geoparks.ch is organized as an association. The board of directors consists primarily of individuals who play an active role in a geopark region.
Organizational Chart
Board of Directors
Jürg Caprez, President
Andreas Weissen, Board Member, Delegate, Binntal Landscape Park
Simon Martin, Board Member, Executive Director of the Morcles–Diablerets–Muverans Association
Daniele Ryser, Board Member, Delegate for Parchi Mendrisiotto e Ceresio, TI
Bruno Clément, Board Member and Executive Director, Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park
Thomas Buckingham, Board Member, Delegate for the UNESCO World Heritage Site TektonikArena Sardona
Purpose
Support and cooperation among the governing bodies that are applying for recognition as a geopark—and, in particular, for designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark—in order to preserve and promote their geodiversity and geological heritage, and to utilize them for educational and geotourism purposes.
Tasks
The Association
- sources and coordinates national or international fundraising efforts
- connects the organizations that manage geoparks in Switzerland with one another and with other national and international partners
- promotes cooperation and the exchange of information and experiences among members
- supports and advises Swiss geopark organizations on their UNESCO Global Geopark candidacy
- protects and represents the interests of its members vis-à-vis the federal government
- promotes and coordinates public relations, marketing, program development, and communication for geopark organizations at the national and international levels
- promotes and supports research on geoparks at the national and international levels
- promotes and supports collaboration with counselors, schools, and educational institutions
- keeps its members regularly informed about the association's activities, the situation in the geoparks, and politically relevant issues
- can provide members with a range of services that facilitate the establishment, organization, and management of geoparks (legal issues, insurance, employment contracts, databases, training and continuing education, etc.)
- participates in national and international programs dedicated to specific issues related to geoparks or sustainable development
- supports practical continuing education and training for geopark employees, for example in the areas of park management, visitor services, and environmental education