ANNOUNCEMENTS

Members of the Geography and Climatology Section of the National University of Athens actively participated in the 18th Plinius Conference on Mediterranean Risks, which took place in Chania, Crete, from 30 September to 3 October 2024, at the Old Port and the Cultural Center of Chania. 

The conference aimed to provide an interdisciplinary forum for discussing the current state of knowledge on Mediterranean risks in the context of climate change. With a multidisciplinary approach, issues related to the monitoring, assessment, diagnosis and forecasting of extreme weather events, forest fires, hydrogeological impacts, as well as the consequences on natural resources, agriculture, health and society were examined. 

In addition, special emphasis was placed on discussing adaptation strategies and the conservation of threatened natural and cultural heritage. The conference brought together scientists from the fields of meteorology, hydrology, geomorphology, sociology, engineering, risk management and cultural heritage protection, as well as public and private sector stakeholders.

The participation of young scientists was particularly encouraged, due to the reduced registration fees and prizes for the best oral and poster presentations. The participation of the Section in this conference strengthened its international presence and contributed substantially to the interdisciplinary approach to contemporary environmental challenges in the Mediterranean.