The Institute for Mediterranean Studies of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (IMS-FORTH) participates in the celebration of the International Landscape Day (20 October), established by the Council of Europe within the framework of the European Landscape Convention (ELC), which entered into force on 1 March 2004.

The Institute for Mediterranean Studies (IMS) consistently contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge and public awareness on landscape issues through the European research project TOPIO (www.topioproject.eu – HORIZON MSCA-SE-01 TOPIO), which it coordinates, with the participation of nine (9) partners from six (6) European countries. The project aims to demonstrate the potential of Geoinformatics and Citizen Science in the diachronic mapping and assessment of Europe’s rural and peri-urban landscapes. IMS-FORTH has also coordinated the Erasmus+ KA220-HED project GEOLAND (www.geolandproject.eu), which developed higher education materials focused on landscape assessment.

Omalos Viannou, Heraklion, Crete

In parallel, IMS is establishing on a permanent basis the Landscape Observatory of Crete, under the scientific supervision of Dr. Dimitrios Alexakis (Principal Researcher).
This interdisciplinary structure aims to systematically monitor, document, and interpret landscape changes. The Observatory functions as a reference center for research, the creation of landscape atlases, participatory observation, public awareness, and the connection between science, culture, and society-supporting evidence-based decision-making regarding the Cretan landscape.