-day visits.
Transport
Nearest international airports are Budapest-Ferihegy (89 km) and
Sliač (74 km). Budapest-Ferihegy received over 50.000 scheduled
flights and more than 3.5 million passengers in 2008. Airport Sliač
serves predominantly to charter and national flights.
There are two border crossing facilities in the area Geoaprk
between Hungary and Slovakia: Somoskőújfalu - Siatorská
Bukovinka and Ipolytarnóc - Kalonda that are open for motor
vehicle crossing.
The Geopark area is easy to reach from the M3 motorway from
Budapest to Nyíregyháza. From the turnout at Hatvan, the
Geopark area is only 27 km on the thoroughfare no. 21 (being
continuously rebuilt into a dual carriage way). The thoroughfare
no. 21 continues straight to Salgótarján and to Slovakia, Fil’akovo
as road No. I/71, that is included into European network under No.
585 and that connects the road of Slovak national importance I/50
with Hungary. A more picturesque route is to take M2 from
Budapest-Vác, then main road no. 22 - Szécsény on the West of
the Geopark is 106 km away from the capital.
By rail, one shall take the line no. 80 and then no. 81 from Hatvan
to Salgótarján-Fil’akovo-Zvolen. Alternatively -again a more scenic
journey meandering along the boundary river Ipoly- is to choose
the Budapest-Vác (no. 70) and Vác-Ipolytarnóc (no. 75-78.) line.
The region is crossed by the railway No. 160 of national
importance Zvolen – Lučenec – Rožňava – Košice. The railway
Fiľakovo – Somoskőújfalu belongs to the international connection
Warsaw – Banská Bystrica – Fiľakovo – Budapest – Beograd.
Lodging
There are altogether 126 lodgings in the Novohrad-Nógrád
Geopark from small village bed & breakfast to four star castle or
wellness hotel. Guests can choose from 839 rooms to stay. The
number of beds is 3,278. One fifth of the lodgings also welcome
pets. 7% of lodgings are suited for wellness service and/or
conference rooms. 10% of accommodation focuses on hunting,
fishing or hiking tourism.
According to the statistics, the demand is shifting from low-end
accommodation to higher end services. Sensibly based on market
trends and needs there are two major investments in the making:
a four star wellness complex based on hot water spring in
Rapovce, Slovakia, and the reconstruction of the Hotel Karancs on
the main square of Salgótarján with great traditions into a four star
hotel. Both projects are expected to be accomplished by 2011.
Campings, pensions, hotels and hostels have the highest
capacities for lodging in the area. Most of the tourists stay in
hotels and pensions, the number of nights spent also reflects this.
The role of bed & breakfast and vacation homes has been
increasing in the last three years. The number of nights spent at
camping sites and (student or tourist) hostels is decreasing.
As far as national averages are concerned, 69% of guests prefer
hotels, 13% pensions, 5-5% campings and hostels and 4-4%
vacation homes and tourist hostels.
The price level of accommodation for a night is at two thirds of
national average and has showed slight increase in recent years.
Commercial lodging is prevalent in towns and bed & breakfast and
vacation homes are typical for the quite countryside, villages and
farms. 9% of guests stays at bed & breakfast lodgings and
vacation homes (exceeding national average), and this portion is
increasing.
Catering
Besides a wide range of accommodation 25 cafes and pastry
shops, 15 pubs, 10 pizza restaurants and 44 restaurants await
gourmands. Nearly half of the restaurants also offer courses of
traditional Hungarian and Slovak cuisine.
Tourism statistics
Considering the proposed Geopark area, one fourth of tourists arrive in the pre-season, 28% in
the high season, 16% in the off-peak period. More than 30% visited the area in the six months
off seasons. The relatively high portion of the pre-season is due to domestic guests. Tourists
from abroad usually have their stay in July and August (37%).
Almost 90% of tourists are domestic (at bed & breakfast lodgings and vacation homes it is even
higher), percentage tends to decrease slightly. The high portion of domestic tourists contribute
vastly to sustainable tourism, making tourist turnover more even over the year. Despite of the
high portion of domestic tourists, guests from abroad tend to stay longer. Bátonyterenye,
Hollókő, Salgótarján and Fil’akovo have more considerable guest turnover.
The spending per tourist is only one fifth of the European Union’s average. In the proposed
Geopark area the income generating ability of tourism is even lower then the national averages.
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K One of the reasons is lacking infrastructure: neither the quality nor the quantity of tourism infrastructure is sufficient. The number of high quality
accommodation is low, there is narrow profit margin on existing tourism products and attractions are far from being fully utilised.
