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Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi UNESCO Global Geopark NEWS

Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi UNESCO Global Geopark and UNESCO Global Geopark Ries Enter into a Cooperation Agreement

Published 9.10.2026

Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi UNESCO Global Geopark and UNESCO Global Geopark Ries have signed a cooperation agreement that establishes a framework for long-term collaboration between the two geoparks. The agreement was signed in Alajärvi, Finland, on 14 September 2026 during a visit by representatives of Geopark Ries.

The agreement was signed at the premises of Järvi-Pohjanmaan Yrityspalvelu by Heike Burkhardt, Executive Director of Geopark Ries, and Sam Leijonanmieli, Chair of the Board of Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi UNESCO Global Geopark.

The two geoparks share an exceptional geological feature: both are located in landscapes shaped by asteroid impacts. The Lappajärvi and Ries impact craters provide a strong foundation for cooperation, even though the geopark regions differ considerably in terms of population, area, climate, land use and cultural landscape. The cooperation agreement focuses on research and knowledge exchange, education and public outreach, sustainable tourism, and international geopark cooperation.

The geoparks will exchange good practices, support one another within international and national geopark networks, and explore possibilities for joint projects.

Vilma Knibbs, Executive Director of Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi UNESCO Global Geopark, welcomed the agreement and the new opportunities it creates.

“We are very excited to see what this cooperation agreement will bring. Impact craters are the connecting factor between our two geoparks, which are otherwise relatively different in terms of population, geographical area and climate,” Knibbs said.

Both partners are committed to the principles of sustainable development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the guidelines for UNESCO Global Geoparks. Regular communication, mutual support and joint public communication will form an important part of the cooperation.

Sam Leijonanmieli, Chair of the Board of Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi UNESCO Global Geopark.(left), Vilma Knibbs the Executive Director of Impact Crater Lake UGGp (central) and Heike Burkhardt (right) Executive Director of Geopark Ries UGGp are happy about the agreement in Alajärvi in Finland.

“When we first met the Lappajärvi UGGp in Iceland in 2024, it was clear to me: they would make a fitting partner for us. From a geological perspective, this is obvious—after all, as a meteorite crater, we hold a unique position among the 241 UGGps worldwide. We will certainly both benefit from our collaboration in the years to come. We look forward to a promising future together.”, stated mrs. Burkhardt happily.

The agreement is valid for five years from the date of signature and may be extended by mutual agreement. It strengthens the ties between two European impact-crater regions and provides a basis for sharing knowledge, developing new initiatives and increasing international awareness of their distinctive geological heritage.

The excursions organised during the visit showcased the geopark’s distinctive geological sites and local culture. The Geopark Ries representatives visited Punaisen Tuvan Viinitila and Alvar Aalto locations in Alajärvi, Vimpeli’s round church and finnish baseball stadium in Vimpeli, ,explored an ancient shoreline and a protected kärnäite quarry in Lappajärvi and a visit to Atelier Autio, and joined a nature excursion in Evijärvi that also introduced them to the local log-floating tradition.

The Geopark Ries delegation (from the left) Mamaging director Heie Burkhardt, Consultant & Former Managing Director Günther Zwerger,M.Sc. Geosciences Geologist Fabian Weiß. On the second rght Ries Geopark Remona Ruf ,M.A. Transcultural Studies, International Partnerships and third right Anna Mareis, B.Sc. Geosciences, Project Management. On the last left Teemu Öhman, former geologist of Impact Crater Lappajärvi Geopark and last right Vilma Knibbs, Executive director of Impact Crater Lake UGGp. On the forst right Mrs. Kaisu Huhtala, local guide from Evijärvi Aassociation gave the group a entertaining and insightful presentation of lod driver’s tradistion in Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi Geopark area.

“Our entire team was delighted with the excursion program. I believe the Lappajärvi impact crater site is exceptionally well-positioned to meet the requirements for UNESCO certification. The area’s unique geological history is clearly explained, while the local nature, culture, and the realities of life for the local people are effectively conveyed to visitors. By involving traditional small businesses, the program fosters sustainable regional development, thereby strengthening environmentally friendly tourism and regional value creation, “ stated mr. Günther Zwerger, former executive manager and current consultant of Geopark Ries.

The programme also naturally included a visit to Lakeaharju on the rim of the Lappajärvi impact crater. The visit offered a fitting conclusion to the programme, bringing the two geoparks together around their shared geological heritage and strengthening the foundation for future cooperation.

Geopark Ries delegation with Vilma Knibbs and Teemu Öhman and Järvi-Pohjanmaa Business Service Ltd personnel Sari Kujala and Ulla Laukkala, and project manager Saija Huhtala from Leader Aisapari, at the impact crater rim viewing tower in Lakeaharju Vimpeli.

European Geoparks Week 23.5.-7.6.2026

10.6.2026

Geopark Weeks were celebrated in the Kraatterijärvi Geopark area in Alajärvi, Evijärvi, Lappajärvi and Vimpeli with a wide range of events from 23 May to 7 June 2026. The festive opening of the weeks took place at the Itäkylä evening event on 23 May. At the same time, the surprise element of the Geopark Weeks was announced: a municipal stone vote for Alajärvi, Evijärvi and Vimpeli! Lappajärvi is the only municipality in the Geopark that has an official municipal stone of its own. Through the municipal stone vote, the public can vote for their favourite to become the municipal stone.

