The first of a series of field courses of applied environmental conservation was completed in the island complex of Lipsi, in cooperation with Operation Wallacea.
This first round of lessons was attended by The Doon School from India and Navarre School from Florida, USA. The students made a very long trip to reach the Aegean and the island of Lipsi, studied the special biodiversity of the marine and terrestrial fauna of this special island complex- a biodiversity that many Greeks are not aware of! This course focused on the study of coastal biodiversity, the mapping of Posidonia seagrass meadows with the use of simple and easy to use scientific tools, in the recording of marine mammal and seabird populations and many more.
All theory courses were hosted in Lipsi Primary School, which is an important part of this research expedition. We have to mention that it is really touching to have this enthusiastic contribution of the students and teachers in the process of creation of the only marine refuge in the world, the Blue Life Zone. Its creation has just started, while it is progressing fast – it’s one of the most important aims of Archipelagos.
The students, apart from acquiring experience in field research and the theory lessons, with great enthusiasm, are a part of the installation and pilot operation process. At the same time they form an international support group of the Blue Life Zone refuge.
From next week, on the island of Lipsi, there will be students from the International School of Dusseldorf, Germany, as well as Jersey College and Hockerill Anglo-European College, UK the following week.