Forging Pathways to Equality: A Joint Workshop by ATHENA and EXPER at ULPGC

On October 29, 2024, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) brought together over 25 participants from academia, government, and the private sector for a dynamic workshop on diversity and gender equality. This event highlighted a collaborative effort between two transformative EU-funded projects—ATHENA and EXPER—working to advance gender equality and institutional change across Europe’s research landscape.

A Platform for Inclusive Dialogue

The event, featured impactful contributions that underscored ULPGC’s leadership in fostering a more inclusive environment. Carmen Delia Díaz Bolaños, Director of the ULPGC Equality Unit, set the tone with an inspiring welcome, followed by remarks from Sebastián López, Vice-Rector of Research and Knowledge Transfer, on the EXPER project’s mission to support institutional transformation for ULPGC and the University of the Azores through international collaboration with the universities of Rostock and Calabria.

The ATHENA project’s emphasis on structural change in research institutions was spotlighted by Michelle Perello, CEO of Consulta Europa Projects & Innovation, who spoke on the synergies between ATHENA and EXPER in promoting gender equality through Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) and international cooperation. Rosalía Estupiñán Cáceres, ATHENA’s principal investigator at ULPGC, shared initial outcomes from ULPGC’s GEP, followed by ULPGC Rector Lluís Serra-Majem’s reflections on the tangible impact of these projects.

Event Highlights and Key Outputs

Key presentations addressed strategic steps toward inclusive policies, with a compelling segment by Arturo Montesdeoca Suárez, Doctor of Labour Law, on the ULPGC Protocol Against Harassment and Violence Toward LGTBI Individuals. A roundtable moderated by gender equality expert Yaiza Gómez Yánez saw prominent voices—such as María Delgado from the Young Entrepreneurs Association and Paula Falcón García from the ULPGC Student Council—discuss innovative strategies to foster equality within educational and professional settings. These exchanges aimed to refine ULPGC’s Diversity Strategy under the EXPER project and strengthen ULPGC’s GEP through ATHENA’s guidance.

A Collaborative Vision for Lasting Change

Together, ATHENA and EXPER underscore the critical role of gender equality and diversity in institutional growth, creating pathways for ULPGC and the University of the Azores to become models for change in ultraperipheral regions. This workshop reaffirmed ULPGC’s commitment to enhancing inclusivity and provided a collaborative space to inform future initiatives that will benefit not only the university but the broader community.

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Success for Macaronesia: 7 Innovative Biodiversity Projects Funded to Protect Fragile Ecosystems

The Macaronesia region has celebrated a major achievement in biodiversity conservation, with seven projects securing funding through the European Union’s BESTLIFE2030 Programme. This initiative, part of a €5.57 million boost to support the EU’s Outermost Regions and Overseas Territories, aims to safeguard fragile ecosystems by promoting targeted local conservation efforts.

The approved projects span across the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores, addressing key environmental challenges that threaten the region’s unique biodiversity. From protecting endangered species like the Tenerife Giant Lizard and the Madeira Bat to the recovery of marine and stream ecosystems, these initiatives represent a crucial step towards ensuring a sustainable future for Macaronesia’s rich natural heritage.

In the Canary Islands, the Conservation Strategies for Sharks and Rays project seeks to develop protective measures for these species, promoting public awareness and stakeholder collaboration. Meanwhile, DEFCON-TGL focuses on saving the critically endangered Tenerife Giant Lizard by tackling the issue of invasive species, ensuring the survival of this iconic reptile.

Madeira has received four of the approved projects, including the MARVEL initiative, which focuses on the conservation of marine vertebrates, and MAC Puffinus LIFE2030, aimed at protecting the Manx Shearwater from terrestrial threats. The SOS BATS@MAC project, spanning Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands, will work to conserve the endangered Madeira Bat, while STOP Predators targets the reduction of invasive predators affecting seabird populations.

In the Azores, the Stream Ecosystem Recovery Using Potential Sentinel Species Cardamine Caldeirarum project will focus on restoring freshwater ecosystems, using genetic tools to assess and mitigate threats.

These projects not only protect biodiversity but also ensure the participation of local communities, encouraging them to take ownership of the conservation efforts while promoting economic and social development. As James Hardcastle, Head of the Protected and Conserved Areas Team, highlighted, these initiatives are about more than conservation: they are about empowering communities to thrive alongside nature.

This marks an exciting chapter for Macaronesia as it takes decisive action to preserve its unique ecosystems for future generations. The next call for proposals is expected in early 2025, offering further opportunities for local communities to contribute to global conservation efforts.

For more information or to get involved in preserving the biodiversity of the EU Overseas, contact bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com.

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