Information on national adaptation actions reported under the Governance Regulation
Reporting updated until: 2023-03-12
Item | Status | Links |
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Meteorological observations |
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Climate projections and services |
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Adaptation portals and platforms |
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Monitoring, reporting and evaluation (MRE) indicators and methodologies |
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Key reports and publications |
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National communication to the UNFCCC | ||
Governance regulation adaptation reporting |
Direct impacts of climate change on Cyprus biodiversity arise mainly from decreased rainfall and increased temperature, droughts, fluctuations in intensified precipitation, sea level rise and increased atmospheric CO2. These impacts are expected to worsen in future period (2021–2050) as already projected PRECIS and ENSEMBLES prediction system. Biodiversity is affected by numerous factors concerning the climate, ecology, society, culture, economy and technology (United Nations University, 2005). In terms of climate, the main factors affecting the biodiversity of Cyprus are among others the following: Variability (uneven geographic distribution and temporality of precipitation) - Reduction of frequency of precipitation -Increase of frequency of rainfall’s intensity -Increase of temperature (and certain variables of temperature) - Heat-wave -Reduction of snow cover in Troodos -Increase of evapotranspiration (contributes to the intensification of soil drying).
The above mentioned pressures in combination with other factors such as the island’s landscape fragmentations, the intrusion of harmful invasive alien species and the deteriorated freshwater quality, are expected to threaten further and in more complicated way, mainly the terrestrial, marine and freshwater biodiversity of Cyprus.
The tertiary sector (services) is the biggest contributor to GVA, accounting for about for about 83,2% in 2021. This development reflects the gradual restructuring of the Cypriot economy from an exporter of minerals and agricultural products in the period 1961-73 and an exporter of manufactured goods in the latter part of the 1970s and the early part of the 80s, to an international tourist, business and services centre during the 1980s, 1990s and the 2000s. The secondary sector (industry) accounted for around 14,9% of GVA in 2021. The primary sector (agriculture and fishing) is continuously shrinking and only reached 1,9% of GVA in 2021. In terms of the recent economic performance of the economy, positive growth rate of 5.2% was recorded in 2018, following a rate of 5.2% in 2017 as well. In 2019, the economy grew at a slower rate of 3.1%, which was however, significantly higher than the EU and euro area average (1.5% and 1.3% respectively).
Tourism sector constitutes one of the main drivers of economic growth in Cyprus. In 2018 and 2019, tourism exhibited a record number of tourist arrivals (increase by 7.8% and 1% respectively). The professional services sector turned out to be remarkably resilient during the 2012-2013 economic crisis. This sector was also key in the turnaround of the Cyprus economy and is expected to remain important in the future years. Cyprus’ shipping sector is also an important growth driver for Cyprus. By combining strong geographical, institutional and commercial advantages Cyprus has managed to amass the 11th largest merchant fleet in the world and 3rd largest merchant fleet in the EU.
In the labour market, unemployment decreased to 8.4% and 7.1% in 2018 and 2019 respectively, from the peak of 16.1% in 2014. As regards public finances, targets have been met with considerable margins in recent years. More specifically, in 2019, fiscal balance was positive of the magnitude of 1.7% of GDP, supporting debt sustainability, with public debt falling to 95.5 of GDP, from 100.6% of GDP.
After reaching a surplus in 2019, the fiscal measures adopted to fight the pandemic and the consequent falling revenues (-6.1%) pushed the general public budget into negative territory, at -3.9% (IMF estimates). The deficit should narrow to 1.5% of GDP in 2021 and 0.2% in 2022 as the support measures are gradually eased and revenue collection picks up. The public debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to follow a similar trend: after rising to 118.4% in 2020, it should gradually decrease to 112.4% this year and 105.1% in 2022 (IMF). Nevertheless, the situation remains uncertain, as the rollout of the second phase of the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) and higher compensation for public employees are set to boost public expenditure progressively in the forecasted period. Inflation was negative by 0.6% in 2020, due mostly to lower energy prices, and it should stabilize around 1% in the next couple of years.
