Nisyros Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark: Crucial Steps for Promoting the Volcanic Landscape's Unique Geodiversity

Nisyros Geopark, an island geopark in the Southeastern Aegean Sea, Greece, is here presented as an official candidate for the UNESCO Global Geoparks designation, featuring outstanding geological, natural and cultural characteristics tightly connected to its volcanic origin. It covers a total area of 481 km(2) and includes Nisyros, an active volcano and the main island, the surrounding islets of Pachia, Strongyli, Pergousa, Kandeliousa and the marine region among them. It features 24 geosites and a network of well-established walking trails. Furthermore, there are two internationally designated Natura 2000 areas covering its entire surface and also exceptional archaeological and cultural sites, including fortresses, remnants of ancient habituations and numerous churches and monasteries. It is the only area in the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean that hosts all these features within such a restricted area. The initial efforts of the management body of Nisyros Geopark and its scientific team to promote its unique geodiversity included the complete design, construction and launch of the official website, the mobile application Nisyros Volcano App'', a modern informative leaflet regarding the region of the hydrothermal craters (Lakki), a Geopark guidebook and a series of panels and signs for the geosites.

Automated summary

Nisyros Geopark in Greece is a candidate for the UNESCO Global Geoparks designation. It has outstanding geological, natural, and cultural characteristics related to its volcanic origin. The geopark covers an area of 481 km(2) and includes an active volcano, 24 geosites, walking trails, Natura 2000 areas, archaeological sites, and cultural sites. Efforts have been made to promote its geodiversity through the development of a website, mobile application, informative leaflet, guidebook, and signage.