The geological history of Greece gains two new “homes”

Report from the print edition of Eleftheros Typos on Sunday, 14 August 2021. Interview with the General Director of the H.S.G.M.E., Mr. Andreas Tsokos, by Xenia Stouka.

New “hubs,” filled with invaluable information about our ancient wealth, are enriching the cultural map of Attica. The story of geology and mining in Lavrio is getting ready to tell the tale of how our civilization evolved!

In October, the first National Geological Museum in Thrakomakedones will open its doors, while at the same time, the countdown has already begun for the completion of the Geopark in Lavreotiki, which will play a crucial role in highlighting our geo-mining heritage.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.), the Ministry of Culture, and the Municipality of Lavreotiki have joined forces to submit a significant proposal for the region’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List—a decision expected within 2021.

Public interest first

“Safeguarding the public interest is an ongoing priority. The daily work in our laboratories revolves around fundamental geological research, monitoring the country’s groundwater, studying natural disaster phenomena, ore deposit geology, geothermal energy, and, of course, the protection of our geological heritage,” says the General Director of the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration, Andreas Tsokos, in his interview with Eleftheros Typos on Sunday. He walks us through major projects of cultural, geological, and mining history that narrate at least 6,000 years of presence. The H.S.G.M.E., which this year marks a century of institutional operation—as Mr. Tsokos notes—is turning a new page, entering an era that emphasizes the link between geology, culture, innovation, outreach, and social contribution.

What is the significance of the two ambitious projects—the new National Geological Museum and the Lavreotiki Park—that are currently being implemented?

In reality, this marks the first coordinated effort by the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration to reach out to the public, while also representing an important challenge in promoting Earth sciences and their contribution to national development. Very soon, both projects will become a tangible reality.

The Museum of Minerals and Rocks of the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration was established in 2008. It is currently under reconstruction. How are the works progressing for what will be the country’s first National Geological Museum?

The first National Geological Museum reflects our effort to showcase the collection of minerals, rocks, and fossils in our possession. Our goal is to transform this wealth into a modern, innovative museum—one that can welcome many more schools than it does today. We have already received approval for the preliminary inspection application, which serves as the roadmap for the museum’s official recognition by the Ministry of Culture. Its funding has been secured, and we are in the implementation phase, aiming to open the museum to the public by October.

According to archaeological and geological studies, the regions of Lavrio, Halkidiki, and the Cyclades contain the largest share of our mineral wealth. From where do most of the samples that will be exhibited originate?

The exhibition halls host more than 1,000 samples from the Authority’s earlier museum collections, enriched by donations from private collectors and geologists. About 90% of the displayed samples come from various parts of Greece, while the rest come from abroad—from Brazil, India, China, Russia, Tibet, Romania, and Bulgaria. The more recent collections mainly originate from Lavrio, Halkidiki, and the Cyclades. In addition, specially designed display cases house historical specimens from all over Greece, collected over a century of geological research by geologists and mining engineers of the Authority.

Could we say that Lavrio is preparing to become a new center of cultural heritage?

The Geopark we are designing—and which we hope will receive UNESCO recognition—is, in essence, a tribute to the history and culture that the region has offered, as well as an opportunity for citizens to explore the Earth sciences. The geological wealth of the area, the otherworldly landscapes of its mines, and the legacy left by nearly 6,000 years of mining activity are expected to open a new vein of opportunity for Lavrio and its wider region. Lavreotiki is an area that has, for centuries, provided the Greek people with the wealth needed for survival and growth.

At what stage are the works for the implementation of the Geopark?

According to the plan, the Greek side (Ministry of Culture, H.S.G.M.E., and Municipality of Lavreotiki) is seeking the inclusion of the area in the UNESCO World Heritage List through the establishment of the Lavreotiki Geopark.

This Geopark will play a decisive role in highlighting our geo-mining heritage through a series of projects carried out in collaboration with the Municipality, the Ministry of Culture, and local stakeholders. The proposal dossier was submitted to UNESCO last November and is currently under evaluation. I believe we will soon have positive news. In any case, the works are continuing, with the goal of opening the site to the public in the near future.

Does geology — “the world of minerals and rocks” — hold the place it deserves in our cultural life?

