The visit of the experts tasked with revalidating the Buzau Land Geopark as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network has concluded after three days in the field, with all indications suggesting a favorable outcome that would allow the territory to retain its status starting in 2026.

The two evaluators, Goran Radonic of Croatia and Ivan Cortijo Sanchez of Spain, spent three days touring the area, covering dozens of kilometers to assess changes on the ground and engage with local communities, as part of the revalidation process.

One of the youngest members of the UNESCO network, Buzau Land Geopark has over time implemented impactful projects in areas such as education, tourism, conservation, and civic engagement.

'It is a great satisfaction to see that the hard work behind the scenes is understood and appreciated. What impressed the evaluators most was that here, in Buzau Land, we manage to achieve impactful results at a high professional level, despite limited resources. To optimize financial aspects, we chose to build partnerships, involve local communities, and be creative with the resources available. I am confident that at the beginning of next year, we will receive the green light from UNESCO,' said Razvan-Gabriel Popa, manager of the Geopark, in a press release.

According to the Geopark administration, the two experts closely examined the implementation of UNESCO's recommendations made when Buzau Land was accredited as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2022. These recommendations included improving visitor infrastructure and establishing new visitor centers, promoting the integrated cultural, biological, and geological heritage, preserving geological heritage, implementing educational and research projects related to natural hazards, and raising awareness of natural risks within local communities.

The two UNESCO experts visited various tourist attractions, ranging from the the Mushroom Stones of Odaile, and The Story of the Trovants Visitor Center, in Bozioru, to the new facilities at Beciu, where natural oil springs have been preserved and transformed by the Geopark management into a tourist and educational attraction.

Razvan-Gabriel Popa added that the two experts 'openly said they would draw inspiration from some of the ideas implemented here, while also offering us valuable suggestions.'

'For us, it's a clear sign that we are on the right path and are already contributing to the exchange of best practices within the UNESCO Global Geoparks network,' he emphasized.

Following the field visit, the next step is for the two experts to draft their report, which will be submitted to the UNESCO Council. An unofficial response is expected in September, but the final decision will be announced officially in the first part of next year. The UNESCO verdict will confirm whether Buzau Land retains its status as a Global Geopark.

'This evaluation is also a growth exercise. For us, as a county authority, it confirms that our continuous investment and support for the Geopark are producing positive outcomes. We will continue to back this model of development, both through infrastructure projects and by promoting local values at home and abroad,' said Adrian Petre, interim president of the Buzau County Council, as quoted in the same press release.

The Buzau Land UNESCO Global Geopark is the result of a partnership between the Buxau Land Association (NGO), the Buzau County Council, and the University of Bucharest. The status was granted in 2022.

Buzau Land is part of an exclusive international network comprising around 230 territories worldwide that focus on education, research, tourism, and economic development in harmony with the environment, while also promoting the history of the planet. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Florin Zafiu; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)