Preface of the Editors - Musée national d'histoire naturelle

C. Ries & Y. Krippel Preface of the EditorsPreface of the EditorsChristian RIESDepartment of Ecology, National Museum of Natural History25, rue Münster, L-2160 Luxembourgcries@mnhn.luYves KRIPPELResearch associate of the Luxembourg National Museum of Natural History18A, rue de Rollingen, L-7475 Schoosyves.krippel@mnhn.luIntroductionYou hold in hands the proceedings of the secondinternational conference on sandstone landscapesthat took place in Vianden (Luxembourg) fromMay 25 to May 28 2005. The conference entitled“Sandstone landscapes in Europe - Past, present andfuture” brought together a range of scientists,experts, teachers and students from all overEurope.This international sandstone symposium followedthe initial conference “Sandstone Landscapes:Diversity, Ecology and Conservation” that took placein Doubice in Saxonian-Bohemian Switzerland,Czech Republic in September 2002 (Härtel et al.2002).The proposal for the follow-up symposium was broughtto Luxembourg by a Luxembourg participant whoaended the Czech symposium.The “Groupe d’études ayant pour objet la conservationdu patrimoine naturel de la Petite-Suisse luxembourgeoise”,an advisory group created by the LuxembourgGovernment to promote the conservationof remarkable natural sites in the Luxembourgsandstone area, the Müllerthal, also known asthe “Petite-Suisse luxembourgeoise”, supportedthe initiative to organize the next sandstonesymposium in Luxembourg.So the idea made its way, a partnership was set upand the symposium was scheduled for May 2005.OrganizationOrganizations and persons are listed in alphabeticalorder.Main organizers• Administration des eaux et forêts (Water andforestry administration)• Musée national d’histoire naturelle (NationalMuseum of Natural History)• Musée national d’histoire et d’art (NationalMuseum of History and Art)• Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois(Luxembourg Naturalist Society)Partner organizations• Amis de la géologie, de la minéralogie et dela paléontologie du Luxembourg (Friends ofgeology, mineralogy and palaeontology inLuxembourg)• Association des géologues luxembourgeois(Luxembourg geologists association)• Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur (Help for naturefoundation)• LAG LEADER+ Mullerthal (Local action groupLeader +)• NATURA - Ligue luxembourgeoise pour laprotection de la nature et de l'environnement(Luxembourg league for the environment andnature conservation)• Naturerkundungsstation(Nature visitor center)Teufelsschlucht• Oeko-Zenter Lëtzebuerg (Environmental andnature conservation foundation)• Service géologique du Luxembourg (Geologicalsurvey of Luxembourg)• Société préhistorique luxembourgeoise(Luxembourg prehistorical society)Conference coordination and secretariate• Christian Ries, curator at the National Museumof Natural History, president of the LuxembourgNaturalist SocietyFerrantia • 44 / 2005 7

C. Ries & Y. Krippel Preface of the EditorsConference scientific commiee• Guy Colling, researcher at the NationalMuseum of Natural History• Alain Faber, curator at the National Museum ofNatural History• Yves Krippel, research associate of the NationalMuseum of Natural History• Christian Ries, curator at the National Museumof Natural History, president of the LuxembourgNaturalist Society• Jean-Marie Sinner, head of Diekirch forestrydistrict, Water and Forests Administration• Fernand Spier, president of the LuxembourgPrehistory Society• Norbert Stomp, honorary director of theNational Museum of Natural History• François Valoeau, researcher at the NationalMuseum of History and Art• Jean Werner, president of the Study groupfor the preservation of the natural heritage ofLuxembourg Lile SwitzerlandConference organizing commiee• Georges Bechet, director of the NationalMuseum of Natural History• Marie-Paule Kremer, Ministry of Environment• Frantz-Charles Muller, president of Foundation'Hëllef fir d’Natur' and NATURA• Christian Ries, curator at the National Museumof Natural History, president of the LuxembourgNaturalist Society• Jean-Marie Sinner, head of Diekirch forestrydistrict, Water and Forests Administration• François Valoeau, researcher at the NationalMuseum of History and ArtBackground and aimsof the conferenceSandstone regions are scaered all over Europe.Even if different in age and composition, theyall show a great number of similitudes. Distinctgeomorphologic features oen create stronggradients in mesoclimatic conditions and generatehigh