Interreg NEXT MED partners meet to advance climate resilience in the Eastern Mediterranean
The MedJICARP project, with a total budget of €2,808,453 from the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, officially launched its activities during a two-day kick-off meeting held at the HCMR “Thalassocosmos” facilities in Gouves, Heraklion, Crete. The event brought together partners from across the region, marking the beginning of a joint effort to strengthen climate change monitoring and resilience in the Eastern Mediterranean.
MedJICARP, coordinated by the Oceanography Centre of the University of Cyprus, aims to establish a robust platform for the exchange of scientific knowledge, best practices, and expertise in oceanography. The project will contribute to the creation of a shared database, and the documentation of climate-related methodologies and innovations.
Strengthening collaboration and technical capacity
Day 1 began with an opening session, followed by a presentation of the project’s technical and financial framework. Partners then introduced the scope and objectives of MedJICARP and presented their respective organisations. Afternoon discussions focused on the communication and dissemination strategy, as well as presentations of the three main technical work packages:
- Development of a Marine Data Observatory for Climate Resilience
- Integrated Digital Platform for climate risks
- Capacity-building actions for stakeholders and communities
Day 2 included the project’s first technical workshop, focusing on best practices for oceanographic sensors, FerryBox systems, and fixed platforms. Practical discussions covered instruments, functions, and standardised data collection procedures.
Laying the foundations for climate resilience in the region
The Mediterranean is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. MedJICARP will implement an integrated approach to enhance the region’s ability to monitor, understand, and respond to climate processes in the marine environment.
The project involves nine leading scientific institutions from eight countries:
- Oceanography Centre, University of Cyprus (Project Coordinator)
- Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (Cyprus)
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (Greece)
- University of Malta (Malta)
- University of Palermo (Italy)
- 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 Centre, University of Cyprus | E: demetriou.monica@ucy.ac.cy | https://oceanography.ucy.ac.cy
Centre’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/oceanographyCY
Source: University of Cyprus | Latest news (https://tinyurl.com/3k78vdnv)