The impact of the COVID-19-led crisis on the labour market has been mitigated by temporary income support measures, which targeted especially employees in the tourism sector. As a result, unemployment stood at 8% in 2020 (from 7% one year earlier), and is expected to gradually decrease this year and in 2022 (to 7% and 6.4%, respectively). In recent years, a strong focus on the service and skilled industry, along with industrial and agricultural growth, has allowed the country to improve its already high standard of living; however, 22.3% of the population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion (Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus), with the trend likely to be worsened by the ongoing global crisis.
Based on the Cyprus National Reform Program 2016, the national 2020 target for the reduction of poverty and social exclusion is: “The Reduction of the number of people-at risk-of-poverty and social exclusion by 27,000 people or decrease the percentage form 23.99% in 2008 to 19.3% by 2020.” However, based on the Poverty Watch Report that follows, the above target is far from being reached. The latest data available (2019) shows that poverty percentage in Cyprus, the AROPE indicator, is 22.3%, which is below the 2008 percentage (23.6%). This is without taking into consideration the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic to the economy in 2020, with the increase of the unemployment, being the main problem. This is likely to reduce the economic development and slow down the declining rhythm of the poverty percentage, towards reaching the NRP target for 2020 of 19.3%. According to Cystat 22.3% or 194.400 people living below the poverty threshold and the unemployment rate at 6.8% in the second quarter of 2020, in comparison with 6.5% in the corresponding quarter of 2019. This is attributed mainly to those sectors of the economy that have the most impact by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the Poverty Watch reports aims to highlight specific issues and groups of citizens who face particular problems of poverty and social exclusion.
With respect to infrastructure the attached are noted with relevance to adaptation. This information has been obtained from the National Climate Change Risk Assessment which was carried out in 2014-2016.
This data is used by the department for research purposes and relevant articles have been published (climatic model evaluation, climate change assessment studies, quantification of change concerning atmospheric parameters etc.).
On routine basis, the DOM utilizes the information to create climate periods for reference concerning wind, temperature, rainfall, vegetation and drought using both statistics and GIS methodologies.
The database is also offered to educational and research institutes for research activities and funded programs on relevant topics.
Current Projects associated to climate monitoring, modelling, projections and scenarios:
• EMME-CARE: Eastern Mediterranean – Middle East Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (H2020/Teaming)
• CELSIUS: Projecting temperature climate extremes at regional to urban scale (Cyprus Research & Innovation Foundation, RIF EXCELLENCE)
• CORDEX: Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (WMO-WCRP)
Forest fire risk monitoring and prediction (http://map.disarmfire.eu/Cyprus): Live fire indices, Active Fire Monitoring (satellite estimations), short-term and climate-scale forecasts of fire indices
Vector-borne disease risk (http://vbd.cyi.ac.cy/): climate-scale prediction of species suitability
Current Projects:
• EMME-CARE: Eastern Mediterranean – Middle East Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (H2020/Teaming)
• CELSIUS: Projecting temperature climate extremes at regional to urban scale (Cyprus Research & Innovation Foundation, RIF EXCELLENCE)
• CORDEX: Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (WMO-WCRP)
Tools/methodologies::
Model: WRF as a Regional Climate Model (RCM) dynamically downscaling Global Climate Model (GCM) projections of CCSM4
Spatial Resolution: 50 x 50 km (completed), 24 x 24 km (under way)
Temporal Resolution: daily output
Emission scenario: RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5
Period: 1950-2100
Variables: 3D atmospheric variables, including surface climate one (Tmax, Tmn, Precipitation, Wind Speed, Relative Humidity etc)
Long-term annual and seasonal averages (30-year climatologies) of surface climate variables
Indices of temperature extremes, based on absolute level, threshold, percentile and duration, as defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI)
Forest fire risk indices
Vector population dynamics model/FuzzyLoc decision support system for vector-borne prediction
Forest fire risk monitoring and prediction (http://map.disarmfire.eu/Cyprus): Live fire indices, Active Fire Monitoring (satellite estimations), short-term and climate-scale forecasts of fire indices
Vector-borne disease risk (http://vbd.cyi.ac.cy/): climate-scale prediction of species suitability
Hazard type | Acute/Chronic | Observed climate hazards |
