Lecture: Imbabura UNESCO Global Geopark, Ecuador
Tuesday, August 25. Geopark Guardians Permanent Virtual Seminar. We invite you to the lecture “Imbabura UNESCO Global Geopark, Ecuador,” presented by Mr. Carlos Ernesto Merizalde Leiton, founder of the Imbabura Geopark and UNESCO Global Geoparks Evaluator. Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. (CST) Livestream: Facebook Geoparque Comarca Minera UNESCO Join us to learn about the experience of the Imbabura UNESCO Global Geopark in Ecuador, its geological, natural, and cultural richness, as well as the initiatives that have contributed to strengthening the conservation and sustainable development of its territory.
Partnerships to Achieve Goals at the Cerro de las Navajas Geosite
In a working session with the ejidatarios responsible for the Cerro de las Navajas Geosite, along with representatives from the three levels of government and the Geopark, key objectives were addressed to help preserve the geosite and promote responsible tourism to maintain its sustainability. Together, coordinated strategies can be strengthened alongside the relevant institutions, contributing to the conservation, management, and enhancement of this iconic obsidian hill, recognized by UNESCO for its geological and historical value. We appreciate the collaboration of the Undersecretariat of Political Development, as well as representatives from various agencies of the State Government of Hidalgo. Additionally, today the interpretive panel for the Cerro de las Navajas Geosite was delivered to the ejidatarios of the El Nopalillo community who manage the site—a tool that will enable the community and geovisitors to learn about the geological, natural, and cultural importance of this space.
UNESCO Global Geopark Comarca Minera Revalidation Mission Begins
We welcomed UNESCO evaluators Dr. César Goso and Dr. Carlos Merizalde, who during this session learned about the progress and initiatives taking place across the territory to strengthen its conservation, management, and sustainable development. In a meeting with the Geopark’s strategic partners, Hidalgo Tourism Secretary Elizabeth Quintanar Gómez presented the strategies and actions promoted by SECTURH, including the renewal of tourist signage across the geosites of the nine municipalities that form the Geopark territory. Also present at the meeting were Dr. Ana María Soler, Director of Communication at the UNAM Institute of Geophysics and member of the Geopark’s Advisory Technical and Scientific Committee; Dr. Juan Carlos Mora Chaparro, Scientific Director of the Geopark; and Ms. María del Carmen Oviedo Parra, General Manager of the Geopark. This mission represents an opportunity to share the milestones achieved and reaffirm the commitment of institutions, communities, and allies to preserving the geological, natural, and…
Visit to the Hidalgo State Training Institute for Work (ICATHI)
UNESCO evaluators Dr. César Goso and Dr. Carlos Merizalde visited the Hidalgo State Training Institute for Work (Instituto de Capacitación para el Trabajo del Estado de Hidalgo, ICATHI), where they held a meeting with Director General Mr. Jorge Israel Acosta Benítez. During the meeting, they discussed the training programs that the Institute has provided to various geosites across the territory, strengthening the skills of those interacting with visitors and local communities. Highlighted topics included customer service and English language training—key tools that enhance the overall experience of Geopark visitors. Also present at the meeting were Dr. Ana María Soler, Director of Communication at the UNAM Institute of Geophysics and member of the Geopark’s Advisory Technical and Scientific Committee; Dr. Juan Carlos Mora Chaparro, Scientific Director of the Geopark; and Ms. María del Carmen Oviedo Parra, General Manager of the Geopark. The involvement of institutions like ICATHI strengthens strategic partnerships and…
Meeting with the Geosite Stewards
UNESCO evaluators Dr. César Goso and Dr. Carlos Merizalde were welcomed by the managers of the Peña del Aire Geosite, represented by Juan Alvarado Jarillo. During the meeting, they discussed topics related to geosite management, ongoing conservation actions, and the training programs provided by the Geopark, highlighting the joint efforts to strengthen local management and enhance the territory’s value. As part of the welcome, everyone shared a breakfast featuring traditional regional foods—including tamales, atole, and pan de elote (cornbread)—showcasing the gastronomy and warm hospitality of the communities that form part of the Geopark. Also present at the meeting were Dr. Ana María Soler, Director of Communication at the UNAM Institute of Geophysics and member of the Geopark’s Advisory Technical and Scientific Committee; Dr. Juan Carlos Mora Chaparro, Scientific Director of the Geopark; and Ms. María del Carmen Oviedo Parra, General Manager of the Geopark. They toured the Peña del Aire…
Visit to Los Ahuehuetes Geosite in Atotonilco el Grande
