The Greek island of Nisyros celebrated officially the induction of its geopark in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, one of the most important international distinctions in its history.
The event took place at Town Hall Square, as part of the Nisyros Geopark Festival 2026, sealing an effort that lasted almost five years and required systematic work, scientific support and a series of interventions on the island.
The evening began with the welcoming of visitors and the presentation of the program by the head of the Geopark Organization, geologist Maria Melachrinaki, who referred to the enormous importance of the inclusion of the Nisyros Geopark in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
Nisyros Mayor, Christofis Koronaios opened the ceremony with a speech that praised the beauty and history of the Aegean island calling it an untamed land that nourishes myths of millennia.
‘A golden page in the history of our land’
“Today is the most golden page in the modern history of our land! Nisyros, this proud, volcanic diamond of the Aegean, triumphantly enters the world’s spiritual and natural heritage, as it is officially included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks. This is a day of triumph.
“A day when our nature, history and culture are deified on the world map”. He then said characteristically, “Here, on the breathing volcano, on the land that trembles with life, we know well that nature is the boss. We are not the owners of this landscape. We are its guardians. We are the temporary guardians of a treasure handed down to us by the gods and the generations that have passed.”
The Mayor thanked the UNESCO Ambassador, George Koumoutsakos for his great contribution. “You, Mr. Ambassador, with your inexhaustible energy, with your deep knowledge and your dedicated diplomatic mastery, made this dream a reality. You did not simply bring the signature of UNESCO. You brought the very legitimization of our soul. That is why, with one voice, with one heart, with an immense longing, today we embrace you and proclaim you Honorary Citizen of Nisyros.
“You are now one of us. You are a Nisyrian forever! Thank you, Mr. Ambassador, for becoming our voice on the world stage.”
The unique geology of Nisyros
The mayor then thanked National Kapodistrian University of Athens Geology Professor Evi Nomikou for her great contribution to the preparation of Nisyros’ candidacy file and continued with a reference to the sustainable development required for Nisyros.
In her speech, the Geology Professor who serves as Scientific Director of the Geopark, highlighted the unique geological value of Nisyros and the importance of its inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network of Geoparks, and expressed her love for the land.
She added that the UNESCO inclusion of Nisyros is an international seal of prestige, a call to the world to discover a place where nature, history and culture come together in a unique way.
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