The sea is an integral part of Cyprus’ daily life, economy and future, Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou said on Monday.

Addressing a conference titled “From marine science to policymaking and from ocean research and development to the market” in Ayia Napa, Damianou highlighted the urgency of challenges facing the Mediterranean.

“For us in the Mediterranean, these challenges are particularly urgent and visible. Our region is recognised as a hotspot of climate change, warming significantly faster than many other parts of the planet,” he said.

He added that the effects are already being felt across societies and economies, pointing to more frequent marine heatwaves, coastal erosion, water stress and the degradation of sensitive marine ecosystems.

“These challenges are not only environmental; they are economic, geopolitical and social,” he said, stressing that addressing them requires urgent action, cooperation and a long-term perspective.

Damianou referred to the EU’s efforts to tackle these issues, including the Oceans Pact announced by the European Commission in June 2025, as well as an upcoming strategy on research and innovation in the ocean sector.

He said programmes such as Horizon Europe remain key tools in turning ambition into action, supporting initiatives like the EU mission to restore oceans and waters and the sustainable blue economy partnership, in which Cyprus actively participates.

The next EU framework programme, currently under negotiation during Cyprus’ presidency, is expected to play a crucial role in supporting ocean-related policies through the development of next-generation ocean observation technologies and infrastructure, he added.

Damianou also stressed Cyprus’ strategic position “at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and north Africa”, saying that the country’s priorities under its presidency of the Council of the European Union reflect the close link between society’s future and the health of the seas.

National initiatives such as the maritime spatial plan and the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative demonstrate Cyprus’ commitment to translating European priorities into regional action, he said.

He added that Cyprus is also strengthening regional cooperation through its participation in Prima, which supports joint research and innovation projects addressing shared challenges in marine and coastal ecosystems, water resilience and climate.

Through funding programmes of the Research and Innovation Foundation, Cyprus supports ocean-related research in areas including marine ecosystems, aquaculture, environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Damianou also highlighted the role of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute in advancing innovation in sustainable shipping, including energy-efficient vessels and marine observation technologies.

“For Europe, and especially for Cyprus, the sea is not a distant issue. It is part of our everyday life, our economy and our future,” he said, pointing out that nearly 60 per cent of Cypriots and around 40 per cent of Europeans live near coastal areas.

“The ocean connects us, but also calls on us to act together, decisively and collectively,” he added.