ENALIA PHYSIS ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTRE

Enalia Physis Environmental Centre is a non-profit organization conducting biological and environmental research in marine and terrestrial ecosystems in Cyprus. Its main mission is to promote research but also to educate the general public and enhance ecological awareness. It was formed in 2009 and has participated in a number of projects aiding Cyprus’ environment while also maintaining research at a high level. Enalia Physis collaborates with a number of people and organisations in Cyprus and throughout the world in order to increase the reach of the research undertaken but also allow for project collaborations that will benefit not only Cyprus but also a larger geographical area (e.g. Mediterranean). To achieve its mission Enalia Physis undertakes regular field and lab work to gather and analyse samples following the highest scientific standards. This has allowed Enalia to publish a number of relevant papers through its network of research affiliates and push for necessary actions needed for the protection or restoration of ecosystems. Enalia Physis is involved different projects including but not limited to the control of invasive species and more specifically Lionfish (Pterois miles), the understanding of by-catch of vulnerable species and the application of mitigation measures, the designation of a Marine protected Area (MPA) Network while taking into account ecological characteristics and sustainable yield for fishing, the assessment of deep water caves as places with ecological research value, the assessment of the ecological features of deep water corals, the education and awareness raising of the impact and prevalence of marine litter, the analysis of bio-stalactites and many others. Monitoring schemes also take place where the marine areas around Cyprus are monitored for invasive species, coral colonies in relation to the nutrient levels of specific areas, the effect of disturbances to marine habitats and the development of fouling communities on artificial reefs.