From Waitaki to the Colca and Volcanes de Andagua Geopark (Peru)
- Admin
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark has strengthened its international connections, with Trustee Craig Sturgess recently visiting the Colca y Volcanes de Andagua UNESCO Global Geopark in Peru.
Many people know Craig and his wife Blanche as the owners of The Old School Enfield, their accommodation businesses, and the popular Old School Tours. Behind the scenes, however, Craig has also been a passionate volunteer Trustee of the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark for many years. He regularly donates his time and expertise to Geopark projects, including helping refurbish the recently reopened Museum of the Vanished World in Duntroon.
While travelling through Peru by motorcycle, Craig took the opportunity to visit the Colca y Volcanes de Andagua UNESCO Global Geopark to learn more about how another young UNESCO Global Geopark operates. His visit included a meeting with representatives of the Arequipa Regional Government, including Regional Vice-Governor Dr Ana María Gutiérrez and Regional Manager of Foreign Trade and Tourism Jorge Meza, along with the Geopark's leadership team.
The visit was coordinated between the two Geoparks as an opportunity to exchange ideas on conservation, education, sustainable tourism, community engagement and Geopark management.
After the meeting, Craig continued his journey through the Colca Valley to visit many of the Geopark's spectacular geosites before heading on to the next stage of his South American adventure.
As part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, Waitaki is connected to 241 UNESCO Global Geoparks around the world. These international relationships create valuable opportunities to share knowledge, learn from one another and build lasting friendships that benefit local communities.
Craig's visit is a great example of the strength of the Global Geoparks Network and how collaboration extends far beyond national borders. By sharing experiences and ideas, UNESCO Global Geoparks continue to inspire each other in protecting geological heritage, supporting sustainable development and connecting people with the stories of their landscapes.
A huge thank you to Craig for representing the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark overseas and helping strengthen this new friendship with our colleagues in Peru. We look forward to continuing to learn from one another as members of the global UNESCO Geopark family ❤️.
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