LIFE ON LAND

2024

Scientific Publications related to SDG 15* = 37

* During the period 2020-2024

Citation impact_ SDG15**= 2.12

** Annual average during the period 2020-2024

New Research Programs related to SDG 15***= 2

 *** Launched in 2024

R&D activities (funded projects)

  • Title: Minor ROot and Tuber crops fostering AgrobiodiversiTy and Ecosystem Services
  • Acronym: ROTATES
  • Funding framework: EU HORIZON EUROPE
  • Abstract: ROTATES aims to sustainably enhance agrobiodiversity and ecosystem services by introducing and promoting minor starchy root and tuber crops (MRT) sweet potato, yams, cassava and taro, considered minor crops and currently underutilized in Europe, in both conventional and organic farming systems. These crops have substantial growth potential in temperate regions to meet the increasing demand in Europe, which has tripled over the last decade. The inclusion of MRT crops will complement the cohort of minor crops introduced into European agrosystems by the previously funded projects. Employing a multidisciplinary and multi-actor approach, ROTATES will (i) identify levers for MRT crop adoption along the value chain, through a comprehensive diagnosis of constraints and opportunities for MRT crop adoption, agronomic practices to inform farm typology analysis, genetic material assessment, and disease pressure evaluation, (ii) deploy MRT crops by developing agroecological management practices, including crop rotation and intercropping, to leverage the benefits on provisioning and regulating ecosystem services, establishing breeding hubs to deliver varieties adapted to the agroecological systems, and creating a clean seed system relying on a policy framework for phytosanitary certification to support sustainable production and material exchange, (iii) unlock the value of MRT crops by establishing sustainable and innovative healthy and traditional food and feed transformation processes, integrating livestock to recycle unused plant by-products and provide crop amendments – gluten-low-to-free pasta, bread, and plant-based ice cream and feed for ruminants and monogastrics- (iv) promote adoption along the value chain, targeting primarily farmers and growers, through marketing avenues and capacity-building efforts. ROTATES will contribute to improving producers’ income, enhancing product value, increasing agrobiodiversity, and reducing Europe’s import dependence.
  • Title: Cultivating Sustainable Economies in the Mediterranean through Valorisation of Bush land Ecosystems
  • Acronym: MedSEVa
  • Funding framework: ERASMUS+
  • Abstract: MedSEVa enhances professional opportunities for higher education students by fostering a holistic understanding of Mediterranean bushland valorisation. It also revives and preserves traditional ecological knowledge while integrating underutilized plant species into sustainable agriculture and economic models.
    Main Target Group: Higher education students in Botany, Agriculture, Agronomy, Ecology, Gastronomy, Pharmacy, Landscape Architecture, and Geography
    Iindirect Target Group: Landowners, residents of low-density Mediterranean areas, local community groups, agricultural cooperatives, and municipalities.
    MedSEVa HANDBOOK: A guide promoting sustainable Mediterranean economies by valuing bushland ecosystems, combining scientific research, traditional knowledge, and practical insights for conservation and sustainable use.
    MedSEVa STORYTELLING RESOURCES: A multimedia collection of videos, podcasts, and interviews showcasing successful practices and concepts, blending science with traditional knowledge to highlight sustainability.
    MedSEVa HUB: An online platform centralizing MedSEVa’s educational materials, research, and community insights to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Strategic Actions / Operations

Water-Conscious Planting and Biodiversity-Friendly Green Infrastructure

CUT prioritises the creation and maintenance of green spaces using drought-resistant, native Mediterranean species such as olive and carob trees, ensuring responsible water use while enhancing campus wellbeing and ecological value. Water-conscious planting practices extend to the Lofou agricultural field and the University greenhouse, where climate-appropriate and endemic aromatic plants are cultivated for research, teaching, and student training. CUT also promotes biodiversity within the community by distributing more than 950 drought-tolerant plants in 2024. These actions support the conservation and use of native and endemic species, the protection and enhancement of local biodiversity, sustainable green-space management, climate-resilient planting, and active community engagement. Future development at the Berengaria site will further embed ecological principles into green infrastructure planning through the exclusive use of resilient and climate-appropriate species.

