The #EyesOnEarth contest is an initiative seeking to promote innovative approaches and initiatives that foster the protection and sustainability of forests. Involving eight countries in Southern Mediterranean, the #EyesOnEarth is organised by DG NEAR, EU Neighbours South, the SwitchMed/MedWaves programme, and ENI CBCMED, together with the European Forest Institute Mediterranean Facility.
To evaluate the numerous applications for the contest, the organisers assembled a jury of high-level experts who provide invaluable knowledge and experience in the fields of environmental conservation, sustainable business models and green entrepreneurship.
Hichem Salem, Project Manager – Green Entrepreneurship at MedWaves: With 20 years of experience in the International Development Sector in the MENA region, he has made significant contributions to various NGOs in the Mediterranean. He has previously served as a program coordinator at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Joanna Grodzka, Project Manager – Green Entrepreneurship (GIMED project) at MedWaves: Thanks to her experience in entrepreneurship, communication, management and SME development, she brings significant expertise to the jury panel. Her responsibilities include overseeing the activities of the GIMED Green Impact MED Project.
Dr. Michele Bozzano, Head – Mediterranean and Genetic Resources Facilities at the European Forest Institute: Researcher and expert in forest landscape restoration and forest diversity conservation, he is currently coordinating the European Forest Genetic Resources Programme. He contributed to the development of innovative indicators for monitoring forest tree diversity conservation.
Maya Karkour, Founder – EcoConsulting: Environmental and Circular Economy Specialist, eco-Entrepreneur, and managing director of EcoConsulting, a specialized sustainability consultancy, she is passionate about training and coaching green entrepreneurs and has actively promoted the circular economy and sustainable practices in Lebanon.
Kamal Bou Assi, Project Coordinator – BioConnect: Hailing from Mount Lebanon, he began his journey in environmental conservation at Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve in 2008. From 2010 to 2014, he coordinated the “Mediterranean Experience of Ecotourism” project in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve. Currently, he serves as the project coordinator for the EU-funded project “Bioconnect”.
