GREEK NATURE UNKNOWN: SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR YOUR SCIENTISTS

THE NEED

Greece is known for its rich biodiversity, estimated at 36,000 species of animals and plants, representing 23% of the total species described for Europe and possibly representing more than 2% of the species  in the world. This wealth is not uniform across the country and different parts reveal different aspects. To date, there continue to be significant gaps in knowledge regarding the status or the range of certain species in the country. Such gaps in knowledge do reflect somewhat negatively on the conservation track record of the country and undoubtedly hinder the formulation and adoption of effective conservation measures. On the other hand, this situation may also be perceived as an opportunity to mobilize and engage the conservation community and interested people even through Citizen Science and to create a new wave of awareness, even national pride, around the less known treasures of Greek nature. It is also important to inspire and mobilize a new generation of conservationists that will gain in field practices and move forward the existing knowledge.

THE PROGRAM

The scholarship program relates mainly to the need to promote applied research to increase knowledge regarding assessment of threats, population presence and status, and proper and effective conservation measures, especially for less known species, in order to increase their visibility and eventually increase their conservation. The program aims to create a knowledge base and increase awareness around lesser-known, important Greek fauna species. The grant supports young researchers to implement 12 months’ studies on species selected for their national importance (endemic species, species of narrow distribution, IUCN threatened species). Applications from eligible applicants- graduates of Biology, Forestry, Environmental Studies, Agriculture or similar fields from Greek universities, up to 15 years post-graduation- are assessed by a scientific committee against preselected criteria, including national importance of the species, existing knowledge, preferred geographies and complementarity with other initiatives, and suitable tools. Funded research must be carried out in Greece.

In order to achieve increased awareness, an array of stories highlighting the wealth and importance of the unknown Greek biodiversity, as well as presenting the results of the studies and the field work being done, will be produced, in the form of text, visuals and sound.