To be recognized as an excellence entity, referenced by the local, regional, national and international community, as a promoter of the sustainable development of the Estrela Geopark territory, through networking activities.
Contribute to the protection, valorisation and promotion of natural and cultural heritage, with special emphasis on geological heritage, seeking the deepening and dissemination of scientific knowledge, promoting tourism and sustainable development in the Estrela Geopark territory.
The AGE - Associação Geopark Estrela is ruled by the following principles:
-Respect the standards of the European and Global Geoparks Network
-Respect the standards of the Global Geoparks of UNESCO Program
-Protection of Nature
-Sustainable development
-Quality of services
-Equity and Equality
-Technical and professional qualifications
-Territorial innovation
-Environmental responsibility
-Continuous improvement
-Effective and efficient management
-Quality standards
-User satisfaction guarantee
To develop its mission, the AGE has as objectives:
-promote and carry out actions aimed at a socioeconomic, cultural and environmental, sustainable and balanced development of the municipalities that ensure a territorial identity of the Serra da Estrela that include the municipalities of Belmonte, Celorico da Beira, Covilhã, Fornos de Algodres, Gouveia, Guarda, Manteigas, Oliveira do Hospital and Seia;
-manage within its territory the classified area of the Estrela UNESCO Global Geopark, namely its geosites and interpretation centres in the areas of science, education, training, technology and / or tourism;
-preserve, promote a valorise its cultural, natural and geological heritage; promote a sustainable tourism;
-foster the development of local economic activities, stimulating and supporting entrepreneurship and fostering traditional activities;
-promote and develop educational and / or scientific programs and workshops; promote and develop scientific research; promote and develop vocational training;
-promote and carry out actions of environmental awareness and cultural and touristic animation;
-collect, process and disseminate information on the territory's resources;
-carry out actions for the protection, conservation and dissemination of the natural heritage, namely geodiversity and biodiversity, with special emphasis on geological heritage;
-promote and carry out cooperation actions with other entities that can contribute to the achievement of AGE’s objectives;
-participate in public or private entities that are part of the scope of the Geopark assignments;
-provide services to members, local agents or others, as well as to market regional crafts, local products or others.
