2010
The Vikos-Aoos Geopark was established in 2010. The initiative to create an area recognised for its geological and geomorphological value – and not only for that – originally belonged to the Institute of Geological and Mining Research (IGME), which began preparing the conditions for its creation in 2005.
2015
The contribution of «DEVELOPMENT OF EPIRUS S.A.» was significant at all stages of the study, and particularly in the drafting and submission of the nomination dossier to the UNESCO European and Global Geoparks Network.
The project was implemented under the 3rd Community Support Framework and included the inventory and evaluation of wetlands, through which the Vikos–Aoös area was deemed suitable for its designation as a geopark.
In October 2010, in Mytilene, at the 9th European and 4th World UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference, with the participation of specialised geo- and bio-scientists from HEPIROS S.A. and the IGME, the official recognition of the new UNESCO Global Geoparks Network sites took place, among which was the Vikos-Aoos Geopark.
The Vikos-Aoos Geopark was established in 2010. The initiative to create an area recognised for its geological and geomorphological value – and not only for that – originally belonged to the Institute of Geological and Mining Research (IGME), which began preparing the conditions for its creation in 2005.
The contribution of «DEVELOPMENT OF EPIRUS S.A.» was significant at all stages of the study, and particularly in the drafting and submission of the nomination dossier to the UNESCO European and Global Geoparks Network.
The project was implemented under the 3rd Community Support Framework and included the inventory and evaluation of wetlands, through which the Vikos–Aoös area was deemed suitable for its designation as a geopark.
The complete file was then compiled and submitted to the European Geoparks Network (EGN), along with a relevant application to become a member of this Network.
In October 2010, in Mytilene, at the 9th European and 4th World UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference, with the participation of specialised geo- and bio-scientists from HEPIROS S.A. and the IGME, the official recognition of the new UNESCO Global Geoparks Network sites took place, among which was the Vikos-Aoos Geopark.
Geoparks Networks
The Hellenic Geoparks Forum was established in 2011 with the aim of coordinating the actions and activities of areas recognised as Geoparks.
The purpose of establishing the Forum is to coordinate and promote Greek Geoparks, as well as to strengthen efforts to highlight the geological monuments and sites of Greece's geological and geomorphological heritage.
The actions of the Hellenic Geoparks Forum include initiatives for the development and recognition of Geoparks at a national level, as well as support and strengthening of the European and Global Geoparks Networks, which now belong to: «UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS».
The regions of Greece recognised as UNESCO Global Geoparks:
The participating bodies of the Hellenic Geoparks Forum:
- The Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO,
- The Hellenic Geological and Mining Research Institute (IGME)
- Epirus Development SA (Epirus SA)
- The Museum of Natural History of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos,
- The AKOMM – Psiloritis,
- The Management Body of the Helmos-Vouraikos National Park,
- The Geotechnical Chamber of Greece (GEOT.E.E.) – Aegean Branch,
- The Hellenic Geological Society – Committee for Geological and Geomorphological Heritage.
Purpose of the Network It is cooperation, exchange of practices and experiences, and joint action for the protection of Europe's geological heritage, the exploitation and promotion of geological natural monuments, and the participation of the most important geological sites in the European area.
Aim of the Network it is also the scientific collaboration between bodies managing geological heritage sites for the development of special forms of tourism and the promotion of sustainable development of Geopark areas through geotourism.
In April 2001, an official cooperation agreement was signed between the Network and UNESCO, which participates in the Governing Board and the Advisory Committee, the two decision-making bodies of the Network. The members of the European Geoparks Network are holders of the «European Geopark» trademark, which has been registered in all European Union countries.
The Network is coordinated by the Coordination Committee, based at the Réserve Géologique de Haute – Provence, which operates in collaboration with its member organisations. The Coordination Committee, made up of two representatives from each managing member, meets at regular intervals to review the Network's progress.
Within the framework of the Network, an Advisory Group has been established for European Geoparks, comprising two experts from each geographical zone that has participated foundationally in the network and one representative from UNESCO. The two experts should be recognised as such in the field of sustainable development based on geotourism, as well as in the protection and promotion of geological heritage.
Aim of the Network it is also the scientific collaboration between bodies managing geological heritage sites for the development of special forms of tourism and the promotion of sustainable development of Geopark areas through geotourism.
The European Geoparks Network was established in June 2000, by four organisations managing areas of geological natural heritage:
- Haute-Provence Geological Reserve (France)
- Lesvos Petrified Forest Natural History Museum (Greece)
- Geopark Gerolstein/Vulkaneifel (Germany)
- Maestrazgo Cultural Park (Spain)
The wider area of the Vikos-Aoos National Park was incorporated into the Unesco Global Geoparks Network and the European Geoparks Network in 2010, specifically on October 1st, 2010, as part of the 9th European & 4th Global Geoparks Conference, which took place in Mytilene from October 1st to 5th.
UNESCO, in agreement with the action plan adopted by the General Conference at its 29th and 30th Sessions (November 1997 and November 1999) has extended its activities to the “Geoparks” Programme, to promote the creation of a Global Network of selected areas from around the world, integrating the conservation of Earth's outstanding geological heritage with a strategy for regional economic development.
On 13 February 2004, the establishment of the UNESCO Co-ordinating Office for the Global Geoparks Network was presented, which operates based in Beijing.
In 2004, 17 European and 8 Chinese geoparks met at UNESCO headquarters in Paris to form the Global Geoparks Network (GGN), to contribute to and benefit from national geological heritage initiatives, through their participation in a global network of exchange and cooperation.
On 17 November 2015 in Paris, at the 38th General Conference, UNESCO's 195 Member States unanimously accepted the establishment of the Organisation’s new programme on Geosciences and Geoparks, according to which the designation of areas with the title «UNESCO Global Geoparks» is established.
