UNESCO Chair
on Geoparks and the sustainable development
of insular and coastal areas
The UNESCO Chair on Geoparks and Sustainable Development of Insular and Coastal Areas was created in 2020 at the University of the Aegean, to support scientific research, education and collaboration on Geoparks creation, operation and management especially in insular and coastal areas, contributing to the sustainable economic and social development of their communities.
The UNESCO chair enhances education and training, conducts scientific studies and encourages good practices on the natural and cultural heritage protection and conservation, adopting an holistic approach on heritage management and sustainable development, in collaboration with Geoparks, universities, schools and local authorities on island and coastal areas.
The UNESCO Chair supports international cooperation on scientific understanding of coastal processes, impacts of risks and hazards risk reduction, climatic change adaptation, protection and sustainable management of insular and coastal resources.
The UNESCO Chair supports knowledge transfer and strengthen links between universities and other higher education institutions and Geopark management bodies but also will greatly help the countries (governments and other stakeholders) which try to develop these areas.
Through an interdisciplinary approach to learning, the UNESCO Chair maintains it is necessary to develop a more globalised perspective on environmental risks in insular and coastal areas. In doing so, this will give learners the skills needed to find solutions to contemporary problems.
In line with the UNESCO’s mandates, the UNESCO Chair on Geoparks and Sustainable Development of Insular and Coastal Areas is addressing gender equality in Geoparks management, operation and education activities through its seminars, capacity building and pedagogical activities and workshops.
Professor Nikolaos Zouros
UNESCO Chair Holder
Aegean University
