CONTEXT
The multi-faceted conservation work carried out by
Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation involves a combination of
research expeditions, field surveys and
laboratory work, while closely
collaborating with local communities, national and European
policy makers, as well as the
wider media. Through internships at Archipelagos Institute, students have the opportunity to enrich their knowledge with practical hands-on experience in field research and conservation projects. Interns develop their leadership and role model skills, allowing them to develop a variety of key skills, useful for future job prospects.
The collaboration between Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation and the Landcare program provides students with the opportunity to take part in multi-disciplinary environmental projects with a clear conservation aim. These took part on the islands of Samos and Lipsi.
THEMES DEVELOPED
1-Land Restoration: monitoring of the vulnerability and the recovery rate of the areas which had been impacted by a recent fire (effects of erosion in the islands of the eastern Aegean, assessment of flora coverage and biodiversity, as well as analysis of the nutrient content of the soil in the zones where the fire was put off using seawater).
2
-Environmental Education: design of educational programs, including lesson plans, interactive activities and education games for school groups of various ages. The aim of these activities was the engagement of children in several environmental topics, such as wildlife conservation and awareness of microplastics in the environment.
3-Water Quality: analyzing chemical and biological parameters of different water bodies of public access: the public network, mountain springs, saltmarsh and bathing waters.
4
-GIS Applications: Kayak-based survey transects with a sonar in order to detect the
Posidonia oceanica meadows around the islands of Samos and Lipsi; remote sensing used to create accurate maps of the coastline.
5
-Linking research to applied conservation: assist in research projects focusing on the golden jackal (
Canis aureus), the Mediterranean chameleon (
Chamaeleo chameleon), as well as endangered marine mammals, including various dolphin, whale and sea turtle species.
6-
Eco-navigation: engaging locals and tourists to collaborate with research through a citizen-science platform
