Geoheritage Symposium

ProGEO – SIGEA
Geoheritage: Protecting and Sharing

7^th International Symposium ProGEO on the Conservation of the Geological Heritage

3^rd Regional Meeting of the ProGEO SW Europe Working Group

Bari, Italy
24-28 September 2012

INVITATION AND SYMPOSIUM VENUE
The Italian Society of Environmental Geology (SIGEA) and the European Association for the Conservation of the Geological Heritage (ProGEO) organise the 7^th International Symposium on the Conservation of the Geological Heritage. People (professionals, academics, students) dealing with nature conservation, geotourism, geoparks, education, management, sustainable development, planning and decision-making, and other topics related to the theme of "geoheritage" are invited to participate and encouraged to present their data/experiences by submission of short abstracts.
The Symposium will take place in Bari (Apulia, Italy) on September 25-26 2012, and will be held at the Sala Murat, Piazza del Ferrarese. It will be preceded by one day field-trips (two choices on September 24) and will be followed by a two days field-trip (on 27-28 September).
Bari is one among the biggest towns (metropolitan area) in southern Italy, served by the international airport "Karol Wojtyla" and also easily reachable by train and ship.

The main aims of the Symposium are:

• to discuss on land-use planning, threats and constraints;

• to discuss on recent developments in geodiversity assessment methodologies and geosites inventories in Europe;

• to discuss on legal frameworks supporting geoconservation strategies;

• to encourage a possible convergence between geoconservation and geotourism;

• to discuss on sustainable management policies and geosites exploitation within geoparks;

• to promote the best practices and lesson learned in geoparks for local development;

• to enhance geotourism and its potentials for regional development;

• to implement the most effective outreach methods for successful communication with public, decision- and policy-makers;

• to improve international cooperation and local initiatives for the education and science divulgation;

• to establish links between geoconservation specialists, mainly in Mediterranean area;

• to support special measures and guidelines for conservation of our shared geoheritage.

ProGEO – SIGEA
Geoheritage: Protecting and Sharing

7^th International Symposium ProGEO on the Conservation of the Geological Heritage

3^rd Regional Meeting of the ProGEO SW Europe Working Group

Bari, Italy
24-28 September 2012

Second Circular

INVITATION AND SYMPOSIUM VENUE
The Italian Society of Environmental Geology (SIGEA) and the European Association for the Conservation of the Geological Heritage (ProGEO) organise the 7^th International Symposium on the Conservation of the Geological Heritage. People (professionals, academics, students) dealing with nature conservation, geotourism, geoparks, education, management, sustainable development, planning and decision-making, and other topics related to the theme of "geoheritage" are invited to participate and encouraged to present their data/experiences by submission of short abstracts.
The Symposium will take place in Bari (Apulia, Italy) on September 25-26 2012, and will be held at the Sala Murat, Piazza del Ferrarese. It will be preceded by one day field-trips (two choices on September 24) and will be followed by a two days field-trip (on 27-28 September).
Bari is one among the biggest towns (metropolitan area) in southern Italy, served by the international airport "Karol Wojtyla" and also easily reachable by train and ship.

The main aims of the Symposium are:

• to discuss on land-use planning, threats and constraints;

• to discuss on recent developments in geodiversity assessment methodologies and geosites inventories in Europe;

• to discuss on legal frameworks supporting geoconservation strategies;

• to encourage a possible convergence between geoconservation and geotourism;

• to discuss on sustainable management policies and geosites exploitation within geoparks;

• to promote the best practices and lesson learned in geoparks for local development;

• to enhance geotourism and its potentials for regional development;

• to implement the most effective outreach methods for successful communication with public, decision- and policy-makers;

• to improve international cooperation and local initiatives for the education and science divulgation;

• to establish links between geoconservation specialists, mainly in Mediterranean area;

• to support special measures and guidelines for conservation of our shared geoheritage.

