The Castellet Castle hosted, on 2 October, the inauguration of the Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Environmental, Economic and Social Sustainability (SAES) at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), as part of the International University Campus for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves. The event brought together students, researchers and professionals to explore the role of Biosphere Reserves as spaces for knowledge, learning and innovation in the face of the major socio-environmental challenges affecting the Mediterranean.
The session began with welcoming remarks from Núria Armingau, from the Abertis Foundation; Núria Pou, Coordinator of the International Centre for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves and of the CTFC; and Eduard Ariza, coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Concepts module of the SAES Master’s Degree.
The first session of the day was led by Núria Pou and Alba Bonàs, Coordinator of the Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves Network (MedMAB) and of the CTFC. They introduced students to the concept of Biosphere Reserves and the specific characteristics of these territories. The session explored their three functions — conservation, sustainable development and logistical support — as well as their zoning model and the potential of these territories as living labs for research, learning and experimentation.
In this context, some of the main environmental, social and economic challenges currently facing the Mediterranean were discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on the potential of Biosphere Reserves to generate knowledge, test new approaches and learn about new ways of relating to territories and nature. Students actively participated in the session and showed great interest in learning more about Biosphere Reserves and the opportunities they offer as spaces for interdisciplinary research and transformation.
The central focus of the day was the lecture “Mediterranean Forests: A Living Natural and Cultural Heritage”, delivered by Professor Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat, Head of the European Forest Institute – Mediterranean and Professor at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (Lebanon).
Through a journey across the history of life on Earth, Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat invited participants to broaden the perspective from which we observe global change. Her presentation showed how, over millions of years, plants and animals have migrated, adapted and responded to constantly changing climatic conditions, particularly in the Mediterranean. This historical perspective provided an opportunity to reflect on the speed of the changes we are currently experiencing and on the importance of science to understand, question and make informed decisions in the face of complex challenges, combining scientific rigour with a humanistic perspective.
Following the lecture, an open dialogue was held around two key questions: How should we change the way we learn and work in order to contribute to building more resilient futures? And how can universities and research contribute to transformative change? What factors should we prioritise?
Dr Roser Maneja, Scientific Director of the International Centre for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves, Deputy Director of Research at the Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC), and Professor in the Department of Geography at UAB, took part in the discussion alongside Eduard Ariza, Magda Bou and the students.
The conversation brought together different perspectives and encouraged reflection on the role of education and research in a context characterised by digitalisation and an ever-growing amount of available information. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and rigorous and accessible communication, as well as on the need to combine scientific knowledge with a humanistic perspective when addressing complex challenges.
The day concluded with a contribution from Dr Roser Maneja, who highlighted the role of science and interdisciplinarity in understanding and addressing the challenges affecting Mediterranean territories, as well as the opportunity to strengthen Biosphere Reserves as spaces for learning and knowledge generation.
The event also gave students the opportunity to explore different perspectives and professional fields related to contemporary socio-environmental challenges. At the end of the event, students highlighted the value of taking part in a learning experience outside the classroom and particularly appreciated the opportunity to discover concrete examples of potential professional fields and career paths they could pursue after completing the Master’s Degree.
In this way, the International University Campus for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves continues to consolidate its role as a meeting space connecting academic learning with professional experiences and opportunities related to the shared challenges of the Mediterranean.
Photo Credits: Abertis Foundation
14 August 2026
The International Centre for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves (UNESCOMED) is pleased to welcome Alba Ruiz Lopez as a trainee student during the period from July to October 2026.
19 May 2026
A Geography student from the Autonomous University of Barcelona carried out fieldwork in Morocco within the framework of the International University Campus on Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves.
The research explores socio-ecological resilience in the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve in response to climate change and sustainable development challenges.
Visits to rural communities and WEFE Nexus-based initiatives helped connect academic research with local knowledge on sustainable resource management.
18 March 2026
Students, experts, and supervisors of the International University Campus for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves came together on March 12 for a vibrant research seminar.
The session sparked new collaborations, aligned methodologies, and strengthened links with ongoing research lines at the Center and across the MedMAB network.
On March 12, the International University Campus for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves hosted a collaborative seminar bringing together all students currently developing their Bachelor’s and Master’s Theses, or PhD research. The event was also attended by the Center’s scientific and technical team, along with the supervisors guiding each academic project, creating a rich environment for dialogue and co-learning.
The aim of the seminar ...