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Water | Acute | Drought |
Flood | ||
Chronic | Changing precipitation patterns and types | |
Precipitation hydrological variability | ||
Water scarcity | ||
Solid mass | Acute | |
Chronic | ||
Temperature | Acute | Heat wave |
Wildfire | ||
Chronic | Changing temperature | |
Temperature variability | ||
Wind | Acute | Storm |
Chronic |
Hazard type | Acute/Chronic | Future climate hazards | Qualitative trend |
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Water | Acute | Drought | significantly increasing |
Flood | significantly increasing | ||
Glacial lake outburst Future | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Heavy precipitation | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Snow and ice load | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Chronic | Change in sea ice cover | evolution uncertain or unknown | |
Changing precipitation patterns and types | significantly increasing | ||
Ocean acidification | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Precipitation hydrological variability | significantly increasing | ||
Saline intrusion | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Sea level rise | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Water scarcity | significantly increasing | ||
Solid mass | Acute | Avalanche Future | evolution uncertain or unknown |
Landslide Future | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Subsidence Future | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Chronic | Coastal erosion | evolution uncertain or unknown | |
Soil erosion | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Sol degradation | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Solifluction | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Temperature | Acute | Cold wave frost | evolution uncertain or unknown |
Heat wave | significantly increasing | ||
Wildfire | significantly increasing | ||
Chronic | Changing temperature | significantly increasing | |
Permafrost thawing | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Temperature variability | significantly increasing | ||
Wind | Acute | Cyclone | evolution uncertain or unknown |
Storm | significantly increasing | ||
Tornado | evolution uncertain or unknown | ||
Chronic | Changing wind patterns | evolution uncertain or unknown |
Climate in Cyprus is generally characterized by mild rainy winters, occasional droughts, and long, hot and dry summers. In winter, the average daytime temperature ranges from 12–15°C while the wet season extends from November to March, with most (approx. 60%) of the rain falling between December and February. Precipitation is generally associated with the movement of moist maritime flows to the North, occurring particularly over areas of high elevation. Winter precipitation is closely related to cyclogenesis in the region. In summer, the average maximum temperature in coastal regions is 32oC and often reaches 40oC in lowland continental areas. This is attributed to the extension of the summer Asian Thermal Low which is evident throughout the eastern Mediterranean in all seasonal circulation patterns and associated high temperatures and abundant sunshine. The characteristic summer aridity of the region has significant implications in several socio-economic sectors.
Recent studies on present and future climate have shown that this semi-arid island has been affected and is expected to be relatively strongly affected by the projected warming and related changes. The already observed shift of the mean synoptic weather patterns in Europe and in the close area has been connected with increase in appearance of heavy rainfall events, rainfall, heat events and severe dust events. Therefore, Cyprus, where diverse and extreme climate conditions are already common, is likely to face increases in the frequency and intensity of droughts and hot weather conditions in the near future, with probably disproportional impacts.
Some of the future climate changes were projected by using PRECIS as the main Regional Climate Model and the A1B scenario of the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which provides a good mid-line scenario for carbon dioxide emissions and economic grow.
The predictions of future climate change were examined in two future periods i.e. the near future period 2021-2050 and the distant future period 2071-2100. The derived values of various climatic parameters in Cyprus for both future stages were compared to the reference values during the period 1960-1990 (control period). The projected climate changes for the 2021- 2050 period were made by using six additional simulation models of the ENSEMBLES prediction system beside PRECIS, whereas for the 2071-2100 period the emissions scenarios A2 and B2 were use in addition to the A1B.
The future period 2021-2050 has been chosen specifically and examined in detail for the needs of stakeholders and policy makers, in order to assist their planning in relation to adaptation measures, impacts and vulnerability assessment.
