Hello everyone!

I’m Dimitra and I’m currently volunteering as a project partner at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki on the Interreg project “MARMAPS – Open environmental eFolio for joint maritime spatial planning and conservation of the valuable Black Sea Basin marine ecosystems”, under the programme Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin.

MARMAPs’ objective is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Black Sea’s unique ecosystems. We aim to engage people in developing a Decision Support System (DSS) for maritime spatial planning, helping to guide conservation and restoration efforts for marine biodiversity. We also want to improve access to the DSS through eFolio, involve stakeholders in training sessions to promote conservation planning for marine protected areas, and explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration. In this exciting project, I have the chance to collaborate with partners from the Black Sea NGO Network (Bulgaria), Mare Nostrum NGO (Romania) and the Black Sea Branch of Ukrainian Environmental Academy of Sciences (Ukraine).

I work on simplifying complex ideas into clear messages and sharing them through platforms like social media, videos, and online forums. A big part of my work involves connecting with students and young people in and outside the AUTh campus, encouraging them to see the importance of protecting the Black Sea.

Currently, I’m working on creative initiatives like the MARMAPS photo contest, brainstorming ways to raise awareness in fun and interactive ways through social media. As a biologist, volunteering with IVY on a project that focuses on conservation and protecting the environment means a lot to me and it has helped me understand more about what I want to do in the future, all while knowing both the IVY team and my mentor will help with anything I may need. Every day, I learn more about marine conservation and the power of cooperation, and I’m excited to keep contributing!

– Dimitra, IVY Project Partner for Interreg Project MARMAPS at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki