Space and Time Perception and the Geopark’s Communities. From Mythical Geography to Heritage Interpretation

Abstract A geopark is a complex protected area, combining time scales, nature, culture, man and Earth. Since its creation, Hațeg Geopark uses an innovative approach on community involvement based not only on the tangible culture, but also on the intangible heritage, geographical information, myths and beliefs. The Geopark uses popular geographical knowledge to map the local space perception, to investigate the imaginative geographies and to capture the memory of the communities. This data, combined with scientific facts, forms the Interpretation Strategy of the region. The aim of this study is to show the theoretical framework of working with popular geographical knowledge and its practical uses in heritage interpretation: strategy, infrastructure, identity and perpetuated cultural values.