Nikolaos Zouros: UNESCO Network chief: Greek geoparks path to gentler development
Greece has a special place in the global geoparks map, with five regions in the country now listed in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, while the coordinator of the Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark Greek Professor Nikolaos Zouros has been at the helm of the global network since 2016.
A member of the faculty at the University of the Aegean and also the director of the Lesvos Petrified Forest Natural History Museum, Prof. Zouros underlined the importance of geoparks for science but also as a tourist attraction, in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency released on Sunday.
"Greece is a country with a massive inventory of geological monuments. It is the way it is made. There are countries that might be much larger than Greece but present little geological interest," Zouros stressed, noting that the geological "evidence" in Greece was more recent than in other countries. "When we say recent we mean 200 million years ago, and they present particular interest for study," he explained.
Potential comparative advantage
Showcasing and promoting its geoparks was a potential comparative advantage that Greece could exploit in order to support rural areas, he followed, since they would help create jobs that kept young people in the country.
"Promotion and recognition of geoparks is a developmental tool for attracting tourists without the need for expensive infrastructure or new facilities, since the goal is to attract tourists through history, the natural landscape and geology," he underlined.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of global geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. According to UNESCO, "their bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming increasingly popular."
UNESCO currently recognises 127 geoparks across 35 countries, of which 71 are in 23 European countries and five are in Greece (Lesvos, Psiloritis, Vikos-Aoos National Park, Helmos-Vouraikos National Park and Sitia), while efforts are now underway to add a geopark in north Evia to the UNESCO list, Zouros said.
"Greece is one of the first countries that included its geoparks in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, with that on Lesvos among the Network's first four," the professor argued. UNESCO's requirements, he explained, also included the signs, walking routes and activities on the sites, and organised presentation centres.
Programme of activities and educational programmes
"Management bodies must create a programme of activities and educational programmes with universities for the study of the characteristics of the land. They must also set up a system for providing information to the public, with leaflets and material explaining how the landscape can be interpreted, so that it can be understood by visitors," he added.
A third element was to boost sustainable tourism activities involving the landscape and low-impact hospitality and catering structures, as well as promoting local products.
Research was another important part of the Network, he noted: "Geoparks must invest in research and in networking with other bodies but also cooperate with each other. The Network is one of solidarity and mutual support. The geoparks that belong to it progress together and the bodies that manage them work from the bottom up, from the local community for the promotion and gentle development of their region."
Global Network of National Geoparks
According to Zouros, each geopark was like a living organism that must be tended carefully to keep it alive and the Network carried out frequent inspections to ensure that its member-geoparks continue to satisfy the criteria.
Many parts of the world had expressed an interest in joining the Global Network of National Geoparks (GGN) - including countries in North and South America and Africa - but UNESCO standards were strict, he clarified. "It wants to save regions where the natural environment remains unsullied by violent development," Zouros explained.
