The picturesque town of Pioppi is preparing to become a training hub for future marine biologists with the "Summer School 2024." From September 2nd to 6th, the historic Palazzo Vinciprova will host an intensive course dedicated to the study of Posidonia oceanica meadows, a vital Mediterranean ecosystem. The event, organized by the Pioppi Living Sea Museum in collaboration with the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station in Naples, will offer participants a unique and immersive experience combining theory and practice.
The program includes five days of activities that will include lectures, laboratory sessions and scuba diving in the protected waters of the “La Punta” Area of Pioppi, within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. The inauguration will take place on September 2 at 10:00 am at the Museo Vivo del Mare. The ceremony will be attended by important institutional figures such as Stefano Pisani, Mayor of Pollica, Giuseppe Coccorullo, President of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, Michele Buonomo of Legambiente Campania and Valerio Calabrese, Director of the Museum of the Mediterranean Diet.
The course will be directed by Luigi Valiante, Scientific Director of the Museo Vivo del Mare, and coordinated by Paolo Fasciglione, researcher of the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn. The initiative will involve university professors, expert researchers and qualified technical-scientific personnel, who will offer a very high level of training.
Focus on the Mediterranean
The focus of the training will be on the study of Posidonia oceanica, a protected marine plant, essential for the health of the Mediterranean. This ecosystem plays a crucial role in the production of oxygen and in the protection of the coasts, but is strongly threatened by human activities. During the course, participants will acquire practical skills using the PREI (Posidonia Rapid Easy Index) methodology, developed according to the ISPRA guidelines for the monitoring of Posidonia meadows.
The course program will be divided into four main modules: the study, analysis and monitoring of Posidonia oceanica; field activities with scuba diving; laboratory activities for the analysis of samples; and finally, the processing of collected data.
Opportunities for the future
This Summer School represents a unique opportunity for students and young researchers who wish to deepen their skills in marine ecology. The course offers a rare opportunity to put into practice the theoretical knowledge learned during academic studies, working in the field with advanced techniques.
Furthermore, it will be an important step for those intending to pursue a career in marine biology, providing specific and certified skills in a sector increasingly crucial to safeguarding our planet. The initiative takes place in a natural setting of extraordinary beauty, the Cilento National Park , recognized for its commitment to environmental protection and its extraordinary biodiversity.