Statistics reflecting the situation of tourism in the proposed Geopark area: • Overnight stays at commercial lodgings in Nógrád County in 2007:
94,097; • Overnight stays at commercial lodgings in the Novohrad-Nógrád area in 2007: 70,340; • Average stay of tourists in the Geopark area:
1.9 nights (lower than respective national data); • The portion of income from tourism is more than 12% of Gross Domestic Product.
Target groups
For operating the Geopark in an economically sustainable
manner, we shall carry out thorough and regular market research
and target group analyses. Limited research data is available
about the needs and wants of geotourists, even amongst those
people who know most about geology and geomorphology. We
suppose that the geotourism experience with traditional nature
tourism and elements of cultural tourism -creating a more holistic
experience- will prove a highly attractive form of “experiential
tourism”. To benefit from this higher yield niche, we shall
strategically market this model to older travellers who have both
the time and resources to make this model economically viable.
Geopark visitors are usually more sophisticated, well travelled and
discerning and generally come from higher socio-economic
demographics.
The Geopark as a tourism product is aimed at the following target
groups:
1. Families with children preferring more quite form of holiday.
They come for relaxation in nature, to bath and swim, lodging at
cheaper forms of accommodation (guest-house, private lodgings)
to higher end hotels; 2. People with high disposable income,
possessing a degree. Their children already graduated or are
before graduation. They tend to stay longer; 3. Students and
young people – their main idea to visit the Geopark is motion, fun
with friends, tourism, bicycle-tourism, culture, city cultural events.
They partly utilise tents, huts, hostels; 4. Organised groups –
school excursions, firm excursions, schools in nature. They need
accommodation with bigger capacity, lower prices and catering
possibility; 5. Specific groups – geologists, hunters, fishermen,
artists, photographers, other experts.
The Geopark as a means of economic development
The management of the proposed Geopark believes that the
Geopark title is going to have significant positive impact on
tourism enterprises of the area. Alone the mentioned two major
project (in Rapovce and in Salgótarján) is creating nearly 50 new
workplaces by 2011. The Geopark model is helping to maintain
these and to create further employment and turnover in the area.
According to estimations, with the Geopark membership, the
number of overnight stays can increase to 100,000 within five
years.
C.2. Description of the existing geological institutions and geological activities in the region being proposed for
nomination as a European Geopark
National organisations and transboundary management staff
Both in Slovakia and in Hungary duly incorporated organisations
exist for the management of the Geopark with two full-time and
one part-time project manager, enjoying the support from microregions, municipalities, enterprises and experts. Their coordinated
actions are ensured by a Memorandum of Understanding for the
“Novohrad – Nógrád Geopark” International Partnership. The
same “agreement” lays down the foundations of an eight-member
management committee that is the main decision making and
management body of the proposed Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark.
Besides the three project managers (economist, architects) there
are four experts (geologists, geomorphologist, environment project
consultant) and representatives from micro-regions/municipalities.
The detailed description of the management structure is to be
found in Chapter A.4.
Partnerships with micro-regions and municipalities
Five micro regions are fully or partly included in the area of the
proposed Geopark in Hungary (Salgótarján and Szécsény,
furthermore Balassagyarmat, Bátonyterenye and Pásztó
respectively). In Slovakia three micro regional associations are
included: MR Obručná, MR Medveš and MR pri Velických
jazerách.
Institutions
Our partners from the European Centre for Nature Conservation,
the Bükk National Park Directorate, The Slovak Environmental
Agency, Centre for the Care of Rural Environment, Banská
Bystrica and the State Nature Protection, Slovak Caves
Administration has been the key to prepare the existence of the
proposed Geopark. They continue to participate in the decision
making and management of the Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark, also
as delegated members of the Committee.
A partnership agreement with the Geotourism Faculty of the
University in Kosice helps professional work and also contributes
to the wider publicity and awareness of the proposed Geopark
among professors and young people.
Presentations to young people and a graphic arts competition
(titled How my homeland used to look like and how I imagine it in
the future) had been part of the partnership with local primary and
secondary schools in Slovakia. Further programmes for students
are planned in both countries. In the middle term, a movie of 3D
animation and traditional film production is also planned,
introducing how the land of the Pannonian basin was formed. The
motion picture will be exciting for geotourists as well and could be
integrated to geography education of secondary schools with other
presentation materials and guided tours.
Currently there is a pending proposal for funding related to the
Fil’akovo City Museum. To enrich the already working partnership,
one of the dungeons of the Castle Museum would exhibit artefacts
and information related to the Geopark. Preliminary talks have
been made with the Nógrád Museum of History, Salgótarján as
well for similar permanent exhibition. Our partners from the
Karancs-Medves Nature Conservation Foundation has helped us
to promote the concept of the Geopark to the local people and
also to national media. Further cooperation is ahead in nature
conservation projects and promotion through filmed materials.
