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Hello everyone! I am Dimitris Mitrogiorgos, I am a 23-year-old post-graduate student from Arta, Greece and I’m currently volunteering in the CRADLES (Creating Resilient Areas to Develop Lifecycles and Ecosystem Services) project as part of the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) programme at the University of Ioannina. Having studied computer science at the university, the program gave me the opportunity to apply my knowledge and gain work experience while also producing valuable marine data about the Gulf of Ambracia and the Adriatic-Ionian region. CRADLES is an EU‑backed effort uniting seven Adriatic‑Ionian countries to restore the shallow coastal and freshwater “nurseries” where young fish and invertebrates grow. Hit hard by pollution, habitat loss and climate change, these vital wetlands are being mapped, studied and brought back to life using both cutting‑edge science and time‑tested local methods. Partners of the project pilot innovative restoration techniques—from replanting native vegetation to boosting water quality—and share what works through workshops and online toolkits. By tackling nursery conservation across borders, the project not only safeguards biodiversity and supports local communities but also captures carbon as these wetlands recover, making CRADLES a first‑of‑its‑kind regional initiative.   In my three months as a volunteer, I was tasked with parsing satellite images of the region, tracking long and short term environmental changes and noting seasonal patterns, all the while keeping up with the latest research and remote sensing methods to get the most accurate results. The data that has been gathered can be used to monitor sea health as well as prevent contaminations and harmful algal blooms. Thank you for reading about my experience! – Dimitrios, IVY Project Partner at University of Ioannina Panepistimio Ioanninon-Research Committee/ Knowledge and Intelligent Computing Laboratory for the Interreg IPA ADRION  project CRADLES  Read more about the CRADLES project Click Here Read more about the host organisation Click Here

The LIBECCIO project focuses on developing a Big Data-driven decision-making system for tourist destinations. The goal is to enhance the way data is collected, analyzed, and used to support tourism management across various geographic levels. By utilizing modern technologies like web scraping, APIs, and cloud platforms, the project aims to create a robust system that helps improve decision-making in areas such as tourism flow, visitor behavior, and sentiment analysis. My experience with the IVY Program, working within this project, has been incredibly rewarding. The program has introduced me to a world full of new and exciting experiences, allowing me to actively contribute to important discussions and tasks. From collaborating with various project partners to gaining practical experience with advanced data analysis techniques, it has been an eye-opening journey. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how big data can be leveraged to create meaningful solutions for industries like tourism. Overall, the LIBECCIO project and my role in the volunteer program have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable tourism management while gaining invaluable professional and personal development opportunities. The combination of learning and contributing has made this experience deeply enriching, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside this impactful initiative. – Ourania, IVY Project Partner at the Athena – Research and Innovation Center in Information, Communications and Knowledge Technologies for the Interreg Project LIBECCIO Learn more about the LIBECCIO Project Click Here Discover more about Athena – Research and Innovation Center in Information, Communications and Knowledge Technologies Click Here

Volunteering with IVY has been an incredibly enriching and eye-opening experience — one that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone interested in contributing to real change in their region while growing both personally and professionally. As an IVY volunteer, I am currently engaged in the Interreg project RES2FIRE, hosted by the University of Western Macedonia, under the excellent guidance of my mentor, Professor Louta Malamati. My main role focuses on the communication aspect of the project – helping to promote its progress and results to the public and raise awareness of its impact. RES2FIRE aims to enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems and local communities against wildfires, especially in the face of climate change. The project involves close collaboration between regions of Greece and neighboring countries, making the spirit of cross-border cooperation very tangible. My daily tasks include preparing communication material, supporting social media outreach, assisting with event coordination, and contributing to reports and dissemination activities. It’s exciting to see how these actions help local stakeholders and citizens better understand the importance of protecting natural resources and cooperating for a sustainable future. Working with my host organization has been smooth, productive, and truly enjoyable. The support I’ve received from Professor Louta and the entire team has been exceptional. The environment is friendly, welcoming, and highly motivating. I feel that my contributions are valued, and I’m learning new things every day. Overall, the IVY experience has been unique and amazing. It combines meaningful work with the chance to meet inspiring people and be part of something greater. If you’re considering applying – don’t think twice. It’s worth it!int – Christos, IVY Project Partner at University of Western Macedonia OUWM, for the Interreg IPA ADRION  project RES2FIRE Discover more about RES2FIRE project Click Here

