Our team

Valasia IAKOVOGLOU (President)

Dr. Valasia Iakovoglou is a distinct graduate of Iowa State University, USA. She has more than 25-yrs of national/international research and teaching experience as an Ecophysiologist/Silviculture expert in seedling production and Restoration/Conservation of Ecosystems with emphasis on Biodiversity under the challenges of Climate Change. She has received numerous scholarships, awards and recognitions. She is an editor of nine international journals and a reviewer in more than fifteen with one of them being the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). She has more than 100 publications (books/book chapters, peer-reviewed scientific articles). She is active in many scientific societies such as the Mediterranean Experts of Climate and environmental Change (MedECC) as well as Board Member of associations such as the “Association of Inter-Balkan Woman’s Cooperation Societies (AIWCS)” of UNESCO Center, where she is the “General Secretary” and responsible for the “Education” sector. Since 2018, she is the Director of the Ecotourism Sector of the UNESCO chair Con-E-Ect and since 2020 she is an Executive Board of Directors of Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) in Africa. Since 2021 she has been part of the G100 Women of the World serving as Country Chair of Greece for Farming and AgriTourism as well as an active member of the International Council of World Tourism Forum Institute. She is one of the founders of “ROOTS” and serves as President.

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Paschalis KOUTALAKIS (Vice President)

Dr. Paschalis Koutalakis holds a PhD from the Department of Marine Sciences (Aegean University, Greece). His research interests include: hydrologic and hydrogeologic modeling, remote sensing and GIS applications, UAV on water resources and geomorphologic mapping, water resources management, natural disaster management. He is a Geologist (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) and has a M.Sc. in Management of Water Resources in the Mediterranean (Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology). He has more than 40 publications (International Conferences and peer-reviewed scientific journals). He has experience in many funded projects and worded as a freelancer geologist, in companies, in Organizations and Universities, in Public and Municipal Authorities. In addition, he is a member of the Geotechnical Chamber Greece, the UNESCO chair Con-E-Ect (Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Sciences – IHU University) and Forum of Young Researchers (Management of Intermittent and Ephemeral Streams – SMIRES).

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Iordanis KASAPIDIS (CEO – Funds Management)

Mr. Iordanis Kasapidis is a Forester holding a M.Sc. in Management of Water Resources in the Mediterranean (Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology). Currently, is a PhD candidate in the Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources (Democritus University of Thrace). He is also a member of the UNESCO chair Con-E-Ect (Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Sciences – IHU University).

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Aikaterini MANOUSI (Secretary)

Aikaterini Manousi received her Bachelor degree in Greek Philology from Democritus University of Thrace Komotini (Greece) in 2011. Then she received her Master degree in Ancient History, Culture and Civilization at Marconi University (Rome). She is working in the field of formal and adult education. Her scientific interest is on animation and facilitation of adults and children’s groups. She is also working in the design and implementation of educational programs for national and European institutions

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Georgios GKIATAS (Regular Member)

Giorgos Gkiatas holds a M.Sc. “Man and Water” from Department of Forest and Natural Management Sciences, International Hellenic University, Greece in 2021. The M.Sc. Thesis was related to UAVs application to evaluate the hydro-geomorphological characteristics of torrents by developing indices and hydrologic modeling. His Bachelor degree received in 2017 from the Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Management in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology, Greece (now International Hellenic University). He has experience in research projects funded both by National or European Union’s programs. He has worked for Public Sector (Forest Protection Service). His research interests are focused on water systems measurements, erosion monitoring, water modeling and UAVs application. Finally, he is a member of the UNESCO Chair Con-E-Ect hosted in Drama, Greece (International Hellenic University)

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Vasilios DERMENTZIS (Regular Member)

Dermentzis Vassilis is an A&R Representative at Epsilon Records in Amsterdam. Actively engaged in the global music scene as Songwriter & Producer, is recognized with 2 awards from the Akademia Music Awards of Los Angeles. Currently participates in a mentorship program with the Grammy Recording Academy-Los Angeles chapter. He holds BSc. in ΙΤ Engineering, certifications in Advanced Music Theory and Audio Engineering, and a grade in Modern Vocals from the Rock School of London. His focus is on developing Youth Exchange Programmes, workshops, and events around Music and Songwriting