Czech geopark could lose UNESCO status over sales of precious stones of unclear origin

The geopark in Český ráj (Bohemian Paradise) is in danger of losing its UNESCO status. According to auditors, it cooperates with institutions that sell precious stones of unclear origin such as “blood minerals” mined under highly problematic conditions in Africa.

The geopark is taking the matter very seriously and has ended its cooperation with the  Bohemian Paradise Museum in Turnov over the dispute. Jana Lebedová, director of the Bohemian Paradise Geopark says the criticism is justified.

Illustrative photo: Jaroslav Hoření, Czech Radio

“We must not support the sale of stones of unclear origin. It is like with ivory, if people buy things made from it, they are actually supporting the slaughter of these animals,"

The geopark has only been awarded the prestigious UNESCO label certificate for two years instead of four, due to criticism from inspectors. Next year, the management of the institution will have to defend the label.  Jana Lebedová says this could prove difficult if the sale of the stones continues within its locality.

"We got some recommendations, advice on what steps to take. The auditors recommend that we should cooperate with the Bohemian Paradise Museum in Turnov , because its geological activity is highly valued and is linked to the geopark, but the museum must not sell those stones of unclear origin in its shop," she says.

Bohemian Paradise|Photo: Jaroslav Hoření, Czech Radio

This is a condition that the geopark’s management has been unable to fulfill. The museum's director, Jan Prostředník insists that the accusations are ungrounded and the museum will not stop selling the precious stones.

“Our image is built around those sales.  All our stones have a certificate of authenticity and we see no reason to stop. Tradition is more important to us than cooperation with the geopark. Next year we will celebrate 140 years."

The geopark’s management counters that a certificate of authenticity alone does not guarantee that the said stones have been extracted and traded without exploiting labour.

However, the museum's director argues that the institution is not violating any regulations in its activities.

Bohemian Paradise|Photo: Radio Prague International

"Naturally, the Turnov museum only buys precious stones from certified dealers in the Czech Republic. And the jewelry makers that we cooperate with only buy from certified dealers as well. They certainly do not buy stones of unclear or suspect origin somewhere on the black market. So if something is wrong, then that is something that should be addressed by the law-enforcement authorities.”

If the geopark fails to defend its status it will drop out of the prestigious global network of geoparks which would most likely result in a loss of tourists. The director of the geopark, Jana Lebedová, is therefore looking for ways to address the problem. She has suggested that the geopark could inform its visitors about the poor conditions faced by workers in African mines. However, it may be that this gesture will not be enough. Moreover, it has emerged that the School of Arts and Crafts in Turnov and other institutions are also working with imported stones. The management of the geopark is now looking into whether it will have to end its cooperation with them as well.