Ciao, everyone!   I’m Larisa, and I volunteered as an IVY Reporter with the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme in Bologna, Italy. My time has been a truly eye-opening experience, and I’m excited to share a bit about what I’ve been doing and learning along the way. What is IPA ADRION? The Interreg IPA ADRION Programme is all about bringing people, projects, and regions together to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face today. It’s a European transnational cooperation programme that works across the Adriatic-Ionian region, involving 10 countries in total. The programme focuses on key areas like innovation, cultural and natural heritage protection, environmental resilience, sustainable transport, and capacity building. In short, it’s helping to shape the future of these regions by fostering European integration and acting as a policy driver for over 70 million people. My role as an IVY Reporter As an IVY volunteer, I’ve had the chance to get involved in a variety of activities that support the programme’s goals. A big part of my work has been analysing survey responses for the Interreg consultation on the European Future Cohesion Policy post-2027, which is all about gathering feedback from stakeholders to help plan for the future of Interreg. It’s basically about figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and how the programme can get even better in the future. It’s satisfying to know that my efforts might contribute to shaping the next steps for such an impactful initiative. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how the data I’ve worked with can help influence decisions for the next phase of the programme. I’ve also participated in some great events. One of the highlights was the consultation event in Bled, Slovenia, where I had the chance to interact with beneficiaries and hear directly from them about what’s working and what needs to change for the future of Interreg. It was inspiring to be a part of those discussions and see how much passion people have for transnational cooperation. I also had the opportunity to observe a Monitoring Committee meeting, where key decisions are made to steer the programme’s direction. It was fascinating to see the inner workings of such a large-scale initiative! What I’ve learned This IVY experience has been such a valuable learning opportunity. I’ve gained insights not only into how transnational cooperation works but also into the real-world impact of programmes like Interreg IPA ADRION. What I love the most is seeing how this programme brings people together across different regions to work towards common goals. It’s inspiring to witness how collaboration can lead to positive change, and I’m proud to be part of it. If you’re thinking about joining the IVY programme, I definitely recommend it! It’s been an amazing opportunity to contribute to something bigger, meet incredible people, and learn so much along the way. – Larisa, IVY Reporter for Interreg IPA Adrion Discover more on Interreg IPA Adrion Click Here

Hey there! I’m Eleni Andromida, a final-year Civil Engineering student with a passion for transforming challenges into exciting projects. Whether it’s designing the next big thing or diving into innovative solutions, I’m all about making my mark on the world—one imaginative project at a time! I’ve always loved volunteering, and this year I had the amazing chance to participate in the Interreg Volunteer Youth program via the “AZA4ICE” project in Patras, Greece. “Allocated Zones for circular Aquaculture to trigger the transition to an Inclusive and Circular Economy in the aquaculture sector fostering new business opportunities and eco-consciousness society” or AZA4ICE, is a project co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, that focuses on investigating sustainable aquaculture practices. In addition to providing me with professional insights, this experience introduced me to people who have similar ideas about how to make the world more sustainable. One of the best parts of my experience with AZA4ICE has been living in Patras. The city offers a distinctive fusion of tradition and modernity and is well-known for its rich history and thriving cultural scene. Patras has a cosy and inviting atmosphere, from its charming shoreline to its bustling cafés and restaurants. My dedication to AZA4ICE’s purpose is strengthened by the knowledge that our work may have positive effects on the marine environment and local economy! Although my environmental science knowledge has been beneficial, nothing beats practical experience. My knowledge of how aquaculture can be carried out with little impact on the environment has expanded as a result of my work on sustainable aquaculture techniques, including Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA). Future food production depends on more balanced ecosystems, which is why I’m always learning about new technology and circular production techniques. Witnessing our concepts become reality has been one of the most fulfilling parts of AZA4ICE. I’ve learned the value of teamwork in putting sustainable solutions into practice from working with a broad group of scientists and other volunteers. Every day brings a fresh problem, and we collaborate to come up with ideas and try out various strategies. Despite having a common goal, our team works well together because each member contributes special ideas. There is a continuous flow of ideas, and I appreciate the senior team members’ mentoring. Their enthusiasm for sustainable aquaculture is infectious, and their advice has been valuable. Would I Recommend IVY? Absolutely. It offers a special fusion of community involvement, personal improvement, and career advancement. You will depart with new abilities, friendships that will last a lifetime, and a profound understanding of the significance of sustainable methods. To sum up, my experience volunteering with IVY in “AZA4ICE” has changed my life. I now have a better grasp of sustainability, a closer bond with the local environment, and the opportunity to support a cause that is very important to me. – Eleni, IVY Project Partner at Special Account for Research Grants, University of Patras, for the Interreg Euro-MED project AZA4ICE.  Discover more about the AZA4ICE Project Click Here Discover more about the University of Patras Click Here

Hello everyone! I’m Eleni Kanellopoulou, and I’m currently volunteering with BIOWIND as part of the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) program in Patras, Greece. Having graduated in Management Science & Technology, I’m passionate about sustainability and regional cooperation, and BIOWIND is a great chance to combine both. Cofounded by INTERREG Europe, the project brings together 11 partners from 8 countries to tackle key barriers in wind energy development, mainly public resistance and complex permitting processes. BIOWIND emphasizes the connection between climate action, biodiversity protection, and public opinion to improve social acceptance of wind power. It aims to align renewable energy and environmental policies across Europe, simplify the permitting process for wind farms while respecting biodiversity standards, encourage community-led wind initiatives, and boost research in wind technologies and decommissioning practices. In my role, I support the lead partner in Patras by enhancing communication and outreach. I help share the project’s activities, goals, and impact with local stakeholders, target-groups, the wider public via social media, local engagement, and content creation. I truly aspire to make the project more visible and accessible while also promoting the value of international cooperation and citizen involvement. What I appreciate most about BIOWIND is how it brings people together- local communities, experts, and decision makers- to shape a greener common future. Being part of this effort is both inspiring and educational, and I’m proud to help give voice to such an important initiative. – Eleni, IVY Project Partner at REGION OF WESTERN GREECE for the Interreg Europe project “BIOWIND” Discover more about the BIOWIND project Click Here Discover more about Region of Western Greece Click Here