GENERAL PROGRAMME

The Symposium program includes plenary lectures, scientific sessions highlighted by invited keynote lectures and selected oral presentations. All participants are encouraged to contribute with posters. Subscribers are invited to the welcome concert and to the symposium dinner, as well as to other cultural events (detailed information will be given in the next circular). Pre- and post-Symposium field trips are focused on Apulia and Basilicata geosites.

 SESSION THEMES

FIELD TRIPS

More information on the Symposium programme will be given in the Symposium web site.
For any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Organizing Committee.

25 Sept. - The Romanic Cathedrals

This full day tour introduces you to the many architectural delights dating from the Swabian era.  See the dazzling town of Trani and the impressive Castel del Monte with its incomparable views.

The lovely town of Trani is constructed of pale stone, which contrasts beautifully with the blue sea of the pretty harbour. The wide paved streets and elegant buildings show the prosperity Trani gained over the centuries. You’ll visit Trani Cathedral, which features typical Apulian-Romanesque architecture. Its location next to the glittering sea makes this Cathedral picture perfect.

Before leaving Trani you’ll see the Swabian Castle, constructed for Frederick II of Swabia in 1233. This impressive fortified structure has undergone numerous renovations and today reflects its more military purpose.

During your tour you’ll have a chance to sample some of the wonderful foods during lunch at a local restaurant.

A highlight of your tour will be a visit to Castel del Monte. This precisely designed castle was built for Fredric II and has an octagonal central structure, with 8 identical towers. The hilltop location affords magnificent views over the surrounding countryside and to the town of Andria.  The castle has been restored to its former 12th century glory and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

26 Sept. - Bari

Allow your guide to show you the delights of the fascinating city of Bari, principal of the Apulian region.  Discover the old town with its impressive castle and cathedral, the quaint cobbled streets and bustling piazzas.

Visit Bari’s wonderful Swabian Castle built for Frederick II. Modifications carried out by the Aragonese in the 1500’s were undertaken to accommodate Isabel of Aragon.

Appreciate the marvellous gothic façade and wonderfully animated rose window of St Sabine’s Cathedral.  During your walk you’ll also be introduced to the Basilica of St Nicholas, the symbol of Bari. This impressive basilica houses the mortal remains of Saint Nicholas and is a masterpiece of Apulian- Romanesque architecture. During your visit your guide will recount the tales of Saint Nicholas and how his plight came to be know as modern day Santa Claus.

The narrow cobbled streets and piazzas of the Old Town are a delight to explore. Enjoy the facades of the medieval buildings, the small Renaissance and Baroque churches packed tightly into the small streets lined with quaint shops, restaurants and bars, all emanating a heady atmosphere of local life.

27 Sept. - Matera

This delightful tour shows you beautiful Apulian and Basilicata landscapes, the clustered hilltop town of Matera with its intriguing caves.

Travel inland to enjoy views of the Apulian countryside as you reach the region of Basilicata. Here you’ll stop at a wonderful viewpoint to capture the scene of Matera crowning the hilltop in the distance.

On entering Matera, you’ll embark on a walking tour to discover the hidden gems of this clustered hilltop town. Your guide will take you down through the town’s hillside to an ancient ‘Sassi’ cave dwelling. Learn of how local people lived in these caves until as recently as 1968!  You’ll have free time in Matera to wander at leisure, take in the spectacular views, browse the shops, see the churches and museums or simply relax in a nearby café and watch the world go by.

For other tourist information, please, visit: Viaggiare in Puglia

GENERAL PROGRAMME

The Symposium programme includes plenary lectures, scientific sessions highlighted by invited keynote lectures and selected oral presentations. Pre- and post-Symposium field trips are focused on Apulia and Basilicata geosites.

CONVENERS
Antonello Fiore and Salvatore Valletta (SIGEA, Italy)

SYMPOSIUM LANGUAGE
The official language is English

WEB SITE
The symposium web site is: www.geoheritagesymposium-bari2012.org

SYMPOSIUM SECRETARIAT
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ABSTRACTS
All participants are kindly asked to submit their contribution before june 15^th, 2012.
Detailed information on abstract submission will be given in the second circular