Media relations
A means of informing local people on the Geopark and also
receiving wider publicity are the papers and broadcasting. Several
articles on the Geopark were placed in the daily paper of Nógrád
County, the town periodicals of Fil’akovo and Salgótarján, or
national newspapers. Local and national television channels aired
films and reports on the Geopark. Printed, broadcasted and
electronic media is an important means of informing and involving
locals in the Geopark activities and of attracting tourists to the
area.
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K .
Study trails, guided walks and their interpretive structures
There are several self-guided study trails within the confines of the Geopark. The most favourable ones are at Ipolytarnóc, Fiľakovo, Šomoška,
Karancs-Medves, Salgó Castle, Boszorkánykő, Hollókő, Cserhátszentiván, Sámsonháza, Kozárd, Mátraszőlős, Felsőtold and Szanda.
At Ipolytarnóc Fossils guided tours are lead all year around as part of the interpretation of the site’s geological and fossil resources. Its visitor
centre has world-class interpretative techniques.
C.3. Polices for the protection, enhancement and economic development of the geological heritage present in the region with details
of existing policies and actions and those under preparation
The legal protection of the natural and cultural resources are detailed in Chapter B.6. Governmental entities are entitled for managing state
protected areas and part of this activity includes practices for the promotion of natural and cultural resources. The most important agencies on
this field are the Bükk National Park Directorate (Hungary) and the
Administration of the Protected Landscape Area Cerova Vrchovina Upland
(Slovakia). The Slovak Environmental Agency, the Centre for the Care of
Rural Environment also has responsibility in heritage preservation.
Formalising information panels and signs, creating and maintaining
pathways, running visitor centres and interpretative programs, publishing
documents for the public are all parts of management practices.
For example the Bükk National Park Directorate runs the Ipolytarnóc
Fossils Nature Conservation Area, where the number of geotourists
reached 50. 000 people in 2007.
Only replicas of fossils are sold in accordance with EGN regulations
County and micro-regional organisations, municipalities and NGOs, on their own levels, also
contribute to the enhancement of the geological heritage. The concept of development of the
economy and tourism while preserving unique natural and cultural values in an integrated way is
included in the development strategy of micro regions and urban county Salgótarján, in
conjunction with the foundation of Geoparks.
There are several websites available for the public with up to date information about geological
resources.(http://ipolytarnoc.kvvm.hu, http://www.bnpi.hu/int/?lang=eng,)
The administration bodies of the proposed Geopark hold together the different stakeholders in a
kind of network, in the Associations of the Novohrad and Nógrád Geoparks. The Committee of
the Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark harmonises cross-border policies, developments and practices
for the enhancement of the geological heritage on international level.
C.4. The territory’s interest in joining the European Geoparks Network
The representatives of 3 microregional associations from Slovakia (MR Obručná, MR Medveš a MR pri Velických jazerách), including 28 local
self-governments, 1 association from Hungary (Salgótarjáni Kistérség Többcélű Társulása), including 65 local self-governments, in co-operation
with Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic, Protected Landscape Area Cerova Vrchovina, National Park Bükk and Slovak
Environmental Agency started with preparation of this Geopark at the end of 90s already. An intensive co-operation has run since 1994,
especially in the field of project management, preparation and financing from the Structural funds. At the beginning of 2006 a common project
of Novohrad – Nógrád geopark was approved for financing from INTERREG IIIA Neighbourhood Programme Hungary – Slovakia – Ukraine
2004-2006 in total amount of 300.000 €.
The project lasted 16 months and consisted of three parts:
1. the preliminary phase - opinion poll in form of enquiries for public and selected groups of inhabitants will be realised, for the representatives
of self governments and organisations acting in the field of nature protection, depth interviews will be organised.
2. the survey and analyse phase – the overall target was a detailed evaluation and documentation of all sights of the Geopark, SWOT analyses,
a strategy of sustainable development, an action plan of Geopark realisation.
3. the finishing phase consisted a preparation of the programme of geopark maintenance and project results dissemination on conferences and
seminars
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K Besides this common project several small national projects have been implemented on both sides of the border using various funding sources
(Programme of the Village Renewal, Environmental Fund, E.U Structural Funds, SPERA – euroregional activities, various programmes of the
cross-border cooperation). These projects were aimed e.g. at environmental education, facility-building, presentation and education materials
and documents preparation, implementing environmental infrastructure, revitalisation of cultural and natural landmarks and values, public places
renewal etc.
Arguments for nominating the proposed Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark as a European Geopark:
•
The visits from trourists are relatively balanced, there are not any peaks during the year (apart from e.g. Easter Day in Hollókő old
village). This saves geological and natural values from being „over-visited” and enhances tourist experience (as it gives a sense of discovery)
and also makes tourist turnover balanced.
