The Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark-Geocon-servation, Geotourism and local development

摘要

Lesvos island,located in the NE of the Aegean Sea,is dominated by Neogene volcanic rocks,forming characteristic landforms and landscapes. Related to the volcanic activity is the formation of the well-known "Petrified Forest of Lesvos" which covers an area of 15.000 ha at the western part of the island and has been declared as a protected natural monument.Aiming at protecting and efficiently managing the petrified forest,the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest was founded in 1994. It is a non-profit organisation and defines the management structure of the Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark. Its seven-member board encompasses representatives of the central government,the local authorities,universities and the local community. Its scientific, technical and administrative staff includes 8 permanent and 25 temporary employees. The Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark comprises a core zone( 15000 hectares of the petrified forest protected area) and a broad buffer zone(more than 20000 hectares of the central volcanic terrains).A strategic plan for the sustainable development of the area has been carried out by the Lesvos Geopark in order to link the protection and promotion of geosites with the development of geotourism. This plan takes into consideration the results of the research and excavations in the petrified forest area, the presence of important geosites(i. e. volcanic structures,domes,craters,and thermal springs)and biological reserves, the existence of spot interventions and infrastructures as well as the local economic activities.A broad range of activities combine the main components for the operation of Lesvos Geopark, including scientific research,the creation of the geosite inventory and map, the protection,interpretation and promotion of geosites,the conservation of fossils,the creation of visiting parks,the establishment of a network of walking trails linking geosites to ecotourism infrastructures, the development of environmental education programmes on geosites,the organisation of scientific and cultural events,and the promotion of monumental geosites.The Lesvos petrified forest geopark applies certain management measures for the protection,conservation and promotion of the inventory of geosites present in the territory. These measures comprise; 1) regular maintenance (fencing, cleaning) and janitor services to protect geosites against abuse and vandalism;2) geosite monitoring providing the necessary measures and protective installations against weathering and erosion; 3 ) treatment of vulnerable geosites with annual conservation and protective measures(preparation,sealing) ;4)interpretation of geosites with onsite information panels,leaflets and field guides, and ;5) organisation of on-site activities (education programmes, guided trekking on geositetrails,various recreation activities in the vicinity of geosites,etc. )that assist in raising public awamess about the importance of geosites.The Lesvos Petrified Forest Geopark integrates the range of resources found in the broader region, the petrified forest park,the Museum,the Sign park and the Plaka park,the various interpreted geosites, enchanting landscapes,wetlands,sites of natural beauty and ecological value,as well as cultural monuments picturesque villages,traditional gastronomy and local products.Main geotouristic infrastacture in the Lesvos geopark is the Ceo-Infocenter located at the Natural History Museum at Sigri.the Geopark information center in Mytilene,the creation of "lava paths" that invite the visitor to follow the ancient path of the pyroclastic flows from the main volcanoes to the petrified forest. These are footpaths that link the various geosites and other sites of interest throughout the geopark. Panels along the footpaths provide information about the different geosites that the visitor will encounter along the way. On entering the Lesvos geopark region,signs along the Mytilene-Kalloni-Sigri road direct the visitor towards the Petr