This first UNESCO European Geopark in Scandinavia was inagurated on June 16th 2008. The geopark areas are found in Telemark and Vestfold and include the communities of Kragerø, Lardal. Nome, Porsgrunn, Siljan and Skien. The geological funds are unique in Europe.
The Gea Norvegica Geopark is the first Scandinavian member of the European Geoparks Network and UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network. This is a network of high quality natural and cultural attractions. The Geopark attractions are for everyone interested in natural cultural heritage.
One of the main ideas behind the UNESCO European Geopark is to inform everybody of this geological heritage and show how the geological processes effect our existence. New public information sign and maps are being installed at different locatioons during 2008 and 2009. They describe and explain in an understanable way what there is to be seen in the particual area. Also children will playfully learn about this and take their joy in it.
In Kragerø the areas at Jomfruland, Stangnes, Dybedalsgruva, Langøy, Sjåen and Portør belong to the Geopark. The official opening will take place at Steinmann on September 2. 2008
Alll in all there are 33 european Geoparks networking together. You can read all about it on www.europeangeoparks.org and www.geanor.no