•
The area is currently not a place for mass tourism. Our Geopark concept focuses on the quality of tourism instead of quantity. We
wish to achieve sustainable tourism by attracting a high portion of returning tourists, by making them stay for at least 3-4 days and by offering a
wider range of organised programmes and local products.
•
The transboundary nature of the Geopark makes it unique: Slovak groups of people live in Hungarian villages (like Sámsonháza,
Lucfalva) and Hungarians live in Slovak settlements. The social, cultural and economic situation of this North Hungarian and South Slovak area
are almost homogeneous. A unified Geopark would definitely increase the number of Hungarian tourists visiting over to Slovakia and vica versa,
thereby improving tourism revenues on both sides of the border.
•
The concept of a unified transboundary presentation of geological values goes back to the middle of the 1990s when experts of the
Bükk National Park Directorate and the Cerova Vrchovina CHKO (Slovak Republic) raised the idea of a jointly established Geopark, in which
demonstration sites are strung along a spiral line. Since then a unprecedentedly thorough and detailed analysis and action plan had been
prepared on the potential of the area as a Geopark. Thus the concept of the Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark is well-founded.
•
Integrity of place: the geological, natural, historical and cultural values of the area can be easily integrated into a consistent and
unified concept. The Palóc way of life (ethnic group of the Nógrád area speaking a specific dialect and possessing a particular and valuable folk
art, architecture and cuisine) and the geological and geomorphological attractions strengthen each other, providing special tourism experience.
•
Market diversity: a full spectrum of lodging is going to be available by 2011 from private bed & breakfast facilities to four star wellness
hotels (Salgótarján, Rapovce close to Ipolytarnóc).
•
Tourist satisfaction: there are numerous sites of European significance in the area, therefore the promotion of the Geopark will be
credible and well-established: tourist will not be disappointed about their experience. This increases the chances that people will recommend the
area for friends and relatives and also, the portion of guests returning regularly will be higher.
•
Fitting into the regional strategies: the mission of the Tourism Development Strategy of the North Hungarian region for 2007-2013, as
well as the Programme of the Economic-social Development of the Banska Bystrica Region is to improve the quality of life for local people. The
main objective is to optimise the impacts of tourism on the economy, society and the ecology of the region and to strengthen competitiveness.
The strategy enhances the development of facilities for cultural and active tourism and also the implementation of thematic routes,
interconnecting attractions. The concept of the Geopark corresponds with the above objectives.
.
C.5. Endorsement letters from National Commissions for UNESCO
The endorsement letters of the Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark’s nomination, including the letters of the Slovak and Hungarian National
Commissions for UNESCO, are found in the Enclosure 2.
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K D. General information on the territory
D.1. Economic activity
Economic activity
The Southern part of the proposed Novohrad-Nógrád Geopark area belongs to the Northern Hungarian Region and accounts roughly for the
half of Nógrád County’s territory. The Northern part belongs to Banská Bystrica Region (Banskobystrický kraj) and the Lučenec district (Okres
Lučenec). Turbulent historic events and politics greatly influenced the economic and social development of the Slovak and Hungarian
communities living here.
The economy of the region has been traditionally based on agriculture and -from the 18th
Century- mining. The Rimamurány-Salgótarján Iron Works joint stock company used to be
largest enterprise in Central Europe around the end of the 19th Century having impact on
the whole area. There are only non-metallic mineral sites in the area: brown coal, building
stones, gravel and gravel sand, sand and brick clay. Steelworks, mechanical engineering,
oven manufacturing, glassworks emerged. Following the split of the area by the border
between the two countries, new industries like radio technology and mechatronics, cloth
manufacturing provided new employment to people. Following the change from the
socialist regime in 1990 most of the traditional industries closed down and there happened
a shift to commerce and service industries, including tourism. Furniture industry,
manufacturing of electric and electronic components started to develop due to foreign
direct investments. The biggest employers deliver to export markets, while the SMEs serve
domestic market needs. The settling of cleaner industries meant an opportunity for
landscaping and cleaner environment, nowadays there are only few mines in the region.
Foreign Direct Investment
Both in Slovakia and in Hungary the attraction of foreign investors is primarily managed at
national levels. SARIO Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency and ITD
Hungary Zrt. Hungarian Investment and Trade Development Agency have representatives
in several countries around the globe. Their aim is to seek and draw in investors, to assist
by their settling, and to promote the export activities of the two countries. They also help small and medium businesses in their search for export
and trade opportunities abroad. The priority of the area is to welcome middle or smaller size light-industrial enterprises that are clean, without
harmful emissions to the air or ground. Knowledge industries also enjoy high priority although there is only one college in the region, a satellite
of the Budapest Business School.
