%%center
!!CALL FOR EXPERTS
!!Threats to Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems in a Warming World
!Deadline for Nominations: 12 August 2025
!New Working Group for a project led by the Cyprus Academy, in cooperation with EASAC and NASAC
%%
\\
!Overview of the Study

A new expert study will be launched on __1 September 2025__, coordinated by the [Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and the Arts|https://www.academyofcyprus.cy], in collaboration with the [European Academies’ Science Advisory Council|https://easac.eu] (EASAC) and the [Network of African Science Academies|https://nasaconline.org] (NASAC), as part of a project funded by the [InterAcademy Partnership|https://www.interacademies.org] (IAP).
\\ \\
The study aims to assess the growing threats to __Mediterranean marine ecosystems__ in the context of __climate change__, with a special focus on the __Eastern Mediterranean__, and to provide __science-based policy advice__ for regional and European decision-makers. We aim to have the final, peer reviewed, report published by __June 2026__.

!Background and Motivation

The Mediterranean Sea, shared by 22 countries, is one of the most biologically diverse marine
regions globally hosting 18% of all known marine species within just 0.82% of global ocean surface
area. Its ecological richness and socio-economic importance make it highly sensitive to climateinduced
stresses.
\\ \\
Recent findings underscore growing risks including:
\\
*Sea-level rise
*Ocean warming, salinity shifts, and acidification
*Invasive species
*Mass mortality events due to extreme temperatures, eutrophication and hypoxia
\\
These developments pose significant threatsto marine biodiversity, productivity, fisheries, tourism,
coastal agriculture, and cultural heritage. While the Western Mediterranean has been the focus of
several initiatives, the Eastern Mediterranean remains comparatively underexplored despite its
heightened vulnerability.
\\ \\
This study will build upon recent efforts, including the __2018–2022 EMME-CCI program__
([https://emme-cci.org]) coordinated by the Cyprus Institute, and will draw from a growing body of
regional literature.

!Objectives and Scope

The Working Group will synthesize current scientific understanding, identify knowledge gaps, and
evaluate response options. The scope includes:
\\
#Projecting the __magnitude, evolution, and timing__ of climate impacts on marine ecosystems.
#Assessing __ecosystem resilience__, including potential tipping points.
#Evaluating __feasible, cost-effective strategies__ to strengthen resilience.
#Reviewing existing and emerging __technologies__ to mitigate or reverse damage.
#Analyzing __socio-economic impacts__, including on fisheries, tourism, and heritage.
#Exploring __geo-political and geo-economic dynamics__, risks, and cooperation opportunities, especially in transboundary contexts.
\\
While based on existing literature, measurements, and models, the study will not involve new
modeling but will be informed by stakeholder consultations and targeted workshops.

!Expertise Sought

We are seeking nominations of __independent experts__ to serve on the Working Group. Nominations
are invited from member academies of EASAC and NASAC; Academies in countries bordering
the __Eastern Mediterranean__ or active in research in this area are particularly encouraged to respond.
\\ \\
Ideal candidates will bring expertise in the __natural, social, and behavioral sciences__, with an
understanding of the __regional geopolitical context__. The Working Group should collectively cover a
broad range of fields, including but not limited to:
\\
#Marine ecology, marine biology and marine ecosystems
#Fisheries and marine resources management
#Marine ecosystem drivers including marine heatwaves, acidification and hypoxia.
#Climate related Socio-economic impact assessment
#Environmental technologies and climate adaptation strategies
#Policy analysis, governance, and international cooperation

!Nomination Details

Nominations should include a __brief CV__, a __statement of expertise__, and a __declaration of interest__.
Please submit all materials by __12 August 2025__.
\\ \\
The selection of Working Group members will aim to ensure a balanced representation of disciplines,
expertise, and regional perspectives. All nominations will be reviewed by the project leads, and a
group of experts will be invited to participate based on the relevance of their expertise to the study
scope and the needs of the Working Group.\\
\\ 
The anticipated workload is moderate (4–10 working days). Participation in two workshops (one
virtual and one hybrid) is expected over the nine-month duration of the project. Working Group
members will be listed as co-authors in the report that will emerge. This is a voluntary role; no
remuneration is offered. Limited travel support may be available for participants from countries of
the “Mediterranean South.”
\\ \\
__For questions or submissions, please contact:__
\\ \\
__Dr. Eleni Pilla__\\
Administrative Officer\\
Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts\\
[info@academyofcyprus.cy|mailto:info@academyofcyprus.cy]
\\ \\
Download the [call|Call for WG nominations Med Ecosystem.pdf].
\\ \\
----
\\
%%columns;-280;250;
[{Image src='cyprus_academy.jpg' caption='' height='100' alt='cyprus_academy_02.jpg'}]
----
[{Image src='easac_large.jpg' caption='' height='100' alt='easac_large.jpg'}]
----
[{Image src='NASAC.png' caption='' height='100' alt='NASAC.png'}]
%%