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Did you know that Luxembourg’s population is expected to grow almost 50% by 2060? It is in response to challenges such as these that the Interreg project LATI – Laboratory for Territorial Intelligence was created. Hallo zusammen! My name is Yolène and I’m from France (de Bretagne pour être précise, la plus belle région du monde ! 😉). I would like to tell you a little more about this project, for which I’m currently volunteering as an IVY at the University of the Greater Region in Saarbrücken, Germany. First of all, what is the Greater Region? The Greater Region is a cross-border cooperation area in the heart of Europe, bringing together territories from four countries: Germany: Saarland – where I’m working! – and Rhineland-Palatinate France: Lorraine and Grand Est Belgium: Wallonia, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and the German-speaking Community Luxembourg The University of the Greater Region (UniGR) is a network of universities located within this territory. What is the aim of the LATI project and who is involved? The LATI project brings together cities, municipalities, researchers and citizens from the Greater Region to jointly shape the territorial development of the future. It aims to create practical solutions to current challenges such as climate change, land consumption and mobility. This cross-border cooperation requires multilingual communication, which is also an important aspect of the LATI project. LATI is a partnership between the six member universities of UniGR and many strategic partners from the political and administrative spheres. UniGR is the lead partner, so by working there I have a broad overview of the project and its partners – a real advantage for the role I was given… My role in the UniGR and LATI teams I support LATI mainly in terms of communication. Because having a project is one thing… but making it known and understandable to everyone is even better! Writing contributions for the website in German, French and English, creating posts for social media, taking pictures during workshops on spatial planning, designing visuals such as posters or brochures, conducting short interviews during the project monitoring committee meetings to introduce the LATI team… my tasks are quite diverse. However, the goal remains the same: to raise awareness of the project’s objectives among as many people as possible. After a year in the European Solidarity Corps in Germany and an internship at a Luxembourg newspaper, this IVY project is a new opportunity for me to work in an international environment. In addition to improving my language skills, I am developing my writing and graphic design abilities, as well as learning to use various software programs. Step by step, I am also learning to take a more critical look at my own work in order to refine it and achieve higher-quality results. The importance of cross-border projects It was during my Franco-German master’s degree in “Cross-border Communication and Cooperation” that I first heard about Interreg projects. Taking part in them made me realize how much organization cross-border projects require, including aspects such as simultaneous interpretation or multilingual glossaries for technical terms. A cross-border project also relies on effective coordination and trust-based partnerships – trust that has developed over time, as UniGR partners have been collaborating for more than 15 years. I also realized that cross-border projects exist not only because they are geographically convenient, but also because they provide enriching experiences. By working together, project partners compare perspectives from different cultures, build on what already works in one country and avoid approaches that have proven unsuccessful elsewhere. This knowledge-sharing is reflected in a compilation of spatial planning documents from every country in the Greater Region. The aim is to better understand how others work and thereby contribute to a more united and sustainable Europe. In this way, I believe that in 2026 – with environmental policies under threat and nationalist sentiment on the rise – being part of a project like LATI is a way of responding to these challenges. I encourage everyone to try the IVY experience and become part of Europe! – Yolène, IVY Project Partner at UniGr – Université de la Grande Région, for the Interreg project LATI, under the programme Interreg France-Belgium-Germany-Luxembourg (Grande Région/Großregion).

