To celebrate and highlight the contributions of women in science and innovation, we are launching the #CARDIMEDwomen campaign. Through a series of interviews, we aim to showcase the inspiring work of women driving progress in climate resilience, sustainability innovation, and Nature-Based Solutions within the CARDIMED project.
For our first feature, we talk with Alexandra Tsatsou, Architect Engineer specializing in Urban Climate Change Management and co-leader of CARDIMED’s demonstration activities. Alexandra shares her journey from urban design to climate resilience, emphasizing the importance of bridging policy and science, the challenges women face in the field, and the need to integrate Nature-Based Solutions into mainstream infrastructure. She also offers inspiring advice for young women pursuing careers in sustainability, encouraging them to stay determined, build strong professional networks, and seek out opportunities that align with their values.
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Can you introduce yourself Alexandra and your role in CARDIMED?
I am an Architect Engineer with an MSc in Urban Management & Development, specializing in Urban Climate Change Management. Over the course of my career, I have transitioned from urban design to international development, policy, and research, with a growing focus on climate change adaptation and resilience. Currently, I am a researcher at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), at the Sanitary Engineering Laboratory, working on Nature-based Solutions and water reuse while pursuing my PhD. CARDIMED is a special project for me, as I participated in the development of its concept and proposal in 2022 and now co-lead the work package on implementing 9 DEMOs across 7 Mediterranean countries.
What inspired you to pursue a career in science, sustainability, or innovation?
While I was working as an urban designer I realized how many design decisions were dictated by masterplans, regional policies, and regulations. While design plays a crucial role in shaping the built environment, I became motivated to explore the broader context: the policies and governance structures that influence the quality of life in human settlements. Concerned about how design and governance impact regions beyond my local or European context, I shifted my focus from sustainable design to understanding and mitigating the global impacts of climate change on cities.
How did you first become involved in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and climate resilience?
My professional engagement with Climate Change started 10 years ago, when I decided to specialize on Urban Climate Change Management during my studies, and then started working in this field. This was before the widespread adoption of the NBS terminology, and we were referring to green infrastructure and ecosystem services. I participated in numerous research and consulting projects, trainings, and workshops for Urban Planning and Climate Change in Europe, Latin America and Asia, working with the public sector and local communities.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO CARDIMED
What is your main area of work within CARDIMED?
In CARDIMED I co-lead the Work Package “CARDIMED demonstrations on community and regional scales”. I focus on overseeing the implementation and operational progress of the 9 DEMOs and 17 sub-DEMOs, ensuring they follow the Action Plans developed for each site. With all DEMOs expected to be operational by September 2025, we are at a critical stage, just six months from this key milestone. My role involves monitoring progress, identifying and addressing challenges, and ensuring smooth execution to prevent any delays.
How do you think your work contributes to climate resilience and sustainable water management?
By bridging the gap between policy and science. Through projects like CARDIMED, we implement innovative NBS and water reuse initiatives in diverse contexts, from urban centers to water-scarce islands and natural landscapes. In these areas, we bring together international experts, local communities, and governments to foster collaboration and exchange of knowledge. By demonstrating that NBS are viable alternatives to traditional grey infrastructure, we create tangible benefits that can be experienced on the ground. We then elevate these insights to the policy level, providing analyses and recommendations at the local, national, and EU levels. This supports the integration of NBS and sustainable water management into inclusive, forward-thinking policy frameworks.
WOMEN IN SCIENCE & INNOVATION
What challenges have you faced as a woman in this field, and how have you overcome them?
Gender bias remains a persistent challenge, often subtle yet deeply embedded in professional environments, regardless of how advanced they appear. Navigating such barriers is a continuous process that becomes easier with experience. Different approaches work for different people, but for me, addressing the issue openly while staying focused on my long-term goals and well-being has been key. I prioritize building strong, respectful connections and fostering a professional network grounded in collaboration and mutual support, contributing meaningfully to my team and field.
What advice would you give to young women interested in working in sustainability, science, or innovation?
Sustainability and innovation is a dynamic, rapidly evolving field, providing exciting international prospects and countless opportunities. My advice is to identify and build your own path, be inspired by your projects, your research and by the people around you. Elude discouraging situations, learn to identify toxicity and gender bias in their different forms, and how to outgrow them.
How can we encourage more women to take leadership roles in environmental and scientific projects?
Women are already motivated, qualified and capable of taking on leadership roles in environmental and scientific projects, and CARDIMED is a perfect example of this. I am continuously inspired by the incredible leadership, expertise, and dedication of the women in our project, and it is an honor to work alongside them. To support more women in following their example, universities and companies need to establish work-life balance policies, a culture of inclusivity and equity, and safe work environments with mechanisms for controlling intimidating behaviours.
VISION & FUTURE GOALS
What are your hopes for the future of NBS and climate adaptation in Europe and beyond?
I look forward to a future where the built environment is embedded in nature, NBS have replaced the majority of existing infrastructure, and humans live balanced lives, following the cycles of nature!
How do you see the role of women evolving in science and environmental innovation?
The future of science and environmental innovation is one where women’s leadership is indispensable in creating a more resilient and just world. Women are key drivers of progress in science and environmental innovation. Our evolving role is shaped by visionary thinking, collaboration, resilience, creativity, flexibility, inclusivity, and equity.
If you could change one thing in the way we approach sustainability, what would it be?
If I could change one thing in the way we approach sustainability, it would be to ensure that sustainability is fully integrated into every aspect of our daily lives. Researchers and practitioners must lead by example, living the values they advocate for and demonstrating the real-world impact of sustainable practices. To drive meaningful change, sustainability efforts need to resonate on both individual and systemic levels, bridging the gap between bottom-up action and top-down policies. Only through this unified approach can we create lasting and impactful transformation in our societies and ecosystems.
