In early 2024, the largest full-scale exercise (FSE) for earthquakes and related geohazards in Greece was implemented in Crete Island (southern Greece). Crete is characterized by intense seismicity with historical and recent destructive earthquakes with considerable impact on both the natural and built environment and subsequently on the population. The uniqueness of this FSE lies in the creation and coordination of a multi-agency, multijurisdictional, and multidisciplinary environment in which a multitude of central, regional, and local stakeholders and a large percentage of the total population of Crete actively participated. This paper constitutes a descriptive study focusing on the main steps of the exercise management cycle comprising planning, implementation, and evaluation of the FSE. Furthermore, emphasis is given on its purpose and objectives, its main events and subsequent incidents, the participants and their roles, as well as the material developed and distributed to the participants. Through this study, the implemented actions for increasing preparedness of the Civil Protection mechanism in case of earthquakes and related geohazards are highlighted aiming to inform the scientific community and operational staff and to contribute to the seismic risk reduction of regions worldwide with similar seismotectonic and demographic characteristics with Crete. Furthermore, suggestions are made for the integration of multi-hazard episodes in the FSE scenario in order that the Civil Protection authorities will be prepared to handle the synergy of hazards of different types that may arise during a post-earthquake period that create compounding challenges during the emergency response and further increase recovery time.

Fossils constitute a significant part of Earth's biodiversity, holding considerable heritage value. With an aim of improving and enhancing dissemination of knowledge and by integrating augmented reality technologies, this paper presents an AR application to identify fossils in two fossil sites, that of Agia Marina (Aegina Island) and Rafina (Attiki peninsula). An application compatible to mobile devices that enables the user to identify the fossils in situ, promoting learning through interactive experiences. It offers virtual tours that transport users back in time to the paleo environments where these fossils were originally found. This application seeks to make science, and especially paleontology, accessible and engaging to a wide range of people. To achieve this, we employed advanced photogrammetry techniques. By utilizing these methods, we were able to create detailed and accurate 3D models of marine fossils and environments. This approach not only enhances the visual representation of these paleo-environments but also provides precise data for scientific analysis and educational purposes. The AFT project allows us to capture the intricacies of invertebrate species and their habitats, ensuring that their importance within the marine ecosystem is effectively communicated and appreciated by a wider audience.