Valpovo (Croatia) Geopark Papuk – 1st Intermediate meeting

The 1th intermediate meeting foreseen in the activities of the VR@GEOPARKS project, funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ 2020-1-IT02-KA227-SCH-095493 program, concluded with the return of the participants to their respective locations. Madonie Geopark Unesco is the leader and in which other partners from 5 countries participate (Croatia, Turkey, Poland, Portugal and Italy, with the Rural_unirc group of the AGRARIA Department of the “Mediterranea” University of Reggio Calabria).

Three intense days led the participants to discover the naturalistic and historical beauties of the cities of Valpovo and its castle, Osijek, the capital of the Osijek-Baranja region and 4th city by number of habitants in Croatia with its Co-cathedral in style Gothic, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul – Vukovarcon with the Vučedol culture museum and, above all, the water tower (one of the most famous symbols of Vukovar and the suffering of the city and the country in the battle of Vukovar and in the war of Croatian independence, when the water tower and the city itself were largely destroyed by the Yugoslav forces but it has been revived and transformed into a visitable attraction. A true example of resilience !!

There was no lack of naturalistic visits to the Unesco Papuk Geopark which hosts one of the most famous and characteristic geosites, that of Rupnica, with its basalt rocks in the shape of a square-based column, deriving from volcanic eruptions and cooling of the magma which occurred slowly, but the Skakavac waterfalls, a 30-meter drop on a travertine wall, are also worth a mention. Also interesting is the visit to the Papuk Geopark offices which also house an interactive museum called “House of Pannonian sea”. Another interesting stop was that of Kopački Rit Park Prirode Nature Park, one of the oldest protected areas in Croatia (it was established in 1967) because it represents a very important area for bird and fish fauna.

The gastronomic space was the one where you were guests of the “Kutjevo” winery, the oldest and most famous in Croatia, where the history of wine production in Croatia is told in wooden barrels. There was also a tasting of 5 local wines.

Closing of the meeting with the meeting with the municipal administration formed by the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor of Valpovo, host city of the meeting, and then concluding with the delivery of the certificates of participation. These were preceded by a musical moment offered by the local music school (among the oldest in Croatia) and by the final speeches of each partner.

We also discussed ongoing activities and the development of project outputs (VR @ GEOPARKS App).

They were intense and tiring days, in which there were also many funny moments but which well represent the real “spirit of Erasmus”, as they allow the possibility of meeting other people, other realities from which, why not, take a cue from good practices implemented. The next appointment will be in Poland, in 2022.

DAY-1

Presentation about Geoparks in Croatia (Igor Zdenčanović)

Presentation about Valpovo and school (Goran Kupčerić)

Presentation of the program

Walking through the city of Valpovo, city Park, visiting Museum and

Castle of Valpovo with expert guide.

Visiting Vukovar city, in Croatia called “Heroic city” because Vukovar was

heavily damaged during the Croatian war of Independence (1991 – 1995).

Visiting Vučedol Culture museum and Water Tower (one of the most

famous symbols of Vukovar and the suffering of the city and the country

in the Battle of Vukovar and the Croatian war of Independence , when

the water tower and the city itself were largely destroyed by the

Yugoslav forces.

DAY-2

Geopark Papuk

Geopark Papuk, guidance whole day

• starting with geosite Rupnica, vulcanic outcrop of columnal.

• activities, workshops, presentation in Geopark Papuk; geosites activities

In the evening, the hosts treated us to a series of cultural events. We really enjoyed the program which lasted until dinner. We all felt welcome in their country.

DAY3:

Kopački Rit Nature Park- BILJE It is located northwest of the confluence of the Drava and the Danube. It comprises many backwaters and ponds along the Danube. It is one of the most important, largest and most attractive preserved intact wetlands in Europe.