On January 23, 2025, an important event (workshop) was held at the Prefecture of Alexandroupolis as part of the Earthquake Resilient Schools (EReS) project. The event brought together over 90 participants, including educators, civil protection officials, and municipal engineers, highlighting the critical importance of earthquake preparedness and resilience in school communities.

Greece, being one of the most seismically active countries in Europe, faces continuous challenges in mitigating earthquake risks. Even in regions with relatively low seismic activity, such as Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, preparedness and awareness remain essential. The EReS project focuses on reducing seismic risks in schools and disseminating knowledge across educational institutions. With a cross-border scope between Greece and Türkiye, the initiative is being piloted in Alexandroupolis, Samos, Canakkale, and Izmir.

Through collaboration among national agencies, universities, and experts from both countries, EReS aims to enhance school resilience by assessing seismic risks, harmonizing methodologies, and implementing best practices. The project’s findings will provide valuable insights for local authorities in designing earthquake-resistant schools and fostering broader societal preparedness.

The event was honored by the presence of the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the Regional Education Director, and the Mayor of Alexandroupolis, who expressed their strong support for the continuation of EReS initiatives. Education directors from the primary and secondary levels attended the event, thus emphasizing the importance of expanding the project to further strengthen resilience efforts.

The successful implementation of EReS Workshop in Alexandroupolis sets a benchmark for similar initiatives across Greece, reinforcing the commitment to safer and more resilient school environments.

Photos of the Event

 

Media Interviews and posts

Video

Media posts

https://empros.gr/2025/01/etoimotita-gia-seismous-sto-epikentro-oi-scholikes-ypodomes-stin-aleksandroupoli/

https://www.evros24.gr/imerida-scholeia-anthektikotita-se/

https://www.thrakinet.tv/2025/01/imerida-me-thema-tin-anthektikotita-ton-scholikon-monadon-stous-seismous-stin-alex-poli/

https://www.e-evros.gr/gr/eidhseis/3/sxoleia-ths-ale3androypolhs-se-pilotiko-programma-gia-toys-seismoys/post53362

https://thrakionline.gr/imerida-tou-ergou-earthquake-resilient-schools-eres-pou-pragmatopoiithike-simera-sto-nomarcheio-alexandroupolis/

Presentations

– Dr. Konstantinos Papatheodorou | EreS Project Coordinator, International Hellenic University

– Dr. Nikolaos Theodoulidis | ITSAK, Project Partner

– Dr. Murat Nurlu | AFAD, Project Partner

Mr. Konstantinos Chouvardas – Head of the Civil Protection department of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

Mr. Juan Galvan Montero | Programme Officer

-Ms. Eleni Plakoti | Head of the Directorate of Secondary Education Level of Evros