Hello! My name is Georgios Kyritsis, I am 22 years old and I have studied Computer Science. I am currently participating as an IVY volunteer in the CRADLES project, which is being implemented at the University of Ioannina. Through this experience, I have the opportunity to learn more about environmental protection while also gaining experience with modern technologies and scientific tools.   The main goal of the CRADLES project is to protect and restore important coastal and wetland ecosystems in the Adriatic and Ionian region. These areas function as “nursery habitats”, meaning they support the early life stages of many aquatic species.  However, they are increasingly threatened by pollution, habitat degradation and climate change. The project works to identify, protect and restore these ecosystems so they can continue supporting biodiversity and providing important ecosystem services.  The project brings together partners from different countries in the Adriatic and Ionian region, who collaborate by sharing knowledge, research results and practical experience. Through this cooperation, the partners aim to develop effective strategies for protecting nursery habitats and strengthening the resilience of these ecosystems. My role in the project focuses on the collection and processing of environmental data from satellite imagery. By analyzing satellite images, we can monitor water quality and the condition of habitats, providing useful information for environmental monitoring and restoration planning. This work is carried out in close collaboration and with the guidance from professors from the University of Ioannina who participate in the project. In addition, I review and monitor the actions and methods used by the project partners in other regions. This helps us identify effective practices and approaches that could potentially be applied to our own research areas. Through this process, we can better understand how different partners address environmental challenges and contribute to the overall goals of the CRADLES project. The project benefits both nature and society. By protecting these ecosystems, we support biodiversity, sustainable fisheries and healthier coastal environments for local communities. Being part of this project as an IVY volunteer allows me to contribute to an important environmental effort while also gaining valuable professional and research experience.   – Georgios, IVY Project Partner at the University of Ioannina, for the Interreg project CRADLES, under the programme Interreg IPA Adrion.

Hello everyone, my name is Themis Papandreou. I am a 23-year-old social worker. For the past three months, I have been volunteering at the Regional Federation of Persons with Disabilities in Western Greece and the Southern Ionian Islands, based in Patras. The Regional Federation participates in the European program “PR.O.GR.E.S.S.”, which stands for Promoting Opportunities, Growth and Education for Social Success. The project’s mission is simple but powerful: to make education, training, and employment more inclusive and accessible for everyone in both Italy and Greece. PR.O.GR.E.S.S. addresses significant common territorial challenges faced by people with disabilities in the Greece–Italy area. The main goal is to respond to real challenges that people with disabilities (PWDs) face in their daily lives, such as limited access to training, difficulties in entering the labour market, and a lack of adapted digital tools. These challenges include limited access to inclusive training, disparities in employment rates, and technological barriers that hinder the integration of people with disabilities into the workforce. The target group that benefits from the program is people with disabilities. The program also benefits employers, employment agencies, the general public, and public authorities, as it contributes to making workplaces and public services more accessible for people with disabilities. The need for this project is underscored by alarming statistics: employment rates for people with disabilities remain significantly lower than those of the general population, while poverty rates are also disproportionately higher for this group. This collaborative effort involves six main partners: Lead Beneficiary Mestieri Puglia Consortium SCS Cohesion Network 2Gether ELPENDÙ – Consortium of Social Cooperatives Achaia Chamber’s Development Entity – ACHADE IDEA Employment Agency – Consortium of Social Cooperatives Regional Federation of Persons with Disabilities in Western Greece and the Southern Ionian Islands My role as a volunteer within the framework of the European PR.O.GR.E.S.S. program is multidimensional. I prepare presentations for various meetings, communicate with both local community stakeholders and people with disabilities, study deliverables in order to provide feedback, participate in coordination meetings to define the next steps of the program, and create audiovisual material for social media posts. Depending on the needs of the program and the Federation, I take on corresponding tasks and responsibilities in order to help achieve its objectives.   – Themis, IVY Project Partner at the REGIONAL FEDERATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES OF WESTERN GREECE AND SOUTHERN IONIAN ISLANDS (P.OM.A.meA D.E. & N.I.N.), for the Interreg project PR.O.GR.E.S.S., under the programme Interreg Greece-Italy.

