Tuesday November 25, 2024 marked a key milestone for Hérault. Under the aegis of its president, Kléber Mesquida, the Department officially presented its application for the UNESCO Global Geopark label. This ambitious project, entitled Terres d'Hérault, is intended to be an ode to the geological richness of the territory, but also to its tourist, economic and educational potential. It was officially presented on December 3 during a press conference at Mas de Riri: “ This label would be an international recognition of the diversity and richness of our heritage, but also a springboard for sustainable development and territorial cohesion. », underlined Mr. Mesquida during his inaugural speech.
Initially launched by the association Tomorrow the Earththe approach took off in 2022, supported by the Department. Spanning 112 municipalities and 2,046 km², the perimeter of the Geopark tells the story of 540 million years of geological history. The emblematic sites of the region, sometimes already labeled as “Grand Sites de France” (Lac rouge du Salagou, Gorges de l'Hérault, Cirque de Navacelles) or “Unesco World Heritage” (Gellone Abbey, Pont du Diable ), are at the heart of the project. Other sites have been designated as driving forces: the Neck de la Roque, the Mont Saint-Baudille belvedere, the Dalle de la Lieude and the Lodève Museum. The president of Country Heart of Hérault Jean-François Soto also admits that obtaining this label “ will be a source of immense pride and added value that should not be underestimated. »
Symbolically, the Géoparc label, already distributed 213 times around the world including 9 in France, would especially distinguish Hérault for its innovative approach, combining heritage protection, environmental education and geotourism development. “ Geology influences our landscapes, our terroirs and even our local economy. With this Geopark, we have the opportunity to better preserve and promote these treasures », declared Myriam Gayraud, mayor of Cabrières. Beyond preservation, the Geopark aims more concretely to boost local tourism by relying on its unique landscapes and geological sites. “ We don't just sell sun and sea. Geotourism allows us to spread out the season and attract visitors all year round. This label will make it possible to move upmarket, interest other audiences and even transcend the summer months. This will make people talk about us in France, but also abroad », recalled Éric Suzanne, sub-prefect of Lodève. With projects like the future Maison du Grand Site Salagou-Mourèze, the region intends to become a showcase for sustainable development. This center, which will also house the Geopark headquarters, will offer exhibitions, reception areas and a restaurant. Note that this project costing some 5 million euros “ will not be launched in 2025 », as Kléber Mesquida explains. “ We have the building permit… but the budgetary time is not there. We are postponing it but it remains a structuring project”, he specifies all the same.
The application follows a specific timetable. After a visit by UNESCO evaluators in the spring of 2025, the final verdict will fall in 2026. In the meantime, the Department intends to increase its actions: creation of georandos, educational partnerships with schools and cultural events. To raise awareness among residents, local ambassadors will also be mobilized, whether they are experts in geology, traders or even teachers. “ This project embodies a collective vision, our desire to pass on this precious heritage to future generations. It is a link between the past, present and future of our territories », concludes Kléber Mesquida.
