Regulations the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark

Introduction

1. Definition of a geopark

A geopark is an area with well-defined boundaries that encompasses geological heritage of international significance. The geopark must have a specified number of geological sites of outstanding scientific importance, characterized by rarity, exceptional aesthetic or educational values. The remaining sites may have archaeological, historical, ecological, or cultural value.

A geopark is not a legal form of nature protection and has a highly variable significance, ranging from local and national importance to European and global significance. Geoparks can be established through agreements among local entities united around the idea of promoting geological heritage, in the context of sustainable development.

The goal of the geopark’s activities is:

promoting the geological heritage of the geopark’s area,
developing geotourism within the geopark,
coordinating activities among local governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in the field of tourism within the geopark,
creating a promotional and information system about the geopark,
promoting and taking actions to protect the natural heritage, especially the geological heritage, within the geopark,
improving the tourist infrastructure within the geopark,
developing and implementing a tourism development strategy within the geopark, as well as activating scientific research in the Earth sciences conducted within the geopark’s area.

2. The geopark’s name

The Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark covers the region of the Kaczawskie Mountains and Foothills. Its total area is 1790.2 km². The LEV Geopark area stands out from other regions in Poland due to its extraordinary geological diversity, especially the richness of rocks and minerals formed as a result of volcanic activity, from which it got its name.

3. The geopark’s partners

The Geopark’s partners are:

the Local Action Group “Kaczawskie Partnership”
the local governments of towns, municipalities, and counties: Bolków, Legnickie Pole, Jawor, Jeżów Sudecki, Mściwojów, Paszowice, Pielgrzymka, Ruja, Świerzawa, Wądroże Wielkie, Wojcieszów, Zagrodno, Złotoryja
forest districts: Złotoryja, Jawor and Lwówek Śląski.

5. Geopark management unit

The management unit for the LEV Geopark is the Kaczawskie Associationwhich coordinates all activities related to its operation, promotion, and further development. The LEV Geopark Office is located in the building of the Sudetic Geoscience Centre in Dobków, belonging to the Kaczawskie Association, which, in addition to the functions mentioned above, serves as a science centre and a tourist information point in the region, with all its infrastructure.

General principles

1. Nature conservation

The following protected areas are included within the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark:

1. the “Chełmy” Landscape Park established by virtue of the Regulation of the Lower Silesian Voivode No. 24 dated 28 November 2008 regarding the “Chełmy” Landscape Park – here. It includes the following forms of nature protection:

nature reserves (Wąwóz Myśliborski near Jawor, Wąwóz Lipa, Wąwóz Siedmicki, Nad Groblą, Mszana, and Obłoga),
Natura 2000 areas (SPA – Special Protection Area (Birds), SAC – Special Area of Conservation (Habitats),
SAC – the Kaczawskie Mountains and Foothills.

2. Nature reserves located outside the boundaries of the Chełmy Landscape Park (Miłek Mountain, Orchid Beech Forest on White Rocks, Buki Sudeckie, Ostrzyca Proboszczowicka, Wilcza Mountain), Koskowickie Lake.

Within the Chełmy Landscape Park, the rules of protection and use in accordance with the Protection Plan are in effect according to Annex No. 1 to Resolution No. XVI/332/11 of the Lower Silesian Regional Assembly dated October 27, 2011.

Within the nature reserves located within the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark, the rules of protection and use are in accordance with the regulation of the Minister of Climate and Environment regarding the recognition as a nature reserve, prepared in accordance with the Act of October 16, 1991 on nature conservation.

2. Tourism

For tourism and recreational purposes, the entire area of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark is allowed unless separate regulations state otherwise, and the following ways of use are defined:

The following forms of tourism are allowed within the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark:

cognitive tourism: ecotourism, heritage tourism, geotourism, ornithological tourism,
qualified tourism: hiking tourism, cycling tourism, equestrian tourism, skiing tourism, caving tourism, climbing tourism, water-based tourism – mainly conducted based on designated trails,
recreational tourism: extended stays, weekend getaways, agritourism.

Camping is only allowed in designated areas or with the permission of the landowner or the managing entity, unless separate regulations state otherwise.

The existing routes of hiking and cycling trails, educational paths, etc., are maintained.

