17 Jul 2019
The summer school was attended by 18 scientists working for the management authorities of Greece’s protected wetland areas: Amvrakikos (2 participants), Thermaikos (2), Volvi-Koronia (2), Voras-Kaimaktsalan (1), West Macedonia (2), Karla (1), Messolonghi (3), Pamvotis (1), Prespa (1).
The main objective of the summer school was to examine ways in which to approach, analyse, address and monitor wetland management issues. In order to achieve this goal, the summer school programme was structured around three types of educational activities: lectures, practice in the field and group work. “The school boosted my knowledge and the fieldwork inspired me", "I had the opportunity to put the theory straight into practice with the fieldwork trips", commented some of the participants on the educational process and methodology that was followed.
According to the attendees' assessments, the event was successful; the themes and pace of the activities were effective in meeting their expectations and achieving the goals of the school.
The participants also said that the school helped them considerably in better understanding wetland management issues. "The holistic approach to the subject and the combination of fieldwork and lectures helped us to dive into the subject quickly and get the whole picture of the wetland." They also highlighted the usefulness of the integrated ecosystem approach that was followed in presenting a socio-ecological system.
Lastly, it was encouraging that the participants enthusiastically recommended taking part in the summer school when it is repeated next year, and also that they even suggested adding another day. "Not only would I recommend it, but I would do it again", one of the participants said!
