The participation of the Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mineral Research (H.S.G.M.E.) in the event organized by the Association of Oxilithos People Everywhere, “O Evangelismos,” was successfully completed. The Authority’s geologists, Ms. Eugenia Moraiti and Ms. Vasiliki Barsaki, presented the concepts of geological heritage and geosites, with particular reference to the “Oxilithos Volcanic Complex of Central Evia,” addressing local representatives and residents.
A team from the Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mineral Research, consisting of Dr. Irini Zananiri and Ms. Vasiliki Barsaki, carried out fieldwork in the wider area of Oxilithos and Central Evia from June 14 to June 17, 2021, as part of the project GEOINFRA: Geological Mapping Actions of Greece to Support Innovation and Entrepreneurship, supervised by Dr. Ir. Zananiri (https://bit.ly/3Ldv8Ht), and its Subproject 1 – Work Package 5: Geosites – Geotrails – Geoparks, coordinated by Ms. E. Moraiti. The aim was to highlight the geological heritage of the region, record new geosites, and update the H.S.G.M.E. geosite database.
Representatives of the Association of Oxilithos People Everywhere contacted the geologists, expressing great interest in promoting their region’s geological heritage and requesting the Authority’s support in this effort.
To disseminate information and share the results of the GEOINFRA – Subproject 1 – WP 5 work, H.S.G.M.E., represented by geologist-paleontologist and WP 5 Scientific Coordinator Ms. Eugenia Moraiti, and geologist–geoenvironmentalist Ms. Vasiliki Barsaki, presented the outcomes of their research on Evia, focusing on the Oxilithos volcanic complex, during an event held on October 21, 2022.
The event was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Karystia and Skyros, accompanied by the parish priest of Oxilithos, Father Georgios, Member of Parliament Mr. Zempilis, Deputy Mayor of Kymi–Aliveri Mr. Theodorou, Municipal Councilor Ms. Batsa, President of the Oxilithos Local Council Ms. Katsari, Councilor Mr. Triantafyllou, and many residents.
At the end of the presentations, the audiovisual material prepared by the Authority about the Oxilithos volcanic complex geosite was shown for the first time, and leaflets promoting the geosite and the “Geosites – Geotrails – Geoparks” Work Package were distributed.
A discussion followed on the promotion and protection of geological heritage, as well as on the next goals of the Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mineral Research.