The Greek Culture Ministry goes for officially sponsoring the traditional villages of Zagorochoria in Epirus, north-western Greece, as a Greek “cultural landscape” to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. In order for a cultural landscape to be added in the UNESCO World Heritage list, it must have proven of exceptional global value and its authenticity and integrity must be protected. There must be a comparative study comparing the site with others, both included and not included in UNESCO’s list, as also a definitive boundary and protection zone, a written management plan and guarantees for its effective implementation.

“It is with great joy that the Culture and Sports ministry announces its decision to finalise its proposal for the inclusion of Zagori in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments List”, said Minister Costas Tassoulas at a conference held at the Culture ministry on Thursday, attended by Ministry general secretary Lina Mendoni and Zagori Mayor Vassilis Spyrou.

The stone built villages, which lay on the remote and mountainous Zagori region, an area of matchless natural beauty, are among the best preserved traditional settlements in Greece. The “Zagorochoria - North Pindos National Park” area have been on the UNESCO Tentative List for two years now, which is one of the conditions for inclusion in the list of World Heritage Sites.