Regional Development Agencies
The main bodies of formulating economic strategies and channelling EU and national funding for enterprises are NORDA Regional
Development Agency of North Hungary, Regional Development Agency of Banská Bystrica and also the County Development Agency of
Nógrád County. Regional planning and operational programme formulation is done to fit the planning phases of the European Union. The North
Hungarian operational programme for 2007-2013 emphasises that “development projects related to tourism cannot be implemented unless the
values of nature, more specifically protected values as priorities, are preserved.” “Bükk National Park, Hollókő, Kelet-Cserhát and KarancsMedves Nature Reserves... constitute parts of the Natura 2000 programme. To ensure the protection of natural territories, they need stressed
attention during the implementation of infrastructural development projects.”
Businesses can constantly apply for funding to make their technologies more environment-friendly, to improve efficiency and production, to
lower their use of energy and to change to alternative or green energy sources. Every other enterprise funding programme of the mentioned
agencies also requires that applicants demonstrate the sustainability of their
planned development projects.
Municipalities and NGOs can also apply for various funding improving waste,
drinking water and sewage management infrastructure of settlements, for
rehabilitating polluted areas, for preserving and conserving living and inanimate
natural values. Communication programmes help to form the thinking and
consumer habits of the population focusing on sustainable ways of everyday life.
The North Hungarian region’s own programme is the revitalisation of industrial
areas, industrial parks, brown field estates and business incubators.
All the above measures influence the management practice of companies and
SMEs of the area (including those active in the filed of agriculture, forestry and
tourism) contributing to the formation of a continuously evolving suitable economic
structure. There is regular co-operation between Regional Development Agency of
Banská Bystrica and County Development Agency of Nógrád County to harmonise
development projects.
Chamber of Trade and Commerce of Nógrád, Slovak-Hungarian Section
Chamber of Trade and Commerce of Slovakia, Regional Chamber of Lučenec
The mission of the two Chambers is to help companies and SMEs to market their products in neighbouring countries and to assist their business
both in Hungary and in Slovakia. Their aims are mainly put into practice by publications, consultations, events and conferences. One of the
latest programme also involving the proposed Geopark was held just a few kilometres away from Somoskő castle, titled “Opportunities of
tourism in the Hungarian-Slovakian border region” on 14th of October 2008. Ing.arch. Erika Anderková from the Association z. p. o. Geopark
Novohrad - Nógrád presented the concept and opportunities of the Geopark to more than fifty tourism enterprises and experts.
The chambers organise training programmes to enterprises on quality management, funding possibilities and inform members on changing legal
environment of Hungary and the EU. The co-operation with the mentioned Chambers is regular.
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K Euroregion Neogradiensis
Región NEOGRADIENSIS, Lučenec and NEOGRADIENSIS Régió Egyesület established the Euroregion in 2000 that incorporates the area of
the one-time Nógrád County. Its six programmes aim at improving communication and communal infrastructure, cross-border business
relations, education, culture and sport, and at the joint conservation of natural and built environment. The Euroregion facilitates the co-operation
between the public and the private sector, promoting principles of sustainability.
Micro regional and municipal strategic plans
Both for Fil’akovo and Salgótarján towns the Geopark is a flagship project. Their strategic plans contain provisions regarding the integrated
development of the economy and tourism with the conservation of natural and cultural values. Micro regions and municipalities established
and/or joined the national Geopark organisations and accepted the principles of managing the area according to EGN and GGN guidance.
Foundations, NGOs
To improve the performance of SMEs there is a co-operation between business incubators NMRVA (Enterprise Promotion Foundation of
Nógrád) and TECTUM, n.o. (business incubation Fil’akovo). The organisations work on facilitating information flow between Slovak and
Hungarian enterprises in hard and electronic formats to increase the number of joint development projects and turnover from trade of SlovakHungarian business connections. The incubators also play key role in establishing new enterprises and training young people developing
entrepreneurial skills.
D.2. The provisions for the protection of the region
See section C.3.
D.3. Brief analysis of the present status of protection
of the region
For details about geological heritage protection see section C.3.
Please also refer to section B.6. and B.8. of the nomination
dossier
D.4. Existing facilities and details of their collaboration with the Geopark
Please also refer to section C.2. of the nomination dossier
Museums:
Ipolytarnóc Fossils: The Lower Miocene strata of the Site contains both marine and terrestrial fossils. Beside in situ protection of geological
resources the site has a fossil depository, where fossils from the region are stored for conservation and scientific studies. Research is ongoing.
The Fiľakovo City museum is situated in a former monastery, presenting the
results of important archaeological researches, documenting the historical events
of the time of Turkish wars. In its ethnographic part presents folk art and everyday
life of Palóc nation. In villages Studená, Mučín, Kalonda are situated local
museums with ethnographic collections.
