- The 6th Greece–Cyprus Geoparks Conference will take place June 11–13, 2026.
- The event will be hosted by the UNESCO Global Geopark of Psiloritis in Anogeia, Rethymno.
- The theme focuses on geotourism and the sustainable development of mountain and rural communities.
- Participation is free, with registration open until March 31, 2026.
- Abstract submissions for presentations are accepted until April 20, 2026.
- The conference is open to researchers, professionals, and the public.
Anogeia to Become a Meeting Point for Geotourism
This summer, the mountain village of Anogeia in Rethymno will become a hub for scientists, tourism professionals, and local communities interested in the future of rural development.
The UNESCO Global Geopark of Psiloritis will host the 6th Conference of Greek and Cypriot Geoparks. This gathering will place geotourism and alternative tourism models at the center of discussions on sustainable growth in mountainous regions.
The conference will take place June 11–13, 2026, bringing together representatives from geoparks across Greece and Cyprus, as well as researchers, educators, local authorities, and professionals in tourism and environmental management.
The central theme of the meeting is: “The role of geotourism and other forms of alternative tourism in the sustainable development of inland and mountain communities.”
A Conference Open to the Public
Unlike many scientific conferences, the organizers have chosen to keep participation open and free, aiming to encourage dialogue between specialists and the broader community.
The event is designed not only for the geopark network and academic researchers, but also for:
- Local residents
- Tourism professionals
- Local authorities
- Businesses connected to rural tourism
- Anyone interested in learning about geoparks
Attendance requires registration through the Psiloritis Geopark website by March 31, 2026.
Participants who wish to contribute a presentation can submit abstracts until April 20, 2026, following the submission guidelines available online.
Topics From Geotourism to Geoconservation
Although geotourism and sustainable rural development are the main focus of the conference, the program will cover a broader range of topics related to geoparks’ work.
Expected themes include:
- Geodiversity and geoconservation
- Scientific research within geoparks
- Education and outreach initiatives
- Cooperation between geoparks and local institutions
- International collaboration within the geopark network
The goal is to showcase the full spectrum of activities developed within the Greek and Cypriot geoparks network and strengthen partnerships at local, national, and international levels.
Psiloritis Geopark at the Heart of the Initiative
The UNESCO Global Geopark of Psiloritis, located in the mountainous interior of Crete, has long served as a model for combining natural heritage protection with sustainable local development.
By hosting the conference in Anogeia, the organizers are emphasizing the importance of mountain communities as living landscapes, where culture, geology, tourism, and traditional livelihoods intersect.
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek and Cypriot National Commissions for UNESCO.
More information, registration forms, and abstract submission guidelines are available on the official website of the Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark.
Website: https://psiloritisgeopark.gr
Email: info@psiloritisgeopark.gr
Phone: +30 28340 31402 (09:00–15:00 weekdays)
