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| European Geoparks Network (EGN) |
Today we have the opportunity to develop a new model for geotourism in Greece.
Within the support of the Regional Government of West Macedonia, we are proposing 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 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 177 locales in 46 countries.
We are pleased to mention the five existing Geoparks of Greece:
1. Petrified Forest of Lesvos (2000),
2. Psiloreitis Nature Park (2001),
3. Helmos National Park (2009)
4. National Preserve of Vikos-Aoos (2010).
5. Sitias Geopark (2015)
6. Kefalonia-Ithaca Global Geopark (2022)
Management of natural, cultural and scientific attractions is intended:
1. To serve regional needs regarding geological heritage, research and preservation.
2. We aim to attract both scientists and the wider public to the Geopark region and increase awareness about its standout geological wonders.
3. It is our goal to expand and coordinate tourism in the Geopark region while utilizing existing infrastructure as much as possible.
4. This affords various options for development in order 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: preserving our geoheritage, promoting sustainable development, integrating educational programs, interpretive signs, booklets, nature centers etc., and Geotourism. We emphasize local social and economic activities to stimulate and develop businesses promoting tourism, hospitality and visitor services.
