Science → Activities

The Hateg Country UNESCO Global Geopark marked, on the 5^th of June 2025, two decades of activity with a special event of recognition and celebration. The Geopark Gala was dedicated to the local community and partners who have contributed to the sustainable development of this territory, known for its exceptional geological, natural, and cultural heritage.

The event took place in the presence of the leadership of the University of Bucharest – the institution that administers the Geopark –, represented by Rector Prof. Marian Preda, PhD, together with Vice-Rectors Prof. Carmen Chifiriuc, PhD, and Prof. Răzvan Papuc, PhD, as well as the initiator of the project, Alexandru Andrasanu, PhD, president of the National Geoparks Forum. The Romanian National Commission for UNESCO was represented by Dr. Alina Mazilu. Over 100 guests attended the anniversary event celebrating Romania's first UNESCO recognized Geopark, including local community members, representatives of local and county administrations, school principals, teachers, entrepreneurs, partner organizations, and journalists.

The Geopark Gala took place in an international anniversary context, marking 25 years since the founding of the European Geoparks Network and 10 years since the launch of UNESCO's International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme. The event was part of the European Geoparks Network Week (EGN Week), which promotes the geological, natural, and cultural value of these unique territories across our continent.

The Hateg Country UNESCO Global Geopark encompasses the entire territory of Hateg Country and holds UNESCO Global Geopark status as part of UNESCO’s International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, which brings together 229 territories from 50 countries included in the Global Geoparks Network, following a rigorous selection and validation process. The Geopark is a territory of natural and cultural value, a sustainable development programme, a brand that invites visitors on a journey through 4.6 billion years of Earth's history, and a meeting place for all who feel connected to traditional values, whether they are real or virtual residents. The Geopark includes elements of exceptional geological interest, alongside ecological, archaeological, historical, and cultural significance. The dinosaurs discovered in Hateg Country are unique in the world. Their scientific importance and appeal are enhanced by the discovery of nests with eggs and hatchlings, mammals that lived alongside the dinosaurs, and a giant flying reptile (Hatzegopteryx) from the group of pterosaurs.