levels of natural disturbance and resultingpatch dynamics. In sandstone regions thesedynamic geomorphologic processes occur at ratesunseen in the surroundings. The special climaticor microclimatic conditions in sandstone regionsinduce a mosaic of biotopes hosting specific floraand fauna. The occurring species are oen of relictnature and a testimony of climatic conditions andvegetation in place earlier in this interglacial.Sandstone areas are not only a phenomenon ofgeological and biological interest. They are wellknown for their prehistoric past, and rock sheltersprovided excellent opportunities for humanselements. Later, the outstanding landscapes ofsandstone regions have aracted human aention,particularly since the Romantic period. It wasthe beginning of tourism, a phenomenon thatnowadays oen causes irreversible problems inthese fragile environments.In order to preserve the invaluable landscapes andecosystems, associated to sandstone landscapes,there is a strong need for research, nature andlandscape conservation with concrete managementplans, environmental friendly tourism, etc.The first sandstone conference in Doubice, CzechRepublic, revealed that the uniqueness of geomorphologicand ecological processes in sandstoneregions calls for a much more intimate linkbetween geomorphology, climatology, landscapehistory and biology/ecology, etc. and initiatedthe so-called 'sandstone community', a databaseof people interested in research and conservationof sandstone landscapes. More information canbe found on the 'Sandstone Landscapes' websitewww.sandstones.org, providing informationabout the research and events on sandstonelandscapes, especially in Europe (Härtel 2005).This second international conference on sandstonetried to carry on the effort devoted to bridgingall the concerned disciplines. The organizersintended that this conference would - amongstothers - identify which general research topicscan use sandstone regions as particularly suitablemodel systems; permit the comparison of differentsandstone regions in Europe and point out similarities;establish new contacts and further collaborationamong people interested in sandstoneregions; address conservation issues specific forsandstone regions (tourism, rock climbing, restorationmanagement); etc.Scientific programmeThe scientific programme consisted of plenarylectures, poster sessions, discussions and excursions.Four major topics were covered by 26 oralcommunications and 16 posters:1. Evolution of sandstone landscapes:geology and geomorphologySandstone is a quite common rock type, whichcharacterizes different regions and yet each8Ferrantia • 44 / 2005

C. Ries & Y. Krippel Preface of the Editorssandstone formation differs somehow from theother by its mineralogical composition or by itsorigin. Today the geological evolution of theseareas shows a landscape revealing many erosionfeatures, joint paerns and rockslides fromrecent time, as well as a lot of elements from thegeological past. The erosion oen formed eithernarrow valleys into a sandstone plateau, or slopesof a cuesta, or bues as residual hills or outliers,etc.2. Archaeology of sandstone landscapes:from Prehistory to the Middle AgesThere is no doubt about the importance ofsandstone landscapes from Prehistory to theMiddle Ages. Archaeology contributes to theknowledge of the old populations within thelimits given by the subject. Following topics areof special interest: the habitat and its additionalactivities, as well as architecture; burials, anthropologyand taphonomy in sandy context; petroglyphsand rupestral art.3. Flora, fauna and microclimate ofsandstone ecosystemsSandstone formations with their typical erosionfeatures are known for special microclimaticconditions. Great variations in both humidity andtemperature - including temperature inversion -are responsible for a huge diversity of plants andanimals. The proliferation of Atlantic and sub-Atlantic species is remarkable; the presence ofmountain and sub-mountain species is significant.Besides higher plants, the diversity of pteridophytesand the richness of nonvascular cryptogamslike bryophytes and lichens of sandstone regionsis in general outstanding. On the other hand, thesandstone outcrops, as well as extended woodsand moist valleys offer habitats for a rich wildlife.4. Human impact on sandstonelandscapes: threats and protectionSandstone landscapes oen became the victimsof their own success. Exploited and inhabitedby man since prehistory, visited and solicited bymodern