Southern European Regional Meeting 2021

May 6th – 9th

>> Recovery through Biodiversity <<

We are happy to announce this year’s Southern European Regional Meeting!

SERM 2021 will be held virtually, between the 6th and the 9th of May.

The most up-to-date event about Biodiversity in Europe!

This year, will be focused on “Recovery through Biodiversity” driven by covid pandemic.

Join a 4-day experience as an opportunity to learn more about forest ecosystems, species and biodiversity, analyzing how all of the above have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you are interested in Forestry, or you are worried about Covid’s impact in forests and daily life as known, this is your chance.
It is our pleasure to be part of IFSA’s continuously developing network.

Program

(all times are shown in UTC+3)

THURSDAY 6 MAY

18:30 Arrival

18:45 Welcome Speeches by :

• Dr. Papaioannou Nikos, Rector of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Greek Minister or Undersecretary of Environment & Energy
• Dr. Thekla Tsitsoni, Head of the Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Mrs. Alina Lehikoinen, President of the International Forestry Students’ Association
• Mrs. Elif Naz Duman and Mr. Šimon Hrbek, Regional Representatives for Southern Europe
• Mrs. Marsia Moutzouri, President of the Greek Forestry Students’ Association

19:15 Introduction of Organising Committee

• Mrs. Victoria Datsi, Head of the Organising Committee

19:25 Presentation of Greece’s Nature (video)

19:40 Panel 1 : Influence of Human Activities

1. How can the genetic diversity of forests be affected by a global pandemic – Dr. Philippos Aravanopoulos
2. How Botanic Gardens engage public awareness and promote challenges as food security, biodiversity and health issues through the sustainable use of Medicinal and Aromatic crops – Dr. Eleni Maloupa
3. Emerging Pandemics from Wildlife species – Dr. Evangelos Kotsonas
4. Adapting Forest Management to Climate Change – Dr. Nikos Nanos

20:50 Questions & Discussion

21:20 Recap of 1st Day’s Presentations

21:30 BREAK

22:00 Activity :“The legend has it…” / Padlet: ( 2 truths & 1 lie)

23:00 Closure of 1st Day

FRIDAY 7 MAY

10:45 Arrival

11:00 Opening of 2nd Day

11:05 Icebreaker

11:30 Panel 2 : Forests and Mental Health

1. How nature can help us recover from the Pandemic. The role of Botanic Gardens. – Mrs. Marina Panagiotidou and Dr. Andreas Oikonomou
2. Covid pandemic updates our relationship with nature – Dr. Petros Ganatsas
3. Benefits of urban forestry in human behavior/mental health – Dr. Misialis

12:30 Questions

13:00 Closure of 2nd Day’s Presentations

13:10 BREAK

18:00 Arrival

18:15 Opening

• Elif Naz Duman & Šimon Hrbek, Regional Representatives of Southern Europe Local Committees

18:25 SERM 2022 Nominations

19:00 Regional Representatives Nominations

20:00 Closure of 2nd Day

SATURDAY 8 MAY

10:45 Arrival

11:00 Opening of 3rd Day

11:05 Icebreaker

11:20 Panel 3 : Forest related professions and obstacles during the pandemic

1. Ongoing Climate Change and Green Jobs – Dr. Dimitrios Myronidis
2. Green jobs in the forestry sector of Greece: New insights from traditional professions – Dr. Petros Kakouros
3. HELMEPA – The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association
4. Bark beetles in Greece: past, present and a future to come – Dr. Dimitrios Avtzis
5. Challenges for forest utilisation and green jobs in the coming decade – Dr. Petros Tsioras

12:50 Questions

13:15 Closure of 3rd Day’s Presentations

13:25 BREAK

19:00 Arrival

19:15 Opening

19:25 “Eurovision memory trip”

20:00 International Night (thematic night)

21:30 Closure of 3rd Day

SUNDAY 9 MAY

10:15 Arrival

10:30 Opening

10:35 Icebreaker

10:50 Panel 4:

1. Protection and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems – Dr. Nicolaos Theodossiou
2. Mr. George Stavros Kremlis
3. Decision-making system for the selection of suitable recyclable materials in forestry projects and urban green recreation areas, for the conservation of biodiversity – Dr. Anastasia Stergiadou
4. Dr. Aggeliki Kosmopoulou
5. Green informatics and the trend to a new mindset – Dr. Zacharoula Andreopoulou

12:25 Questions

12:45 Closure of 4th Day’s Presentations

12:50 BREAK

13:00 “Results” from voting

13:15 Announcement of SERM 2022 Organising Committee

13:20 Announcement of Southern Europe’s Regional Representatives

13:40 Announcement of Regional Awards’ Winners

14:00 Goodbye from OC