A key aspect of the TOPIO project, in which HSPN (Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature) participates under the HORIZON MSCA program, is the secondment of researchers and staff to different partners and countries.

Within this framework, we had the great pleasure of hosting Guillherme Saad Simenes, a PhD candidate from Instituto Superior Técnico (and a member of the CiTUA – Territory, Urbanism, and Architecture research and innovation center) at the University of Lisbon, over the past few weeks.

Focusing on participatory design and the sociological dimensions of wildfire-affected forest areas in the Mediterranean, Guilherme collaborated closely with us while participating in highly engaging activities that enriched his research field and served as a springboard for his future inquiries.

During his visit, he explored Lycabettus Hill alongside our team, gaining an initial understanding of the Athenian landscape and the history that has shaped the city and its surroundings. Subsequently, we met with Dr. Gavriil Xanthopoulos, a researcher at the Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems Institute of ELGO DIMITRA, before embarking on a field trip to Mount Parnitha, co-organized with Anavasi Publications and with the participation of the Management Body for Mount Parnitha and Stefanos Sidiropoulos, the manager of the Bafi Mountain Refuge.

Finally, Guilherme and the HSPN team met with Dr. Penny Koutrolikou and Dr. Stavros Stavridis, professors at the School of Architecture of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), completing his journey through the natural and built environment of Athens. These activities provided insights into the forces shaping the city and its surroundings.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who enriched Guilherme’s experience, contributing to the development of his research focus in Greece and the broader goals of the TOPIO project.