From Geoheritage to Geoeducation, Geoethics and Geotourism: A Critical Evaluation of the Greek Region

Abstract

The purpose of this review is, initially, to emphasize the importance of geoenvironmental education for the promotion and preservation of geological heritage and geoethical values, and based on these, to present the current situation in Greece. Geoeducation is a broader component of environmental education which aims to promote the geological heritage of a place and its geoconservation. It is a key integral tool for tackling environmental issues and therefore further assisting in sustainable development. Greece is known for its exceptional and rare natural beauty, as well as for the abundance of natural resources and its remarkable geological features. For this reason, six global geoparks have already been established in this country. However, its nature protection is mainly considered as the protection of biodiversity, while the term “geodiversity” is almost absent in Greek law. The importance of establishing a legal framework for the protection of geotopes is underlined by the fact that their promotion and rational management create opportunities for sustainable development, as well as to become quality tourist destinations (geotourism) through nature protection and education. Geodiversity can gain public attention and have a positive impact on geotopes protection. Such initiatives can not only improve the protection of geological sites, but also play an important role in their sustainable development.

Assessment of Geological Heritage Sites and Their Significance for Geotouristic Exploitation: The Case of Lefkas, Meganisi, Kefalonia and Ithaki Islands, Ionian Sea, Greece

“…UNESCO Global Geoparks represent geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development [51], and have been established both for the protection of the geosites and the preservation of the geoheritage (e.g., [52]). Furthermore, geopark entities usually collaborate with each other in order to exchange experience and geoconservation/promotion or management techniques (e.g., [53,54]). Geoparks meeting certain criteria are included in UNESCO's list of global geoparks; currently, six of these geoparks are located in Greece [54].…”

“…Furthermore, geopark entities usually collaborate with each other in order to exchange experience and geoconservation/promotion or management techniques (e.g., [53,54]). Geoparks meeting certain criteria are included in UNESCO's list of global geoparks; currently, six of these geoparks are located in Greece [54].…”

“…It is often referred to as a "natural geological laboratory", hosting a significant number of sites of geological interest, regarding mineralogy, palaeontology, stratigraphy, geomorphology etc. [54,60].…”

Kalymnos Island, SE Aegean Sea: From Fishing Sponges and Rock Climbing to Geotourism Perspective

“…In recent years, Greek society's awareness of the geoenvironment has grown [6]. Concepts such as "geotopes", "geoparks", and "geodiversity" are becoming popular, accompanied by new economic activities and occupations such as geotourism and geo-tour guides.…”

“…In Greece, geotourism has its potential and is looking for its market share. Cave tourism (only in tourist caves) and hot spring-spa tourism are the most common types of geotourism that have currently emerged [6][7][8]. Greek geotopes, on the other hand, can support a variety of other activities aimed at a diverse spectrum of people.…”