2024-05-08 10:30:00
The Vikos-Aou Geopark celebrated World Earth Day, which has been established to be celebrated every year on April 22, with a special educational activity in the heart of the Geopark, on the Voidomatis River.
In the context of the implementation of the educational material for the Vikos-Aou Geopark, created by Anaptixiaki Epirou SA in collaboration with the University of Ioannina, students from two schools, accompanied by teachers and experts in environmental sciences, had the opportunity to get to know its secrets .
On Monday, April 22, students of the 2nd Primary School of Ioannina – Kaplanio made the route Vikos village – Voidomati springs, and on Wednesday, April 24, students of the private primary school of Volos “Agios Iosif” walked along the Voidomatis gorge from the bridge of Klidonia to the Agioi Anargyro Monastery.
During these two routes, the students visited a total of two gorges (Vikos and Voidomatis), as well as four places of outstanding geological importance (Agastromeni spring, Arapi spring, Boila rock roof, Voidomatis terraces), exploring not only the rich geodiversity of the area, but and biodiversity and more broadly the natural environment, learning at the same time about the importance and necessity of preserving the natural environment, especially in areas designated as protected.
“World Earth Day” or “International Mother Earth Day” focuses on the need to protect the environment and reduce the risks that threaten our planet, and was established by UNESCO in 1960 to be celebrated every year on April 22. This year, due to the 20-year anniversary of the Global Geopark Network, the celebration took place in all 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide. In this way, the UNESCO Global Geopark of Vikos-Aoos reinforces its commitment to education and public awareness for environmental protection in the context of sustainable management.
Officials of the Vikos-Aoos Geopark/ Epirus Development SA, the Geographical and Environmental Education Laboratory of the University of Ioannina (Pedagogical Department of Primary Education) and the Ecomuseum of Zagori participated in the educational activity.