MONALISA at the 5th Mediterranean Plant Conservation Week: Sharing Knowledge, Building Alliances

From April 7–11, 2025, MONALISA was proudly represented at the 5th Mediterranean Plant Conservation Week (5MPCW) in Limassol, Cyprus, where over 170 participants from 27 countries came together to explore strategies for conserving wild plant diversity and ecosystems across the Mediterranean.

Dr. Michalis Probonas of the University of Crete – Natural History Museum of Crete (UoC-NHMC) participated in this international gathering on behalf of MONALISA, presenting a poster titled:
“MONALISA Project: Case Study for the Implementation of Nature Restoration Actions in Asterousia Area, Crete, Greece.” 

Hosted at the St. Raphael Resort & Marina, the conference created a space for collaboration among scientists, conservationists, policymakers, NGOs, and local communities. Themed “Building Alliances for Plant Diversity Conservation in the Mediterranean”, the event aligned closely with MONALISA’s mission to restore degraded ecosystems and promote sustainable land management.

The 5MPCW offered a platform to share real-world experiences and research across Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It featured:

• Oral presentations and posters on plant science, ecology, ethnobotany, and citizen science.
• Discussions on community involvement and sustainable resource use.
• Strategies for strengthening regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation.

Dr. Probonas’ contribution focused on MONALISA’s Asterousia case study in Crete, showcasing how nature restoration actions can be tailored to vulnerable Mediterranean landscapes. His poster highlighted MONALISA’s integrated, multi-actor approach that combines ecological research, local engagement, and land stewardship.

Participation in 5MPCW directly supports MONALISA’s engagement with biodiversity conservation stakeholders. It also contributes to broader project goals of:

• Exchanging scientific and practical knowledge with key Mediterranean actors
• Showcasing pilot restoration efforts to inspire replication and policy integration
• Strengthening ties with environmental and land management networks

By attending major events like 5MPCW, MONALISA continues to promote collaboration across disciplines and borders, ensuring that its outcomes are not only scientifically robust but also locally relevant and widely adopted.