Athens – The research and educational work carried out by the Navarino Environmental Observatory (ΝΕΟ) since 2010 were the main themes of a successful event that took place at the Academy of Athens today, May 18th. NEO is the result of the collaboration between Stockholm University, the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA) and TEMES S.A. – Developers of Costa Navarino.
Held under the Auspices of the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic, the well-attended event was honored by the presence of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos and of the President of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Professor Barbara Cannon. Representatives of the state, the regional and local authorities, the academic and the scientific world, as well as many other dignitaries joined on this occasion.
NEO, which operates since 2010 in Costa Navarino, Messinia, is a paradigm of an international partnership between the academic community and the private sector, focusing on the field of research and education on climate change and the environment in the Mediterranean region. It is a unique collaboration on a European level and a leader in innovation in Greece.
On the occasion of the event, H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos stated in his speech “The NEO initiative is innovative due to two reasons: firstly, this internationally acclaimed research hub constitutes a great paradigm of a smooth and transparent cooperation between the academic and the private sector. Secondly, and most importantly, the importance of NEO’s work lies in its research field, the effects of climate change in the Mediterranean region. By conducting scientific work in this field, NEO offers valuable services to the perpetuation of the cradle of Spirit and Civilization. Based on its millennia-long characteristics, the Mediterranean region and its people have still a lot to contribute towards the advancement of Science and Culture in the future”.
The President of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Professor Barbara Cannon commented: “The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is deeply engaged in environmental sustainability issues. As current President of the Academy, it is with great pleasure that I note the involvement and enthusiasm of members of our Academy to participate in and promote the research and educational activities at the Navarino Environmental Observatory. Internationally recognized research on the influences of climate change has already occurred at NEO and can be expected to continue in the future”.
Within its first five years of operation, NEO has already become known on an international level, due to its pioneering research work on climate change for the Mediterranean region. Scientists from all over the world are able to conduct frontline research, develop new research tools and methods and exchange knowledge and ideas, while educating the next generation of scientists. The results of NEO’s research, focusing on the Mediterranean region, contribute to the enhancement of knowledge and the effective management of climate and environmental change. Indicative figures include 37 published articles in renowned scientific journals, 3 PhD theses completed and 4 more in progress, 8 international workshops, 22 undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD courses, 6 partner organizations in Greece, Europe and USA, more than 220 scientific visitors annually and more than 2.500 students visiting the interactive environmental centre Navarino Natura Hall at Costa Navarino, as well as outreach activities for the local communities.
As the President of the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Professor Gregorios Skalkeas said: “The preeminent research and educational work that is conducted at the Navarino Environmental Observatory is already well-known globally and this is due to the excellent cooperation that has been developed between the scientists of the Academy of Athens, Stockholm University, the Bolin Centre and other European and International institutions. We hope that the Navarino Environmental Observatory maintains its successful and rising course for many years”.
“For Stockholm University, the collaboration with TEMES and the Academy of Athens concerning NEO is of great strategic importance. NEO enables important research within a variety of fields important for our university. It also implies a strategic partnership bridging the gap between academia and industry, but also containing an important international academic cooperation. We are looking forward to developing this partnership for the future”, the Vice-Chancellor of Stockholm University, Professor Astrid Söderbergh Widding, emphasized in her speech.
The Chairman of TEMES S.A. Mr. Achilles V. Constantakopoulos, noted: “NEO, its pioneering research and educational activities, keep environmental issues as top priority news on a local level, and inspire us to act with respect to the natural and human environment. We feel very proud to be part of this unique collaboration of the academic and private sector on a European level, in matters of sustainable development. Messinia is now a scientific hub attracting global interest in this field. Through all our initiatives at Costa Navarino, we continue to protect and promote the region’s nature, aligned with the local communities, aiming at Messinia being acknowledged as an example of sustainability”.
“Our vision, formulated five years ago has by far been achieved. For the coming five-year period, NEO will make a substantial contribution to both a better understanding of the dynamics behind physical processes on earth and a better integration of physical and social data and theory, to reach beyond deterministic explanations of the relationships between climate, environment and societies. Such knowledge can provide vital links in the chain that can build sustainable development at local, regional and global levels”, as The Director of NEO Professor Karin Holmgren, highlighted while presenting NEO’s work.
The renewal of the collaboration between the three parties for the next five years is expected to further enhance the environmental and educational work of the Navarino Environmental Observatory and reaffirms the commitment of the three parties in the top level research conducted in NEO. At the same time, it proves that the academic community and the private sector can work together in the field of research and education on climate change and the environment in the Mediterranean region.
http://www.navarinoneo.se/
