Completing the biodiversity puzzle of the Jubilee Shoals (SBA Akrotiri)

Project Title: Completing the biodiversity puzzle of the Jubilee Shoals (SBA Akrotiri)

Aim: To generate the missing ecological knowledge required to better understand and manage the biodiversity and marine habitats of the Jubilee Shoals in the Sovereign Base Area (SBA) of Akrotiri, Cyprus, supporting ecosystem-based conservation and management of this ecologically important marine area.

Goals:

–To conduct biodiversity surveys in the western and central sectors of the Jubilee Shoals that remain scientifically unexplored.

-To document marine biodiversity and key habitats such as rocky reefs, coralligenous assemblages, seagrass beds and submerged caves.

-To fill existing knowledge gaps necessary for the conservation and effective management of the shoals.

-To produce spatial and ecological information that will support long-term ecosystem-based management of the area.

-To engage stakeholders and raise awareness about the ecological importance of the Jubilee Shoals.

-To strengthen local capacity and contribute to marine conservation through training and participation in biodiversity surveys.

Duration: April 2025- March 2026

Location: Jubilee Shoals, Western Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri, Cyprus

Funded by: UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local Programme. Project Reference: DPL00134

Coordinating partner: Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre

Direct collaborator: SBA Environmental Education Centre