The 3rd Conference of UNESCO Global Geoparks of Greece and Cyprus was successfully completed in Ioannina from June 3 to 5, 2022.
The event was organized by the Epirus Development Agency S.A., the managing body of the UNESCO Global Geopark Vikos–Aoos, with the support of the Region of Epirus, in collaboration with the Hellenic Geoparks Forum, the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA), and the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO.
The President of H.S.G.M.E., Mr. Konstantinos Saltas, honored the conference with his presence, underlining the institution’s strong commitment to this important event. In his address, he emphasized the numerous projects implemented by H.S.G.M.E. over the past two decades, focusing on the documentation of geosites across Greece and the promotion of the country’s geological heritage.
The Head of the Epirus Regional Unit of H.S.G.M.E., Dr. Evangelos Nikolaou, and the Scientific Coordinator of the UNESCO Global Geopark Vikos–Aoos, Dr. Panagiotis Paschos, both as speakers and as members of the conference’s organizing and scientific committees, highlighted the outstanding geological value of the Vikos–Aoos Geopark. During the field excursion held within the Geopark, they had the opportunity to showcase its sites of exceptional natural beauty to the participants.
Also participating as speakers from H.S.G.M.E.’s central office were Dr. Eugenia Moraiti and Ms. Vasiliki Barsaki. Since its establishment in 1976, the Epirus Regional Unit of H.S.G.M.E. has placed significant emphasis on promoting the geological heritage of Epirus.
Initially, through the project “Promotion of Geosites – Geoparks: Contribution to Sustainable Development,” which was included in the Operational Program “Competitiveness” (OPC) of the Community Support Framework 2000–2006 and continued under the NSRF, systematic documentation and promotion of Greece’s geological and geomorphological heritage and geodiversity were achieved.
Within the framework of this initiative, a comprehensive inventory of geosites across the country was created, along with a database that now serves as an essential tool for their evaluation and promotion.
The culmination of these efforts, as well as the close collaboration with the Epirus Development Agency S.A. and the Region of Epirus, was the submission of the proposal and preparation of the dossier for the establishment of the Vikos–Aoos Geopark — an area of unparalleled natural beauty and unique geological significance.
This effort was rewarded in 2010, when the Vikos–Aoos Geopark was certified by UNESCO and became part of the European and Global Geoparks Network.
The Vikos–Aoos Geopark now opens up new opportunities for the economic development of the local community through geotourism. This holistic approach offers both visitors and residents the chance to understand and interpret natural processes. It introduces innovative tools for alternative tourism that can stimulate local economies. The interpretation of the geological history of each region, its connection to development, culture, and the broader environment is a vital component that had long been missing from environmental, touristic, and cultural renewal efforts.
The wide range of presentations delivered during the thematic sessions of the 3rd Conference of UNESCO Global Geoparks of Greece and Cyprus, as well as its conclusions, are expected to make a significant contribution to the promotion and protection of Greece’s geological heritage.
H.S.G.M.E. (formerly I.G.M.E.) congratulates the Epirus Development Agency, the Region of Epirus, the Hellenic Geoparks Forum, the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, OFYPEKA, and the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO for the excellent organization of the conference.
It also expresses its gratitude to the Regional Governor of Epirus, Mr. Alexandros Kachrimanis, for his long-standing collaboration and support of H.S.G.M.E.’s research activities in Epirus.
Special thanks are extended to Dr. Charitakis Papaioannou, Coordinator of the UNESCO Global Geopark Vikos–Aoos, and Ms. Georgia Kitsaki, M.Sc., Historian–Archaeologist, from the Epirus Development Agency, for organizing the conference and for their long-term collaboration with H.S.G.M.E.