It is allowed to designate new pedestrian, cycling, equestrian trails, educational paths, etc., provided that they do not degrade the natural and landscape values.

It is recommended to develop tourist infrastructure, including information boards, informational signposts, small architectural objects, and parking lots, provided that they do not degrade the natural and landscape values.

It is recommended to continuously raise the technical standards of accommodation and catering facilities, parking lots, and other elements of tourist infrastructure, as well as to eliminate or modernize dissonant objects that degrade landscape values.

3. Economic activity within the LEV Geopark

Economic activity within the LEV Geopark should align with the concept of sustainable development, as defined in the Act of January 31, 1980 on environmental protection and shaping: ‘socio-economic development in which, for the purpose of equalizing citizens’ access to the environment – both current and future generations – a process of integrating political, economic, and social actions is carried out while maintaining ecological balance and the sustainability of fundamental natural processes”

Sustainable development within the LEV Geopark should ensure access to basic economic and social services as well as the natural environment for all residents, without posing a threat to the ecosystems and socio-economic systems upon which these services depend

Economic activity should be conducted in a manner that skillfully shapes and utilizes the natural environment, organizes social life, ensures the dynamic development of qualitatively new production processes, improves and preserves a high quality of human life, while maintaining the sustainability of natural resources.

Sustainable development within LEV Geopark requires continuous monitoring and control, while simultaneously favoring clean technologies that protect the environment.

4. Region promotion

Region promotion is a very important element of the existence of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark. One of the promotion tools is the regularly updated website maintained by the Kaczawskie Association www.gorykaczawskie.pl. It serves as a database of information about natural values (geo and biodiversity) and is a reference for accommodation, dining, handicraft workshops, as well as cultural events in the region. Individuals conducting tourism activities in LEV Geopark can, after filling out the relevant form, post information about their offerings on the website free of charge. Furthermore, interested parties can deliver their promotional materials to the LEV Geopark office, including leaflets, business cards, brochures, posters, etc. Additionally, there are Tourist Information Points within the geopark:

the Tourist Information Point at the Sudetic Geoscience Centre in Dobków,
Tourist Information Point in Jawor,
the Tourist Information Centre in Złotoryja,
the Social Tourist Information Point in Wojcieszów,
the Tourist Information Point at the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Centre in Świerzawa.

The Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark has its own visual identity, which can be used free of charge when preparing materials to promote the region. The logo of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark is a registered symbol, and its use requires prior approval from the coordinator – the Kaczawskie Association. The Visual Identity Book is available here.

Entrepreneurs and other entities engaged in tourist activities can apply forthe Quality Certificate of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark..

Principles regarding qualified tourism

The safety of tourists and residents of the LEV Geopark, as well as the protection of both living and non-living nature, are the most important issues regarding the practice of various forms of qualified tourism.

The area of the LEV Geopark is intended for relaxation, active recreation, and educational activities in designated areas.

Within the LEV Geopark, the following activities are prohibited: damaging nature; scaring, capturing, or killing birds and other wild animals (unless separate regulations state otherwise); damaging tourist infrastructure; making fires and smoking tobacco, using open flames, except in designated areas; causing noise; littering; taking pieces of rocks and plants with you;

Within the LEV Geopark, the following forms of qualified tourism are distinguished:

Hiking tourism

In the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark, marked hiking trails and educational paths for hiking tourism are designated. Some of them are equipped with tourist infrastructure such as shelters, fireplaces, benches, informational boards, etc. An important aspect of safe and active time spent in the LEV Geopark is proper route planning, adjusting them to your physical condition, and having the necessary equipment, including an up-to-date tourist map. The chosen route and the length of the hike should always be adapted to the abilities and capabilities of all participants in the expedition. There are no tourist shelters within the LEV Geopark.

Cycling tourism

The LEV Geopark features a dense network of cycling trails as well as Single Track routes.

The Kaczawskie Single Tracks are available from early spring to late autumn.

