UNESCO Global Geopark hallmark awarded to Belgian-Dutch Scheldt Delta
The Belgian-Dutch Geopark Scheldt Delta officially receives the UNESCO Global Geopark seal of approval!
This means that UNESCO considers the area of the Scheldt estuary so geologically, culture-historically and scenically unique that the region may now call itself a UNESCO Global Geopark and is included in the international UNESCO Global Geopark Network, together with, among others, the black volcanic beaches of Lanzarote, the geothermal activities of Iceland, and one of the deepest canyons in the world: Colcan in Peru.
40 Geosites form backbone of Scheldt Delta Geopark
Geopark Scheldt Delta counts no fewer than 40 geosites in the Flemish-Dutch Scheldt Delta. These sites form the basis of exceptional scientific heritage, in which the interaction between man and water is clearly visible in the landscape. Five provinces (Zeeland, North Brabant, Antwerp, East and West Flanders) worked together with more than 60 municipal authorities, knowledge institutions, museums and tourist boards to put together this robust application dossier.
50 million years young
The landscape of Geopark Scheldt Delta tells a story of 50 million years of subsidence and uplift, of rising and falling sea levels, of tidal waters, rivers and climate change. It also shows the varied role of natural processes and human influences of the last two thousand years: the Delta Works, clay pits for the brick industry, peat extraction for energy and salt, logging for construction, controlled flood plains (Sigma Plan)...
Between sand and clay, between high and low
The Brabantse Wal and Kalmthoutse Heide together form one of the geosites in Geopark Schelde Delta. These unique nature reserves are in a cross-border location in the Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide, a 6,000-hectare nature reserve. This is where the sandy and nutrient-poor Kempen and the clayey and nutrient-rich polder landscape of the coast meet. The landscape shows a border between high and low, the most striking point being the tens of metres high steep edge of the Brabantse Wal near Ossendrecht. On top of this embankment is a division between different water systems: the Maas basin and the Lower Scheldt basin.
Discover it yourself
Discover for yourself the unique landscapes of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide, or learn more about the geological and cultural-historical features of the Kalmthoutse Heide and Brabantse Wal.
Mammoet hiking trail + podcast
On hiking trail Mammoet, a rich history comes to life. Excavations at the former quarry Groeve Boudewijn, bring to the surface remains from as many as 2 million years ago. Listen to the accompanying podcast and learn more about the area's unique fauna and flora and the ancient layers of the Brabantse Wal soil.
Mammoth hiking trail
Podcast Meiduinen
Dune walking route
Imagine yourself in a desert landscape on the sand dunes of the Kalmthoutse Heide. Wandelpad Duin takes you to the heart of the silence area in the Grenspark. Climb up Natuurpunt's watchtower De Stapper to look for birds in the area and on the Stappersven.
Dune footpath
De Vroente, Duurzaam Educatiepunt
In autumn 2024, educational visitor centre De Vroente will reopen its doors with a brand new expo. As a Geopark info point, you can come here for more information. Through info panels and a panorama table, visitors can learn more about the unique geological features of this area.
After the Easter holidays, schools can register for De Vroente's new educational programme. For more information on the educational offer, please email devroente.omgeving@vlaanderen.be.
