Resilient Landscapes: Exploring Nisyros’ Volcanic and Climatic Challenges in the Context of Cultural Heritage

The RELIC – Resilient Landscapes BIP aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of how geological, climatic, and cultural processes interact to shape resilient island environments. 

Using Nisyros Island—an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (aUGGp)—as a living laboratory, the programme connects Earth sciences, climate studies, and cultural heritage to explore adaptation and sustainability in a changing world.  

Moreover, the course aims to cultivate: 

1. Integration: bridge the gap between geology, climatology, oceanography, and human geography through shared learning modules and field research. 
2. Resilience education: examine how volcanic, climatic, and societal dynamics influence the vulnerability and adaptability of insular communities. 
3. Practical experience: provide hands-on training in scientific observation, data analysis, and environmental monitoring using drones, ROVs, and GIS tools. 
4. Cultural awareness: highlight the role of local knowledge, cultural heritage, and traditional practices in supporting sustainable living within geoparks. 
5. Digital competence: foster skills in geospatial technologies and data visualization through ArcGIS Interdisciplinary Story Maps app and digital collaboration tools. 
6. Civic engagement: encourage student interaction with local authorities and the Nisyros Geopark to co-design small-scale resilience initiatives.  

The RELIC – Resilient Landscapes BIP brings together a broad spectrum of disciplines spanning the natural, environmental, and social sciences.  

The programme adopts a distinctly interdisciplinary approach, drawing on a range of complementary academic fields:  

• Geology and Volcanology – study of active volcanic systems, tectonic processes, and geomorphological evolution. 
• Climatology and Meteorology – analysis of regional and global climate patterns, risk assessment, and adaptation strategies in Mediterranean environments. 
• Oceanography and Marine Geology – investigation of submarine volcanic features, hydrothermal systems, and coastal dynamics. 
• Geography and Environmental Sciences – spatial analysis of land degradation, water management, and human–environment interactions. 
• Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Studies – examination of how natural processes affect historical landscapes, settlements, and intangible heritage. 
• GIS and Digital Mapping Technologies – application of geospatial tools such as ArcGIS StoryMaps app for visualization, monitoring, and science communication.  

This interdisciplinary integration allows participants to approach the concept of resilient landscapes from multiple perspectives — linking Earth sciences, climate research, and cultural heritage management within a single, cohesive educational framework. 

By the end of the programme, students will be able to: 

• gain hands-on experience by conducting fieldwork measurements;
• recognize volcanic geomorphological features and fault zones with field observations, creation of volcano-tectonic map;
• use high-tech environmental instrumentation (Parrot Thermal Drone, Kestrel Weather & Environmental Meter, PurpleAir) for marine operations in the coastal zone of Nisyros, including the identification of hot springs using ROVs and marine drones; 
• examine how volcanic hazards and climate change impact local communities, economies, and geo-heritage sites;
• describe the climate crisis and how it emerged from an interdisciplinary perspective;
• deliver of high-quality environmental data, creation of T-distribution map of the Hydrothermal Vent Field;
• learn about geo-heritage sites with a particular focus on the Nisyros aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (aUGGp) and raising awareness in terms of sustainability and its indisputable merit.

The five-day on-site module will take place from 22 to 26 March 2027 in Nisyros Island as the experiential core of the RELIC BIP. 

Students carry out geological and environmental observations in the island’s caldera and hydrothermal field, identifying volcanic structures. Using drones, ROVs, and portable sensors, they collect and analyze data on geomorphology, hydrothermal activity, and air-quality parameters. 

Workshops support data interpretation and visualization through GIS and ArcGIS StoryMaps.  Each day centers on a thematic area led by a CIVIS partner university with input from external experts.  

