Blog

LIFE ARCPROM International Conference: February 25-26-27, 2025 at Larissa, Greece

In the context of LIFE ARCPROM project “Improving human-bear coexistence in 4 National Parks of South Europe” will be held the Final Conference of the project under the title: Outcomes of the LIFE ARCPROM Project – Advancing Knowledge and Practices for Human-Bear Coexistence. The Conference will take place on February 25-26-27, 2025 at Larissa, GREECE.

Conference Programme:

LIFE ARCPROM International Conference

——————————————————————————————————-

Title

Outcomes of the LIFE ARCPROM Project – Advancing Knowledge and Practices for Human-Bear Coexistence

 

When / Where

FEBRUARY 25-26-27, 2025

Larissa, Thessaly, GREECE

 

Venues

1)        Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly

The Conference will commence from the premises of the University of Thessaly in the city of Larissa. In particular, the Auditorium Hippocrates of the Faculty of Medicine will be used on the first day of the conference, where the welcome speeches and other formal events will take place.

The Faculty of Medicine is located at the new buildings of the University Campus, in Viopolis, Mezourlo, Larissa.

ADDRESS

3, Panepistimiou Str.

Viopolis, 41500, Larissa

tel. 0030 2410 685745

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RGp2vwxGP7QMvxtv9

 

2)        JOIST Innovation Park

The main events of the conference will take place in the biggest Innovation Park in Southeast Europe. JOIST Innovation Park, located in Larissa, Greece, is a large-scale, inclusive innovation hub designed to promote entrepreneurship, technology, science, art, and design.  Within its 1,800 square meters, it provides spaces for co-working, exhibitions, networking, and training, making it a versatile environment for learning and innovation.

Official Website: https://joistpark.eu/

ADDRESS

Valtetsiou & Tripoleos Str.

41336, Larissa

tel. 0030 2410 234422

email: info@joistpark.eu

https://maps.app.goo.gl/oVrzgJtY8aRdAPrb9

 

3)        Field visit

Trikala-Meteora area, Thessaly, Greece.

 

Thematic Areas

The Conference will provide a comprehensive overview of the status of Brown Bear population in Italy and Greece, presented by leading experts in the field.

In addition, the achievements of the LIFE ARCPROM project will be highlighted, showcasing its success in conservation and monitoring initiatives.

Furthermore, the event aims to serve as a platform for scientists, public institutions, and non-profit organizations actively engaged in the conservation of large carnivores and the promotion of their coexistence with humans in Southern Europe. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the conference seeks to strengthen collective efforts in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with wildlife conservation in the region.

Key thematic areas to be addressed include:

• Human–Bear Coexistence
• Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity
• Genetics in Wildlife Conservation
• Sustainable Development through wildlife-friendly products and services
• Emerging Wildlife Threats

The event will feature parallel sessions, facilitating engagement among specialized scientific groups to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore potential collaborations.

These sessions aim to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation and foster synergies across various fields of expertise.

 

Invited Speakers

• Robert Fletcher, Environmental anthropologist, Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands
• Svetoslava Toncheva, Associate Professor, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), Institute for Ethnology and Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum
• Claudio Groff, Coordinator of the Large Carnivores Division, Wildlife Department of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy – LCIE (Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe)/ European Brown Bear Expert Team, Bear Specialist Group of the IUCN/ Human-Bear Conflicts Expert Team, Bear Specialist Group of the IUCN
• Aleksandar Dutsov, Biologist, Researcher, WWF Bulgaria, Bulgaria
• Aleksander Trajce, Dr, Biologist, Director, PPNEA (Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania), Member of the LCIE – CG, Albania
• Aleksandar Pavlov, Biologist, Researcher, Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), North Macedonia

 

Provisional Agenda – Synopsis

-Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025

MORNING SESSIONS,  JOIST INNOVATION PARK 

• Genetics in Wildlife Conservation
• Sustainable Development through wildlife-friendly products and services

AFTERNOON SESSIONS, JOIST INNOVATION PARK 

• Veterinary Forensics & Necropsy Procedures
• Workshop: Marketing Strategies for Bear-Friendly Products

FACULTY OF MEDICINE, UTH

• Opening Ceremony
• WELCOME DINNER

 

