With the support of the Regional Government of West Macedonia, we propose the induction of an area within Grevena and Kozani Counties into the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. Members of the GGN are geographic areas where geological heritage is at the nexus of environmentalism, education, and regional development.
The history of Geoparks started in June 2000 with the establishment of the European Geoparks Network.
The network recommended 4 entities managing geologically significant areas in France, Spain, Germany, and Greece. Today members include 88 sites in 26 European countries.
UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (GGN)
Established in June 2004. Members collaborate with each other and with governments, local communities and individuals to implement and advance methods of preservation, safeguarding, promotion, and sustainable management of geologic heritage. On 17 November 2015, the 195 Member States of UNESCO ratified the creation of a new label, the UNESCO Global Geoparks, during their 38th General Conference.
Today this network includes 195 locales in 48 countries.
We are pleased to mention the five existing Geoparks of Greece:
1. Lesvos Geopark (2000),
2. Psiloreitis Natural Park (2001),
3. Chelmos-Vouraikos Geopark (2009)
4. Vikos-Aoos Geopark (2010).
5. Sitia Geopark (2015)
6. Kefalonia-Ithaca Global Geopark (2022)
7. Lavreotiki (2023)
Management of natural, cultural and scientific attractions is intended to serve regional needs regarding geological heritage, research and preservation. We aim to attract both scientists and the wider public to the Geopark region and increase awareness about its standout geological wonders. It is our goal to expand and coordinate tourism in the Geopark region while utilizing existing infrastructure as much as possible. This affords various options for development, to create a self-sustaining financial platform for managing the Geopark.
Finally, what is all this effort in aid of? Our goals for the geopark are: to preserve our geoheritage,
to promote sustainable development,
to integrate education, interpretation and recreation via geotourism for the general public,
and to advance scientific understanding through field research and analysis.
We emphasize local social and economic activities to stimulate and develop businesses promoting tourism, hospitality, and visitor services.
