On January 15-16, 2025, the second EFFECTIVE consortium meeting gathered in sunny Larnaca, Cyprus, warmly hosted by the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI). Over two days, project partners shared updates, tackled key challenges, and outlined the next steps in their mission to restore and protect Mediterranean marine ecosystems.

Highlights from Day 1 included:

• Updates from all Work Packages, with a focus on milestones and progress.

• In-depth discussions on communication, dissemination, data management, and Ecosystem-Based Management Systems (EBMS).

• A dedicated B2B session to strengthen collaboration on pilot activities.

Day 2 featured a study visit to the Cavo Greco Environmental Center, a key site for pilot activities. The agenda included:

• A guided tour of the center and a documentary screening showcasing local biodiversity.

• Hands-on coastal activities using COSEA, a citizen science app for monitoring marine and coastal ecosystems.

• Practical discussions on transplantation techniques, blue carbon initiatives, and the project’s mid-term report.

During the consortium meeting, One Ocean Foundation also presented the Ocean Disclosure Initiative, which will be implemented within the EFFECTIVE project to evaluate the impact of economic activities on selected marine protected areas.

A heartfelt thank you to CMMI and the consortium leader, Centro Tecnológico Naval y del Mar (CTN), for their excellent organization and warm hospitality. Together, we continue to make significant strides toward a sustainable future for the Mediterranean!