Geopark Porphyrland. Steinreich in Sachsen e.V. Jobs and more

Geopark Porphyrland - Steinreich in Sachsen

The Geopark Porphyrland, officially Geopark "Porphyrland – Steinreich in Sachsen", is a national geopark in Germany, located about 20 kilometers east of Leipzig and 70 kilometers northwest of Dresden. Founded in 2006 and certified in 2014, the geopark covers an area of about 1,200 km² and extends over the districts of Leipzig, Nordsachsen, and Mittelsachsen.

Geological Significance

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The geopark is situated in the area of the Northwest Saxon Volcanic Complex, a former center of intense volcanic activity. About 290 million years ago, gigantic volcanic eruptions occurred here, leading to powerful layers of various porphyries. These rocks, often simply referred to as "porphyries," shape the landscape and give the geopark its name[4].

Visitor Centers and Attractions

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The geopark offers several visitor centers, known as geoportals, which provide visitors access to geological and cultural attractions. Highlights include:

Geoportal "Time – Change – Stone" Röcknitz: Here, an exhibition about the geological history of Nordsachsen can be viewed. The outdoor area features a geo-experience garden with a barefoot path, stone labyrinth, and a tertiary forest.
Geoportal Museum Steinarbeiterhaus Hohburg: This historic half-timbered building showcases the lifestyle of stone cutters and the history of the Northwest Saxon stone industry. In the outdoor area, a functioning stone crushing plant and historical vehicles can be viewed.
Geoportal Porphyrhaus Rochlitzer Berg: Further information and exhibitions on the geological and cultural aspects of the region[4].

Mission and Values

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The main mission of the Geopark Porphyrland is to preserve and explain the evidence of industrial and geological development, thereby honoring the achievements of the people in this region. The geopark is committed to preserving biodiversity and geodiversity and promotes education for sustainable development[1][4].

Sustainability Goals and Initiatives

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The Geopark Porphyrland is strongly engaged in promoting sustainability and climate protection. Initiatives include:

Climate Protection Initiatives: The geopark participates in competitions such as "Being Strong Together" and invests in training young people for climate protection. Projects like "JuleiCa Plus" promote education for sustainable development and the protection of nature and species[5].
Energy Transition: With the lending program for plug-in photovoltaic systems (balcony power plants), the geopark supports citizens in participating in the energy transition[5].
Mobility Transition: The geopark relies on electric vehicles for its events and transportation to promote the mobility transition[5].
Green Roofs and Urban Development: In cooperation with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), information seminars on green roofs and their significance for climate resilience in municipalities are conducted[5].

Cooperations and Partners

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The Geopark Porphyrland cooperates with various national and international partners, including the National Geopark Inselberg – Drei Gleichen in Thuringia, the European Geopark "Erz der Alpen" in Austria, and local organizations such as the German Alpine Club (DAV) and the Adult Education Center Muldental (VHS)[4].

The Geopark Porphyrland is a vibrant example of the connection between geological history, cultural diversity, and sustainable development. Through its diverse initiatives and projects, it contributes to protecting the region and preserving it for future generations.

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