The series of Summer or Hybrid Universities is founded on a long-standing commitment between MIO-ECSDE, the UNESCO Regional Bureau, the UNESCO Chair and Network at the University of Athens, and—since 2018—the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve.
They are intended for postgraduate students, educators, young scientists, and professionals who are either studying or working within existing, candidate, or potential Biosphere Reserves, Geoparks, Natura 2000 sites, and other “designated” areas. Priority is given to participants from countries in Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean.
This year’s 12th edition was made possible through the generous support of the Region of Crete, the Heraklion Development Agency, and the Local Management Committee of the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve (TEDA).
The theme was “Climate-Resilient Communities in Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves” and the face-to-face phase was held at the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve from October 4 to 8, 2026. Phase A’s aimed to inform participants about the climate change adaptation and mitigation practices implemented at the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve, to exchange strategies and good practices, and to encourage them to adopt similar strategies within their own reserves.
The event was followed by 33 registered participants from 11 countries. The event was designed as a condensed, intensive training program, featuring lectures, guided tours, workshops, but also consultations with locals living in the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve. As a result, during the three-day sessions at Asterousia University, dozens of local people attended and interacted with our international participants.
main organisers
The man & sponsors of the Hybrid University are:
- Region of Crete (Link)
- Heraklion Development Agency (HDA) (Link) – Asterousia Biosphere Reserve (TEDA)
- Association for the Protection of Asterousia
- UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe (Venice Office) Link)
- UNESCO Chair & Network for Management and Education for Sustainable Development at NKUA
- Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE) (Link) through the MEdIES initiative (Link)
Other contributors
The Hybrid University will bring together a range of organisations within and around the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve, such as:
- Municipalities of the MAB region
- Local Cultural Associations
- Koudoumas Monastery
- Local Businesses
- Regional Directorate of Education of Crete & Vagionia High School
- Natural History Museum of Crete
- Voluntary Civil Protection Group “Filios Zeus”
Under the auspices of:
- Mediterranean Committee for Education for Sustainable Development (MCESD)
