My name is Marianthi Kozoni and I am 26 years old, I graduated from the School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Department of Agriculture, at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and I am currently pursuing my PhD at the Floriculture Laboratory of the same School. My research focuses on the study of native Greek plant species with ornamental value, with an emphasis on their conservation and propagation. I have participated in research projects, presented scientific work at conferences, and contributed to scientific publications.
Why do you wish to participate in the program “Engaging Youth in a Digital Green Future (EY-DGF 2.0)”?
I chose to participate in the “Engaging Youth in a Digital Green Future (EY-DGF 2.0)” program because sustainability is a topic that greatly interests me. I considered this program a valuable opportunity to expand my knowledge about the green transition and the role of digital technologies in creating more sustainable practices. At the same time, through the Erasmus+ experience, I had the opportunity to meet people from different countries, exchange ideas and develop myself through a different cultural and educational environment.
How do you think young people can contribute to creating a greener and more sustainable future?
Young people can contribute to creating a greener and more sustainable future through their everyday choices and behaviours. Responsible consumption, reducing waste, reusing products and making more conscious decisions as consumers are practices that can be adopted by everyone, regardless of their professional background. At the same time, young people can play a more active role through their participation in environmental initiatives, education, research and the development of innovative solutions.
Describe an action or initiative you participated in that had a positive social or environmental impact.
An initiative with a positive environmental impact that I participated in was the research project TULIPA 2, which focuses on the study, conservation and sustainable utilization of Greek native species of the genus Tulipa. Through participating in the project, I had the opportunity to engage in research activities related to the conservation of plant genetic resources and the development of propagation and cultivation practices. I believe that such initiatives contribute to biodiversity conservation and highlight the important role of scientific research in developing more sustainable practices.
What do you know about the European Green Deal and why do you consider its goals important?
The European Green Deal is the European Union’s strategy for transitioning towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible model of development. It includes objectives related to addressing climate change, reducing emissions, protecting biodiversity and promoting more sustainable production and consumption patterns. I consider these goals particularly important because the environmental challenges we face require changes, both at the policy level and in the everyday choices of citizens.
Mention three everyday habits that can contribute to sustainable consumption.
Three everyday habits that can contribute to sustainable consumption are making more conscious choices when purchasing products, reducing waste and reusing items. Buying only what we truly need, choosing products with a longer lifespan and avoiding overconsumption can help reduce environmental impacts. Additionally, proper waste management and recycling are simple practices that can become part of everyone’s daily routine.
What environmental challenges do you consider most important for Greece?
One of the most important environmental challenges for Greece is addressing the impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, periods of drought and extreme weather conditions. At the same time, the protection of biodiversity, the conservation of natural ecosystems and the sustainable management of water and agricultural resources are major challenges. Addressing these issues requires cooperation between public authorities, the scientific community, producers and citizens.
In what ways can technology help protect the environment?
Digital technology can be an important tool for sustainable development, but it does not automatically contribute to sustainability in every case. On the one hand, it can help optimise the use of natural resources and support the development of more effective solutions to environmental challenges. On the other hand, the production of electronic devices, the energy consumption of digital infrastructures and the management of electronic waste create new environmental challenges. Therefore, I believe that digital and green transitions should progress together, ensuring that technological development is accompanied by environmental responsibility.
Do you believe that digital technology always contributes to sustainability?
Digital technology can be an important tool for sustainable development, but it does not automatically contribute to sustainability in every case. On one hand, it can help optimize the use of natural resources and support the development of more effective solutions to environmental challenges. On the other hand, energy consumption of digital infrastructures and the management of electronic waste create new environmental challenges. Therefore, I believe that digital and green transitions should progress together, ensuring that technological development is accompanied by environmental responsibility.
Mention a digital tool or application that could encourage more responsible consumption habits.
An example of a digital tool that can encourage more responsible consumption habits are apps such as Mystery Pot, which contribute to reducing food waste by allowing consumers to use products that might otherwise become waste. Through such digital solutions, technology can support more sustainable consumption models and help citizens make more conscious choices in their everyday lives.
Who has the greatest responsibility for protecting the environment: citizens, businesses or governments?
Environmental protection is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation between citizens, businesses and governments. Governments have an important role, as they can create the appropriate legislative framework, set goals and implement policies that promote sustainable development. At the same time, businesses significantly influence environmental impacts through their production processes and decisions regarding the use of natural resources. Citizens can also contribute through their everyday choices and the adoption of more responsible consumption habits. Therefore, I believe that environmental protection cannot be achieved by a single factor but requires coordinated action and cooperation of all three levels.
Do you agree or disagree with the statement: “The green transition cannot be achieved without digital innovation”?
I agree that digital innovation can play a crucial role in the green transition, as it provides new tools for monitoring environmental changes, improving the efficiency of resource use and developing more sustainable solutions. However, I believe that digital technology alone is not sufficient to achieve a real green transition. Changes are also required in policies, production processes and people’s everyday behaviours. The success of the green transition will come from the combination of technological innovation, environmental awareness and collective action.