OR protection And the emergence of biodiversity in archaeological sites in Greece, in direct connection with their cultural heritage, is at the heart of the new programmatic contract of cultural development “Biodiversity in Archaeological Sites – Via II”. According to a joint announcement by the Ministries of Culture and the Environment and Energy, the contract was signed by the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, the Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the University of Athens Efstathopoulos and Managing Director of Oipkas Constantine Triandis.
The project “VIA II”, with a budget of 1,090,120 euros, continues the successful “VIA I” program. The first program recorded more than 10,460 species of flora and fauna in 20 flagship archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis, Olympia, Delphi and Delos.
This record highlighted the role of archaeological sites as biodiversity protection zones, beyond their cultural significance. The “VIA I” program has received international recognition as an example of integrated protection of natural and cultural reserve.
Greece’s geographical location, as a crossroads of three continents, and its paleogeographical history explain the wealth of biodiversity. It is estimated that about 5,900 species of plants and 35,000 species of animals live in the country, many of which are endemic.
The archaeological sites function as “museums of history” but also as “islands of life”, where the natural and cultural environment coexist harmoniously.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized that archaeological habitats, although covering less than 1% of Greek territory, host almost 11% of Greek biodiversity. He emphasized the importance of preserving this natural and cultural wealth, noting that with “Via II” the initiative continues to preserve and promote future generations.
Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou said that nature and culture are integral elements of national identity. He highlighted the participation of more research actors in “Via II” and the importance of maintaining biodiversity to strengthen the country.
The program contract includes two subprojects. The first concerns the recording of flora and fauna in the archaeological sites from the Department of Biology of the NCSR. The second, under the Institute of Historical Research of the EU, studies data on flora and fauna from antiquity to the 18th century in 35 selected sites, in collaboration with the relevant services of the Ministry of Culture.
The “VIA II” program expands research into even more archaeological sites throughout Greece, highlighting the interaction of man, history and natural environment.
Indicatively, the program will be implemented in places such as Mycenae in Argolida, Knossos and Gortyn in Crete, Vergina in Imathia, Amphipolis in Serres, Monemvasia and the Castle of Geraki in Laconia, the Angitis springs in Drama, Drama, Drama, Drama, Drama, Drama, Agathonisi, the New Monastery of Chios and Heraio Samos.
Source: Skai
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