Nógrád Museum of History, Salgótarján: the history of Nógrád County is presented
in seven parts. Exhibitions show how the people formed the land in various ways
from the stone age till the middle and modern ages.
Mining Museum of the Nógrád Museum of History, Salgótarján: the one-time
brown coal mine shaft was converted into Europe’s second underground mining
museum in 1965. During its renovation in 2005 genuine technical and experiencelike elements were added to the exhibition.
Ferenc Kubinyi Museum, Szécsény: Its permanent archaeological exhibitions
include artefacts of people’s life from the Bronze and new Stone Age in the area.
Village Museum, Hollókő: Its
permanent exhibition illustrates the life of people in the village one hundred year ago with
typical peasant house enteriour. The Bükk National Park also manages an exhibition in
Hollókő called “Landscape and people” presenting the way of life and the history of the
fortress and the village. Several villages have their own village museum - usually old Palóc
peasant houses renovated. In Kazár they focus on the connection between mining and
people’s life and the Artefacts House offers programmes and events the year through, in
Lucfalva (Hungary) the life of the Slovak community is well presented by different artefacts. In
Tar, the Sándor Kőrösi Csoma Memorial Park pays tribute to the linguist who was searching
for the origins of the Hungarians in West Tibet. The Stupa of the Park was sanctified by the
Dalai Lama. Five kilometres away Mátraverebély-Szentkút has been a pilgrimage destination
for Catholics since the XIII. Century.
Facilities open to public in the proposed Geopark area
1. marked tourist trails – which often lead through the well protected areas. The marking of the trails is following:
- red-marking trails of national (international) importance, paths on the ridges or long-distance paths: 8 trails, 121.3 km; - blue
marking trails – sign paths parallel to the ridges or important long tourist trails: 5 trails, 145.3 km; - green - marking trails – sign more
important joints and branches: 11 trails, 120.9 km ; - yellow marking trails – sign short joints and branches: 7 trails, 60.4 km
2. marked cyclo-tourist trails
Trail Number 1 leads from Hajnáčka in south – west – direction through several geolocalities (Šomoška, Čamovce quarry, Fiľakovo
Castle Hill); Trail Number 2 leads from Hajnáčka in north-east direction; There is concrete bicycle road from Hollókő to Rimóc, 7 km.
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K 3. View points, look-outs:
Ratka – Hargicz Hill (386,5 m n.m.), Kalonda – Koťor Hill (302,5 m n.m.), Gemerský Jablonec – Vodokáš view (305,2 m n.m.),
Studená – Devil hill (308,0 m n.m.), telecommunication tower over Trebeľovce (301,6 m n.m.), Karanč (725,1 m n.m.); KarančKarancs
4. Sites open to the public (with any kind of public interpretation):
Apart from the museums and commemorative rooms mentioned above, the majority of the geosites mentioned in chapter B.2. and B.3. and the
non-geological, cultural and natural sites in B.8. of the nomination dossier are open to public via trails. More than 150 listed buildings (including
castles, churches, traditional peasant houses, community buildings), 80 sacred sites, and nearly 300 places of interest of local historic
importance (memorials, statues, parks, traditional dwellings, country manors, exhibitions etc.) await visitors.
At more frequently visited geosites, castles, listed buildings information boards and interpretation panels provide better understanding of the
sight. It is a permanent task to give all panels at geosites a unified Geopark-identity. In 2008 Geopark boards were installed in eleven Slovak
settlements informing local people and tourist on the concept of the Geopark and the sights, flora and fauna of the area. Information is also
published in leaflets and brochures available at Tourist Information Centres and/or on site. The website of the Geopark will also contain the
description of all geosites and sites of other significance to be fully accomplished in March 2009.
