In a modest ceremony at central square of Vitsa the unveiling of the mark of the International Organization of Unesco, which places Zagori and the 46 settlements under its umbrella.

After the postponement of the official event in the presence of the Prime Minister due to the intense weather on Saturday afternoon, the Minister of Culture and the Speaker of the Parliament were the ones who unveiled the sign in the presence of Unesco executives, other officials, residents and visitors of Zagori.

The decision to include Zagori in the world cultural heritage list was made last fall when the file submitted by the Ministry of Culture was examined.

“It is an important day as the process of registration in the most demanding cultural list of humanity, in the Unesco list, is completed. The presence of the Prime Minister on Saturday indicates the importance that the state attaches to Zagori, to its authenticity and sustainable development. Our obligation is to protect this authenticity and to create a strategic plan for sustainable development that will guarantee the future of the region” she said in her statements the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni.

According to her, the work now begins with the aim of preserving the authenticity of Zagori, to protect it from any anarchic activity as well as from the intense effects of climate change. “Let’s keep it unscathed and intact” said the Minister characteristically.

THE Speaker of the Parliament Kostas Tassoulas he recalled the long journey that started in 2014 for the inclusion of Zagori in Unesco, it was interrupted along the way and from 2019 the process was restarted.

“Unesco is the most important organization for the protection of culture. We unveiled the sign with which Unesco confirms the value of Zagoris, recognizing the unparalleled combination of human and natural presence.

Man in Zagori did not only tame himself, he also tamed nature, but he did not subdue it, he made it calm and coexisted with it. The example of Zagori is what we should all follow, that is, reconciliation with nature,” said Mr. Tasoulas, concluding that the state has decided to highlight the incomparable physiognomy of Zagori.

THE Mayor of Zagori Giorgos Soukouvelos he thanked everyone who contributed to the registration of the area in the Unesco list.

“Zagori is changing course.. It has all the elements of culture, architectural heritage and natural beauty that make it unique. But Zagori should not be a desert. He needs the help and support of the state to maintain and preserve all his monuments and chart a new course,” said Mr. Soukovelos.