Geoparks and Education: UNESCO Global Geopark Villuercas-Ibores-Jara as a Case Study in Spain

Abstract

The UNESCO Global Geoparks is a good didactic instrument that allows teaching territorial elements in transversal way. The geopark provides a means to address the teaching-learning process of both cultural values and natural values, including geology. This paper aims to highlight the educational activities that have emerged from the Villuercas UNESCO Global Geopark. For this purpose, a qualitative methodology based on document analysis and fieldwork has been used. Through a system of categories, we have analyzed the existing materials on the geopark’s website, its activity book and the schools that have been part of its educational project. The geopark and educational centers collaboration has 76 educational proposals that are developed in the territory of the geopark. Since 2011, all schools in its area of action participate in its educational project with a total of 2500 students per year. The Villuercas geopark involves all students in its territory and encourages learning of a significant, transversal and collaborative type. In the same way, it has a positive impact on environmental awareness and respect for the environment and cultural resources.

Keywords

• unesco global geopark
• geology
• education
• geography
• villuercas-ibores-jara