CIHEAM Zaragoza participated at EMUNI Mediterranean School "Irrigation and Sustainable Oliviculture in the Mediterranean" taking place from 8 to 12 September 2025 in Piran and Koper, Slovenia. This academic initiative represents a collaborative effort between leading Mediterranean institutions: EMUNI University, CIHEAM Zaragoza, Heliopolis University, Abou Bekr Belkaid University of Tlemcen, and the Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS Koper).
Fostering academic excellence and regional cooperation
CIHEAM Zaragoza is actively engaging with counterparts across the Mediterranean basin to strengthen institutional partnerships in sustainable oliviculture—a sector where CIHEAM Zaragoza has developed considerable expertise over decades of dedicated research and education.
During the event, Director Compés presented CIHEAM Zaragoza's contributions to sustainable agriculture, sharing insights from the northern Mediterranean context. His presentation "CIHEAM Zaragoza in the Framework of Sustainable Agriculture: The Experience of the North of the Mediterranean", highlighted the institution's pivotal role in advancing agricultural sustainability across the region. Additionally, Ramzi Belkhodja, Head of Training at CIHEAM Zaragoza, delivered two lectures: "Introduction to Irrigation Management: Techniques and Benefits for Olive Trees" and "The Digitalisation of Olive Cultivation and Irrigation in Response to Climate Change".
Strategic partnerships for Mediterranean agriculture
The mission facilitated crucial high-level meetings with key academic leaders across the Mediterranean basin. Director Compés met Prof. Dr Rado Bohinc, President of EMUNI University, to discuss future collaborative opportunities, Prof. Dr Mounir Ghribi, Vice-President for International Cooperation at EMUNI and Director of International Cooperation at the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), to explore institutional synergies. Additionally, meetings with Prof. Dr Rado Pisot, Director of ZRS Koper, strengthened research partnerships, whilst networking opportunities allowed for valuable exchanges with Prof. Marwa Kheirallah from Heliopolis University in Egypt and Prof. Lyna Benhmidat from Tlemcen University in Algeria, fostering cross-Mediterranean academic collaboration.
These meetings underline CIHEAM Zaragoza's commitment to building bridges between Mediterranean institutions and advancing collaborative research in irrigation and sustainable oliviculture—sectors fundamental to the region's agricultural future and food security.
Advancing Mediterranean agricultural sustainability
This participation reinforces CIHEAM Zaragoza's position as a leading institution in Mediterranean agricultural research and education. Through such international collaborations, the organisation contributes to the development of sustainable agricultural practices that address the unique challenges and opportunities of the Mediterranean basin.
The Mediterranean School is an excellent platform for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and strengthening the academic networks essential for addressing contemporary agricultural challenges in our region.