man, seeking relaxation and ventures inthese spectacular landscapes, the extreme fragilesandstone habitats are more and more threatened.In order to preserve the natural and culturalheritage of sandstone landscapes, concretemeasures must be initiated and a tourism in accordancewith the environment promoted.Course of the Symposium88 participants aended the conference, includingspeakers and translation staff (cf. list of participants).Pre-conference excursionThe pre-conference excursion on WednesdayMay 25 took the participants by bus to the heartof the “Petite Suisse” area. The participants weresplit into two groups according to the conferencelanguages English and French.On the programme: sandstone formations, forestsand valleys around Berdorf and Beaufort (Fig. 1).The prehistoric sites of 'Kalekapp', petroglyphsand vandalism, rock formations and erosion,different forest associations, flora (including filmyferns), fauna, rock climbing and related problems,tourism as well as nature conservation, were onlysome of the topics.The field trip was rather demanding, but thebarbecue during lunch break in the stunningscenery of Beaufort castle helped to forget achinglegs and sunburn.The guides were: Guy Colling, Alain Faber, AnneHauzeur, Yves Krippel, Jean-Marie Sinner andFrançois Valoeau.The conferenceThe plenary sessions lasted the next two days, fromThursday May 26 to Friday May 27. The venuewas the 'Centre culturel Larei', a former tannerycomplex transformed by the city of Vianden into acultural centre. An abstract book was provided bythe organizers (Ries 2005).Instead of grouping the communications by majorthemes into distinct Symposia, the organizingcommiee was so audacious to mix up thecontributions independently of their topic (cf.Fig. 1: Pre-conference excursion in the Müllerthal area,May 25 2005. Photo: Milkuláš Radek.Ferrantia • 44 / 2005 9

C. Ries & Y. Krippel Preface of the Editorsprogramme). Under the boom line, as everybodyagreed, this atypical method was of great success.It is quite unusual that the last speaker of the daycan find himself in front of a full auditory, mostpeople having aended all day long. Of coursethis fact is also due to the excellent quality of thecontributions and to the fact that the programmewas reliable, all speakers perfectly respecting theirallocated time.We are especially thankful to Handrij Härtel andJan Čeřovský who draw general conclusions atthe conference closure and called for joining thesandstone community and for meeting again at thenext conference which will be held in Poland in acouple of years. Jan Čeřovský draw the aentionto the range of activities and working groupsof the IUCN and proposed that the sandstonecommunity should create an IUCN-workinggroup covering the issues of sandstone areas.On Friday May 27, aer the second morningsession, the organizers were happy to presentthe book about the Petite-Suisse area and to offera copy to each participant (Fig. 2). The bookcomprises 251 pages and covers all the topics ofthe conference (Krippel 2005).Aer the conference closure, the tourist train'Benni' took the participants to a guided visit of thehydro electrical power plant SEO near Stolzembourg.The conference dinner took place the sameevening in the Hotel Victor Hugo in Vianden.Post-conference excursionThe post-conference excursion took the participantsby bus to the German part of the Luxembourgsandstone area near Ernzen and Ferschweiler.Again the participants were split into twogroups according to the conference languagesEnglish and French.Fig. 2: Presentation of the book about the Petite-Suissearea in front of the conference venue Larei, May 272005. Photo: Milkuláš Radek.Fig. 3: Post-conference excursion, Luxembourg-city,view on the Alzette valley and the Grund district, May28 2005. Photo: Jiří Adamovič.Aer a glance at the visitor centre 'NaturerkundungszentrumTeufelsschlucht', a trail took theparticipants through sandstone formations anddeciduous woods to the valley of the Prüm andthe 'Irreler Wasserfälle', small waterfalls caused byenormous rock boulders.The aernoon was spent in Luxembourg-citycovering geological, historical and botanical topics(Fig. 3). The excursion ended with a visit of twomajor museums, the National Museum of NaturalHistory and the National Museum of History andArt.The guides were: Georges Bechet, Alain Faber,Anne Hauzeur, François Valoeau and HolgerWeber.ConclusionOn behalf of the organizers we thank all theparticipants having aended the conference andespecially