Geoparks in Slovakia

As part of its activities, the Slovak Environment Agency also supports the establishment and operation of geoparks (Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark, Banská Štiavnica Geopark, Banská Bystrica Geopark, Malé Karpaty Geopark and Zemplín Geopark) included in the Network of Geoparks of the Slovak Republic. These areas of scientific importance are interesting not only from a geological point of view but also from a biological point of view, as well as from the point of view of archaeological, monistic, cultural-historical, or ethnographic particularity and diversity. They are established in accordance with the strategy of sustainable development; they serve for environmental promotion, including education, awareness raising, and recognition of the most important geotopes. They also have an important aspect for local development aimed at new economic and cultural activities of the region, in parallel with efforts to protect the natural and cultural-historical heritage and preserve the wealth of geodiversity and biodiversity of Slovakia for future generations.