The Global Geoparks Network (GGN), of which membership is obligatory for UNESCO Global Geoparks, is a legally constituted not-for-profit organisation with an annual membership fee. The GGN was established in 2004 and is a dynamic network where members are committed to work together and exchange ideas of best practise and join in common projects to raise the quality standards of all products and practises of a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: youtube.com
Source: int.ert.gr
22/04 22:33
'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
22/04 21:25
22/04 20:37
Greek and Turkish delegations discuss Confidence Building Measures for 2024
22/04 18:29
Over 114,000 Greek Diaspora citizens register to vote by post in the European elections
22/04 13:40
19/04 01:29
Athens State Orchestra presents 'St. Matthew's Passion' by Bach on April 30th
18/04 21:49
Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
18/04 20:32
'Easter Basket' and 'Godparents basket' to be put into effect next week in Greece
18/04 20:17
18/04 17:40
17/04 21:06
Thessaloniki Port: Performance growth for 2023 with record container throughput
17/04 20:57
Traffic regulations imposed in Athens for the 41st Peace Marathon on Sunday
17/04 20:52
17/04 18:15
Greek Foreign Minister addresses the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
17/04 17:12
16/04 21:02
NHM hosts the Trial of Pericles at the Harris Theater in Chicago on April 17
16/04 20:17
Greece will invest $830 million to protect marine biodiversity
16/04 01:46
New York Greek Independence Parade honors 1821 and solemn Cyprus Anniversary
16/04 01:35
Olympic Games Paris 2024: Olympic Flame to be lit at Ancient Olympia in Greece
16/04 00:29
European Committee of Regions and UN release study on Rural Tourism
15/04 20:41
15/04 19:58
Minister: Greece is transforming into a hub for exporting quality agri-food products
15/04 18:51
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
13/04 00:13
UN Tourism and Croatia to launch Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism
12/04 00:03
2024 marks a critical year in the enduring strength of Greek-German relations
12/04 00:00
11/04 22:07
Ambassador: US committed to upgrade of Greek military and support NATO's SE flank
11/04 19:40
Hellenic Pride on display at rainy Chicago Greek Independence Day Parade
11/04 02:06
Delphi Economic Forum IX: Energy collaboration a 'key' in Greek-Bulgarian relations
11/04 01:58
UN Tourism launches investment guidelines for Albania sector
10/04 19:01
Greek FinMin: New package of economic measures in 2025 to lower taxes, raise pensions
10/04 18:25
Greek city of Nafplion hosts Mediterranean Yacht Show for ninth year running
09/04 23:57
Greek PM on Tilos: Innovative projects for a cyclical economy are of key significance
09/04 23:55
UN Tourism members promote agenda for Europe as region leads global recovery
09/04 23:46
HFS presents 1968, Rousing Docudrama about Greece’s First European Cup April 21
09/04 22:48
Stolen 7th-century BC oenochoe returned to Greece by Hanover museum, municipality
09/04 22:42
Greek civil servants confederation ADEDY to strike on May 21
09/04 21:55
Greek Migration Minister meets Senior US Coordinator for Lawful Migration
08/04 23:48
08/04 23:41
Elliniko-Argyroupoli Mayor marches in Greek Independence Philadelphia Parade
08/04 21:53
Project Voria casino complex in Maroussi moving ahead after environmental report
08/04 21:36
Minister: Up to 120 delegations to take part in 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
08/04 19:22
Direct flight from Shanghai to Athens offers access to key tourism market for Greece
08/04 18:31
AI conference to attract distinguished speakers to Thessaloniki on April 25-27
04/04 23:28
City of San Jose marks March 25 with 16th Annual Greek Flag Raising Event
04/04 22:16
Urban plans published for seven townships in Thessaloniki and Attica of Greece
04/04 17:24
FinMin: The new EU economic and fiscal framework is good for Greece
04/04 15:30
Greek PM meets with the chiefs of the international pharmaceutical manufacturers
04/04 00:15
Deputy Minister for Macedonia-Thrace meets US Embassy Deputy Mission Chief
03/04 20:12
Syracuse AHEPA Chapter 37 marks March 25th Greek Independence Day
03/04 18:10
Greece's Delphi Economic Forum on April 10-13 to focus on 'The Great Transition'
03/04 16:42
Minister: Industrial production has returned to the pre-crisis levels in Greece
02/04 18:06
30/03 23:21
Eleni Gatzoyiannis scholarship offered to Greek students at Boston University
29/03 16:44
3rd edition of 'This is Athens - City Festival' with 250+ events from May 1 until June 2
29/03 15:53
Athens Metro station Aghia Varvara to stay closed on Saturday and Sunday
29/03 13:55
Greek Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy concludes visit to Montenegro
