15.3.1
Sustainable Use, Conservation and Restoration of Land
Approved by the University Senate – [Insert Date]
Authority: University Senate
Responsible Office: Vice-Rector for Administrative and Technical Affairs / Sustainability Committee / Directorate of Infrastructure and Environmental Management
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Review Cycle: Every three (3) years or as required
English Version
1. Purpose
This policy establishes the University of Thessaly’s commitment, where applicable, to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems associated with its campuses, research stations, and experimental sites. It seeks to ensure that university-managed lands — including forests, mountains, drylands, and other terrestrial ecosystems — are preserved, rehabilitated, and managed according to best practices in biodiversity conservation, land restoration, and sustainable resource use.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All land areas owned, leased, or managed by the University of Thessaly, including campuses, botanical gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and mountain research facilities.
– Projects and activities conducted on university property that impact soil, vegetation, and ecosystems.
– Collaborations with local, regional, or national authorities on conservation and restoration projects.
It encompasses land-use planning, construction, research, education, and community engagement activities affecting terrestrial ecosystems.
3. Definitions
– Sustainable land use: The integrated management of land resources to meet current needs while maintaining ecosystem health and productivity for future generations.
– Conservation: The protection, management, and maintenance of ecosystems and natural habitats to safeguard biodiversity.
– Restoration: The process of assisting the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed.
– Drylands: Areas characterized by low rainfall, where the preservation of soil and vegetation is essential for ecological stability.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly is committed to conserving and restoring terrestrial ecosystems in line with national and international sustainability goals. The University will:
1. Identify and protect natural habitats within and adjacent to university lands.
2. Implement reforestation and vegetation restoration projects in degraded areas.
3. Integrate sustainable land management practices into campus development and operations.
4. Promote water-efficient and soil-preserving landscaping across campuses.
5. Engage in long-term ecological monitoring and habitat conservation research.
6. Collaborate with governmental, scientific, and community partners for joint conservation actions.
7. Incorporate the protection of forests, mountains, and drylands into academic curricula and outreach programmes.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
Technical Services shall ensure policy implementation through:
– Development of campus-wide Land Management and Restoration Plans.
– Designation of conservation zones within university properties.
– Execution of reforestation, erosion-control, and biodiversity enhancement projects.
– Integration of ecological impact assessments in all infrastructure projects.
– Annual training for staff and students on sustainable land-use practices.
– Collaboration with the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, the Department of Environmental Engineering, and other relevant units.
6. Monitoring and Reporting
The Sustainability Committee shall collect annual data on:
– Area of land conserved, restored, or sustainably managed.
– Biodiversity indicators and habitat-quality metrics.
– Research and student involvement in conservation and restoration projects.
– Collaborative initiatives with external partners.
These results will form part of the University’s Annual Sustainability Report and will support submissions to international ranking bodies under SDG 15 (Life on Land).
7. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if required by legislative, institutional, or environmental developments. Revisions will be proposed by the Sustainability Committee and approved by the Governing Council.
8. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) – ESG Standards
– UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13 & SDG 15)
– EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030
– Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
– Greek Law 3937/2011 on Biodiversity Conservation
– UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030)