International School of the Sea: one of the most important – and most challenging initiatives of the Archipelagos Institute

To achieve our environmental protection goals, we are currently collaborating with people of diverse specialties from 32 countries around the world. We are scattered either at sea on our research vessels, or on field missions in our main areas of operation, such as Fourni, Lipsi, and other important areas of the Aegean. Other members of the team work in our laboratories or within the terrestrial ecosystems of the islands.

At regular intervals, like today, we must all come together at our conference center to coordinate our work, evaluate the results of our efforts, and plan our next steps, but also to remind ourselves of the importance of collective thinking, teamwork, and efficiency.

Through the activities of the International School of the Sea over the past two decades more than 27,000 people from 46 countries – students, researchers, and academics – have participated and trained, gaining hands-on experience in applied environmental conservation.

In addition to their invaluable contribution to the actions of the Archipelagos Institute, they develop essential skills that they can apply upon returning to their home countries. Many go on to work in universities, research institutes, and environmental organizations, thereby contributing to addressing the growing global environmental challenges.