On Friday, February 13, 2026, the educational excursion of the Master’s Program “Integrated Coastal Management” of the Department of Oceanography and Marine Biosciences took place in the Municipality of Western Lesvos.

The first stop was at the Kalloni Salt Flats, where students had the opportunity to learn about the natural salt concentration process and take photos on the impressive salt hills. After visiting the Environmental Information Center in Skala Kallonis, they took part in bird watching under the guidance of Center staff.

This was followed by a visit to the Skala Kallonis Port Authority, where they were briefed on the responsibilities of the Coast Guard with regard to the protection and management of the marine environment, while at the same time a demonstration of oceanographic equipment was held to help participants understand various marine processes.

This was followed by a visit to the coastal area of Petra, which was treated as a dynamic “living laboratory” where scientific knowledge, social participation, and strategic planning come together. Petra, with its rushing streams, sandy coast, and harbor, is a complex and fragile coastal system. Scientific methodologies were applied, such as the environmental observation protocol for river estuary systems, the application of CrowdWater, the demonstration of hydrological instruments, and the application of beach carrying capacity and port resilience protocols. Plastic pollution was also recorded. The students came into direct contact with the local community, where concerns were raised and proposals were made for the future of the area.

Field observations, combined with discussions with Navy officials and the local community, highlighted the importance of prevention and adaptation to climate change, especially for infrastructure that is vital to the local economy and security.

The educational trip ended with lunch in Kalloni, sponsored by the Municipality of Western Lesvos.

The program director, Dimitra Kitsiou, expresses her gratitude on behalf of everyone “to the Municipality of Western Lesvos for its hospitality, especially to the Mayor, Mr. Taxiarchis Verros, as well as to the municipal councilors, Mr. Nikos Mystegniotis and Mr. Ioannis Papoutsanis, for the significant assistance they provided us in conducting the educational trip.”