The “Réserve Géologique de Haute-Provence” which is covering an area of 2300 Km2 incorporating 59 communities, is protecting part of the earth memory.

Created in 1984, this protected area is situated in south-eastern France, between Mediterranean sea and alpine mountains. Founding member of the European Geoparks network, the “Réserve Géologique de Haute-Provence” is today a member of the Global Geoparks network supported by UNESCO.

The Haute-Provence geopark is one of the biggest geological open air museum with numerous fossil-rich sites and fascinating rocks formations.

Each year, lots of scientists come from all over the world, to work there. From Primary Era to Quaternary, various geotopes (giant inclined fold, thrust sheet, fossils of Ichtyosaurus, ammonites, dinosaurs, sirenians, plants, bird foot-prints, old mines, huge gorges, moraines...) show us 300 million years of our geological history.

The Haute-Provence Geopark works on conservation and valorisation of geological heritage for sustainable territorial development through the development of geotourism, educational and cultural tourism.

During discovering tours and educational trips, everyone can understand the meaning of geological heritage and why environmental protection is so important. Information centres and exhibitions also offer guided tours and special publications for all visitors.

Different experiences of exchange have been organized through the geoparks network: exchange of exhibitions, meeting of shop managers, workshops on educational activities to increase awareness of children about the environment, and improve their behavior of respect, responsibility and desire to protect the geological heritage.

The “Réserve Géologique de Haute-Provence” is situated in a seismic area, even if no important seism occured in the last hundred years.

The “Réserve Géologique de Haute-Provence” territory is now classified zone 4 on the National Seismic hazard map, which is an average seismic zone. So, the population has to know what is an earthquake, what is important to do before, during and after an earthquake.

 In France, people and children haven't got any culture of seismic hazard or they have lost it because the last important seism (estimated magnitude: 6) belongs to the beginning of the XXth century.

The participation to the RACCE program is helping the Organisation to increase awareness of children, and adults on the topic of seismic hazard with two main goals:

-          To give children and adults a better understanding of seismic risk and the mechanism of earthquakes

-          To inform the public about appropriate behavior before, during and after an earthquake.