BAVARIA'S 100 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY (“GEOTOPES”) – A FIRST SUMMARY

Many people and particularly social and political decision-makers lack a sense of appreciation for nature’s treasures in front of their doorstep. They do not know about their impressing evolution, their scientific importance and that it is vital to protect them. Therefore, reasonable decision-making requires profound understanding for the protection of the places of outstanding natural beauty (“geotope”).

In 1985, the former Geological Survey of Bavaria provided the basis for the conservation of geotopes by establishing the “Geotope Register of Bavaria”. True to the motto “Experience Geology”, the Department of Environment has selected 100 geotopes that qualify for “Bavaria’s most beautiful geotopes” in order to raise public awareness for their conservation.

Essential information on geotopes is provided online, in flyers and there is a uniformly designed information board on-site. Town councils and other sponsors commonly take care of the geotope. They are provided with an official certificate by the Bavarian Environment Secretary during the opening ceremony of the geotope. The ceremonial act and accompanying press reports further attract people’s attention.

The geotopes have been selected according to their popularity and their equal distribution all over Bavaria. Sites such as waterfalls, isolated cliffs, stony troughs, basalt pillars etc. have been preferred to less attractive, yet scientifically interesting objects. This occasionally results in a conflict of interests as the selection is strictly limited to 100.

By mid September 2011, the last one of the 100 most beautiful geotopes in Bavaria will be announced. But it even at this stage, the program’s acceptance is beyond expectation. When the project started in 2001, activities such as geocaching (a GPS-based orienteering outdoor activity) were not known, but nowadays, they additionally enhance the geotopes’ popularity.

Concluding, the concept of “Bavaria’s most beautiful geotopes” has proven to be hugely successful.