1

Why the project matters

The Mediterranean region faces severe challenges due to climate change, including rising sea temperatures, increasing salinity, and the spread of invasive species, which are jeopardizing marine ecosystems and key sectors like fisheries and tourism. The region’s eastern and southern parts are particularly vulnerable, with rising temperatures and limited monitoring capabilities. These gaps hinder the ability to predict extreme weather events such as Mediterranean Hurricanes (Medicanes) and sea-level rise, leaving coastal communities at risk. The lack of coordinated, transnational efforts exacerbate these challenges, requiring urgent collective action for effective climate adaptation and disaster resilience.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To establish a cost-effective, multi-platform ocean observing system in the eastern Mediterranean, integrating High-Frequency Radars, Ferryboxes, and in-situ sensors to improve climate forecasting and predict extreme events like Medicanes and sea-level rise.
• To foster transnational cooperation, enabling Mediterranean countries to share data and expertise, ensuring sustainable, long-term monitoring of oceanic and climate parameters.
• To enhance climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction through the provision of crucial data to guide policymaking and improve resilience strategies for coastal communities.

3

Expected change

• Better cooperation between Mediterranean countries to monitor climate change and share ocean data, improving regional resilience.
• Improved ability of eastern Mediterranean countries to track and respond to climate change and other environmental risks.
• Development of new tools for more accurate climate predictions, helping decision-makers plan for future challenges.

4

What the project delivers

• A pilot, multi-platform system for monitoring the eastern Mediterranean’s ocean environment.
• Ocean data shared with the EU and international scientific community for enhanced climate knowledge.
• Capacity building and knowledge sharing among project partners and stakeholders.
• A common monitoring strategy, with standardized data collection methods, tools, and quality protocols.
• A transnational partnership for harmonizing monitoring strategies and improving regional collaboration.

5

Who benefits

• Coastal communities facing climate hazards like rising sea levels, erosion, and extreme weather events.
• Environmental NGOs needing reliable data to advocate for climate adaptation and resilience strategies.
• Research centres and universities focused on advancing climate science with access to high-quality data.
• National and local authorities responsible for environmental policy and disaster management, requiring data and capacity building.
• Fisheries sector and marine-related businesses dependent on marine resources and affected by climate change.
• General public needing increased awareness and engagement in climate adaptation efforts.