The Prefecture of Grevena and moreso, the village of Milia, will acquire a modern Centre of Paleontology which will host important paleontological findings from the excavations conducted there by the Geology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for the past 20 years.
These findings have placed the Prefecture at the centre of attention of prominent members of the international scientific community, who have travelled to the area to examine its rich 3 million year-old history.
On April 11, the trilateral contract on the establishment and functioning of the Centre was signed between the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Municipality of Grevena and the Anaptyxiaki SA of Grevena. The project is expected to be completed within the next three years under the financing of ESPA.
The modern building will host the exhibition premises, interactive and educational exhibits for students, research laboratories, a library, offices, guest rooms, a cafeteria and other aiding facilities.
The Centre of Paleontology in Milia will feature seminars, lectures and symposiums for scientific purposes, as well as summer and winter schools and further collaborative students programs with other academic and scientific institutions.
The village of Milia is already housing an exhibition centre with rare paleontological findings from the broader region, attracting some 30,000 visitors annually.
The village of Grevena became internationally known in 2011, when excavations in the area brought to light the longest mastodon tusk that has ever been discovered.
According to the Professor of Geology at Aristotle University, Evaggelia Tsoukala, the natural history of the area can reveal unknown secrets of the Pliocene era.
“The research work of the university will continue in new locations and with new findings, which will shed more light on our knowledge on that part of paleontology,” added Tsoukala.
The Centre will additionally serve as an alternative tourist facility that will boost the economy and growth of the region. Its latest equipment will enable both students and researchers from all education levels of Greece and the neighboring countries to enhance their educational and scientific work. Moreover, amateur geologists and paleontologists will find the exact support they need with their studies.
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