Throughout the weeks, there was a wide variety of events. The theme of the Geopark Weeks was to bring Kraatterijärvi Geopark into the heart of the community and to organise many kinds of low-threshold events. Geologist Anna Losiak arrived from Poland and gave two lectures during the weeks on crater research. Her visit was made possible through the Erasmus+ project of Järvilakeus Adult Education Centre. Kraatterijärvi Geopark’s geologist Teemu Öhman also gave two lectures: one on the scale of space and another on the research history of the Lappajärvi impact crater. Nature excursions included one cycling trip, one nature excursion for the whole family, two guided accessible nature excursions with a forest reindeer theme, two birdwatching trips and one geological nature excursion. We also had the opportunity, among other things, to see folk dancing at the Itäkylä evening event, learn about the log-floating tradition in Evijärvi and explore wind sports on Europe’s largest crater lake. In addition, we took part in the Kesää Palotorilla event in Alajärvi and the Katajalahti Fish Market in Vimpeli. Two workshops were also organised during the Geopark Weeks.

The visit of the international guest, Dr Anna Losiak, was one of the highlights of the Geopark Weeks. Anna herself was also very excited about her visit to Finland.

“The most surprising thing was how incredibly relaxed and easy-going the people and the landscape are. It is especially striking when you think about the rapid chain of geological processes that shaped this area: an asteroid impact! Another thing is the lobby floor of the hotel where I stayed. Teemu and I have already planned possible research projects that would make use of the rock types ‘exposed’ in the hotel. I truly love the geology of the area and all the local people who are so enthusiastic about the Geopark. And I really enjoyed Saturday’s performance – I only wish I understood Finnish so that I could have been as amused by it as the rest of the audience!” Anna says enthusiastically.

The Geopark Weeks attracted an impressive 453 visitors! Thank you to everyone who took part in the Geopark Weeks! Your feedback is important, so please give us your feedback on the Geopark Weeks here: Geopark Weeks 2026 feedback – Fill in the form. Feedback can be submitted until the end of June.

Top left: The Geopark Weeks began on 23 May with the Itäkylä evening event in Lappajärvi, where the folk dance group Väkitukko performed. Top right: Geopark geologist Teemu Öhman and tourism specialist Ulla Laukkala in Alajärvi. Bottom left: The closing event of the Geopark Weeks at Lakeaharju in Vimpeli also included guide Marja Paukkunen, who has completed Geopark Ranger training, as well as Executive Director Vilma Knibbs. Bottom right: A birdwatching trip to the birdwatching tower was organised in Evijärvi.

Top left: The geo-nature excursion took place in rainy weather. Top right: Kraatterijärvi Geopark geologist Teemu Öhman told the audience about the Apollo photo exhibition on the wall of Hotel Kivitippu’s auditorium, based on NASA’s space images. Bottom left: There were plenty of people at the Itäkylä evening event talking with geologist Teemu and Executive Director Vilma. Bottom right: At the log-floating men’s cabin in Evijärvi, visitors had the chance to hear about the log-floating tradition.

19.5.2026

Encounters of 300 Upper Secondary School Students During Joint Theme Days

Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi UNESCO Global Geopark participated in the joint theme days of six nearby upper secondary schools (Lappajärvi, Evijärvi, Vimpeli, Alajärvi, Kauhava and Härmä) on Monday 4 May and Tuesday 5 May 2026. The theme of the students’ theme days was Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi Geopark. This year, the aim of the theme days, organised jointly by the schools, was to familiarise young people with their own local Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi Geopark area and the Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi UNESCO Global Geopark.

“As a result of the cooperation between the six schools, these spring theme days for upper secondary school students are organised annually. In previous years, the theme has included, for example, water, and this time the chosen topic was Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi Geopark,” says Marko Timo, Principal of Vimpeli Upper Secondary School.

“Cooperation with the Geopark is both welcome and desirable. Especially from the perspective of young people, we hope that the Geopark will inspire and encourage them to become entrepreneurs and remain in the area, for example as tourism entrepreneurs, of whom more are needed here,” Timo continues.

Approximately 300 students took part in the theme days. On Monday 4 May, Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi Geopark’s Executive Director Vilma Knibbs gave a lecture at Vimpeli Upper Secondary School to 150 students on the formation of Europe’s largest crater lake, as well as on the process of obtaining UNESCO Global Geopark status and its significance for the region. At the same time, Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi Geopark’s geologist Teemu Öhman gave a lecture on the same topic to 150 students in Lappajärvi.

During the days, Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi Geopark’s geologist Teemu also guided the entire group of 300 students on tours of the meteorite exhibition explaining the formation of the Lappajärvi impact crater, while Executive Director Vilma introduced students in the field at Lakeaharju in Vimpeli to the Lappajärvi impact crater and the special features of the Geopark area.

“Educational cooperation is one of the most important forms of partnership and local participation for Impact Crater Lake Lappajärvi Geopark. We are looking forward to future cooperation opportunities with educational institutions in the region,” says Knibbs, who started as Executive Director of the Geopark in early April.