those who have contributed to theprogramme excellence with a high diversity andquality of oral communications and poster presentations.The magnificent weather conditions, the gorgeousconference venue and last but not least the sociabilityand sincerity of the participants made thissymposium a remarkable event that will not beforgoen soon.The conference showed clearly the similitude ofthe different sandstone landscapes scaered allover Europe and the similarities of the problematicof conservation of natural and cultural heritagesin the different regions. By gathering participantsof other countries, the Sandstone Community wasenlarged and there was a clear consensus to joinefforts in the future.10Ferrantia • 44 / 2005

C. Ries & Y. Krippel Preface of the EditorsWe hope these proceedings will contribute tospread knowledge about one of the most sensiblelandscape types in Europe and will increasenetworking amongst the scientific communityworking in and on sandstone areas.AcknowledgementsWe are grateful to a range of persons and institutionswhich have helped in many ways and thuscontributed to the success of the conference. Thesepersons and institutions are listed by type andin alphabetical order. We express these thankson behalf of the main organizers, the partnerorganizations and the scientific and organizingcommiees.Excursion guides• Georges Bechet (National Museum of NaturalHistory, Luxembourg)• Guy Colling (National Museum of NaturalHistory, Luxembourg)• Alain Faber (National Museum of NaturalHistory, Luxembourg)• Anne Hauzeur (research associate, NationalMuseum of History and Art, Luxembourg)• Yves Krippel (research associate, NationalMuseum of Natural History, Luxembourg)• Jean-Marie Sinner (Forestry administration,Diekirch)• François Valoeau (National Museum ofHistory and Art, Luxembourg)• Holger Weber (NaturerkundungszentrumTeufelsschlucht, Germany)Staff• Bastin Jonny (Municipality of Vianden,conference venue Larei)• Pascal Dellea (driver)• Nadine De SousaDiekirch)(student, Hotel school• Véronique Maurer (student, Hotel schoolDiekirch)• Tom Müller (Forestry administration, Beaufort)and his team (barbecue in Beaufort Castle)Graphical work• Anita Faber (National Museum of NaturalHistory, Luxembourg)• Thierry Helminger (National Museum ofNatural History, Luxembourg)Sponsors• Fonds national de la recherche, Luxembourg(National Research Fund)• Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of theEuropean Union• Ministry of Culture, Higher Education andResearch, Luxembourg• Ministry of Environment, Luxembourg• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Luxembourg• Μrs. Anne-Marie Linkels (Castle of Beaufort)• Municipality of Beaufort• Municipality of Vianden• SEO, Société électrique de l’Our, Vianden• Tourist office of ViandenCompanies• Accents sprl, Brussels (Simultaneous translation)• Alltec solution providers, Luxembourg(Materials)• Autolux sàrl, Luxembourg (Car rental)• Dorel Doreanu, Senningen (Music)• Economat Stronska Fons, Vianden (Catering)• E.G.E. Stienon sprl, Brussels (Sound and simultaneoustranslation technique)• Hammes sàrl, Vianden (Tourist train Benni)• Hotel Victor Hugo, Vianden (Catering)• Hotel Petry, Vianden (Catering)• Maison Bernard Bergh, Vianden (Materials)• Shop Vinandy, Vianden (Fuel)• Voyages Demy Schandeler, Keispelt (Bus transportation)ReferencesHärtel H. 2005. - Sandstone Landscapes. Websiteof the Sandstone Community. Url: hp://www.sandstones.org/s_conf.htm [15.11.2005].Härtel H., Herben T. & Cílek V. 2002. - SandstoneLandscapes: Diversity, Ecology and Conservation.Conference homepage. Url: hp://www.sandstones.org/ibot_sandstone/index.htm [15.11.2005].Krippel Y. [ed.] 2005. - Die Kleine LuxemburgerSchweiz - Geheimnisvolle Felsenlandscha imWandel der Zeit. Luxembourg. 251p. ISBN 2-919877-09-7.Ries C. 2005. - Sandstone landcapes in Europe- Past, present and future. 2 nd InternationalConference on sandstone landcapes. Conferenceabstracts - Préactes de la conférence.Url: hp://www.symposium.lu/symposium/sandstone/preactes.pdf [15.11.2005]Ferrantia • 44 / 2005 11

Conference posterPoster de la conférence2 nd international conference on sandstone landscapesSandstone landscapes in Europe - Past, present and future2 ème conférence internationale sur les paysages de grèsPaysages de grès en Europe - Passé, présent et futur25.-28. 05. 2005 Vianden (Luxembourg)w w w . s y m p o s i u m . l u / s a n d s t o n ePoster layout: Thierry Helminger (MNHNL). Logo design: Anita Faber (MNHNL)12Ferrantia • 44 / 2005