Greece’s Meteora-Pyli Joins UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network

Meteora, Trikala. Photo source: Visit Greece

Greece’s Meteora and Pyli municipalities have joined the UNESCO Geoparks Network (GGN) this week after approval making it the country’s eighth geopark.

The Region of Thessaly submitted a nomination file to UNESCO last year so that the municipalities of Meteora and Pyli be included in the network. Meteora-Pyli was one of 18 parks worldwide approved for inclusion by the UNESCO Global Geopark executive committee.

“Geopark status is expected to yield significant benefits for the local communities and the economy of the region through the further promotion of its natural resources and cultural heritage,” said Meteora Mayor Lefteris Avramopoulos.

Pyli, Trikala. Photo source: Visit Greece

“Geoparks serve local communities by prioritizing the preservation of their geological heritage and encouraging a sustainable approach to development. Our region is emerging as a global nature tourism destination. This important recognition paves the way by strengthening the development dynamics with the aim of extending the tourism season and improving quality and sustainability,” he added.

The 2,409.5km2 area of the Meteora-Pyli Geopark covers the Pindos mountain range, areas with important geodiversity, as well as the Meteora rock formations and monasteries, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to Meteora-Pyli, Greek sites currently recognized as UNESCO Global Geoparks include the areas of Chelmos – Vouraikos, Lesvos, Psiloritis and Sitia on Crete, Vikos – Aoos, Grevena –Kozani, and Kefalonia – Ithaca.

The UNESCO Global Geoparks network now consists of 213 geoparks in 48 countries.