Following the successful Summer Universities organized jointly by MIO-ECSDE and the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe for a number of years, and since the designation of the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve, also the Local Management Committee of Asterousia, the Region of Crete and the Heraklion Development Agency,  this year the event will take place once again in Asterousia and focuses on “Climate Resilient Communities in Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves“. 

The Asterousia Hybrid University is split n two phases, with:

  • Phase A taking place face-to-face  in Asterousia BR, between 4th October 2026 (arrivals) and 8th October 2026 (departures), for 25-30 participants.
  • Phase B (tbc) taking place online, in January 2027.

It is mandatory for that are selected to participate in Phase A, to follow also Phase B.

In a Nutshell

WHEN: Sunday 4 October 2026 (Arrivals) – Thursday 8 October 2026 (Departures)

WHERE: Asterousia Bioshere Reserve, Crete

FOR WHOM:  Post graduate students, young researchers, educators and managers of existing and candidate Biosphere Reserves  and other designated areas.

GROUP SIZE:  aproximately 25-30 participants (15 international & 10-15 Greek)

FORMAT: The event will entail lectures, field visits, demonstrations and joined activities with the local inhabitants.

LANGUAGE: English & Greek (simultaneous translation)

Draft Analytic Agenda - in English language (vers 15/09/26)
Draft Analytic Agenda - in Greek language (Vers 15/09/2026)
Google Form for Choosing Dietary Preferences etc
Link to the PADLET (participants introduce yourselves)
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)