Lesvos may be small in global terms, but the great diversity of its landscapes marks it apart. It has a unique wealth of geological features, landscapes of natural beauty, and areas of ecological interest. Dense pine forests and olive groves, cultivated fields, hills with almost all types of vegetation, imposing mountains that reach a height of 1,000 meters, rivers, torrents, and important wetlands, as well as drylands, sandy beaches among cliffs, canyons, gorges, and caves, craters of extinct volcanoes and a unique, in global terms, forest, originating in the geological prehistory of the island, all make up the mosaic of the wide variety of habitats on Lesvos. Its habitats are host to an amazing wealth of flora and fauna. Its biodiversity includes "oriental" species. Lesvos marks the westernmost extent of their distribution. For some of them, their presence in Europe is limited to Lesvos. These elements, making up the character of Lesvos, led to the recognition of the entire island by UNESCO as a World Geopark. Among the most impressive geological features that make up the island's unique scenery, one of great importance and beauty is the Gulf of Kalloni. Besides, it also has a significant number of archaeological and cultural monuments that highlight the long-standing presence of man in this area of Lesvos. Increased awareness of this wealth and the interrelationship of landscape, plant, and animal with Man and the culture he creates, as well as its exploitation through strategic, sustainable, and balanced development, will contribute to its adequate protection and preservation. Not by accident, Aristotle decided to conduct his research in the area of the Gulf of Kalloni which led to the writing of his famous work “Stories about animals” which is considered the cornerstone of biology as a science.

Writer: Yannis Karatzas