H Nisyros It has now been officially joined into the UNESCO World Geoparks Network.

It is an international honor that highlights the unique natural, geological and cultural capital of the island.

The volcanic island of Nisyros – along with the satellite islands Stroggili, Pergusa, Pachia and Kandelousa – is now ranked among world destinations with a prominent geological heritage, gaining international identity and reputation.

This success was not accidental; it is the result of a common vision in which you players and people contributed from their own position for the good of Nisyros.

The Municipality of Nisyros, as an institutional leader of the project, prepared the candidacy file filed in November 2021. At the same time, the George M. Michalos Foundation had begun to give a wide and international dimension to the effort. From the very first moment it mobilized state agencies, the academic community and internationally prestigious personalities so that Nisyros’ voice could be heard loudly and clearly. This dedication is based on respect and a deep belief that, among other things, the Nisyros volcanic complex, geological formation of unique scientific, environmental, cultural and tourist value, can be a foundation stone for its repatriation and sustainable development.

In September of the same year, the Georgios M. Michalos Foundation organized the first preparatory round table for the Geopark, with the participation of UNESCO Global Geoparks President, Professor Nikolaos Zouros.

A few months later, in June 2022, the first “Nisyros Dialogues” took place, with the theme of the Geopark and central rapporteur, again, the president of the UNESCO World Geoparks Network, Professor Nikolaos Zouros. link

This distinctive but essential attempt to mobilize the state, the academic community and internationalities of international prestige continued until today’s distinction.

This international distinction seals the value of Nisyros’s natural and cultural heritage and paves the way for further protection and promotion of the treasures of nature and the history of our country.

“Nisyros is now a reference point for scientists, teachers and travelers around the world.

With its active volcano, impressive craters and its thermal springs, our island is a living workshop of natural processes and a rare geological mosaic unique in the world.

At the same time, it confirms the responsibility we all have, and the respect we need to show, in order to preserve this natural beauty and geological heritage of the island intact for future generations, applying strict and integrated strategies for the preservation of the environment and cultural wealth.

Protecting these valuable resources is not only a matter of respect for history and nature, but also a prerequisite for a sustainable future for our island society.

UNESCO recognition now opens new opportunities and prospects for Nisyros in all areas of sustainable development. As a worldwide geopark, Nisyros will act as a platform for promoting the island’s geotourism and sustainable economy, attracting visitors all year long seeking authentic experiences of nature and culture. It will encourage new scientific collaborations and exchanges of know -how with other Greek and international geoparks, enhancing research and education around the area’s volcano and geology.

This recognition will also help to promote and preserve Nisyros’s cultural identity – from architecture and traditions to the unique volcanic history that is inextricably linked to the lifestyle of the inhabitants. With the prestige of the title of the world geopark, our island can become a model of sustainability in the Aegean, utilizing its particular dynamics for the benefit of the local community and the environment with respect to sustainability, “said Panagiotis G. Michalos
President of the “George M. Michalos” Foundation, which summarizes that this success sends a message of trust, perspective and respect for the birthplace.

“It shows us that with faith and vision we can achieve goals with a global impact,” he estimates, expressing thanks to all the sponsors, supporters and associates of the Foundation, who believed in the “dialogues of Nisyros” and their purposes.

“We continue with optimism, respect and responsibility, determined to make the most of this great distinction for the good of our island.

We invite you to stay with us and actively participate in this fascinating route we started together so that we can all shape a brilliant, sustainable future for Nisyros and our islands, ”he closes.