WHAT IS GEOPARK?
Geoparks tell the story of the earth through the internationally valuable geology, living nature, and landscape and cultural heritage of the region. The close interaction between people and the environment has given rise to special traditions and customs that are cherished in the Geopark.
Geoparks contribute to the preservation of the geological, natural and cultural heritage in their area, provide environmental education and develop the local economy through sustainable tourism. Understanding the area increases the desire to cherish its special features. The region and its history form the basis for its sustainable use now and in the future.
Geoparks are not protected areas, but Geopark sites enjoy the protection of the law, either in terms of geology, the living nature based on it, or cultural heritage.
THE LAUHANVUORI-HÄMEENKANGAS UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK
The Lauhanvuori – Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the southern part of Suomenselkä, in the border regions of the three provinces. The geopark area connects the Kauhajoki, Isojoki and Karijoki in South Ostrobothnia, Kankaanpää, Karvia, Jämijärvi and Siikainen in Satakunta, and Parkano and Kihniö in Pirkanmaa into a unified eco tourism area. Picture: Tupu Vuorinen.
The story of the Lauhanvuori – Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark tells how the mountains, which were corrugated in the area almost two billion years ago, have eroded over time and the landscape has changed to the present, flat Finland. Memories of the rise and destruction of the ancient mountains have been written on the rocks, cliffs and soil of the area. Lauhanvuori, the highest peak in Western Finland, was the outermost island off the coast of Finland after the ice age.