VOLUNTEERS FROM GERMANY AT THE VIKOS-AOOS GEOPARK, APRIL 2021
The Vikos-Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark welcomed two volunteers from Germany, Friedrich Krentz (19) and Fabian Lübken (25), as part of a new cooperation between the Greek and German National Commissions for UNESCO. This cooperation offers the five Greek UNESCO Global Geoparks the opportunity to host young people from Germany for a six-month volunteering service. The volunteering service is organised by the partner organisation “kulturweit”.
The main objective of the programme is for young people to join the Greek UNESCO Global Geoparks and participate in various activities to acquire specialised knowledge, skills, and work experience. It highlights the natural and cultural heritage of the region and the geoparks, and helps to understand their operation and how they are managed. The volunteers’ basic expenses are covered by the German National UNESCO Commission.
The Vikos-Aoos Geopark welcomed the two volunteers in March 2021. After attending introductory courses on geomorphology, geology, and the natural environment in general, as well as the specific cultural elements of the Vikos-Aoos Geopark, the two volunteers began their volunteer service, which is divided into office work and fieldwork. Furthermore, they offer valuable assistance in translating geopark promotional texts and communication materials into German and in promoting the geopark through social networks.
Their personal view of the particular characteristics of the geopark is interesting. Within the context of their obligations, which include the preparation of small projects on park-related issues and the development of geopark initiatives, they contributed to the operation of information centres, promoted the geopark at central events (e.g., Zagori Mountain Running), supported projects with Germany (e.g., the Erasmus+ programme between Konitsa High School and Bad Berleburg Gymnasium), and much more.
The Vikos-Aoos Geopark aims to host youth internship programmes, significantly contributing to the training of young scientists, geopark-related professionals, and geo-explorers. The reception and integration of young people from the geopark further lead to the creation of a network of young people who, after completing their internship or volunteer service, will be ambassadors of the Vikos-Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark worldwide.