Some sites accessible to the public:
The Rocks of Belina / Belinské skaly - marked tourist trail, leaflet
The Owl Castle / Soví hrad - interpretation panel, leaflet
The Profile of Cakanovce / Čakanovský profil - interpretation
The Stalk Rock / Steblová skala – tourist trail, leaflet
panels, leaflet
Ragáč – tourist trail, leaflet
The Quarry of Camovce / Čamovský lom – leaflet, only wwith
Šomoška educational, tourist trails, interpretation panels, leaflets
permission of the quarry owner (quarry is functioning)
Zaboda – tourist trail, leaflet
The Castle Hill of Filakovo / Fiľakovský hradný vrch – educational,
The Roman Catholic Church of St. Nicolaus in Nova Basta /
tourist trails, interpretation panels, leaflets
Rímsko – katolícky kostol sv. Mikuláša v Novej Bašte
The Minor church with Monastery in Filakovo / Františkánsky
The Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity in Petrovce
/
kostol s kláštorom vo Fiľakove – interpretation panel, leaflet
Rímsko – katolícky kostol Sv. Trojice v Petrovciach
Guda - marked tourist trail
The Roman Catholic Church in Gemersky Jablonec / Rímsko –
The Castle Hill of Hajnacka / Hajnáčsky hradný vrch - tourist trails,
katolícky kostol v Gemerskom Jablonci
interpretation panel, leaflet
The Local Ethnographic Museum in Studena / Obecné
The Sandstones of Lipovany / Lipovianske pieskovce etnografické múzeum v Studenej interpretation panel, leaflet
The Folk House in Kalonda / Ľudový dom s areálom v Kalonde–
Mačkaluk - educational, tourist trails, interpretation panels, leaflets
exposition, interpretation panel, leaflet
Monosa – tourist trail
The Berchtold's Mansion with Park in Filakovo / Berchtoldov
The Cave of Mucin / Mučínska jaskyňa - interpretation panel,
kaštieľ s priľahlým parkom vo Fiľakove - interpretation panel,
leaflet exposition, interpretation panel
leaflet
The Pagan Castle / Pohanský hrad – tourist trail, interpretation
The Chapel of Biskupice / Biskupská kaplnka
panel, leaflet
5. Sports facilities and recreation services
For those not well exhausted after visiting the geological sites of the Geopark, the area offers four tennis courts, two swimming pools (and openair pools as well) and seven fitness centres. There are six horse riding schools, associations for hiking, biking, angling, hunting, mountaineering
and spelunking. On snowy days one can enjoy skiing on the 480 m long downhill course in Szilváskő (two skilifts, 80 m fall).
The region is suitable for hunting. Hunting is a special spare time activity, bringing significant economic profit for the region. Forests and
meadows have abundant stock of game. The Following species can be found here: deer, roe-deer, boars, mouflons, foxes, badgers, hares,
pheasants and partridges. Due to the lots of wild animals and the activity of the numerous hunting associations hunting tourism is getting more
and more important, inviting foreign hunters and their families in the region. The mating season of animals and hunters’ dinners are potential
sources of income in tourist industry and contribute to the development of village tourism.
Some local hunting associations have good results in organising hunting tourist activities. There are 22 hunting associations in the area that
supervise the hunting areas in forests but also in agricultural areas. The typical wildlife consists of boars, roe-deer, deer, rabbits and pheasants.
There are some moufflon around Karancs. Some wild cats also turn up occasionally. Most common birds of prey are buzzards, falcon, hawks
and goshawks. There are fishing areas in the following settlements: Ratka, Trebeľovce, Petrovce, Bátonyterenye, Mátraszele, Mihálygerge,
Salgótarján, Szécsény and on the river Ipoly.
D.5. Future facilities planned
Future development and management of the proposed Novhorad-Nógrád Geopark are based on the documents resulted from the thorough
preparatory research and strategy formulation of previous years. These are the framework of the management (master) plan, action and
development plans and marketing strategy. ( Separate management plans for each of the protected areas on national level exist, important
sections of the cross-border Geopark’s management already have been worked out, the overall management plan for the whole territory of the
Geopark will be validated within two years.)
Staff
Both the Slovak and the Hungarian Geopark organisations have full time general manager
employed. Experts have been working with the organisations as members of the
Association in Slovakia or commissioned by the Hungarian organisation. Organisational
development is planned as part of future investment and educational projects.
Financing
In order to be able to apply for funding, own contribution must be provided. It is coming
from Association member fees, private equity and also public sources (municipality
financing). Projects are implemented using national and EU funding. The national
organisations may apply separately or together in case of cross-border proposals.
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N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K Development projects currently running
-Landscaping and plantation of arboretum-like Miocene Forest at the Ipolytarnóc Fossils Site,
establishment of special “tree crown” path, sewage and (underground) electricity infrastructure
development. Funding is secured, to be implemented by 2010.
-Construction of visitors’ centre in Salgótarján-Baglyaskő (leading partner is Bükk National Park
Directorate), and preparing promotional materials. Preparation phase is over, proposal has been
put forward for funding.
-Permanent Geopark exhibition in one of the dungeons of Fil’akovo castle. Preparation phase is
over, proposal has been put forward for funding.
-Permanent Geopark exhibition and facilities for informal education at the Nógrád Museum of
History, Salgótarján. Preparation of proposal for funding.
