Navarino Environmental Observatory

Navarino Environmental Observatory : A case study of how the academic community and the private sector work together

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Navarino Environmental Observatory (ΝΕΟ) was presented as a successful case study, during a seminar that took place at the Residence of the Ambassador of Sweden, on April 27th. The objective of the seminar titled “Bridging between science and business” was to provide an opportunity for participants to discuss ways science can be brought closer to business and vice versa.

Main speaker Mr. Kevin Noone, Professor of Stockholm University elaborated on ways business and science are connecting and creating safe, authorized and repeated spaces for collaboration. According to Professor Noone ““Broader and deeper collaboration between business and science is absolutely necessary if we are to find solutions to today’s “wicked” problems. My experience working with a number of businesses and other organizations is that it takes time, effort, resources and repeated exposure on both sides to establish trust and develop a tradition of positive interaction. I have found that the returns on this kind of up-front investment can be tremendously valuable in terms of what can be accomplished when we work together.”

navarinoTaking the stand, Ms. Karin Holmgren, Professor, Chairman of NEO Steering Committee presented the “NEO Journey”, as an example of how the academic community and the private sector can work together to promote an ecologically, socially and economically sustainable development. Navarino Environmental Observatory (NEO), a cooperation between Stockholm University, the Academy of Athens and TEMES S.A., the developer of Costa Navarino, is dedicated to research and education on the climate and the environment of the Mediterranean region. Located at Costa Navarino, NEO has developed into a dynamic hub where scientists from all over the world conduct frontline research, develop new tools and methods, as well as meet to exchange knowledge and ideas.  Extended communication between academics and the local community in the wider Messenia region has helped to raise the awareness of global change, climate change and the interplay between local, regional, and global scales.

“The mission of NEO is to develop the understanding and sustainable use and management of our natural resources. NEO research addresses several of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations Agenda 2030 as well as of the Paris Agreement. To push the boundaries of knowledge we need basic research. For society to benefit from our new insights we also need applied research. For research to lead to concrete actions, innovations and improvements in our use of the natural resources we need sound collaboration and dialogues between the academy, the business sector and the public. As such, NEO is a role model”, emphasized Professor Holmgren.

The H.E. the Ambassador of Sweden, Mrs. Charlotte Wrangberg, endorsed the successful partnership among the Stockholm University, the Academy of Athens and TEMES S.A., as the Greek-Swedish collaboration represents concrete example of creative synergy between the private sector and the scientific community, aiming at developing strategies that focus on the adaptation to climate change and sustainable development.

Navarino Environmental Observatory (NEO)

NEO operates since 2010 in Costa Navarino, Messenia and is a model of international partnership between the academic community and the private sector in the field of research and education on the climate change and the environment of the Mediterranean region. The results of the research contribute to the enhancement of knowledge and the effective management of climate change. A large (> 50) number of scientific publications in international science journal has been published, 5 PhD dissertations have been completed under the NEO collaboration during the first five years, while 3 more are in progress. Moreover, NEO enhances awareness and sensitizes public on environmental issues and the climate change through the Navarino Natura Hall, its interactive environmental exhibition centre which operates in Costa Navarino and is open to visitors, schools and local communities. Additional to that, Café NEO seminars have provided a popular way to disseminate and discuss research results with the broader society. With the support of its extended network of private enterprises, governmental institutions and the academic community, it is expected that NEO will continue to be an important hub to show how science can meet societal needs and provide solutions to future societal challenges. In 2015 NEO was awarded for its research on climate change and work to promote environmental awareness among different stakeholders in the society by the ECOPOLIS awards. NEO was also distinguished at the Hellenic Responsible Awards, winning the GOLD medal in the category “Best Science-Business cooperation”.

Bolin Centre for Climate Research at Stockholm University

Stockholm University, located in the capital of Sweden, is a major northern European university and carries out successful research and education within the Faculties of Humanities, Law, Science and Social Sciences. The Bolin Centre for Climate research at Stockholm University is a pioneering centre within the field of climate and environmental research. The late Bert Bolin, professor at Stockholm University, was the leading force behind the establishment of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. The Bolin Centre carries on Bolin’s heritage by conducting fundamental research on critical processes in the climate system.

Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA)

The Centre of Environmental Effects on Health of the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens has been involved in pioneering research on ozone, chemistry-radiation interactions and global change during the past decades. The Biomedical Research Foundation is a non-profit institution, established by the Academy of Athens, which traces its name to the 3rd century BC Plato’s Academy; it therefore brings the heritage of the first Academy on Earth. The Centre has participated in all WMO/UNEP Ozone Assessments and in numerous competitive international research projects and campaigns.

TEMES S.A.

TEMES S.A is a premier destination developer & operator in the high end tourism and real estate sector. Costa Navarino, its flagship development, is one of the largest tourism and real estate -related investments in the Mediterranean. At the heart of the company’s philosophy is its strong commitment to environmental responsibility along with genuine respect for local traditions and communities.

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