With its exhibitions, the Eiszeitgarten and the Salzgitter-Bad and Lichtenberg Geopfads, the Salder Castle Municipal Museum in the city of Salzgitter has been the information center for Salzgitter in the network of this regional geopark since 2007.
In summer 2017, it had to undergo a regular review. Experts from China and Ireland traveled to the geopark region, which covers parts of the federal states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. The result was eagerly awaited. Will the recognition as a UNESCO Geopark last? Will it be for just two years (with conditions, the so-called "yellow card"), or will it be for a full four years (with recommendations, the so-called "green card"), as hoped?
After discussing the review report in the UNESCO Global Geopark Council, the German Commission has now been informed that the "UNESCO Global Geopark Harz . Braunschweiger Land . Ostfalen" will receive a Green Card in 2018.
This decision is linked to the following recommendations:
- The excellent network of landmarks and geopoints should also be perfected in the northern part of the Geopark.
- Publications with English summaries and information boards with QR codes for English-language leaflets are the benchmark for the further development of the Geopark.
- A partner network of the Geopark based on formal agreements should also include accommodation providers, restaurants, transport companies and producers of regional products.
- The international significance of the Geopark could be better capitalized on through increased activities within the European Geopark Network (EGN) and partnerships within the Global Geopark Network (GGN).
"UNESCO Geoparks" are regions that showcase the Earth's history in a particularly vivid way and have significant fossil sites or rock formations. Through education, protection and the promotion of sustainable development, they bring the heritage of their landscape to life for residents and visitors alike. They create identification with the region, promote tourism and address the challenges of global change in the region.
There are currently 127 UNESCO Geoparks in 35 countries, six of which are in Germany: Bergstrasse-Odenwald, TERRA.vita, Swabian Alb, Vulkaneifel, Harz-Braunschweiger Land-Ostfalen and the German-Polish Geopark Muskauer Faltenbogen.
UNESCO Geoparks are subject to a renewed quality assessment every four years.