In general, regional climate models consistently predict an overall warming and drying of Cyprus with significant impacts in human health, energy use, water resources and other socio-economic sectors Pronounced warming and precipitation reductions are also detected from time series of temperature and precipitation parameters, regarding representative locations of Cyprus during the period 1951-2100.
Source: National Communication 8, available at https://unfccc.int/[…]/8th-NatCom-V1.4_submited301222.pdf
Vector-borne disease risk (http://vbd.cyi.ac.cy/): climate-scale prediction of species suitability
Key affected sectors
Key affected sector(s) | water management |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | high |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | |
Assessment | Water availability is an essential resource for both humans and ecosystems. Cyprus is already facing intense problems of water shortage and drought, which are expected to intensify as a result of climate change. Several habitat types among different habitat groups are sensitive to changes in water quantity. Among them, there are habitat types like the endemic Peat grasslands of Troodos (6460), which conservation absolutely depends on the hydrologic development of the area. Forests and other wooded lands in Cyprus suffer considerably by drought and water stress that in certain years can be particularly intense. Due to the existence of long, dry and hot summers as well as the low levels of winter precipitation between 1993 and 2000, a significant number of trees dried out in the forests of the island. Climate change is expected to exacerbate the pressures on Cyprus’s natural resources, which are already stressed due to the island’s semi-arid climatic conditions. As a consequence, adverse effects are projected on water availability, with subsequent effects on waterdependent ecosystems, flora and fauna species. Furthermore, a climate induced reduction in forest productivity could lead to decrease efficiency to store. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | high |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | high |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | |
Assessment | In order to combat this gap, between the increasing demands for water and the reducing water supply , due to the impacts of climate change, several adaptation measures, plans and water works have been implemented or planed by the Government. The Programme of Measures defined in the Cyprus River Basin Management Plan includes inter alia measures which are expected to reinforce Cyprus’ adaptive capacity to the decreasing availability of freshwater resources and thus to climate change. Many of the measures adopted have already alleviated the problem of water scarcity. Thus the domestic water supply is continuous with the supplement of desalinated water. As for the future situation is concerned, the sum of the average estimated freshwater and non-freshwater resources for the period 2021-2050 (341Mm3 ) is expected to fully satisfy future water demand from all sectors. However desalinated water is distributed mainly in the urban centers of Cyprus through Government Water Works (GWW), while other areas, such as the mountain communities, depend solely on freshwater resources (mainly groundwater) for meeting their drinking water needs (WDD, 2009a). The future adaptive capacity to water availability for domestic water supply in the plain and coastal areas, and in the mountain areas, is considered to be high to very high, and limited to moderate, respectively. On the other hand, the measures applied have not yet managed to fully satisfy water demand for irrigation as agriculture constitutes the main water consumer in Cyprus. In addition water is not evenly distributed whether it is freshwater or recycled water. In particular, recycled water for irrigation is distributed only in the plain and coastal areas. While the irrigation in mountain areas depends on the water available in the storage reservoirs which are of limited capacity and during drought periods their reserves are depleted, and on private boreholes, thus resulting in the overexploitation of aquifers. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | high |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | |
Assessment | Cyprus has already experienced severe droughts and water scarcity events, with desertification being a well-known phenomenon in many part of the island. Increased demands for water have led to dams’ constructions dating back to 1900 and severe overexploitation of water resources. Extended trees dieback, such as the extended diebacks of several tree species after the prolonged drought period of 2005- 2008, are also documented. Nowadays, conservation measures are applied in order to restore aquifers and ecosystems through management plans. Monitoring and management of water bodies, is implemented according to the WFD, which was incorporated in the legislation of Cyprus (Law No. 3812/2004) and will enforce the existing Law 82/30 for Public Rivers Protection. Cyprus has also prepared management plans for drought, water quality and quantity, protected areas (in accordance with the EU Directives for Habitats and Bird), as well as for the river basin management. Meanwhile, the intensification of soil monitoring and the implementation of the CAP and of the Convention to Combat Desertification are expected to help erosion control and limitation of drying. As far as it concerns Forestry Sector, the DoF has taken action considering the implications of droughts and high temperatures and prepared a Short-term Action Plan for the Confrontation of the Implications of Drought in Cyprus state forests. The exposure of the quality of water bodies in Cyprus (which, are already in bad qualitative condition) are considered more vulnerable to climate change impacts.Consequently, it was estimated that the future adaptive capacity of water quality to climate changes is moderate for the case of surface water and limited to moderate for groundwater. |
