Yesterday, June 30, 2026, at the Meteora Natural History Museum and Mushroom Museum, the Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding for the promotion of the Meteora\u2013Pili Geopark was signed between the Thessaly Regional Development Agency \u201cTHESSALOMA S.A.,\u201d as the Coordinating Body of the Meteora\u2013Pili Geopark \u2013 Pyli and the Museum.<\/p>\n
The purpose of this Protocol is to establish a framework for cooperation among the contracting parties, with the common goal of protecting, highlight, and promote the Meteora\u2013Pili Geopark region, which has been a member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network since 2024.<\/p>\n
A key focus of the Geopark\u2019s operations is the development of geotourism, nature-based activities, and sustainable forms of tourism, which contribute to employment, local production, and the creation of new business opportunities, while simultaneously promoting an understanding of contemporary challenges, such as the climate crisis, natural disasters, and others.<\/p>\n
The signed document acknowledges that \u201cthe Geopark and the Geopartner (i.e., the Museum) share a common basis for cooperation, as both serve objectives related to the protection and promotion of natural heritage, the dissemination of knowledge and raising awareness about the environment and ecosystems, sustainable tourism, local cuisine, and actively connecting visitors with the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
As part of the signing ceremony, the Geopark awarded the Museum the corresponding \u201cLocal Quality Seal,\u201d which is granted to Geo-Partners following an evaluation of the standards set by the Geopark itself for its partners.<\/p>\n
It should be noted here that the Museum is at the highest level of compliance, which corresponds to meeting 85\u2013100% of the standards.<\/p>\n
On behalf of the Geopark, the memorandum was signed by Mr. Grigorios Papacharalambous <\/strong>, CEO of the Organization \u201cTHESSALOMA S.A.\u201d as the Geopark\u2019s Coordinating Body, who emphasized the \u201cshared commitment of the two partners to the promotion and sustainable development of our region\u2019s unique natural and cultural heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n The museum’s director signed on behalf of the museum, mr. Nikos Pallas <\/strong>, who stated that \u201cit is a great honor for the Museum to be selected as the first Geo-Partner\u201d and emphasized that \u201cwe are committed to working consistently to promote the Geopark as an international model of sustainable development and tourism excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n The Mayor of Meteora, Mr. Dimitris Avramopoulos<\/strong>, also took the floor, emphasizing that \u201cthe Museum\u2019s collaboration with the Geopark will contribute to the protection and promotion of our region\u2019s identity,\u201d while the Mayor of Pyli, Mr. Konstantinos Maravas<\/strong>, through his representative, stated that the signing of the memorandum will contribute \u201cto highlighting the region\u2019s unique natural, geological, and cultural wealth.\u201d<\/p>\n It was mentioned at the event that in early September, the two partners will announce a program of joint actions for 2027, with the first step being the Pan-Hellenic Truffle Festival, to be held in Kalambaka on June 25\u201327, 2027, with a different format and content than in previous years.<\/p>\n The event was also attended by representatives of environmental organizations from European countries, who were given a guided tour of the museum.<\/p>\n\n