The World Environment Day, celebrated globally every year on June 5th since 1972, unites nations across the planet in a collective effort to preserve the natural ecosystem.
The theme of this year’s World Environment Day (2020) is “Time for Nature,” reminding us that environmental protection requires sustainable development as its fundamental condition.
The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.), based on its assigned responsibilities (Law 4602/2019), implements actions aimed at promoting sustainability and protecting the natural environment. Respect and protection of the environment constitute one of its main pillars of study and advancement.
In relation to this year’s theme (Time for Nature), the H.S.G.M.E. emphasizes the importance of the geological factor in environmental protection through numerous studies and initiatives, including: rational management of water resources, water quality control, air quality monitoring, geothermal research and development, contribution to the prevention and management of natural and technological hazards of geological origin, designation of quarry zones, rehabilitation of inactive quarries, restoration of contaminated and abandoned mining sites, mapping of pollution and waste management in mining and industrial areas, bioremediation of polluted sites from mining activity, systematic recording of microbial biodiversity in extreme geological environments, and the promotion of geodiversity, among others.