Its area Lavrio becomes the eighth in our country to join the UNESCO Geoparks Network. The Lavreotiki Geopark is a network of routes with points of geological, historical, archaeological, mountainous and ecological interest, and includes 1000 mining galleries and many geosites of great scientific value.

This was announced a few days ago Hellenic Geological and Mining Research Authority (EAGME), which has been instrumental in this success, providing scientific support to the effort since 2008. “The Lavreotiki Geopark is a hidden gem centered in the city of Lavrio,” says UNESCO. “The Geopark consists of a territory with geological, geomorphological and cultural values. Today, the area has a population of 25,102 and has been continuously inhabited since ancient times due to the richness of its subsoil. The Geopark is world famous for its sulphide ore deposits, silver mining, and the abundance and diversity of geological species. The unique geodiversity of the park goes hand in hand with its extraordinary beauty and precious biodiversity,” he says.

1000 mining arcades

The area has recently joined the UNESCO Geoparks Network.

According to EAGME, the “Lavreotiki Geopark” covers an area of ​​176 square kilometers and includes about 1,000 mine galleries and the same number of wells, as well as more than 40 geosites of great scientific importance. The Lavreotica area is widely known for having the highest amount of different chemical elements (48) of any other mining area in the world, and for this reason, 12% of the world’s known minerals of the earth are located here.

“pole of attraction”

The UNESCO Geoparks Network includes 195 Geoparks in 48 countries, including eight in Greece (Chelmos Vouraikos, Grevena, Kefalonia, Lavreotiki, Lesvos, Psiloritis, Sitia and Vikos-Aoos). The Lavrion Candidate Dossier submitted in 2020 was the result of the collective efforts of many bodies such as EAGME, Lavreotiki Municipality, Metsovio Polytechnic Institute, the University of Athens and others. “Lavrio, now part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, has new opportunities for high-quality services, with the aim of becoming a pole of attraction for geotourists from all over the world. It is noted that UNESCO Global Geoparks must meet high standards of quality and services offered and be assessed every four years according to a strict protocol,” concludes the Hellenic Geological and Mineral Research Authority.