• Day 1 – NKUA: Volcanic evolution and morphotectonic processes of Nisyros. Visit to the Nisyros Geopark Information Center and talks by local authorities (Mayor of Nisyros and Geopark's President) (Nomikou – 6 hours; Local authorities – 2 hours).
• Day 2 – NKUA: Pyroclastic deposits and reconstruction of eruptive parameters, with guest contribution from Prof. Kuscu. (Nomikou - 7 hours,  Kuscu – 1 hour).
• Day 3 – Sapienza and NKUA: Marine drone surveys, shallow hot springs, and coastal geomorphology. (Casalbore & Chiocci – 5 hours, Poulos-1 hour) Volunteer beach cleaning activity in collaboration with the Cultural Association Diavatis -2 hours). 
• Day 4 – NKUA & University of Bucharest: Climate system, water balance, and environmental risks in the Eastern Mediterranean. Satellite observations of Earth, guest lecture from Dr. Dialynas (Nastos, Tiscovschi & Hatzaki – 7 hours; Dialynas - 1 hour).
• Day 5 – Aix-Marseille Université: GIS applications, interactive mapping, and integration of cultural heritage into digital narratives (Baika – 6 hours). External contribution from Prof. Papadopoulou and Dr. Antoniou – 2 hours). 

Interdisciplinarity is embedded throughout, combining the scientific fields of geology, climatology, oceanography, geography, and archaeology. 

Civic engagement is promoted through collaboration with DIKEN and with the Cultural Association Diavatis, including a coastal clean-up and a participatory community workshop. 

Visits to cultural and historical sites - such as Paleokastro, the Folklore Museum, and Byzantine churches - enhance intercultural learning and reveal how natural processes shape cultural identity.

The virtual component of the RELIC BIP will be held from 8 to 26 February 2027 provides the theoretical and conceptual foundation for the on-site work in Nisyros.  

Delivered over three weeks, the nine online sessions introduce students to the island’s volcanic system, climatic context, and cultural heritage through lectures, demonstrations, and collaborative digital exercises.  

Each partner university contributes modules that reflect their expertise:  

• National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: Introduction to the Nisyros aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (aUGGp); volcanic morphology and  monitoring, hazard assessment, climate modelling and water resource management.
• Sapienza Università di Roma: Seafloor mapping techniques and comparative studies of Italian insular volcanoes. 
• University of Bucharest: Agro-climatic modeling, land degradation, and water resource management in the Eastern Mediterranean. 
• Aix-Marseille Université: Impacts of climate change on coastal and underwater cultural heritage in the Mediterranean.  

Interactive elements include live polls, small-group discussions, and digital labs using ArcGIS StoryMaps app and the Virtual Geosites Open Lab.  Students will begin developing their ArcGIS StoryMap projects during this phase, integrating geological, climatic, and cultural data.  

The virtual module ensures all participants enter the field phase with a solid understanding of key methods and regional dynamics. It also promotes cross-institutional interaction early on, fostering teamwork and intercultural dialogue before the physical meeting in Nisyros. 

The RELIC BIP applies a multi-dimensional assessment strategy designed to measure both academic achievement and applied competence. Students are assessed through project work, oral presentations, and group collaboration, ensuring that learning outcomes are demonstrated through active participation and reflection. 

Feedback is embedded throughout the process, while a reflective self-assessment form at the end allows students to evaluate their progress and engagement. This approach ensures that assessment aligns with the stated learning outcomes and workload, rewarding both technical performance and teamwork, as well as creativity in data interpretation and dissemination.

At the end of the virtual component, students will present their projects, summarizing key insights and outcomes from the virtual component. 

During the virtual component, participants will also present short projects summarizing key findings from lectures and collaborative exercises, supported by ongoing formative feedback from instructors and peer feedback sessions that promote collaborative improvement.

During the physical component, students will:

• compare in situ analysis results with established environmental standards and reference datasets (Benchmarking assessment), while also relating their findings to real-world benchmarks and existing environmental policies;
• create a final presentation and ArcGIS StoryMap as a team project to integrate knowledge from both components, emphasizing interdisciplinary methods and teamwork;
• complete course evaluation sheets, providing feedback on their learning experience (Reflective assessment).

In the field component, students will conduct data collection, analysis, and interpretation, strengthening their ability to connect theoretical knowledge with applied research practices.

At the end of the programme, students will collaborate on a comprehensive project combining methodologies and insights gained throughout the course. Using ArcGIS StoryMaps, they will present their work through a dynamic platform that integrates maps with multimedia content like images, videos, and interactive elements. 

