«VIKOS-AOOS GLOBAL GEOPARK ASSESSMENT MISSION FROM UNESCO, 2021»
During the period from 6 to 10 September 2021 took place in the Vikos-Aoos Geopark region by a visit from the special evaluation committee from the UNESCO. The aim of the mission was to ascertain whether the Vikos-Aoos area, designated as a Geopark since 2010, continues to meet the criteria to remain a recognised and equal member alongside the other 169 UNESCO Global Geoparks. Members of the special assessment mission included Messrs. Manfred Kupetz, Dr. Geologist from the Cross-border Geopark «Muskau Arch» located on the German-Polish border and the Stephen Legal, Dr. Geologist from the Luberon Geopark in France.
The mission began with the arrival of the assessors in Ioannina on 6/9/2021, who for the next three days (7-9/9/2021), accompanied by the relevant officials for the Vikos-Aoos Geopark from Epirus Development SA, visited more than 50 different sites of special interest (geological, environmental, cultural) in Zagori and Konitsa, and met and conversed in private or during scheduled meetings with more than 50 people, individually or as representatives of various bodies, who are in one way or another related to the Geopark. The members of the mission were accompanied throughout its duration by Mr. Ch. Papaioannou, Ms. G. Kitsaki, Mr. A. Stangikas (Epirus Development SA/ Vikos-Aoos Geopark), Mr. P. Pascho (Hellenic Institute of Geological and Mineralogical Research), and intermittently by additional individuals.
On the last day, 10/9/2021, an official meeting took place between the Regional Governor of Epirus, Mr. A. Kahrimanis, the two evaluators, and the representatives of Epirus Development / Vikos-Aoos Geopark, where issues related to the operation of the Geopark within the framework of UNESCO Global Geoparks were discussed. This was followed by a press conference by the Region of Epirus, which was attended by the Regional Governor of Epirus, Mr. A. Kahrimanis, the Mayor of Zagori, Mr. G. Soukouvelos, the two evaluators, Mr. Manfred Kupetz and Mr. Stephane Legal, as well as the coordinator of the Vikos-Aoos Geopark, Mr. Ch. Papaioannou. Mr. A. Kahrimanis highlighted the great importance that the Region of Epirus attaches to the Geopark and the support it provides to its operating body at all levels. Mr. Soukouvelos stressed the importance of the Geopark institution for the Municipality of Zagori and for the region in general. Mr. Manfred Kupetz spoke about the uniqueness of the Tymfi karst geological complex and the need for its protection in conjunction with its targeted promotion. Mr. Stephane Legal referred to the particularly positive impression he had of the excellent cooperation with the geopark's operating body, all the individuals and bodies with whom the committee met during these days. Finally, Mr. Papaioannou highlighted the great effort being made by Epirus Development SA, as the operating body of the Geopark, in cooperation with the other stakeholders (Region, Municipalities, Hellenic Institute of Geological & Metallurgical Research) in order to achieve the continuous inclusion of the Vikos-Aoos Geopark in the UNESCO Global Geoparks, which - according to UNESCO regulations - are evaluated for their work every 4 years.
The evaluation mission concluded with a working meeting at the offices of Epirus Development SA, attended by the two assessors and company staff working on the Geopark, and included extensive discussions on various issues relating to the Geopark’s operation.
Our thanks go to the Regional Governor of Epirus, Mr A. Kachrimanis, and to the Mayors and Deputy Mayors of Zagori and Konitsa, Messrs G. Soukouvelos, N. Exarchou, I. Tsapari and A. Lazogiannis, to the Regional Councillor, Mr H. Gartzonikas, as well as to all those who responded to the invitation extended to them and supported in every way the successful completion of the evaluation mission for the UNESCO Vikos-Aoos Global Geopark.