Key affected sector(s) | health |
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitude | high |
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards | |
Assessment | It is likely that certain risks are not going to be evenly distributed, with urban populations (especially Nicosia) appearing to be more affected by heatwaves and heat-related mortality due to Urban Heat Island. In the urban areas where the air pollution levels are elevated, heat waves are more frequent. Furthermore, the increases in temperatures would be higher in the interior than on the coast of Cyprus, which leads to higher adverse health implications on the population living inland. Most risks in the health sector are strongly correlated to social demographics. The elderly for example are typically more vulnerable to most health impacts, and a projected ageing population is likely to increase these risks. Heat related deaths are a function of several factors, including the age distribution of the population, levels of deprivation, and social capital (i.e. social networks and contacts). However, the relationship between temperature related mortality, deprivation and social capital is very complex and not possible to characterise within this assessment. Higher temperatures may cause an earlier and possibly longer pollen season. More days with high pollen concentrations would result in more people with hay fever and pollen asthma. Annual excess heat mortality due to CC in the 2050s can increase by 94% under the moderate CC scenario and up to 126% under the more pessimistic CC scenario. In the 2080s can increase by 104% under the moderate CC scenario and up to 268% under the more pessimistic CC scenario. Annual excess heat morbidity expressed in terms of patient-days in hospital per year, will also increase proportionally. |
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climate | medium |
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate | |
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacity | medium |
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity | |
Assessment | The overall future vulnerability of public health to future climate changes, in terms of sensitivity, exposure, adaptive capacity based on the available data is as presented in a Table in the Climate Change Risk assessment. As it can be seen from the table, the public health of Cyprus is not considered vulnerable to climate changes mainly due to the fact that it is characterized by a good adaptive capacity. The only vulnerability that was identified through the CYPADAPT project is related to the deaths and health problems from heat waves and high temperatures. Thus, the adaptive capacity should be enhanced with urgent and satisfactory measures for the effective protection of the population from heat waves. |
Rating for the risk of potential future impacts | high |
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts | |
Assessment | As temperatures increase, mainly during summer months, this can have a subsequent effect on the number of premature deaths as a result of heat related illnesses (i.e. cardio-vascular and respiratory diseases). These deaths tend to increase above a set temperature threshold, with the threshold and rate of increase varying between regions. Temperature mortality (heat-related) has been addressed by assessing the change in mortality rate based on published exposure response functions, threshold temperatures and data on maximum daily temperature and daily death counts. Heat-related mortality and morbidity are the main challenges that the Sector will face due to climate change. Cyprus can be considered as a country with high aging population. This poses a serious challenge to the health and pension system of Cyprus. The population groups that are most vulnerable to heat waves are the elderly, persons with pre-existing chronic diseases, people confined to bed, children, population groups with low socio-economic status, workers in outdoor environments. The occupations most at risk of heatstroke, include construction and agriculture/forestry/fishing work. It is likely that certain risks are not going to be evenly distributed, with urban populations appearing to be more affected by heatwaves and heat-related mortality due to Urban Heat Island. In the urban areas where the air pollution levels are elevated, heat waves are more frequent. Furthermore, the increases in temperatures would be higher in the interior than on the coast of Cyprus, which leads to higher adverse health implications on the population living inland. Annual excess heat mortality due to CC in the 2050s can increase by 94% under the moderate CC scenario and up to 126% under the more pessimistic CC scenario. In the 2080s can increase by 104% under the moderate CC scenario and up to 268% under the more pessimistic CC scenario. |
Overview of institutional arrangements and governance at the national level
The Department of Environment (DOE) of MARDE as the approved body by the Council of Ministers to monitor the implementation of the NAS and NAP organised between November 2017 and July 2018 meetings with the General Director of MARDE and consultations with all implementing bodies involved for planning the implementation of adaptation measures during 2019 and the preparation of national budget of 2020. Changes to the measures in the NAP adopted by the Council of Ministers in May 2017, details of the implementation of the measures as well as new measures were discussed during these meetings and can be found in the 1st Annual Report.
