15.3.2
Monitoring IUCN and Other Conservation Species
1. Purpose
This policy establishes the University of Thessaly’s commitment to identifying, monitoring, and protecting species of conservation concern, including those listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and national conservation registers. It ensures that university operations, research, and development projects do not negatively impact protected species or their habitats, and that active measures are taken to support biodiversity within and around University-managed lands.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All University campuses, research facilities, experimental fields, forests, coastal sites, and other properties associated with the University of Thessaly.
– Activities, projects, and operations (e.g., construction, research, maintenance) that may affect terrestrial or aquatic habitats.
– Research and educational projects involving local biodiversity, including species of conservation concern.
– Collaborative actions with environmental authorities, NGOs, and research networks on biodiversity monitoring and conservation.
It extends to both natural and semi-natural areas under the University’s jurisdiction or influence.
3. Definitions
– IUCN Red List: The global inventory of the conservation status of species, categorizing them from “Least Concern” to “Extinct.”
– National conservation list species: Species recognized as protected or endangered under Greek or EU legislation (e.g., Directive 92/43/EEC, Law 3937/2011).
– Habitat: The natural environment in which a species lives and reproduces.
– Monitoring: Systematic observation and documentation of species populations and ecological conditions over time.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly acknowledges its ethical and scientific responsibility to safeguard biodiversity and prevent the loss of species. Accordingly, the University will:
1. Encourages the identification of all IUCN Red List and nationally protected species present in areas influenced by its operations.
2. Conduct periodic biodiversity surveys and maintain updated records of protected species.
3. Ensure that all new construction, agricultural, and research activities include environmental impact assessments that address species protection.
4. Implement preventive and mitigation measures to minimize habitat disturbance.
5. Engage academic and research units in the monitoring and protection of species populations.
6. Cooperate with governmental and non-governmental conservation organizations for data exchange and joint protection initiatives.
7. Disseminate findings through public reports and educational programmes promoting biodiversity awareness.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The Departments of a) Forestry, Wood Sciences and Design, b) Environment, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medicine c) the School of Agricultural Sciences in coordination with the Sustainability Committee, shall oversee the implementation of this policy. Specific responsibilities include:
– Maintaining a Biodiversity and Species Registry for all University properties, where plausible .
– Organizing field studies to monitor IUCN Red List species and habitats.
– Integrating species protection measures into campus development and maintenance procedures.
– Providing training to staff and students on species identification and biodiversity conservation.
– Publishing annual reports on species monitoring and conservation efforts.
Each campus shall designate an Environmental Liaison Officer to ensure compliance and local coordination.
6. Monitoring and Reporting
The Sustainability Committee shall produce an annual report including:
– List and conservation status of IUCN and nationally protected species identified on University land, , where plausible.
– Monitoring results, including trends in species populations, where plausible.
– Documentation of protection or restoration measures taken.
– Collaborations with conservation organizations and public agencies.
Results shall be included in the Annual Sustainability Report and submitted to national and international ranking frameworks under SDG 15.
7. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years, or earlier if new species are identified, legislation changes, or conservation priorities evolve. Amendments are proposed by the Sustainability Committee and approved by the Governing Council.
8. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) – ESG Standards
– IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
– Greek Law 3937/2011 on Biodiversity Conservation
– EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (2009/147/EC)
– UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13 & SDG 15)
– Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)