A stroll along the Insubric Line: two days exploring the Geopark’s landscape

The initiative organised by CAI Vigezzo, which focused on exploring the geology and landscape of the Val Loana and learning about the UNESCO Sesia Val Grande Geopark, has come to a successful conclusion.

The initiative was divided into two parts.

The evening of 11 August, held at the Visitor Centre of the Val Grande National Park in Buttogno (Santa Maria Maggiore), was devoted to exploring the geological features of the area. Irene Maria Bollati, from the ‘Ardito Desio’ Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Milan, took participants on a journey along the Insubric Line, exploring the interplay between geology and landscape. The evening also provided an opportunity to learn about the latest news and activities at the Geopark, presented by Cristina Viani.

The following day, 12 August, the learning moved outdoors with a walk alongthe Upper Val Loana Geotourism Loop. Accompanied by Irene Bollati, the participants were able to see some of the Geopark’s geosites for themselves and gain an understanding, through the landscape, of the valley’s complex geological history. The day concluded at the Laurasca Mountain Hut with a convivial gathering that further highlighted the link between geotourism and local communities.

This initiative is a particularly significant example of whata Geopark is all about: creating opportunities for scientific knowledge, the local area, voluntary organisations and local communities to come together, transforming geological heritage into a tangible, shared experience.

We would therefore like to thank CAI Vigezzo for its proactive approach and for organising this initiative, involving the Geopark, the academic and scientific communities, and local organisations. It is precisely through such collaborations that our geological heritage can be understood, shared and experienced, becoming a resource for the community and for responsible, informed tourism.