The Huasteca Potosina could become a geopark

The Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, through the Multidisciplinary Academic Unit of the Huasteca Region and their undergraduate course in Sustainable Tourism, is evaluating important geological areas of the Huasteca Potosina region to promote them as a Global G eopark , according to Irma Suárez, project coordinator.

Suárez explained that a geopark is an international designation granted by the UNESCO to areas with a particular geological heritage where culture, nature, and history are linked.

She detailed that in collaboration with other institutions and scientists from several disciplines – such as archaeologists and geologists – they are currently assessing the Huasteca region to identify the most important geological sites and that, thus far, they have a list with five or six municipalities in the state of San Luis Potosí.

The Huasteca Potosina could become a geopark

(Cave of the Swallows, one of the natural attractions of the Huasteca Potosina – Photo: Courtesy of the Ministry of Tourism of San Luis Potosí)

“We've been working in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism of the state to determine which areas are the best to develop this project, which began in 2015. We hope that by 2019 we can submit our case before the UNESCO,” explained Suárez.

The project coordinator added this territory management model is sustainable and that the value of the geological areas would be emphasized for the benefit of local communities and the diversification of the touristic offer, given that the Huasteca Potosina is currently more focused towards adventure tourism .

She added that they are also seeking to lessen the impact of man-made pollution at natural areas and preserve the region.

“We'll have to communicate these projects in a scientific and structured manner; we have a rich heritage in the Huasteca.”

Historic Center of San Luis Potosí, now a World Heritage site

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