Here stones talk
We preserve and promote the geological, paleontological, ecological and cultural heritage of the Catalan Pyrenees.
Orígens Geopark is a journey back in time, a trip spanning more than 500 million years that reveals the origins of our planet, from the formation of the universe through the formation of the Pyrenees, the dinosaurs and the first human settlers until the present.
Here, every rock, every footprint, every mountain contains a story just waiting to be told.
A heritage that’s unique in the world
Orígens enjoys Geopark status from UNESCO, who recognises the exceptional value of our geological heritage and helps us drive sustainable local development through its conservation and promotion.
We do this in several ways:
Science
We support active scientific research in the field of Earth sciences and help make the results accessible to the wider public.
Education
We create and promote educational activities to spread awareness of our geological, ecological and cultural heritage.
Culture
We support local culture, traditions, gastronomy and residents, which form the backbone of the region’s identity.
Ecosystems
We promote sustainable use of natural resources and respect for the environment and the integrity of our landscapes.
Sustainable development
We establish governance mechanisms that guarantee that regional development will benefit the local population.
Equality
We guarantee empowerment and full and effective participation independent of gender, race or sexual orientation.
Climate change
We provide recommendations for mitigating climate change in the current day based on geological analysis of previous climate change events.
Security
The study of geological risks helps prepare damage limitation strategies for different communities.
Orígens: UNESCO Global Geopark
UNESCO Global Geoparks are unique territories where landscapes of world-class geological importance are managed through conservation, education and sustainable development to the benefit of the local population.
Currently, the Orígens Geopark forms part of the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, which brings together more than 213 Geoparks in 48 countries.
Global Geoparks Network (GGN)
This international non-governmental, non-profit organisation offers a platform for cooperation between the different Geoparks. It unites institutions, scientists and communities from around the world in a single global association structured along the UNESCO guidelines.
The GGN facilites a platform for exchange between geological heritage professionals from around the world and serves to develop best-practice models.
European Geoparks Network (EGN)
The primary objective of this network is to preserve diversity in order to promote geological heritage among the general public, as well as lend support to sustainable economic development in the Geoparks through geotourism.
The network also guarantees collaboration with other Geoparks and works together with regional businesses to obtain a balance between conservation and economic development.
Geoparks in Spain
The Spanish National Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks includes the Spanish National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, the Spanish Geological Mining Institute, the autonomous communities that contain Geoparks, and the Geoparks themselves. It acts as a National Committee of the International Programme of Earth Sciences and Geoparks of UNESCO.
All the Spanish members of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) also make up the Spanish Network of Global Geoparks, which coordinates projects carried out by the Geoparks on a national level, related with the Global and European Geopark networks. It also helps spread awareness of new state-led Geopark projects.
Managing body of the Geopark
Orígens Geopark Association
The Association is made up of 19 municipalities in four “comarcas” (counties): Pallars Jussà, Noguera, Pallars Sobirà and Alt Urgell, as well as two comarcal councils: Pallars Jussà and Noguera. It guarantees governance and regional development capacity.
Board of Directors (2023-2027)
- President: Sílvia Romero Galera (Ajuntament de Tremp)
- Vice president: Ramon Jordana Farré (Consell Comarcal del Pallars Jussà)
- Secretary: Àlex Garcia Balust (Ajuntament de Talarn)
- Treasurer: Anna Sentinella Amengual (Ajuntament de Baix Pallars)
- Members at large: Emili Molins Solà (Ajuntament de Coll de Nargó), Jeannine Abella Chica (Ajuntament d’Isona i Conca Dellà), Xavier Terré Boliart (Ajuntament de Vilanova de Meià), Xavier Castellana Benseny (Consell Comarcal de la Noguera)
Technical Team
- Coordinator: Guillem Puras Castells – gpuras@geoparcorigens.cat
- Scientific Coordinator: Xavier Mir Pellicer – xmir@geoparcorigens.cat
- Technician: Núria Vallverdú Coll – nvallverdu@geoparcorigens.cat
- Administrator: Ariadna Roca Melines – aroca@geoparcorigens.cat
Stakeholders
One of the primary functions of the Geopark is to generate jobs and new business opportunities based on the promotion of natural and cultural heritage, in order to fight against depopulation and population ageing in the region.
The strategy and membership application process were designed with the goal of promoting local development and creating a network of collaborating organisations.
