If you are a post graduate student, young researcher, educator, manager or staff working on Biosphere Reserves, and interested in water management & BRs , then, this online course is for you!
Following the successful Summer Universities organized jointly by MIO-ECSDE and the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe for a number of years, and since the designation of the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve, also the Local Management Committee of Asterousia, the Region of Crete and the Heraklion Development Agency, this year the event will take place once again in Asterousia and focuses on "Climate Resilient Communities in Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves".
The Asterousia Hybrid University is split n two phases, with:
- Phase A taking place face-to-face in Asterousia BR, between 4th October 2026 (arrivals) and 8th October 2026 (departures), for 25-30 participants.
- Phase B (tbc) taking place online, in January 2027.
Participation in Phase B (online) is mandatory for those that are selected in Phase A.
PHASE A (live) in a nutshell :
WHEN: Sunday 4 October 2026 (Arrivals) - Thursday 8 October 2026 (Departures)
WHERE: Asterousia Bioshere Reserve, Crete
FOR WHOM: Post graduate students, young researchers, educators and managers of existing and candidate Biosphere Reserves and other designated areas.
GROUP SIZE: aproximately 25-30 participants (15 international & 10-15 Greek)
FORMAT: The event will entail lectures, field visits, demonstrations and joined activities with the local inhabitants.
COST: A registration fee of 200 EUR will apply for the selected participants that are outside Crete (*and require travel).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30/06/2026 (but the sooner you apply the better for organisation purposes)
2026 Focus
The main theme this year is Climate Resilient Communities in Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves. Specific sub-topics to be covered through the dedicated lectures, workshops and field-visits are:
- Bridging the UN/EU Climate Change ‘Policy to Practice gap’
- Climate adaptation and mitigation practices in Mediterranean BRs. Examples of CC action:
- Freshwater management combining traditional harvesting with modern non-conventional water resources (NCWRs)
- Non-irrigated rain-fed crops e.g. as olives& carobs, as a basis for local agricultural production
- Nature-Based Solutions, e.g. reforestation & stone-walls restoration
- Climate-resilient tourism & local sustainable development,
- Community-based adaptation planning,
- Circular economy in agriculture: the case of olive residues
- The role of local products within the BR: A win-win for producers and visitors.
- Community led climate action: traditional knowledge holders, youth, citizen science and ESD.
If you are interested to apply, please read the concept Note in English and Greek language, before you apply.
Co-organizers
The main organisers & sponsors of the 2025 Asterousia University are:
- Association for the Protection of Asterousia
- Region of Crete (Link)
- Heraklion Development Agency (Link)
- UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe (Link)
- Local Management Committee of Asterousia
- UNESCO Chair and Network on Sustainable Development Management and Education at the University of Athens (UoA)
- The Greek National Committee of the MAB/UNESCO Programme
- Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE) (Link) through the MEdIES initiative (Link)
Other contributors: The Asterousia University will bring together a series of actors within and around the Asterousia BR:
- Local Associations of professionals & women
- HCMR Hellenic Centre for Marine Research
- Natural History Museum of Crete
Under the Auspices of:
- Mediterranean Committee on ESD (MCESD)
Secretariat
Email: info@medies.net
W: www.medies.net