Lesvos, Mount Ida, the National Helmos-Vouraikos Park, the Vikos-Aoos National Park and Sitia are the Greek regions, included, among 115 sites from around the world, in a new UNESCO program that aims to showcase the world’s geological wealth. On its 70 year anniversary, UNESCO has launched a new program called “Global Geoparks UNESCO”, in which all regions that already belonged to the Global Geoparks Network have been included.

Professor Nikos Zouros, the Greek representative to the Commission of Science, a professor at the Aegean University and director of the Museum of the Petrified Forest of Sigri in Lesvos, says these sites combine geological heritage, rich cultural and natural environments and have already integrated a management program, which will contribute to the development of each region. A basic requirement, according to the professor, is the participation of each society and the recognition of the sites’ importance. Moreover as geoparks emerge as tourist destinations, contributing to local development, their protection is of utmost significance.