The 6th Conference of UNESCO Geoparks of Greece and Cyprus begins in a few days at Psiloritis Geopark
The UNESCO Global Geopark of Psiloritis has the pleasure and honor to host the 6ο 6th Conference of UNESCO Global Geoparks UNESCO of Greece and Cyprus, in Anogia Rethymnon, from the 11th to the 13th of June 2026.Although UNESCO Global Geoparks are UNESCO's newest program (created in 2015), it is currently the most dynamically developing program with 241 geoparks in 51 countries around the world. Greece hosts ten of them, Lesvos, Psiloritis, Chelmos-Vouraikos, Vikos-Aoos, Sitia, Grevena-Kozani, Kefalonia-Ithaca, Lavreotiki, Meteora-Pyli and Nisyros, while Cyprus hosts Troodos.
Almost every year, the Greek and Cypriot geoparks meet in one area to present, discuss and co-determine actions related to the education and information, the protection of local heritage, the promotion of geotourism and the development of synergies at the local, national and international levels.
This year's Conference theme is"The role of geotourism and other types of alternative tourism for βthe Sustainable development of the mainland and mountainous communities". It is fortunate that it coincides with the launch of the new tourism campaign of the Ministry of Tourism of Greece on the theme of "Mountainous Greece", as the Greek UNESCO Geoparks are developed mainly in mountainous areas of our country. Geotourism is a recognized form of rural tourism that is included in the alternative forms of tourism in the Special Spatial Planning Framework for Tourism.
Attendance at the conference is free, but registration is required. To date, over 130 participants have registered, 61 abstracts have been submitted and will be presented in seven thematic categories, while two field visits will be conducted to sites of interest in the Psiloritis Geopark and to partners, local producers and visitor sites.
The Conference in co- organised with the Greek UNESCO Geoparks Network, the Municipality of Anogia, AKOMM Psiloritis Local Government Agency, the Natural History Museum of the University of Crete and the UNESCO Chair of the University of the Aegean, with the support of the Foundation for Youth and Lifelong Learning. It is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the National UNESCO Committees of Greece and Cyprus.
The Conference is taking place with the support of::
the Green Fund, with the funding of the project "Promoting Natural Heritage for the Sustainable Development of the Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark", Funding: "NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE 2026" - Outreach Actions 2026- Green Fund, Beneficiary: "Ideon Network",
the Region of Crete and the Regional Development Fund of Crete, with the financing of part of the actions,
the Greek National Tourism Organisation , with the financing of part of the actions,
the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency , with the financing of part of the actions.
During the conference, participants will have the opportunity to meet the people of Psiloritis, partners and supporters of the Geopark, who, through the support of individual actions, will offer visitors the opportunity to get to know and experience the land and its products.
Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark therefore opens its gates to everyone to get to know the Greek and Cypriot UNESCO Geoparks, their people, their heritage and the experiences they have to offer to their visitors.
We expect you all in Anogia on Thursday 11/ 6/ 2026,in the morning. The detailed program and other information about the conference can be found on the geopark' s website: www.psiloritisgeopark.gr.