UNESCO evaluators Dr. César Goso and Dr. Carlos Merizalde visited the Los Ahuehuetes Geosite in Atotonilco el Grande, where they were welcomed by Mayor Elba Leticia Chapa, municipal directors, and city council members. Meeting at the Atotonilco Community Museum and taking a guided tour of the Jahuey (water reservoir) and the ahuehuete trees, they discussed the history and age of these trees, as well as the ongoing conservation and protection efforts. Also present at the meeting were Dr. Ana María Soler, Director of Communication at the UNAM Institute of Geophysics and member of the Geopark’s Advisory Technical and Scientific Committee; Dr. Juan Carlos Mora Chaparro, Scientific Director of the Geopark; and Ms. María del Carmen Oviedo Parra, General Manager of the Geopark. During the visit, the Geopark presented the Los Ahuehuetes interpretive panel, recognizing it as a key natural and cultural area of the municipality of Atotonilco. This tool will…
GeoSchool Visit: Benito Juárez Elementary School
Geoeducation is a key line of action within UNESCO Global Geoparks. Therefore, during the revalidation mission of the Comarca Minera Geopark, a visit was made to the Benito Juárez Elementary GeoSchool, located in the community of Velasco, Omitlán de Juárez. The UNESCO evaluators, Dr. César Goso and Dr. Carlos Merizalde, were welcomed by Mr. Noé Rogelio Esperón Hernández, principal of the school, and Ms. Adela Junco Varela, vice principal. The purpose of the visit was to learn about the Geopharmacy project, implemented in one of the school’s gardens with support from the Benito Juárez García University for Wellbeing (UBBJ), Huasca de Ocampo campus. This space allows children to learn about medicinal plants and strengthen the connection between knowledge, territory, and education. Also present during the visit were Dr. Ana María Soler, Director of Communication at the UNAM Institute of Geophysics and member of the Geopark’s Advisory Technical and Scientific Committee;…
Omitlán de Juárez Geopark Guardians Management Plan Results
During the evaluation mission, UNESCO specialists Dr. César Goso and Dr. Carlos Merizalde learned about the results of the management plan for the Omitlán de Juárez Geopark Guardians, the first group of Guardians established within the territory. During the meeting, the Guardians shared the training sessions they have received to become Geopark Guardians, as well as the strategies and activities they have developed in the municipality. These include visits to educational centers to promote Geopark values, collaboration with local festivals highlighting Omitlán’s gastronomy, enhancing the visibility of geoproducts and providing training for geoproducers, and working alongside the Geopark Guardians network to promote editions of the Expogeoparque. They also discussed the sustainability actions they implement through their own businesses and ventures, as well as their involvement in various Geopark activities. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ana María Soler, Director of Communication at the UNAM Institute of Geophysics and member…
Outcomes of the Omitlán de Juárez Geopark Guardians’ Management Plan
During the evaluation mission, UNESCO specialists Dr. César Goso and Dr. Carlos Merizalde learned about the outcomes of the management plan developed by the Omitlán de Juárez Geopark Guardians, the first group of Guardians established within the territory. During the meeting, the Guardians shared the training they received to qualify as Geopark Guardians, along with the strategies and activities implemented in the municipality. These initiatives include visiting schools to promote Geopark values, collaborating with local festivals to highlight Omitlán’s cuisine, raising awareness of geoproducts, organizing training sessions for geoproducers, and working alongside the broader Geopark Guardians network to support editions of the Expogeoparque. They also discussed the sustainability practices integrated into their own businesses and ventures, as well as their active participation in various Geopark initiatives. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ana María Soler, Director of Communication at the UNAM Institute of Geophysics and member of the Geopark…
Proud Partner Awards Presented to Geoguides in Huasca de Ocampo
As part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Comarca Minera revalidation mission and in the presence of UNESCO specialists Dr. César Goso and Dr. Carlos Merizalde, Geopark Proud Partner recognitions were presented to geoguides of Huasca de Ocampo. They were honored for their commitment to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and for promoting responsible practices that contribute to appreciating and conserving the geological, natural, and cultural heritage of the territory. We welcome to the Geopark Proud Partners Network: Marcos Noé Hernández Flores and Erick Leduc, from Noche de Leyendas Huasca; Alejandra Sosa Márquez, from Lunada Mágica; Alexis Roberto Barrientos González and Lesly López Álvarez, from El Espíritu del Bosque; and Ricardo Juárez Aguilar, from Experiencias HMTB. As part of the meeting, the geoguides shared a fusion of their night tours, showing geotourists that Huasca de Ocampo is part of a territory recognized internationally for its exceptional geological, natural, and cultural richness, while…