Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Abstract
Geotourism focuses on living experience through the contact of geoenvironmental
and cultural components that constitute the particular identity of a region. Zagori is a
geographical unity which represents the combined work of Nature and Human
depicting the evolution of the local society under the influence of the physical
constraints of this mountainous area. In the proposed geocultural routes the dialectic
relationship between Human and Nature is determined by historical conditions and
by the record of the process that transforms space into a landscape. Following these
routes we collect herbs following the path of Vikogiatroi (local healers of the 18 th
century), we walk on cobbled stone paths. At the same time we are travelling back in
geological time when the glaciers’ melting water was curving the sediments of Tethys
Ocean.
Geotourism has more than one definition and thus has many aspects. Actually,
geotourism is connecting the geological heritage with the natural environment and
the cultural monuments1. Furthermore, it focuses on living experience through the
contact of geoenvironmental and cultural attributes that constitute the particular
identity of a region2. The motivations in developing a geotouristic destination are
Geoheritage is the driving force of the geotourism itineraries and cultural heritage is
also added to increase the value of the visited regions. Geoheritage comprises those
elements of the Earth's geodiversity (rocks, minerals, fossils, landforms, sediments,
water and soils) that are considered to have significant scientific, educational,
cultural or aesthetic value6. Traditionally, the valorization and the use of geological
valuable areas as touristic resources has been linked to areas characterized by the
beauty of the landscape, the spectacular rock formations or relevant features
(mountains, glacier formations, rivers, canyons, caves, etc.) interesting for people
loving geology or, at least, nature.
In 2000, the European Geopark Network8 was established aiming at protecting the
geological heritage and promoting the sustainable development of geopark
territories in Europe through geotourism. At present, there are 69 European
Geoparks in 23 countries offer the best reception to visitors ready to meet their
needs and desires of discovery (Figure 1). On 17 November 2015, the 195 Member
States of UNESCO ratified the creation of a new label, the UNESCO Global Geoparks9.
Geoparks due to their rich and valuable geocultural heritage have a significant
comparative advantage in attracting tourists wanting authentic new experiences. The
formation of diverse geocultural routes is considered to be a good way to achieve
Zagori region, supported by its strategic location within the boundaries of Vikos-Aoos
geopark, boasts a wealth of geosites, where the steep-rocky mountaintops of Tymphi
mountain range alternate with Vikos Canyon and Voidomatis river. Geodiversity,
together with an appealing ecological and cultural environment, creates an attractive
tourist destination. Throughout history, human beings have found shelter and have
constructed a unique set of infrastructures in this environment. Stone bridges
skillfully connecting narrow passages and stretching over fast-flowing rivers,
cobblestone trails and paths, and stone-built villages were aptly combined and
intertwined with the geological environment.
References
1. D. Newsome, R. Dowling and Y. Leung, “The Νature and Μanagement of Geotourism: A Case
Study of two Established Iconic Geotourism Destinations”, Tourism Management
Perspectives, 2-3, 19-27 (2012).
2. D. Newsome and R. Dowling, Geotourism: The Tourism of Geology and Landscape.
Goodfellow Publishers, Oxford, 2010.
3. N. T. Farsani, C. Coelho and C. Costa, “Geotourism and geoparks as novel strategies for socio-
economic development in rural areas”, International Journal of Tourism Research, 13 (1) 68-
91 (2011).
4. A.M. Stokes, S.D. Cook and D. Drew, “Geotourism: the new trend in travel”, Travel Industry
Association of America, Sponsored by National Geographic Traveler, 2002.
5. T.A. Hose, “3gs for modern geotourism”, Geoheritage, 4 (1–2), 7–14 (2012).
6. International Union for Conservation of Nature, “Geoheritage definition”,
https://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_biodiversity/gpap_wcpab
iodiv/gpap_geoheritage/
7. UNESCO, Global Geoparks Network, Published by Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences,
Παρίσι, 2006.
8. http://www.europeangeoparks.org/
9. http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/global-
geoparks/
10. T.A. Hose, “The English Origins of Geotourism (as a Vehicle for Geoconservation) and their
Relevance to Current Studies”, Acta Geographica Slovenica, 51 (3) 343–359 (2011).
11. D. Timothy and S. Boyd, “Tourism and trails: Cultural, ecological and management issues”,
Channel View Publications, Bristol, 2014.
12. R. Hummelbrunner and E. Miglbauer, “Tourism promotion and potential in peripheral areas:
The Austrian case’, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 2, 41–50 (1994).
13. D. Meyer, “Tourism routes and gateways: Key issues for the development of tourism routes
and gateways and their potential for Pro-Poor Tourism”, Overseas Development Institute,
London, (2004).
14. B. Lane, Sustainable Rural Tourism Strategies: A Tool for Development and Conservation,
Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 2 (1-2), 1994.
15. http://www.hellenicgeoparks.gr/