The Museum of Natural History of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos, in collaboration with the North Aegean Region, the Municipality of Western Lesvos, and the Molivos Tourism Agency, is organizing an event in Molivos on the theme "Wetlands of Northern Lesvos" on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at 7:00 PM at the Cultural Center "Desmos" in Molivos.

This event is part of the celebration of World Water Day 2022.

The goal of the event is to inform citizens, especially tourism professionals, about the variety and uniqueness of Lesvos' wetlands and the opportunities for utilizing them to develop alternative tourism activities.

Western Lesvos is already internationally recognized for the significant species of resident and migratory birds it hosts, which is one of the main attractions for foreign birdwatchers visiting our island. Highlighting the natural wealth of the area-particularly its avifauna-can be a key tool for developing alternative forms of tourism.

The event is part of the project "Actions for the Promotion of Protected Areas of Lesvos," which has been included in the Operational Program "North Aegean 2014-2020."

The program for the event is as follows:

EVENT PROGRAM

7:00 - 7:15 PM

Welcome address by a representative of the Municipality of Western Lesvos

Welcome address by a representative of the North Aegean Region

Welcome address by the President of the Molivos Tourism Agency, Mr. Nikos Molvalis

7:10 - 7:30 PM

Lesvos Geopark & Biodiversity

Prof. Nikolaos Zouras / University of the Aegean, UNESCO Chair for Geoparks and Sustainable Development of Island and Coastal Areas

7:30 - 7:55 PM

The Birds of Lesvos Wetlands

Elena Galinou / Environmental Scientist, Museum of Natural History of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos - Environmental Information Center of Kallonis

7:55 - 8:15 PM

Multiday Educational Programs in Lesvos UNESCO Global Geopark

Konstantina Bendana / Geologist, Head of Educational Programs, Museum of Natural History of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos

8:15 - 8:35 PM

The Contribution of Birdwatching to the Development of Alternative Tourism

Afrditi Vati / Deputy Mayor for Tourism and International Relations, Municipality of Western Lesvos

8:35 - 9:00 PM

Interventions from participants

Discussion