The DOE has also organised meetings with academic and research institutions and NAP implementing bodies in order to discuss the financing of adaptation measures through financial instruments additionally to the national budget. These meetings resulted in the preparation and submission of a proposal under the LIFE financial instrument (LIFE Integrated Projects) for financing the implementation of NAS. Unfortunately, the proposal that was submitted was not successful.
Furthermore, some autonomous adaptation actions are being undertaken at sectoral level. For example, the Institute of Agricultural Research and the Ministry's Department of Forests are undertaking projects which facilitate adaptation. Moreover, the Cyprus Institute presented a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Pedieos River Basin to the Environment Committee of the Cyprus Parliament in February 2017.
There are a number of instances of cooperation with wider regional authorities, municipalities, community groups and private local enterprises.
The Department of Environment (DOE) of MARDE is the approved body by Council of Ministers’ Decision, which adopted the NAS and NAP in May 2017, to monitor the implementation of the NAS and NAP. The same Decision also clearly states that the NAS and NAP is reviewed annually.
Data are collected for each adaptation measure and a review is being prepared. The deadline for submitting the review to the Department of Environment was 15th May 2018. DOE drafted a progress report that was sent to the relevant stakeholders and then to the Council of Ministers for adoption. The 1st Annual Report that was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 5th December 2018 includes, inter alia, the following:
New data on the recording of observed and future climate change in Cyprus.
New data in the assessment of the impacts of Cyprus's climate change, adaptation and vulnerability.
Activities carried out for the implementation of the NAS and NAP for the period 2017-2018.
Updated adaptation measures and actions for Cyprus to climate change.
DOE is in constant contact with the implementing bodies to discuss the implementation of the NAP, the modification of the measures, if necessary, and the resources (human and financial) needed. Reviews coordinated by the Department of Environment involve all stakeholders, as stated in the Council of Ministers’ decision that adopted the NAS and the NAP in May 2017. The process of the review follows the following steps:
Previous version of the NAP/NAS are sent to all involved stakeholders.
Sectoral meetings take place with directly involved stakeholders.
Overall meetings take place for the overview of the NAS/NAP review.
The final draft version of the reviewed NAS/NAP is forwarded for final comments to all stakeholders.
The final draft version of the reviewed NAS/NAP is forwarded to the Council of Ministers for approval.
CAMP-Cyprus, which is implementing activities in the southern peri-urban coastal area of Larnaca town with regard to:
biodiversity,
capacity assessment,
strategic environmental assessment and
environmental economics and economic instruments.
It involves the co-operation of Larnaca municipality and the communities of Pervolia, Meneou and Kiti.
The COASTANCE project for coastal zone adaptation, which includes an assessment of the coastal risks and management measures for the pilot case of Mazotos area in Larnaca District.
The MAREMED project on adaptation in coastal areas in which the Larnaca District Development Agency is partnering with 14 regions from five countries.
• The River Basin Management Plan and Water Policy, drafted in the framework of the
Water Framework Directive
• The Flood Risk Management Plan, drafted in the of the Floods Directive
• The National energy efficiency action plan of Cyprus, drafted in the framework of the
Energy Efficiency Directive
Some of the gas and barriers in the adaptation action are:
•A significant number of policies and measures included in the NAP, are voluntary and there is no legal enforcement for their implementation. Therefore there is no guaranty that these will be implemented at the level that is needed.
