NESTS partners took an important step forward in the project’s cooperation pathway during a two-day event combining a partner meeting, a field study visit and a technical workshop involving managing bodies and experts.
On May 26 and 27, the Municipality of Metsovo (Greece) hosted the second NESTS project meeting. The meeting took place at the Metsovion Interdisciplinary Research Center (M.I.R.C.) and gathered project partners, experts, protected area managers, institutional representatives and stakeholders from Italy and Greece.
During the first day, partners discussed the progress achieved since the October 2025 kick-off meeting, sharing updates on activities carried out over the past months. The meeting also helped consolidate a common working method and strengthen operational links between technical analysis, field activities, communication and long-term cooperation tools. Particular attention was given to biodiversity loss, the harmonisation of monitoring standards between Greece and Italy, and the alignment of training activities. Discussions also addressed the development of shared tools for data conservation, the implementation of pilot actions and the initial steps towards a future Permanent Cross-Border Biodiversity Observatory.
On May 27, participants took part in a study visit to Politses, a plateau located at around 1,400 metres above sea level in the wider Metsovo area. The site is part of the Natura 2000 area Metsovo Area (Anilio–Katara), classified as a Special Area of Conservation, and provided an ideal setting for field demonstrations in mountain habitats and open terrain. During the visit, local experts presented practical tools and methods for biodiversity monitoring, including drones, transects, camera traps, sensors, satellite imagery and on-site data processing.
In the afternoon, the workshop focused on biodiversity monitoring protocols, innovative technologies for environmental monitoring and the coordination of conservation data across borders.
The event confirmed the partners’ shared commitment to protecting natural heritage and supporting the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030.