29/03 12:00
29/03 11:51
28/03 18:41
Attica Region to channel 640 bln euros to services of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
28/03 17:32
Greece to auction three-month T-bills on April 3, 2024 in a book entry form
28/03 15:46
Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
28/03 14:44
IPTO announces framework agreement tender for undersea power cables in Greece
28/03 11:49
IOBE: Construction sector in Greece records robust growth and good prospects
26/03 23:51
St. Thomas Hellenic School honors 1821 and the Feast of the Annunciation in NJ
26/03 21:59
PM at Economic Club of Canada: Greece is an attractive investment destination
26/03 17:56
Greek State budget primary balance reaches a surplus of 3,378 million euros
26/03 11:45
Ancient Messene to get upgraded visitors' facilities after approval by Council
23/03 17:43
New requirements for 'Golden Visa' program to kick in on March 31
23/03 16:49
Athenians continue to head out of the Greek Capital for March 25 long weekend
23/03 16:47
Greek Parliament lights to be turned off for Earth Hour 8:30-9:30 pm
22/03 21:54
US President on Greek Independence Day: Alliance with Greece stronger than ever
22/03 19:51
High diplomacy and geopolitics at Delphi Economic Forum IX in Greece
22/03 19:32
Tax authorities enable payments with foreign bank cards in Greece
22/03 14:19
22/03 00:24
Greece ranks first on list of countries with fastest business environment progress
22/03 00:02
Hellenic Police acquires first electric VAN-type highway patrol vehicle
21/03 22:41
21/03 15:33
Unseen Museum presents "The stele of the twin babies" exhibition in Athens
20/03 22:48
Health Minister: 95% of Greek hospitals to perform afternoon surgeries
20/03 21:52
Greek Deputy Minister of Justice meets delegation from US Embassy in Athens
20/03 21:44
Greek Interior Minister to visit United States and Canada on postal vote
20/03 20:55
Philadelphia Icarians mark 85th Anniversary and organize Apokriatiko Dance
20/03 18:01
Development Minister: We continue the battle against high prices in Greece
19/03 22:28
President of the Hellenic Republic meets her Ethiopian counterpart in Athens
19/03 20:57
19/03 20:25
FinMIn: Moody’s analysis records significant progress in the Greek economy
19/03 11:15
Sector chiefs report: Good news for Greek tourism in 2024 at ITB Berlin
18/03 22:20
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association honors Past Supreme President
16/03 13:01
Greek Deputy Foreign Μinister meets her Slovenian counterpart in Athens
16/03 12:56
Greek-Canadian Diaspora to welcome Greek Prime Minister to Toronto
16/03 11:28
Greek Migration Minister visits refugee hosting facilities in Kavala, Drama and Serres
15/03 21:50
Greek Minister announces conference on defence ecosystem in Athens from Lithuania
15/03 13:45
PM: More than 80 hospitals and 156 health centres being upgraded in Greece
15/03 12:55
Piraeus Port and Genoa Chambers of Commerce ink memorandum of cooperation
14/03 23:43
President of Hellenic Republic meets Prime Minister of Slovakia in Bratislava
14/03 22:58
American Express report highlights Global Travel Trends during 2024
14/03 22:52
Four hospitals in Attica Region already organizing afternoon surgical procedures
14/03 22:49
US Ambassador to Athens: More flights from the United States to Greece and Thessaloniki
14/03 22:43
Greek archaeologists discover ten ancient shipwrecks off Aegean island of Kasos
'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
Over 114,000 Greek Diaspora citizens register to vote by post in the European elections
Greek and Turkish delegations discuss Confidence Building Measures for 2024
'Easter Basket' and 'Godparents basket' to be put into effect next week in Greece
Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
Athens State Orchestra presents 'St. Matthew's Passion' by Bach on April 30th
Ministers: Central Greece Road (E65) section to Kalabaka nearly complete
8th Delphi Economic Forum to be held in Central Greece on April 26-29
Greek supermarkets record rise in value and decline in volume of FMCG sales
DEFEA Conference to be held at Stavros Niarchos Foundation in Athens on May 15
Bill for non-state, non-profit universities being tabled in Greek Parliament on Thursday
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
Minister: Greece to support Bulgaria and Romania in joining the Schengen zone
Greek Deputy Transport Minister flies in first test seaplane flight from Lavrio port
30th Agrotica inauguration: Agriculture Minister issues invitation to farmers to sit at talks
Greek Minister of Culture: Revenues from visitors to the Athens Acropolis rise in 2023
Foreign Minister visiting Washington DC for Greece-US strategic dialogue
TUI chief forecast: Tourism sector in Greece to break all records during 2024