Current Single Tracks in the Kaczawskie Mountains:

Single Track “Dłużek”, Wojcieszów / Dobków, 16 km,
Single Tracks “Dwa Wąwozy” and “Pod Grzybkami”, Rzeszówek, 11,5 km,
Single Tracks “Gozdno 1” and “Gozdno 2”, Gozdno, 14,5 km,
Single Tracks “Okole” and “Okole Zjazd”, Lubiechowa / Chrośnica, 11 km,
Single Tracks “Ostrzyca”, “Pod Ostrzycą” and “Zielonki”, Proboszczów / Bełczyna / Twardocice, 13 km.

When cycling, always remember to adjust your speed to your skills, the terrain, and the traffic intensity.

Equestrian tourism

There are no designated equestrian trails within the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark.

Skiing tourism

There are no active ski resorts within the LEV Geopark.

Cave tourism

In the LEV Geopark area, there are several caves, mainly near Wojcieszów, within the Połom Mountain (667 meters above sea level). The caves are not open to tourist traffic. For safety reasons, it is not recommended to explore them without a trained person.

Climbing tourism

In the LEV Geopark area, there are climbing rocks and rock walls. Some of them have a complete set of safety points. Climbing in the LEV Geopark area is done solely at your own risk, with respect for both the living and non-living nature.

Water tourism

“Basic forms of water tourism include motorboating, sailing, kayaking, and underwater tourism. In the LEV Geopark area, there are places adapted for water tourism, unless separate regulations state otherwise. These are:

Mściwojów Water Reservoir,

the “Jawornik” Recreation Centre at Lake Jawornik in Jawor. Sailing, motor boating, and kayaking tourism is permitted after prior contact with the Sports and Recreation Centre in Jawor.
Złotoryja Reservoir in Złotoryja,
rivers: Bóbr, Kaczawa, Nysa Szalona.

Principles for collecting rocks and minerals

Rocks, fossils, and minerals, as integral components of geological heritage, require protection and preservation to the same extent as other elements of geological and natural heritage.
Exploration and collection of fossils and minerals found in protected areas are subject to the relevant provisions of the law as stipulated in the Act of April, 16 2004 on nature conservation.
The extraction of valuable minerals and scientifically significant fossils that are part of the national heritage is subject to relevant legal regulations.
The extraction of specimens of rocks, minerals, and fossils from active quarries operating for industrial purposes may only be carried out with the consent of the management of mining companies, provided that it does not contradict the principles outlined in points 3, 4, 7 and 8.
The Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark does not conduct, mediate, or support activities related to the acquisition and sale of rock, mineral, and fossil specimens. This principle applies to specimens from both the territory of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes Geopark and other areas outside the Geopark’s boundaries.
Geopark supports the extraction and collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils for educational and scientific purposes, provided that it is conducted in accordance with applicable law and does not pose a threat to the protection and preservation of geological, natural, cultural heritage, and the landscape.
The extraction of rock specimens, minerals, and fossils by individuals who do not possess the necessary knowledge and education in the field of Earth sciences may result in the improper handling or damage to specimens that are valuable for scientific purposes. In light of the above, the Geopark offers assistance and consultation for such findings with specialists, employees of scientific research institutions, and higher education institutions collaborating with the Geopark.
The Geopark supports the creation of educational collections for local schools and non-governmental organizations aimed at natural education for children and youth.

Principles regarding conducting economic activities, including mining and agricultural activities

The LEV Geopark area is not a legally protected nature reserve. Therefore, economic activities, including mining and agriculture, are generally not subject to specific restrictions within the Geopark unless there are separate regulations stating otherwise.
Each mining activity within the territory of the Republic of Poland, including those conducted within the LEV Geopark, is subject to the Act of June, 9 2011. The Geological and Mining Law, which defines the principles and conditions for undertaking, conducting, and completing mining activities.
Each agricultural activity within the territory of the Republic of Poland, including those conducted within the LEV Geopark, is subject to the Act of April, 11 2003. on Shaping the Agricultural System, which specifies the principles for shaping the country’s agricultural system.
Every economic activity within the territory of the Republic of Poland, including those conducted within the LEV Geopark, is subject to the Act of March, 6 2018 Entrepreneurs Act. This Act defines the principles of initiating, conducting, and concluding economic activities, including the rights and obligations of entrepreneurs, as well as the responsibilities of public authorities in this area.
Regardless of the type of business conducted, every economic entity should take into account the principles of sustainable development, which is an element of the global development strategy of nations and a condition for civilizational progress.