The Parnonas Academy
The Parnonas Academy is an innovative educational initiative, a school that focuses on the critical issues shaping the management and sustainable development of the Parnonas-Malea Biosphere Reserve. The three thematic areas are: Environment, Culture, Sustainable Development. By inviting distinguished scientists, academics, experts, and specialists in these fields, the Academy has the following objectives:
- Training and sharing existing knowledge and experience with young scientists, organizational leaders, and professionals.
- Strengthening the network of collaboration among scientists and organizations active in Biosphere Reserves.
- An investigation into the best ways to manage protected areas.
- Promoting the exchange of views and best practices.
The School is aimed at researchers, scientists, undergraduate and graduate students, staff members of institutions and organizations, and professionals—primarily from the Parnonas region—who are interested in the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources. Following their participation in the School, participants will complete individual or group projects, which will be added to the Biosphere Reserve’s bibliographic database for future use. The topics of the projects will be set by the instructors and agreed upon jointly with the participants, while the projects will be of academic quality.
The event will take place at different locations in Parnonas each year, in connection with that year’s theme and a related local cultural or environmental event. The pilot program will take place in July 2026 in Leonidio, Arcadia, while in 2027 the event will be held on a larger scale in Monemvasia, Laconia, in conjunction with the Malvasia Festival Monemvasia. For subsequent years, Astros and Tegea in Arcadia, Mystras, Vamvakou, Neapoli in Laconia, and other locations will be selected.
Practical Information
DATE: Saturday, July 4, 2026 | DURATION: 6 hours, 3 two-hour sessions
LOCATION: Parnonas-Malea Biosphere Reserve Headquarters, Old Gymnasium, Leonidio, Arcadia.
View the detailed schedule here.
To participate, register here.
Applications must be submitted by Monday, June 15, 2026.
Information: Anna Kodella (akodella@parnonas.gr), Ivana Kalaver (ikalaver@parnonas.gr), tel. 27570-22807.
Biosphere Reserves
The Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO’s “Man and the Biosphere” (Man and the Biosphere, MAB) are selected terrestrial or marine areas that combine biodiversity conservation with sustainable development. They serve as “natural laboratories” for testing innovative approaches, promoting the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, research, and environmental education. In September 2025, the Parnonas Mountain and Cape Malea Biosphere Reserve was officially designated as a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve, recognizing the exceptional ecological, cultural, and social value of the region, which constitutes a unique natural and cultural asset requiring a comprehensive approach to the protection and management of biological and cultural diversity, while simultaneously promoting sustainable economic development.
