Research

Projects

Centro Balear de Biodiversidad

CBB Projects

  • 2024

    High-resolution climate change maps for the Balearic Islands with expected multidisciplinary applications

    This project, in collaboration with research groups specializing in ecology, hydrogeology, botany, and physics, aims to create high-resolution climate change maps for a wide range of multidisciplinary applications. The data produced will be publicly accessible and valuable for assessing impacts across key sectors such as renewable energy, urban climate, tourism, and agriculture—areas where the participating research teams bring significant expertise. In addition, the findings will play a critical role in shaping effective strategies to conserve biodiversity and safeguard vital ecosystem functions.

    IP: Maria Capa (UIB)

    Source of funding: Barcelona Supercomputing Service (Centro Nacional de Supercomputación / Red Española de Supercomutación)

  • 2022-2024

    Artificial reef-based marine bioremediation (REefVOLUTION)

    REefVOLUTION is an interdisciplinary, holistic project that brings together marine ecologists, biochemists, geographers, botanists, and analytical chemists. Its mission is to restore and bioremediate coastal seabeds in the Balearic Islands impacted by the continuous discharge of treated and regenerated wastewater. The project combines two innovative approaches:

    1) The use of artificial reefs built with cutting-edge Biorock technology, integrated with benthic, filter-feeding, or suspension-feeding organisms.

    2) The development of advanced analytical screening methods using high-performance chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify and measure unregulated emerging organic pollutants present in treated wastewater discharged through marine outfalls.

    By addressing the harmful effects of organic chemical pollutants, REefVOLUTION seeks to revive native marine flora and fauna, restoring balance to degraded coastal ecosystems.

    PI: Manuel Miró (UIB)

    Source of funding: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación.

  • 2022-2023

    Analysis of the vulnerability of protected marine invertebrates in the Balearic Islands through genetic analysis of their populations

    This project aims to develop a methodology for studying the genetics of selected protected marine invertebrate species in the Balearic Islands. By analyzing the connectivity between their populations, the study seeks to evaluate their vulnerability and resilience to environmental changes. Designed as a pilot project, it will assess the precision and reliability of the results within the marine protected areas of the Balearic Sea, laying the groundwork for a larger research effort in the future. The findings could play a critical role in shaping conservation strategies, species management plans, and the effective planning of protected natural areas.

    PI: María Capa (UIB)

    Source of funding: Govern de les Illes Balears.

  • 2022-2023

    Catalogue of eukaryotic organisms of the Balearic Islands

    The project aims to produce an exhaustive catalogue of eukaryotic species cited in the Balearic Islands based on partial databases, updated scientific literature and expert opinion. This catalogue of Balearic biodiversity is an indispensable tool for the understanding, management, management and conservation of the region’s natural resources, the ecological processes in which they participate and the ecosystem services that these organisms, and the ecosystems in which they are found, provide to society.

    PI: Javier Gulías (UIB)

    Source of funding: Govern de les Illes Balears.