This final StoryMap will highlight their ability to merge spatial analysis with storytelling, reflecting the program's innovative and interdisciplinary approach while showcasing their collective creativity and teamwork. The final evaluation consists of this team ArcGIS StoryMap project, integrating geological, climatic, and cultural data into a coherent digital narrative, thereby connecting geoscientific methods, digital tools, and communication skills.

Motivation Letter

Level of english (According to CEFR)

CV

Applications will be evaluated based on their CV, motivation letter, level of English, the suitability of their academic background and their interest in field-based research, teamwork, and intercultural exchange.

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

• Prof. Paraskevi Nomikou, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment is a marine geologist who studies the morphology of underwater volcanoes with extensive experience in marine volcanic and seafloor extruding processes. She has participated in more than 80 oceanographic cruises that focused on submarine volcanism, fault zones, landslides and slope stability and the exploration of seafloor mineral deposits. The rapid development in the field of virtual reality piqued her interest and she has been actively involved in many projects raising public awareness. She has also been involved in the evaluation of the potential geohazards associated with onshore and offshore volcanic activity.
• Prof. Panagiotis Nastos, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment is the Director of the Laboratory of Climatology and Atmospheric Environment and the Director of the MSc Program Water, Biosphere and Climate Change, NKUA. He is the President of the Hellenic Meteorological Society since 2010, member of the Coordination Committee of the Center of Excellence Natural Disaster Management of NKUA.
• Prof. Serafim Poulos, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment is the Director of the Laboratory of Physical Geography. Scientific interests focus, primarily, on Oceanography and, secondarily, on Physical Geography issues related to sediment fluxes, coastal morphology, climate change impact, coastal zone management.
• Ass. Prof. Xatzaki Maria, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment. Her research focuses on climate and climate variability, on current and future climate trends and extremes, on environmental and social impacts of climate change and on vulnerability assessments mainly in the Mediterranean region.

University of Bucharest

• Assoc. Prof. Tiscovschi Andrian, Faculty of Geology is the Director of Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. His main subjects: Characterization of climatic conditions in Southern Dobrogea/ Interconditions between air pollution and the characteristics of the main climatic elements; Assessment of landscape artificialization by means of characteristic indices; Assessment of the vulnerability of the territory in relation to climatic risk phenomena.
• Lect. Remus Prăvălie, Faculty of Geography is a scientific researcher at the Faculty of Geography, specialized in environmental science research. He is the first/ sole author of many global scientific papers, some of which recently drew the attention of the United Nations and the European Commission.

Aix-Marseille Université (AMU)

• Prof. Kalliopi Baika, Master of Maritime and Coastal Archaeology (MoMArch) - Scientific Coordination, A*Midex - Académie d'Excellence, Centre Camille-Jullian, CNRS. She specialises in Greek harbour archaeology and coastal geoarchaeology in the Aegean and Mediterranean. Her research has also been on the archaeology of submerged environments and the phenomena of anthropogenic development of the land/sea interface, from protohistoric periods to the present day.

Sapienza Università di Roma 

• Ass. Prof. Daniele Casalbore's research activity is mostly focused on the morpho-bathymetric and seismo-stratigraphic analysis of continental margin and submarine flanks of insular volcanoes, with particular reference to the study of gravity instability processes and associated consequences. 
• Prof. Francesco Latino Chiocci is full Professor in Marine Geology, teaching General Geology, Marine Geology and Marine Geophysics. Research associate to CNR and INGV. Leader of International Geoscience Program Projects IGCP-526 (2007-2012) and IGCP-464 (2001-2005) dealing with the Quaternary evolution of continental shelves, involving more than 200 researchers from more than 30 countries. 

Invited Experts

• Dr. Kostas Dialynas, Academy of Athens
• Prof. Maria Papadopoulou, National and Technical University of Athens
• Dr. Antoniou Varvara, National and Technical University of Athens
• Prof. Gonca GENÇALİOĞLU KUŞCU, Muğla Sitki Kocman University
• Christofis Koroneos, Mayor of Nisyros Municipality
• Evangelos Tasioulas, Municipal Public Benefit Enterprise of Nisyros (DIKEN) (Nisyros Geopark's Management Body)
• Georgios Koukourakis, Cultural Association of Nisyros-Diavatis