Messel Pit UNESCO World Heritage Fossil Site in the UNESCO Global Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald, Germany – Challenges of Geoscience Popularisation in a Complex Geoheritage Context

Messel Pit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its paleontological significance, faced existential threats from potential waste disposal plans. Its designation as Germany's first Natural World Heritage geosite marked a pivotal moment, driven by collaborative efforts to balance geoheritage preservation with sustainable development under the 2030 Agenda. The establishment of a visitor center, supported financially by the State of Hesse, became a cornerstone for geoscience popularization through exhibitions, guided tours, digital media, and geotourism products. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated innovation, leading to web-based games like 'Deathly Paradise' and video projects, further enhancing engagement. This study highlights the transformative potential of long-term collaboration between UNESCO entities—geosites and geoparks—as a model for international best practices in geoheritage conservation and public outreach.

Frey, M.-L., Schmitz, P., & Weber, J. (2021). Messel Pit UNESCO World Heritage Fossil Site in the UNESCO Global Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald, Germany – Challenges of Geoscience Popularisation in a Complex Geoheritage Context. Geoconservation Research, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.30486/gcr.2022.1947342.1100