Introduction to course

These tailored courses offer an introduction to various fields of research and conservation of ecosystems and species of special environmental importance, providing an overview of applied scientific techniques.
These field courses are addressed to groups of university students or students of secondary education and can be designed by the group coordinator according the interests and knowledge level of the group. Courses can last between 5 and 15 days. The student group coordinators can choose from 14 different topics (each taught within 1-3 days) linked to environmental research and conservation of both the terrestrial and marine habitats of the Aegean Sea.

Aims of the course

These tailored and flexible courses aim to provide students with an understanding of natural ecosystems and their conservation through the combination of classroom sessions with practical fieldwork in habitats of the islands of Samos and/or Ikaria, in the eastern Aegean Sea.



Topic choices:

Topic 1- Coastal Ecosystems: Ecology and Conservation
Introduction to the various groups of organisms and key habitats of coastal zone with focus on common species of fish, invertebrates and algae. Underwater Visual Census (UVC) and practical data collection methods for the assessment of biodiversity. Ecology, conservation and management of coastal ecosystems.

Topic 2- Marine Mammals Biology and Conservation
Biology and conservation of marine mammals of the Mediterranean Sea. Boat-based surveys for the assessment of marine mammal populations and their behaviour. Underwater acoustics: a modern tool to study cetacean behaviour and estimating abundance. Data recording, analysis & photo-identification. First aid to marine mammals & turtles.

Topic 3- Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) - Conservation Management Planning (CMP)
Current state of CMP in Greece and Europe. Involvement of the local communities in coastal zone management. Field trips to assess the situation in the region: biodiversity, levels of development and resource utilization. Determination of current and future conflict areas. Design of a poster and a presentation to depict this. Practical forum to demonstrate each of the different relevant bodies involvement in ICZM and CMP

Topic 4- Fisheries: Practices, Ecology and Management
Fishing practices on the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Ecology of targeted fish stocks - impact of fisheries on marine ecosystems, methods of assessment. Socio-economical importance for fisheries for the island communities. Methods of assessment for fisheries practices.

Topic 5- Monitoring Posidonia Seagrass Beds using Underwater Imaging
Ecological significance and factors threatening Posidonia seagrass beds. Mapping of seagrass beds using a digital chartographic camera system. Assesment of seagrass bed status. Production of GIS maps. Usage of data produced in conservation management planning.



Topic 6- Flora Research and Conservation
Terrestrial habitats of the Mediterranean, focusing on the Aegean islands’ flora species. Importance of island forest habitats. Methods for the assessment of flora biodiversity, data collection and analysis. Factors impacting terrestrial ecosystems and the methods by which these factors can be assessed.

Topic 7- Research and Conservation of Bird Populations
Important habitats in the Aegean Sea for resident and migratory bird populations. Survey techniques for the assessment of biodiversity, population size and acoustic monitoring of bird populations. Analysis of the data collected. Factors impacting bird populations and the methods by which these factors can be assessed.

Topic 8- Agronomic and Seed Bank Research
Agricultural practices of the Aegean islands. Experimental Seed Bank techniques for the study of morphology characteristics and seed propagation of local plant varieties. Experimental application of organic agriculture practices.

Topic 9- Natural products: Applications of Marine and Terrestrial Flora and Fauna
Mediterranean species of terrestrial plants, marine algae and invertebrates currently under study for chemical assessment. Ecology and characteristics of the analysed species, preparation of brief literature reviews on pharmacological properties and applications. Collection of target species from the field. Lab analysis of the chemical profiles of the collected organisms through TLC techniques. Lab session on bioassays using the extracts of selected organisms. Data analysis and interpretation.

Topic 10- GIS Analysis of Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity Data
Marine and terrestrial habitats of conservational importance, in the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean. GIS analysis of the biodiversity of fauna and flora of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Practical session using GIS software. Field surveys for the collection of relevant data. Production of GIS maps illustrating biodiversity, land uses and anthropogenic threats.



Topic 11- Applications of Renewable Energy Sources
Applications of renewable and alternative energy sources for small island communities, focusing on wind and solar powered systems and alternative heating sources.

Topic 12- Environmental Photography and Filming of Marine and Terrestrial Flora, Fauna & Research Activities
Environmental photography and filming techniques. Introduction to the key species and habitats of the region. Detailed practical instruction of use of equipment. Practical photography and filming session out in the field will commence with use of equipment.

Topic 13- Scientific Illustration of Marine and Terrestrial Flora and Fauna
Introduction to scientific illustration- methods and practical applications. Collection and identification of species to be illustrated. Observational drawing workshop. Colour theory workshop. Media workshop- excercises in colour. Production of scientific illustration. Display and evaluation of work produced.

Topic 14- Introduction to Methods of Environmental Education
Environmental education and awareness for primary and secondary school students, as well as for local communities. Selection of a biodiversity or  conservation issue, on which educational/ awareness material will be produced, using a combination of: graphic design programmes for leaflet/poster production, design of educational activities combining field trip experience and classroom sessions.

At the end of the course certificates will be awarded to all participants.


Course dates can be arranged with Archipelagos to suit the groups requirements. These courses are offered throughout the year



Contact:
Anastasia Miliou: a.miliou@archipelago.gr  
Yannis Koutelidas: yannis@archipelago.gr
info@archipelago.gr
Postal address: Archipelagos, Institute of Marine & Environmental
Research of Aegean Sea, P.O. Box. 1, Rahes, 83301, Ikaria, Greece
Tel: 0030 2275041673