The strategic role of marine research in addressing the impacts of climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean was highlighted during the visit of the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Dr. Costas Kadis, to the Oceanography Center of the University of Cyprus on 7 May 2026.
The visit underscored the growing importance of scientific collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based policy-making in tackling the environmental and socioeconomic challenges affecting the Mediterranean region. Among the key priorities of Commissioner Kadis’ portfolio are the European Ocean Pact, the protection of ocean health and biodiversity, support for coastal communities, and the promotion of a sustainable blue economy.
During his visit, Commissioner Kadis, accompanied by members of his Brussels-based team, met with the Director of the Oceanography Center, Professor George Georgiou, the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Associate Professor Anastasia Baxevani, Professor of Ecology and Biodiversity Spyros Sfenthourakis, as well as researchers and staff members of the Center.
The Commissioner toured the Center’s facilities and was briefed on several EU-funded research initiatives currently being implemented. Researchers Dr. Monica Demetriou and Dr. Niki Chartosia presented ongoing projects focusing on climate monitoring, marine ecosystem resilience, and adaptation strategies.
Particular emphasis was placed on the MEDJICARP project, funded under the Interreg NEXT MED Program. MEDJICARP aims to strengthen climate adaptation and risk prevention capacities across the Mediterranean by advancing scientific monitoring, data sharing, and regional cooperation. The project contributes to the development of innovative tools and methodologies that support climate resilience, sustainable coastal management, and informed decision-making in the region.
Discussions during the visit also focused on the urgent need to further strengthen the research capacity of the Oceanography Center in order to enhance its competitiveness in securing European funding and expanding its contribution to regional climate adaptation efforts.
The Mediterranean is considered one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, with temperatures rising faster than the global average. Increasing sea temperatures, salinity changes, invasive species, coastal erosion, flooding risks, and the growing occurrence of Mediterranean cyclones are already placing significant pressure on coastal communities, fisheries, marine biodiversity, and tourism economies.
In this context, the role of applied marine research and operational oceanography becomes increasingly critical. Through advanced scientific tools, forecasting systems, and collaborative regional initiatives, the Oceanography Center contributes to improving preparedness, monitoring environmental changes, and supporting sustainable adaptation strategies across the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Oceanography Center of the University of Cyprus conducts both fundamental and applied oceanographic research in areas including physical oceanography, operational oceanography, remote sensing, biological and chemical oceanography, marine data analysis, and forecasting models. Through international collaborations and competitive European research programs, the Center is evolving into a significant regional hub for marine research and innovation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The visit of Commissioner Costas Kadis reaffirmed the importance of strengthening marine science, regional cooperation, and climate adaptation initiatives to address the complex environmental challenges facing the Mediterranean basin.
For more information about the Oceanography Center of the University of Cyprus, visit the Center’s official website: https://oceanography.ucy.ac.cy/
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