Not yet, and that is one of our main objectives. More and more children and adults will soon have the chance to get acquainted with the Earth sciences. In addition to the museum, we have created two educational programs titled “The Minerals of Our Lives” and “Virtual Geological Tours.” These programs are aimed at teachers and students of primary and secondary education, helping them explore geology either by visiting the museum’s exhibition hall—with its unique exhibits—or online through a digital platform we developed. Furthermore, in collaboration with the company that produces the famous LEGO toys, we are promoting the creation of a specialized line focused on minerals, so that children can be introduced to the world of rocks from an early age.

Four Geotrails for the Public

The Lavreotiki Geopark covers an area of 176 sq. km., encompassing 40,000 acres within the Sounio–Lavrio–Plaka triangle. It features a unique combination of geological, cultural, archaeological, and historical wealth, including about 1,000 mining galleries and shafts, 40 geosites, and numerous locations of industrial, cultural, and archaeological interest. At this stage, 40 geosites have been proposed and are represented on the park’s geological map. As Mr. Tsokos explains, there is potential to expand the number of geosites in the future, supported by the H.S.G.M.E.’s database, which contains extensive information about other sites in the area. The geosites are organized along four geotrails designed to connect them, creating safe, educational, and attractive routes of cultural interest for visitors.

1. Northern Lavreotiki: A peri-urban geotrail approximately 11 km long, ideal for hiking, cycling, or driving. It introduces visitors to the unique geology of the region in combination with its remarkable landmarks, industrial monuments, and archaeological sites—all closely linked to the mining and metallurgical history of Lavreotiki. Notable along this route is the Ancient Theatre of Thorikos, located on the rocky slope of a coastal hill. According to historical sources, the site was gradually shaped through successive interventions associated with the increased need for civic gatherings following the political reforms of Cleisthenes in 507 BC, which laid the foundations for Athenian democracy.

2. Central and Southern Lavreotiki: A peri-urban geotrail particularly suited for hiking and cycling. This route is a true journey through time, offering visitors a glimpse of 19th-century Lavreotiki with its industrial, metallurgical, and mining facilities, before leading them back to the ancient mining and metallurgical monuments of the Golden Age of Pericles—or, as it could also be called, the Silver Age of Lavrio. It provides a holistic experience that begins with geological features and culminates in human achievement. Along the way, visitors encounter several sites of exceptional interest, including the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio.

3. The City of Lavrio: An urban geotrail about 7 km long, perfect for walking or cycling. This trail focuses on the human element—the inseparable bond between people, nature, and the cultural heritage shaped by the area’s unique geology and mineral wealth. Highlights include the Mineralogical and Archaeological Museums, as well as industrial monuments such as the French Pier (built in 1888) and the remarkable neoclassical buildings of the 19th century within the city’s main structure.

4. Agios Konstantinos–Kamariza Settlement: An urban geotrail of nearly 7 km, suitable for walking and cycling. It focuses on the area’s exceptional 19th-century industrial and mining monuments, underground tunnels, and the first industrial-mining railway, while also shedding light on the daily life of miners in what was the main mining center of almost 6,000 years of continuous mining and metallurgical activity.

Amyras: “The climate crisis leaves no room for delays or half measures”

For the first time, the Ministry of Environment and Energy has undertaken the protection and financial support of five officially recognized Greek UNESCO Global Geoparks, promoting their actions and securing funding to meet the obligations that come with their international recognition.

The UNESCO Global Geoparks represent the third category of sites recognized by UNESCO, alongside World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves.

Recently, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Giorgos Amyras, in a presentation of the government’s relevant plan, stated: “The Mitsotakis government and the Ministry of Environment and Energy are guided by our commitment to protecting the environment and biodiversity. Our aim is to showcase the country’s natural beauty and provide incentives for local communities to embrace green entrepreneurship and transition toward sustainable economic activity. The climate crisis leaves no room for delays or half measures. In cooperation with local communities, we are building nature’s shield, creating opportunities for growth and sustainability.”

The five areas are: Vikos–Aoos (part of the Northern Pindos National Park), Psiloritis Crete (Sitia), the Chelmos–Vouraikos National Park, and the Island of Lesvos.

From the print edition of Eleftheros Typos on Sunday, 11 July 2021. Interview by Xenia Stouka.