What is a Geopark
the sustainable development of the area, which includes tourism, conservation, education and research involving not only geology but also other related sciences.
These areas include geological heritage monuments of global value, but at the same time they include areas with special plant and animal biodiversity, but also important cultural monuments. Geoparks help us to understand and deal with the modern environmental problems of the planet we live in, highlighting all aspects of the physical and of our cultural heritage, with the ultimate aim of managing the natural and cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable local development for the absolute protection and promotion of the whole of this heritage. UNESCO Global Geoparks are the newest category of sites recognized by UNESCO.
Chelmos Vouraikos Geopark
The Chelmos Vouraikos UNESCO Global Geopark lies in Northern Peloponnesus and occupies an area of 712 km2. It is a mountainous area with 6700 inhabitants that live in villages and small towns between high mountains and deep gorges. It is a member of the European Geoparks Network and the Global Geoparks Network since 2015 because of a combination of various geologic, natural and cultural elements that render its unique character. Until now, 40 geosites and 7 georoutes have been designated. The visitor can travel through the geopark ‘s area learning for its unique geology, its rich biodiversity, its great history and the local traditions.