Future projects
1. Forming partnerships with: a- state and local governments; b- expert and research
organisations, experts; c- educational organisations (universities, basic and secondary schools); dnon – governmental organisations; e-enterprises in the fields of tourism, catering, crafts; fdevelopment organisations – Regional development agencies, euroregional associations; g-foreign
partners; h- sponsors and advertising partners;
2. Creation of working groups with established partners, that are aimed at work in the frame of
specific topics;
3. Promotion and publicity: execution of various publicity and presenting materials, website, work with media (press news, articles), participation
on conferences and seminars;
4. Education and edification: working out a system of public education, which includes organising on the local level the lectures, presentations,
exhibitions for different citizen groups – pupils and students, local self-governments other groups of inhabitants;
5. Execution of the projects identified in Action development plan: the management will fundraise the financial sources and execute such
projects that influenced the whole territory of the Geopark – except the education and edification, presentation and promotion, it is meant the
project fundraising, building and keeping up the partnerships, maintenance the tourist trails, souvenirs producing, marketing activities;
6. Infrastructural improvements of geosites (protection, access, visitor experience and security): according to the Action Plan, the priority is the
building up and accessing the localities. As some of the localities are managed by municipalities, their task will be to take care of them. The
management will help the municipalities to find funding sources, prepare projects for financing, co-ordinate activities with the unique image of
the Geopark (utilisation of unique architectonic elements of the tourist infrastructure – information panels, space marking, small architecture, as
dustbins, flower-containers, kiosks etc.);
7. Public appearance of the municipalities and infrastructure: appearance, image and the infrastructure will be managed by the local
municipalities and their self-government. Some aspects will be consulted with the management of the territory to upkeep the unique image of
the territory. The management will help the municipalities by the fundraising and preparation of the projects;
8. Thematic routes in the Geopark, local products: includes the establishment of information points where visitors gather information on the
Geopark concept and can also buy local products. „Walking trough the country of the youngest volcanoes“ system of thematic routes and routes
of sacred sights are divided into: mining route, hiking, biking opportunities, castle route, sandstone, andesite and basalt routes, night trips,
culinary trips, and adventure-type programmes. We put emphasis on “learning by doing” facilities (measurement with geological compass,
taking of samples, rocks and minerals determination) to develop skills in geology, biology, palaeontology and geography;
9. The Action Plan also contains in detail the establishment of further study trails, with focus on transboundary ones, recultivation and
presentation of old mines and caves and tourism infrastructure development (accommodation, angling, horse riding and bathing facilities);
10. Complex spatial information system: consisting of entry boards, information boards in the villages, information boards at the localities, bridge
tables, information centre, infopoints with unique and unified design;
11. Internet: a functional website will provide brief, actual information on the Geopark, will link the websites of the villages, micro-regions, partner
organisations, tourist facilities, services etc. Via the website, accommodation can be booked, tourist products, guided tours and other services
can be ordered.
Apart from the above projects all the other activities of facilities construction are defined in the Action Plan, which is a part of the sustainable
development strategy of the Novohrad – Nógrád Geopark.
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35
N O V O H R A D - N Ó G R Á D G E O P A R K C O N TE N T
A : Definition of the region being proposed for nomination as a European Geopark
A.1. Name of the region being proposed for nomination as a European Geopark
A.2. Location
A.3. Surface area, geographical and human statistics
A.4. Detailed description of the organisation in charge of the region being proposed for
B : Scientific description of the region being proposed for nomination as a
European Geopark
B.1. Definition of the geographical region in which the nominated area is located
B.2. Full geological description (include all elements that demonstrate the international,
national and/or regional geological significance of the proposed geopark)
B.3. Lists and description of the geological sites present in the region being proposed for
B.4. Details on the interest and international, national or regional significance of these
B.5. Current or potential pressure on the proposed geopark and these sites
B.6. Current status in terms of protection of the sites
B.7. Data on the management of the sites
B.8. Listing and description of non-geological sites present in the territory that may be
linked to the sites of geological interest
C : Arguments for nominating the region as a European Geopark
C.1. Comprehensive analysis of the regions potential for the development of economically
sustainable geotourism
C.2. Description of the existing geological institutions and geological activities in the
region being proposed for nomination as a European Geopark
C.3. Polices for the protection, enhancement and economic development of the geological
heritage present in the region with details of existing policies and actions and those under
preparation
C.4. The territory’s interest in joining the European Geoparks Network
C.5. Endorsement letters from National Commissions for UNESCO
D : General information on the territory
D.1. 1. Economic activity. Briefly describe the main structures responsible for the
sustainable economic development policy in the region being proposed for nomination as
a European Geopark
D.2. The provisions for the protection of the region
D.3. Brief analysis of the present status of protection of the region
D.4. Existing facilities (museums, sites open to the public, marked trails, etc.) and details
of their collaboration with the Geopark
D.5. Future facilities planned
Attachments
Enclosure 1
Enclosure 2
Enclosure 3
Enclosure 4
Enclosure 5
Enclosure 6
Self - Evaluation
Letter of Commitment and Endorsements
Reference
DVD
Geology I. ( Hungarian part)
Geology II. ( Slovak part)
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application front8 - Novohrad

Transcription

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