International Conference

WATER IN THE ANTHROPOCENE:

ECOTHEOLOGICAL AND SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES

June 19–20, 2026

“Thessalia” Conference Center

Melissatika, Volos, Greece

An international Conference on the topic “Water in the Anthropocene: Ecotheological and Scientific Perspectives” will be held in the “Thessalia” Conference Center, Melissatika, Volos, Greece, on June 19 & 20, 2026, organized by the Volos Academy for Theological Studies with the support of the Social Collective “zVolos”

Water is universally acknowledged as essential for sustaining all forms of life. While it covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, less than 1% of the available freshwater can be used for the needs of living organisms and ecosystems. Water is not a luxury; it is a rather ontological element that crucially contributes to the existence of all living creatures. Despite advancements in technology, access to safe and clean water remains a pressing issue, with billions of people still lacking these basic commodities.

In addition to its biological importance, water serves various purposes, including recreation, commerce, economic development, agriculture, transportation, and urbanization. Throughout history, major civilizations have flourished alongside bodies of water, such as Mesopotamia by the Euphrates and Tigris rivers and Egypt along the Nile. Conflicts have often arisen over control of these vital resources. Additionally, water holds great symbolic significance in many religious traditions, including Christianity, often associated with themes of cleansing and renewal.

The demand for water is rapidly increasing due to population growth, urbanization, and rising needs in agriculture, industry, energy, artificial intelligence, and the global economy. Concurrently, water availability is becoming less predictable in many regions, with droughts exacerbating water scarcity and negatively impacting health, productivity, and prospects for sustainable development and biodiversity worldwide. Therefore, ensuring sustainable access to water is a critical strategy for addressing the climate crisis in the years ahead.

In the light of these challenges, what role can the Church in general, and Orthodox theology in particular, play in addressing these issues? What is the biblical perspective on water, and how can liturgical practices involving water change our attitude towards it, fostering a new ethos? How can scientific knowledge contribute to the protection of water as an indispensable public good for maintaining and preserving life on our planet?

The list of the Conference speakers includes Prof. Frances Kostarelos (Governors State University, IL, USA), Prof. Ekaterini Tsalampouni (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece), Bishop Antony (Vrame) of Synada (Holy Cross Hellenic College, USA), Dr. Christine Nellist (Pan-Orthodox Concern for Animals, UK), Prof. Chris Durante (St Peter’s University, USA), Theodoros Sdroulias (Architect, Journalist, Volos), Prof. Agis Papadopoulos (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece), Prof. Nikitas Mylopoulos (University of Thessaly, Volos), Theodota Nantsou (WWF Greece), Dr Eleni Antonopoulou (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece), Prof. Shelly Kumar (Governors State University, IL, USA), Dr Thomas Insua (University of Oxford, UK), Michalis Stylas & Vasileios Tiliakos (Social cooperative “zVolos”).

The event is open to the public. There will be translation from and to English and Greek languages.