PRESS RELEASE  – The MedJICARP project, coordinated by the University of Cyprus Oceanography Centre and funded with a total budget of €2,808,453 under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, successfully launched its activities during a two-day kick-off meeting hosted at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) in Heraklion, Greece. The event gathered project partners from across the region to initiate a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing climate change monitoring and resilience in the Eastern Mediterranean.

MedJICARP seeks to establish a robust platform for the exchange of scientific knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned in operational oceanography, creating a shared foundation for climate-related data, methodologies, and innovation.

 

Two-Day Programme: Building Collaboration and Technical Foundations

Day 1 opened with a welcome session led by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), followed by an overview of the project’s technical and financial aspects presented by the Joint Secretariat. Partners then explored the context and objectives of MedJICARP, along with introductions to participating institutions.

Afternoon sessions focused on communication, dissemination, and presentations of the three main technical work packages: Ocean Data Observatory Deployment for Climate Resiliency (WP3), Integrated Digital Hub for climate-related hazards (WP4), and Capacity-building for stakeholders and communities (WP5).

The first day concluded with a visit to the CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos and a welcome reception, providing an informal setting for partners to connect.

Day 2 featured the project’s first technical workshop, focusing on best practices for oceanographic sensors, FerryBox systems, and fixed platforms, including hands-on discussions on instrumentation, operations, and data collection standards.

 

Setting the Stage for Regional Climate Resilience

The Mediterranean region is especially susceptible to the effects of climate change. MedJICARP will deliver an integrated approach that strengthens the region’s capacity to monitor, understand, and respond to climate processes in the marine environment.

The project brings together nine leading scientific institutions from eight countries:

  • University of Cyprus Oceanography Centre (Cyprus) – Coordinator
  • Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute – CMMI (Cyprus)
  • Hellenic Centre of Marine Research (Greece)
  • L-Università ta’ Malta (Malta)
  • Università degli Studi di Palermo (Italy)
  • Instituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale – Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Italy)
  • National Council for Scientific Research (Lebanon)
  • National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (Egypt)
  • National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies (Tunisia)

 

For more information:
Dr. Monica Demetriou, Researcher, Oceanography Center, University of Cyprus | E: demetriou.monica@ucy.ac.cy | https://oceanography.ucy.ac.cy |Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceanographyCY

The contents of this press release are the sole responsibility of the University of Cyprus Oceanography Centre and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Programme management structures