UNESCO Adds 5 Greek Regions to Global Geopark Network

Vikos – Aoos Geopark. Photo source: European Geoparks Network

The United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) has listed five regions in Greece, in its Global Geoparks networks program, presented recently.

A standing petrified conifer trunk of the Lesvos Geopark. Photo source: European Geoparks Network

Greece is now home to five of UNESCO’s global geoparks: the Petrified Forest on the island of Lesvos, the Vikos – Aoos National Park in Epirus, the Chelmos-Vouraikos National Park in the Peloponnese, the Psiloritis National Park on Crete, and the Sitia Nature Park on Crete.

The Global Geoparks initiative comes after UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, and identifies areas of outstanding geological interest and international recognition which can through their unique geology pave the way for community-driven sustainable tourism development. The aim of the project is to support its members to bring sustainable territorial growth to the geopark by tapping into the territory’s geological heritage, primarily through the development of geotourism.

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) includes 120 geoparks in 33 countries.