  Hello everyone,   My name is George Dandolos, I am 20 years old and I am proudly collaborating as an IVY Volunteer for the Interreg Euro-MED Dialogue4Tourism project at the European Public Law Organization (EPLO) This experience has broadened my perspective on how significantly important sustainable tourism governance is, not only for presenting the environmental and cultural assets of the Mediterranean region, but also for promoting local communities, enhancing community engagement and ensuring that sustainability is considered in many destinations across Europe. Through my involvement in Dialogue4Tourism, I have gained valuable insights into how European Territorial Cooperation can support sustainable development while promoting solidarity, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across borders. Dialogue4Tourism addresses some of the most pressing challenges currently facing the Euro-Mediterranean tourism sector, including overtourism, climate change, seasonality, insufficient coordination among public authorities, and the need for greater stakeholder participation in decision-making processes. The project aims to strengthen governance structures and institutional capacities by fostering cooperation among public authorities, policy-makers, programmes, initiatives, and stakeholders throughout the Mediterranean region. The project promotes a common vision for tourism transformation based on four key pillars: circular tourism services, environmental neutrality, sustainable ecosystem services, and the preservation of cultural and natural resources. Through enhanced dialogue and collaboration, Dialogue4Tourism contributes to making tourism greener, smarter, and more resilient. During my volunteering period, I actively contributed to several activities coordinated by EPLO. I participated in project meetings, workshops, coordination events, and capitalization activities, supporting their preparation and organization. I contributed to the Digital Awareness Days and assisted in activities related to communication, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination. In addition, I supported activities connected to the Sustainable Tourism Policy Labs (STPLs), which aim to strengthen policy dialogue and encourage cooperation among public authorities and tourism stakeholders. I also contributed to research and advocacy activities related to the Driving Tourism Transition governance mechanisms and the Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories. Furthermore, I helped my mentor Ioannios in the preparation of educational and communication materials for the Interreg Euro-MED Academy, My experience with Dialogue4Tourism has highlighted the importance of cooperation, knowledge sharing, and institutional dialogue in achieving sustainable tourism development. The project demonstrates how effective governance and stakeholder engagement can create meaningful solutions to complex environmental and socio-economic challenges. It also illustrates how European Territorial Cooperation can support regions in developing innovative approaches that balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. As an IVY Volunteer, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important initiative and to learn from professionals and stakeholders working towards a more sustainable future for tourism in the Mediterranean. – Georgios, IVY Project Partner at European Public Law Organisation – EPLO, for the Interreg project D4T Dialogue4Tourism, under the programme Interreg Euro-Med.

What is Living Treasures? Living Treasures is an Interreg-funded Czech–Austrian project tackling one of the quieter biodiversity crises: the disappearance of rheophilic and limnophilic fish species from upper and middle river reaches and adjacent pools. The project’s goal is to support biological diversity in these waterways and to raise awareness among river managers, watershed authorities, and land administrators about what is at stake. It does so through detailed field data collection, species monitoring, shared databases, and the exchange of best practices in river and habitat management. The real added value lies in the cross-border collaboration between expert teams in hydrology, ichthyology, and limnology on both sides of the Czech–Austrian border. Because rivers, like fish, don’t stop at national borders.   The Team I Work With Within Living Treasures, I am part of the Zachraň karase! (“Save the Crucian Carp!”) team, which is a Czech initiative dedicated to the protection of the crucian carp (Carassius carassius), once one of the most common fish in village ponds and backwater pools across Central Europe, and today critically threatened. The story of the crucian carp’s decline is a striking example of how human changes to the landscape ripple through entire ecosystems. The straightening of rivers, intensive pond management, and the introduction of invasive species, particularly the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), which reproduces through gynogenesis and outcompetes the native crucian carp. My team’s work is to map remaining populations, identify suitable localities for reintroduction, and build the scientific and public foundation needed to bring this species back. What I Actually Do Field and Lab Work A significant part of my time is spent assisting the team during fieldwork: visiting ponds, backwaters, and other aquatic sites, helping with sampling equipment, and observing species directly in their habitats. Identifying a genuine crucian population, which is distinct from the invasive Prussian carp, can be tricky since they look deceptively similar. Consequently, it requires careful observation and methodical work. Back in the lab, I support