2023 Re-accreditation

The Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark – of which our Association is a member, alongside the Val Grande National Park and the Sesia Valley Protected Areas Management Authority – is to undergo a validation process carried out by geologists sent by UNESCO. The revalidation will take place from 26 to 27 July in the Ossola area of the Geopark, whilst in Valsesia the scheduled dates are 28 and 29 July.

Since the Geopark was recognised by UNESCO in 2015, geologists from Geoparks around the world have been visiting the area to assess compliance with UNESCO regulations and the progress made in terms of sustainable development, the conservation of geological heritage, tourism, visitor facilities and public outreach.

Having previously welcomed geologists from Norway, China, Spain and elsewhere, the inspectors appointed for this re-accreditation come from the Arouca Geopark in Portugal and the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Geopark in Spain.

Following visits to the Geopark headquarters and the Geolab in Vogogna, the marble quarries in Candoglia, the site where deep drilling is taking place in the Ornavasso area, and the Museum of Pink Marble and Granite, the inspectors will conclude their tour with a visit to the Malesco Soapstone Museum.

In Valsesia, starting from the Ethnographic Museum in Romagnano, where an exhibition entitled ‘Il bosco delle rocce’ (The Forest of Rocks) has recently been opened to highlight the geodiversity of our region, geologists will make their way up the Sesia and Mastallone valleys to Ponte della Gula, home to the ancient mine of the same name, before visiting the Sacro Monte and the Calderini Museum. Monte Fenera, with its educational walking trails – and in particular the Orsa Helsa trail leading from Fenera to Ara, home to the Giardino delle Grotte – will be the focus of Saturday’s visit, which will conclude at the Conti Museum in Borgosesia. Naturally, meetings with local authorities are also planned, as the Geopark is not an abstract concept but exists in close relationship with the organisations that have championed and supported it since 2011.

The final meeting to present comments, recommendations and assessments will take place in Borgosesia on the afternoon of Saturday 29 July at the Conti Museum.