Hellenic Geoparks Forum

Web: www.hellenicgeoparks.gr

The Hellenic Geoparks Forum was established in 2011 to coordinate and protect Greek Geoparks, as well as to strengthen the efforts for the promotion of the geological monuments and sites of the geological and geomorphological heritage of Greece.

The Hellenic Geoparks Forum participants are:

• UNESCO National Commission
• Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration (IGME)
• Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest
• AKOMM Psiloritis
• Chelmos-Vouraikos Management body
• Geotechnical Chamber of Greece (GEO.C.G.) – Aegean Annex
• Greek Geological Society – Committee geological and geomorphological heritage

The areas that have been identified as Geoparks are:

• Petrified Forest of Lesbos (2000)
• Psiloritis Natural Park (2001)
• National Park Vouraikos – Helmos (2009)
• Ethnikos Drimos Vkou – Aoou (2010)

The actions of the Hellenic Geoparks Forum focus in the provision of initiative for the development and recognition of Geoparks nationwide, as well as supporting and strengthening the European Geoparks Network and the Global Geoparks Network by various actions, such as:

• Tours at the exhibition hall of the Museum of Natural History and at the Petrified Forest of Lesbos
• Tours at the fossiliferous positions of Sigriou Park
• Outdoor Activities
• Studies on the historical climate changes of the Aegean region
• Participation in volunteer works at Plaka Park
• Fossiliferous Park positions of the Petrified Forest
• Educational Programs (Minerals and rocks of Lesbos, Little Paleontologists: Excavation of phytogenic fossils at Georama)
• Presentations (Biodiversity of North Aegean)
• Documentary projection