Press Release
XX.10.2012
Inauguration of the Navarino Environmental Observatory (NEO) Research Station A Greek-Swedish collaboration focusing on the Mediterranean Climate
The official inauguration of the NEO Research Station was held on Saturday October 27th in Costa
Navarino, in the Greek region of Messinia. Navarino Environmental Observatory (NEO) is a unique
and dynamic hub that is dedicated to research and education on the climate and environment in the
Mediterranean region. NEO is formed through the cooperation between Stockholm University, the
Academy of Athens and TEMES, (Developers of Costa Navarino) and is becoming a great example of
how the academic community and the private sector can work together to promote sustainability
and apply the basic concepts of green economy.
The well-attended inauguration event included scientific sessions as well as environmental and
cultural activities. All this together highlighted a successful collaboration that is already an
international point of reference for scientific and educational work that will contribute to the global
efforts within the research field of climate change. The location of NEO in Messinia, southwest
Peloponnese signifies the importance of this area in the Mediterranean, and the Research Station’s
opening is a welcoming invitation to scientists from all over the world. The work of NEO is also
accessible to visitors, schools and universities through Navarino Natura Hall by Hellenic Postbank,
formed through the partnership of Stockholm University, the Academy of Athens, Navarino
Foundation, HELMEPA, the Hellenic Ornithological Society, Organization Earth. This interactive
environmental exhibition centre at Costa Navarino is dedicated to the nature of Messinia as well as
to current environmental issues.
The ceremony’s guests of honour were the President and 1st Vice-President of the Royal Swedish
Academy of Sciences, Prof. Barbara Cannon and Prof. Stefan Claesson respectively, who delivered the
keynote speeches. The ceremony was also honoured by the presence of the Greek Minister of
Tourism, Mrs Olga Kefalogianni, the Greek Member of the European Parliament Mrs. Rodi KratsaTsagkaropoulou as well as by many other prominent guests. Within the framework of the NEO
inauguration, a panel discussion on the Mediterranean Climate and Environment was also held, that
was moderated by Anders Wijkman (Senior Advisor, Stockholm Environment Institute, President of
the Rome Club and former Assistant Secretary General, United Nations). Furthermore, Prof. Petros
Themelis (Professor Emeritus in Archaeology at the University of Crete and head of excavations and
restoration at Ancient Messini) gave a lecture on the Environment and its significance for ancient
Greece.
During the inaugurators’ speeches, Prof. Kåre Bremer, Vice-Chancellor of Stockholm University,
stated that: ”I am happy that we now have a basis in the Peloponnese, and as we are active in many
regions from the Arctic to the Tropics, NEO will be an important facility for us to increase our
activities in the Mediterranean region. I am pleased to see that there are already a number of joint
scientific articles published and many more in the pipeline”.
Prof. George Contopoulos, President of the Academy of Athens, continued ”For Greece, this is a rare
example of collaboration between science and the tourism industry in improving our understanding
of the environment in which we live. The selected place is unique for such an observatory and the
fruits of this collaboration have started to emerge. Its location is a ’hot spot’ in the Mediterranean
and I am confident that NEO will provide significant scientific input towards understanding and
ameliorating our environment”.
Prof. Gregory Skalkeas, President of BRFAA added that ”It is an honour and a privilege for our
Biometrical Research Foundation to collaborate and co-administer this great endeavor, where
scientists from all over the world that study contemporary environmental issues can share ideas and
develop methods for scientific research”.
Mr. Achilles V. Constantakopoulos, President of TEMES, noted: ”I am very proud that this
international scientific hub is located in our region, Messinia, one that will leave its mark in the global
research for climate change. The existence and important work carried out by NEO, is a great
example for all of us, to surpass our expectations and act with respect to the natural and human
environment. Protecting and safeguarding nature, our most precious asset, is the strict policy we
apply at Costa Navarino and the only way forward”.
Prof. Barbara Cannon, President of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, said in her keynote
speech: ”The inauguration of NEO shows that the changes in the environment may not always be
considered as disasters, they sometimes bring new possibilities, new opportunities to grasp
development in a different way, and I can see that in the creation of this Research Station”.
In the second keynote speech, Prof. Stefan Claesson, Vice-President of the Royal Swedish Academy of
Sciences, stated that: “I think that this new initiative, is a very rare cooperation between science and
private sector, and I think that it already is a success in itself and hopefully will be a role model for
others in the future. In these gloomy times there aren't a lot of reasons to feel optimistic, but the
NEO research Station is at least a small reason to feel optimism”.
Mrs. Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism, addressed the audience stating that ”NEO’s contribution
to global efforts, its actions and results can certainly become a link in the large chain of cooperations
that enhance our country. Such initiatives contribute to the improvement of the tourism sector
which for Greece is a matter of national importance and requires all our efforts. The NEO Research
Station’s contribution is important and I believe that such initiatives demonstrate a the new, creative
Greece”.
In her address, Mrs. Rodi Kratsa-Tsagkaropoulou, Member of the European Parliament, said that ”It’s
a great honor to be in the homeland of Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, whose vision
transformed Messinia into a cradle of sustainable development for the Mediterranean, attracting
international interest at times when our country needs it the most” and added further that ”NEO is
not only a jewel for our country but a great asset to research, which is essential among the current
financial and environmental challenges”.
Notes to editors
For photos and video material, please follow the link:
NEO Video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvnY1mzZY84&feature=youtu.be
Stockholm University
Stockholm University, located in the capital of Sweden, is a major northern European university and carries out
successful research and education within the Faculties of Humanities, Law, Science and Social Sciences. The
Bert Bolin Centre for Climate research at Stockholm University is a pioneering centre within the field of climate
and environmental research. The late Bert Bolin, professor at Stockholm University, was the leading force
behind the establishment of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was awarded
the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. The Bert Bolin Centre carries on Bolin’s heritage by conducting fundamental
research on critical processes in the climate system. More information: www.su.se, www.bbcc.su.se
BRFAA
The Centre of Environmental Health and Biophysics of the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of
Athens has been involved in pioneering research on ozone, chemistry-radiation interactions and global change
during the past decades. The Biomedical Research Foundation is a non-profit institution, established by the
Academy of Athens, which traces its name to the 3rd century BC Plato’s Academy; it therefore brings the
heritage of the first Academy on Earth. The Centre has participated in all WMO/UNEP Ozone Assessments and
in numerous competitive international research projects and campaigns. More information:
www.academyofathens.gr
TEMES is a premier developer of luxury mixed-use resorts in the Mediterranean region. Costa Navarino in
Messinia is its flagship development. At the heart of the company’s business philosophy is its strong
commitment to environmental and social responsibility with the aim of achieving sustainable tourism
development in complete harmony with the natural environment and traditions of the destination. More
information: www.costanavarino.com
For more information please visit www.navarionneo.se