Successful completion of the 34th PANDOIKO Conference in Nisyros.

From October 11 to 13, 2024, the 34th National Conference of the Panhellenic Network of Ecological Organizations (PANDΟIKO) took place in Nisyros, co-organized with Nisyros Geopark, the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), the Hellenic Recycling Organization (EOAN), the Municipal Social Enterprise of Nisyros (DIKEN).
The conference addressed the following topics:

1. The aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark of Nisyros
2. Waste Management in Small Islands

The conference featured high-level presentations and discussions on these two significant issues and decided to support the candidacy of the Nisyros Geopark for UNESCO. The Nisyros Geopark was represented by:
– The Scientific Coordinator of the Geopark, Evi Nomikou, presenting on “The Importance of Including the Nisyros Geopark in the Network of UNESCO Global Geoparks”
– The Geoscientist of the Geopark, Elisavet Nikoli, discussing “Educational Activities at the Nisyros Geopark – Perspectives”
– PhD Candidate at Hellenic Open University, Marina Nastοu, with the topic “The Cultural Aspect of the Geopark: The Case of Nisyros”
– Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panagiotis Nastos, speaking on “Disruption of the Hydrological Cycle in the Mediterranean in the Context of Climate Change: Impacts on Geoparks”
Among other presentations, we had the honor of hearing from Dr. Charalambos Fasoulas, University of Crete/President of the Psiloritis Geopark/Coordinator of the European Geoparks Network/Vice President of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, with the topic “Sustainable Development through the Promotion and Protection of Local Natural and Cultural Heritage: The Model of UNESCO Global Geoparks.”
We also welcomed Anna Batsi, Geologist and Scientific Responsible of the Grevena-Kozani Geopark, who spoke on “A Brief Review of the Integration of the Grevena-Kozani Geopark into the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and an Overview of Its Activities.”
On the sidelines of the conference, a visit to the Nisyros Geopark was organized, where the delegates were guided and informed about its history and significance by the Scientific Coordinator of the Nisyros Geopark, Evi Nomikou.