-Wednesday, Feb 26, 2025

MORNING SESSIONS, JOIST INNOVATION PARK

• LIFE ARCPROM PROJECT OUTCOMES
• Brief Overview of Ongoing Initiatives for the Conservation of Bear Populations in Southern Europe

AFTERNOON SESSIONS,  JOIST INNOVATION PARK

• Workshop: Human Dimensions of Environmental Management
• Environmental Education and Wildlife Protection and Conservation
• Deployment of Working Dogs in the Detection and Deterrence of Environmental Crimes
• Traditional and Innovative Practices to Mitigate Large Predator Presence in Areas of Human Activity

 

-Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

FIELD VISIT

Trikala – Meteora Area

In case of inclement weather conditions, alternative visits will be scheduled

 

-Parallel Events

“Human-Bear Coexistence” installation

by the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, School of Fine Arts, University of Western Macedonia (UoWM)

“Bear-Friendly Products” Exhibition

by the Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly

 

HOST CITY INTRODUCTION

——————————————————————————————————–

Larissa, Greece: A Gateway to History and Modernity

Nestled in the fertile plains of Thessaly, Larissa is a vibrant city that offers visitors a blend of ancient history, modern culture, and Greek hospitality. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Larissa boasts significant archaeological treasures, including the ancient theatre, which is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

The city is also a hub of education and innovation, home to the University of Thessaly, making it an ideal location for scientific conferences. Its modern conference facilities are complemented by a lively urban atmosphere, with pedestrian-friendly streets, charming cafés, and a wide variety of restaurants serving traditional Greek cuisine.

For those looking to unwind after sessions, the nearby Pineios River and surrounding hills offer serene natural escapes. With a well-connected transport network, Larissa provides easy access to Thessaloniki, Athens, and iconic landmarks like Meteora and Mount Olympus.

Larissa warmly welcomes visitors to explore its dynamic blend of antiquity and modernity, ensuring a memorable experience for both work and leisure.

 

TRAVEL GUIDE TO LARISSA

——————————————————————————————————–

-From Italy to Larissa, Greece

By Air

1. Fly to Thessaloniki (SKG):
   • Direct flights available from major Italian cities like Rome, Milan, or Venice.
   • Airlines: Ryanair, Aegean Airlines, Wizz Air, etc.
   • Travel Time: Approx. 1.5–2 hours.
   • From Thessaloniki, you can take a train or bus to Larissa (approx. 1.5 hours).
2. Fly to Athens (ATH):
   • Direct flights available from cities like Rome, Milan, or Naples.
   • Airlines: Aegean Airlines, ITA Airways, Ryanair, etc.
   • Travel Time: Approx. 2–2.5 hours.
   • From Athens, Larissa is reachable by train or bus (4–5 hours).

By Ferry and Car/Bus

1. Ferry to Igoumenitsa:
   • Depart from Italian ports like Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, or Venice.
   • Ferry operators: Minoan Lines, ANEK Lines, etc.
   • Travel Time: 8–24 hours (depending on port and route).
   • From Igoumenitsa, drive or take a bus to Larissa (approx. 4–5 hours).
2. Ferry to Patras:
   • Similar ferry routes as above.
   • From Patras, drive to Larissa (approx. 3.5 hours) or take a bus via Athens.

-From the Netherlands to Larissa, Greece

By Air

1. Fly to Thessaloniki (SKG):
   • Direct flights available from Amsterdam or Eindhoven.
   • Airlines: Transavia, Ryanair, KLM, etc.
   • Travel Time: Approx. 3 hours.
   • Thessaloniki to Larissa: 1.5 hours by train or bus.
2. Fly to Athens (ATH):
   • Direct flights from Amsterdam or Eindhoven.
   • Airlines: Aegean Airlines, KLM, Transavia, etc.
   • Travel Time: Approx. 3–3.5 hours.
   • Athens to Larissa: 4–5 hours by train or bus.

By Car/Bus

• Drive through Europe:
  • Approx. 2,300–2,500 km depending on the route.
  • Pass through Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and North Macedonia or Serbia.

-From Albania to Larissa, Greece

By Bus

• Direct buses available from Tirana or other major cities.
• Travel Time: Approx. 7–9 hours, depending on departure point.

By Car

• Driving Distance: Approx. 350–500 km.
• Routes:
  1. Tirana → Kakavia Border → Ioannina → Larissa.
  2. Via Korçë and Kastoria (scenic route).

By Air

• Fly from Tirana (TIA) to Thessaloniki or Athens, then continue by train or bus.

-From North Macedonia to Larissa, Greece

By Bus

• Direct buses from Skopje or Bitola to Thessaloniki.
• From Thessaloniki, take a train or bus to Larissa.
• Travel Time: Approx. 6–8 hours (including transfer time).

By Car

• Driving Distance: Approx. 250–350 km.
• Route: Skopje → Evzonoi Border → Thessaloniki → Larissa.

By Train

• Limited international train options; most require a transfer in Thessaloniki.

-From Bulgaria to Larissa, Greece

By Bus

• Direct or connecting buses from Sofia or Plovdiv to Thessaloniki.
• Thessaloniki to Larissa by train or bus.
• Travel Time: Approx. 8–10 hours (including transfer).

By Car

• Driving Distance: Approx. 300–500 km.
• Routes:
  1. Sofia → Kulata Border → Thessaloniki → Larissa.
  2. Plovdiv → Makaza Border → Komotini → Larissa.

By Train

• Limited train services from Sofia to Thessaloniki; continue to Larissa by domestic train.
• Travel Time: Approx. 10–12 hours (including transfer).

General Tips

• Train Services: Greece’s railway system (OSE) connects major cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Larissa. Opt for intercity (IC) trains for faster travel.
• Bus Services: KTEL buses are reliable and connect Larissa with Thessaloniki, Athens, and other cities.
• Car Rentals: Convenient for exploring Greece’s scenic routes but check for cross-border travel permissions if coming from neighboring countries.

 

 

URBAN TRANSPORTATION IN LARISSA

——————————————————————————————————–

Urban Transportation in Larissa

1. Public Bus Service (ASTIKO KTEL Larissas)

Larissa has an extensive public bus network operated by ASTIKO KTEL Larissas, covering the city and its suburbs.

• Tickets:
  • Available at kiosks or on the bus.
  • Cost: Around €1.20–€1.50 for a single ticket (higher for routes to the outskirts).
• Bus Schedules:
  • Buses run frequently during the day, typically from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Check local schedules or the official website/app for live updates.

2. Taxis

• Widely available and reasonably priced compared to other European cities.
• Flag rate: Around €1.30, with a price per kilometer of €0.68.
• Recommended for quick and direct trips, especially at night or for destinations not well-served by buses.

3. Cycling and Walking

• Larissa is flat and bike-friendly, with bike lanes in some areas.
• Walking is convenient for the central city, though less so for locations on the outskirts (like Mezourlo).

 

Key Destinations

-Joist Innovation Park

Joist Innovation Park is a hub for innovation and collaboration, situated in the eastern part of Larissa.

Getting There:

• By Bus:
  • Main routes: Check ASTIKO KTEL buses heading towards the Industrial Zone (BI.PE) or eastern districts like Neapoli.
  • Bus stops: The nearest stop to Joist is typically within walking distance. Confirm routes directly with ASTIKO KTEL.
• By Taxi:
  • Approx. €5–€8 from the city center, depending on traffic.
• By Car/Cycle:
  • Located near major roads with parking available nearby.

-Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly (Auditorium Hippocrates, Mezourlo)

The Faculty of Medicine is located in the Mezourlo area, on the city’s southern outskirts. It houses the Auditorium Hippocrates, where many academic events take place.

Getting There:

• By Bus:
  • Bus lines serving Mezourlo include those heading toward the Hospital District or Southern Suburbs.
  • Nearest stop: “University Faculty of Medicine” or Mezourlo.
  • Frequency: Check ASTIKO KTEL schedules for specific routes.
• By Taxi:
  • From the city center, a trip to Mezourlo costs approximately €7–€10.
• By Car/Cycle:
  • The campus is easily accessible by car, with dedicated parking. Cycling is an option for shorter distances.

General Tips for Navigation

1. Google Maps and Local Apps:
   • Use Google Maps for live public transit updates (bus schedules and stops).
   • Check ASTIKO KTEL Larissas’ website or app for specific bus routes.
2. Ask Locals:
   • People in Larissa are generally friendly and willing to help with directions.
3. Taxi Apps:
   • Use apps like Taxiplon or BEAT for convenient taxi bookings.