basic data processing, help organise the datasets collected in the field, and prepare materials for analysis. Meetings and Coordination I participate in team meetings and contribute to the overall coordination of project activities, including note-taking and administrative support. Later this year, a joint meeting with the Austrian project partners is planned. This is an opportunity I am looking forward to, as it will give me a first-hand look at how the cross-border dimension of Interreg cooperation works in practice. Communicating Science to the Public One of the core expectations of my IVY placement is to help convey scientific results to the general public in an understandable form. This is a skill the project crucially needs, and preparing for it has been part of my work from the beginning. The “Wetlands for Life” event, part of the MAYDAY initiative held at Pilsen Zoo, was a direct application of that preparation. Working in the field, surrounded by the very wetland habitat that crucian carp depend on, I had the opportunity to engage with local communities, school groups, and families explaining what is at stake and why a fish that most people have never heard of matters for the health of the broader landscape. Furthermore, the crucian carp is not just a conservation target. It is an indicator species. Where crucian carp survive, it usually means the pond or pool is in reasonably good ecological shape. It means that it is unpolluted, with healthy vegetation, with space for other species too. Helping people understand that connection (from a single fish to a whole ecosystem) is exactly the kind of science communication this project needs, and that IVY is asking me to develop. Who Benefits from my work? The direct beneficiaries of Living Treasures are the species themselves. Crucian carp, but also the weatherfish, sunbleak, and other threatened fish that share the same habitats. Beyond that, the project’s work reaches river managers, watershed authorities, and land administrators who gain practical, evidence-based tools for better decision-making. Schools and local communities gain awareness. And the broader region gains a shared framework for protecting ecosystems that transcend administrative boundaries. Interreg and EU Cohesion Policy exist precisely for challenges like this: shared ecosystems that need shared solutions. Living Treasures is a practical, working example of that principle. For me personally, this placement has deepened my understanding of what science is actually for. It is not only about producing data, but it is more about using knowledge in service of something larger. – Aleš, IVY Project Partner at the Biologické centrum AV ČR / Biology Center CAS, for the Interreg project Living Treasures, under the programme Interreg Austria-Czechia.

My name is Ezgi Ergin. I am an Aquatic Sciences and Engineer graduate from Istanbul University. I am currently involved in the DINO-PATH project as an IVY volunteer. Throughout my education, I had the opportunity to learn about different fish species and aquatic ecosystems, but the story of sturgeons has truly fascinated me.  Having existed for approximately 200 million years, these remarkable creatures silently travel through the waters of the Black Sea while carrying the natural history of the region with them.   Generations of people living along the Black Sea coast have changed, cities have grown, and national borders have shifted. Yet sturgeons have continued their journey between rivers and seas. That is why I have always found their story so impressive. Very few living creatures have managed to survive for millions of years. Unfortunately, life is no longer as easy for sturgeons as it once was. Due to pollution, habitat loss, barriers built on rivers, and many other factors, their populations have declined dramatically. Once an integral part of the Black Sea ecosystem, these species are now facing the risk of extinction. This is where the DINO-PATH project comes in. Led by Istanbul University, the project brings together universities and research institutions from Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Romania. The project partners include Trakia University and the Institute of Fish Resources from Bulgaria, as well as the National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa” from Romania. Together, the partners work to better understand sturgeon migration routes, collect scientific data, and contribute to the conservation of these species. As an IVY volunteer, I support the communication activities of the project. I contribute to the preparation of social media content and help promote events and field activities. Through this experience, I am not only learning more about sturgeons, but also witnessing how people from different countries can work together towards a common goal. I believe this is one of the most valuable aspects of the project. Sturgeons do not recognize the borders drawn by humans. They can leave a river and reach the shores of another country. Protecting them therefore requires us to think beyond borders as well. Today, sturgeons are still struggling to survive in the waters of the Black Sea. Every effort made to protect them is of great importance for the future of the species, ensuring that future generations will not have to learn about these extraordinary creatures only from books. Thanks to IVY, being part of this work, being able to use my professional knowledge in a different context, and sharing this story with more people has become a truly valuable experience for me. – Ezgi , IVY Project Partner at the University of Istanbul, for the Interreg project DINO-PATH, under the programme Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin.