Final event in the framework of LIFE ATIAS

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On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, the final event of the Decentralized Administration of Epirus – Western Macedonia was held in the framework of the LIFE ATIAS project “Addressing the threat of invasive alien species in North Greece, using early warning and information systems for mammals”, in the Amphitheater of DAEWM in Kozani.

Representatives from protected areas management authorities (NECCA), Forest services and Forest Directorates, Aristotle university of Thessaloniki, Decentralized Administration of Epirus – Western Macedonia and Macedonia – Thrace, Hunting Federation of Macedonia – Thrace, Company “Homeotech”, and also various related organizations attended the event.

The event started with a warm welcome from the Secretary General of the Decentralized Administration of Epirus-West Macedonia Mr. Serafeim Liapis and continued with the speech of the project coordinator Mr. Dimitrios Bakaloudis, professor of the School of Forestry and Natural Environment of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His speech focused on the scope of action and the contribution of the LIFE ATIAS project in addressing the threats of invasive alien species in Northern Greece. Speeches from other member of the LIFE ATIAS project team followed and specifically:

  • Dr. Charalambos Thomas, Forester from the Laboratory of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Management AUTH, discussed the impact of control practices and the dynamic occupancy of American Mink in Western Macedonia in his two presentations.
  • Dr. Evangelos Kotsonas, Forester from the same laboratory, highlighted the interaction between American Mink and Otter and its impact on aquatic bird fauna
  • Ms. Eleni Loukaki-Gountara, Forester and Environmentalist M.Sc., representing the Environmental Management Company “HOMEOTECH”, discussed the system for recording invasive species and early detection within the project.
  • Ms. Despoina Vlachaki, Forester and Environmentalist M.Sc., LIFE ATIAS project manager, representative of “Homeotech” Company, discussed the main indicators of LIFE ATIAS project and on dissemination strategy of its results.
  • Mr. Ioannis Gitas, Professor of the School of Forestry and Natural Environment from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Dr. Alexandra Stefanidou, Forester from the Laboratory of Forest Management and Remote Sensing, focused on producing cartographic products to support Mink population management using field and GIS data.
  • Mr. Antonios Mountzias, Agronomist, LIFE ATIAS project director, referred to the importance of implementing actions of LIFE ATIAS project od ADHDM.
  • Ms. Ioanna Chalinidou, Forester, Directorate of civil protection ADMTH and Ms. Triantafillou Anna, Agricultural technician, Directorate of agricultural affairs of Central Macedonia ADMTH, highlighted the procedures for the importance of implementing actions of LIFE ATIAS project od ADMTH.
  • Mr. Kyriakos Skordas, Forester and Environmentalist M.Sc., General Director of KOMATH, analyzed the dissemination and networking actions of the LIFE ATIAS project.
  • Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotou, Associate Professor of the Department of journalism & Media from Aristotle university of Thessaloniki, analyzed the communication program of LIFE ATIAS project and
  • Ms. Papakosta Malamati, Assistant Professor of the Department of forestry and natural resource management, Democritus university of Thrace, discussed the feeding habits of American mink in Western Macedonia in Greece.

The event ended with questions and open discussion about the difficulties during the project, highlighting the good cooperation between member of the LIFE ATIAS project team.