VOLCANIC ISLAND NISYROS AIMING FOR UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK STATUS
The Municipality of Nisyros has initiated a nomination process for the inscription of the volcanic island on UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network list.
Speaking to the Athens News Agency, the island’s mayor, Christofis Koroneos, informed that the municipality’s efforts for the inclusion of Nisyros and its surrounding islets on UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network list began 18 months ago and is now in its final stage.
“We are ready to welcome UNESCO’s judging committee to Nisyros in October to announce their decision,” Mayor Koroneos told the news agency.
The Nisyros aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark occupies a total area of 481 km2 within the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. It features exceptional onshore and offshore geomorphic features.
The surrounding islets are Strongyli, Pachia, Pergousa (volcanic) and Kandeliousa (non-volcanic). The marine area between them consists of basins and ridges with volcanic fractures, craters, lava flows, hummocks and volcanic domes, representing the continuation of the volcanic relief onland below the sea.
The volcano of Nisyros is located in the village of Nikia and has a total of five craters. The largest crater is “Stefanos” and measures 260 meters in diameter and 30 meters deep. The five craters of the volcano form the Lakki plateau of 110m above sea level to the east. The Lakki plateau was created by the volcano eruption in 1552.