Outreach

Indigenous Cyprus Bovine Breed Research – Conservation of an Endangered Native Breed

CUT conducted extensive field research on the endangered Indigenous Cyprus Bovine Breed, engaging with farmers across the island to document zootechnical characteristics, management practices, and climate-adapted traits. The findings highlight the breed’s unique value for biodiversity conservation and sustainable, low-input livestock systems, strengthening national awareness of the importance of preserving Cyprus’s agricultural genetic heritage.

Phylogenetic Characterisation of Indigenous Cyprus Cattle – Genetic Conservation and Biobanking

CUT carried out the phylogenetic characterisation of the Indigenous Cyprus Bovine Breed, collaborating with farmers and stakeholders to collect genetic samples and establish a national biobank covering 10% of the breed’s population. The project produced an allele database and optimised genetic protocols, contributing to evidence-based decision-making for the conservation, sustainable management, and long-term genetic integrity of this rare native breed.

Scientific Consultation to the Ministry of Agriculture – Evidence-Based Conservation Policy Support

CUT provided expert consultation to the Ministry of Agriculture and local producers regarding phenotypic variation within the Indigenous Cyprus Bovine Breed. The University’s analysis confirmed that observed colour variations reflect natural genetic polymorphism rather than crossbreeding, preventing unnecessary culling of rare animals. This scientific advice directly informed national conservation policy and supported the protection of Cyprus’s native livestock biodiversity.

NATURA Platform – Advancement of Research on Native Bioactive Plant Compounds

Through the NATURA Platform, CUT advanced research on bioactive compounds derived from native Cypriot plants, establishing analytical and biotechnological workflows and creating an open-access database and compound library. This initiative enhances the conservation and sustainable use of Cyprus’s botanical diversity while supporting long-term knowledge transfer to researchers, industry stakeholders, and the wider community.

AgroLIFE Project – Promotion of Biodiversity-Friendly Crop Protection

CUT coordinated the AgroLIFE project, implementing biodiversity-friendly crop protection practices in collaboration with farmers, local authorities, and national partners. Through public outreach—including a featured segment on the CyBC programme Home in Nature—the project promoted environmentally sustainable agricultural methods that protect local ecosystems, enhance farmland biodiversity, and support the long-term resilience of Cyprus’s agricultural landscapes.

Opti-AromaQ – Research and Outreach for Indigenous and Endemic Plants

Through the Opti-AromaQ research project, CUT advances the study, propagation, and sustainable use of indigenous and endemic aromatic plants, many of which are naturally drought-tolerant. The project promotes ecological innovation in cultivation and processing methods while strengthening knowledge transfer to young researchers, businesses, and the wider public. These activities support SDG 15 by enhancing plant biodiversity conservation, promoting responsible use of natural resources, and encouraging climate-resilient agricultural practices.

2023

Scientific Publications related to SDG 15* = 25

*During the period 2019-2023

 

Citation impact_ SDG15*= 3.03

*Annual average during the period 2019-2023

 

R&D activities (funded projects)

  • Title: European Union’s REKonstructed content in 3D
  • Acronym: EUreka3D
  • Funding framework: DIGITAL
  • Abstract: This program collaborates with UNESCO and Professor Ioannides hold the UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology. UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. Moreover, it takes into account and contributes to the gender equality, Climate action and life below water.
  • Title: Co-curating in the Phygital Museum and the creation of alternative narratives and transcultural “voices” towards developing inclusive and sustainable museums
  • Acronym: Erasmus+ ExhiBIT
  • Funding framework: ERASMUS+
  • Abstract: The Erasmus+ Project Co-curating in the Phygital Museum emphasizes co-curatorship through “phygital” strategies, blending physical and digital experiences to foster broader visitor engagement in multicultural, post-pandemic museum spaces. Aligning with the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027), the ExhiBIT project supports Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) professionals in enhancing digital skills and pedagogical approaches to promote social inclusivity. By advancing co-curatorship practices, it facilitates dialogue with underrepresented societal groups to collaboratively shape inclusive and participatory museum environments.