Conserving biodiversity across realms: ‘Mavrospilios’ Cave (SBA Dhekelia, Cyprus)

Aim:
To produce the missing information of the land-sea interactions that is needed for a holistic, ecosystem-based Management Plan of Mavrospilios’ extraordinary ecosystem.

Goals:

To survey, assess and identify the biodiversity and ecological connectivity between the terrestrial and marine components
To identify the possible pathways of connectivity between the terrestrial and marine realms
To monitor environmental parameters inside the cave
To assess the on-going mortality of marine species and incidence of disease inside the cave in relation to other areas in Cyprus
To educate and train graduate students in cave ecology and research methods
To engage stakeholders and raise awareness about the ecological importance of Mavrospilio

Duration: June 2026 – May 2027

Location: Cape Pyla, Sovereign Base Area of Dhekelia, Cyprus

Funded by: UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local Programme. (Project Reference: DPL00180)

Coordinating partner: Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre

Direct collaborator: Sovereign Base Areas Administration and Environmental Education Centre