15.2.3

Maintaining and Extending Ecosystem Biodiversity

1. Purpose

This policy establishes the University of Thessaly’s institutional commitment, where possible, to preserving, restoring, and enhancing biodiversity across all university-owned and managed lands, as well as within regional ecosystems in which the University operates. It aims to ensure that the University’s teaching, research, infrastructure, and community engagement activities directly contribute to the protection of species and habitats, particularly those under ecological threat.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all University campuses, experimental farms, botanical and zoological research areas, and university-affiliated natural reserves. It extends to all projects, academic programs, and operational decisions that may influence natural ecosystems, flora, fauna, and ecological processes, including construction, landscaping, waste management, and research fieldwork.

3. Definitions

– Biodiversity: The variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are part.
– Ecosystem management: Integrated management approaches that sustain ecosystem services, biodiversity, and human well-being.
– Endangered species: Plant or animal species that are at risk of extinction, as defined by national or international conservation lists (e.g., IUCN Red List).

4. Policy Statement

The University of Thessaly is committed to maintaining and extending biodiversity through proactive management of ecosystems on and beyond its campuses. The University will:
1. Identify, protect, and restore habitats under its jurisdiction that support native or endangered species.
2. Integrate biodiversity conservation into land-use planning, research, and operational decision-making.
3. Implement measures to prevent habitat degradation and fragmentation during campus development.
4. Partner with governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance regional biodiversity networks.
5. Conduct and support interdisciplinary research focused on ecosystem resilience, restoration ecology, and conservation biology.
6. Raise awareness within the university community regarding biodiversity protection and sustainable environmental behavior.

5. Implementation Responsibilities

Implementation of this policy is coordinated by the Sustainability Committee in collaboration with:
– The Directorate of Infrastructure and Technical Services (for land-use and facilities management).
–  The Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and the Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, Environmental Forestry, Wood Sciences and Design, Veterinary Medicine and Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics  (for scientific oversight and research input).
– The University Farm Administration (for habitat management and species monitoring).

Specific actions include, where feasible :
– Developing biodiversity management plans for all campuses.
– Maintaining records of species diversity and habitats.
– Implementing tree-planting, reforestation, and habitat restoration projects.
– Avoiding the use of alien or invasive species in landscaping.
– Encouraging faculty and students to participate in biodiversity projects and citizen-science monitoring.

6. Monitoring and Reporting

The Sustainability Committee shall prepare an annual Biodiversity Monitoring Report including:
– Species inventory data and changes in biodiversity indicators.
– Assessment of ecological risks and habitat condition.
– Summary of restoration projects and research outputs.

This report will be integrated into the University’s Annual Sustainability Report and submitted to national and international ranking frameworks (e.g., THE Impact Rankings – SDG 15).

7. Review and Amendment

This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if new environmental legislation, ecological risks, or institutional priorities require modification. Proposed amendments will be prepared by the Sustainability Committee and approved by the Senate.

8. References and Compliance Frameworks

– Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) – ESG Standards
– EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
– Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
– United Nations SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)
– Greek Law 3937/2011 on Biodiversity Conservation