Summer school in Batroun, Lebanon (June 2-4, 2014)
written by Anna Fricke
The first summer school of the ENPI-CBCMED M3HABs (Risk Monitoring, Modelling and Mitigation of Benthic Harmful Algal Blooms) project took place in Batroun, Lebanon, 2-4th June 2014. The project has started in January 2014 and will help to increase awareness and implement measures to manage benthic harmful algal blooms in the Mediterranean basin through the development of common monitoring procedures, automated counting methods and modelling predictive tools.
During the three-day workshop, held at the National Center for Marine Sciences (CNRS) and in the facilities of the San Stephano Resort, international participants of the various partners (e.g. France, Italy, Lebanon, Monaco, Montenegro, Tunisia), together with master and PhD students, came together for lectures, scientific exchange and further planning for the upcoming activities of the project.
(Fotos: Valentina Giussani; Flavio Oliva; Wildlife photoreporter & cinematographer; Sally Sassine)
The main aim of the workshop was the training of students and the intercalibration of methods among participants in order to facilitate and optimise the first sampling season.
In a vibrant and motivated atmosphere the common sampling and samples analyses techniques were demonstrated and students had the occasion of train both in the field and in the laboratory.
Beyond the excellent mediation of the required scientific knowledge on Ostreopsis ecology and taxonomy, the workshop promoted further intercultural exchange and allowed a unique insight in the culture and environment of the host country.
Overall the summer school provided the ideal base for scientific exchange and opened the doors for a further fruitful cooperation along the Mediterranean coasts.