•For a number of actions there are no performance indicators available for the monitoring and evaluation of their implementation. Furthermore, there is no quantifiable target in the adaptation strategy (as in GHG emission reduction % in the mitigation startegy) in order for Cyprus to appreciate how close it is , in achieving its target.
•As shown in the policies and measure table attached, for some of the actions, the cost of implementation cannot be estimated.
• For the water resources sector, the total additional cost of implementation is 7.2 million euros. Out of a total of 9 actions for this sector, 5 are already at the implementation stage, 2 are medium- term and 2 are long-term actions
• For the soil sector, the total additional cost of implementation is 1.2 million euros. Out of a total of 4 actions for this sector, 3 are already at the implementation stage and 1 is medium- term action.
• For the Coastal Areas sector, the total additional cost of implementation is 0.7 million euros. Out of a total of 4 actions for this sector, 3 are short-term and 1 is medium-term action.
• For the Biodiversity sector, the total additional cost of implementation is 0.8 million euros. Out of a total of 6 actions for this sector, 2 are already at the implementation stage, 2 are short-term, 1 is medium- term and 1 is long-term action
• For the Agriculture sector, the total additional cost of implementation is 0.9 million euros. Out of a total of 8 actions for this sector, 2 are already at the implementation stage, 4 are short-term and 2 are medium-term actions
• For the Forest sector, the total additional cost of implementation is 6 million euros. Out of a total of 4 actions for this sector, 3 are already at the implementation stage and 1 is short-term action
• For the Fisheries sector, the total additional cost of implementation is 0.1 million euros. There is 1 medium- term action.
• For the Health sector, the total additional cost of implementation is 0.2 million euros. Out of a total of 9 actions for this sector,5 are already at the implementation stage and 4 are short-term, actions
• For the Energy sector, the total additional cost of implementation is 312 million euros. Out of a total of 9 actions for this sector, 3 are already at the implementation stage, 2 are short-term, 2 are medium- term and 2 are long-term actions.
• For the Infrastructure sector, the total additional cost of implementation is 0.3 million euros. Out of a total of 7 actions for this sector 4 are short-term ,3 are medium- term actions.
• Sustainable Development Strategy
• Biodiversity strategy
• Water policy framework
• Common Fisheries Policy
• National Agricultural Policy
• River Basin Management Plan
• Drought action plan
• Strategy for forests
• Disaster risk management strategy
The adaptation strategy was available under public consultation before finalized and adopted. Furthermore, monitoring reports are produced every year from 2018 after communication with all relevant stakeholders. These reports are available publicly at the website of the Department of Environment, in the Greek language. The latest report was completed in 2022 for the progress of implementation of the NAS until 2021. In terms of vulnerable groups two measures included in the NAS are:
•Installation of Photovoltaic System in homes of vulnerable electricity consumers where only in 2021, 1022 applications where processed
•Grant scheme for replacement of energy-intensive electrical appliances in homes of vulnerable electricity consumers. The Plan aims to provide financial incentives, in the form of government sponsorship, for the implementation of energy saving measures and specifically in replacement of energy-intensive electrical appliances in homes of vulnerable people electricity consumers.
Selection of actions and (programmes of) measures
The future vulnerability of the infrastructure sector is assessed in terms of its sensitivity, exposure and adaptive capacity based on the available quantitative and qualitative data for Cyprus and the climate
projections for the period 2021-2050, presented in the CYPADAPT project.
New data on the recording of observed and future climate change in Cyprus.
New data in the assessment of the impacts of Cyprus's climate change, adaptation and vulnerability.
Activities carried out for the implementation of the NAS and NAP for the period 2017-2018.
Updated adaptation measures and actions for Cyprus to climate change.
The Department of Environment has an open line of communication with the implementing bodies to discuss the implementation of the NAP, the modification of the measures, if necessary, and the resources (human and financial) needed.
Council of Ministers’ decision that adopted the National Adaptation Strategy and the Action Plan in May 2017. A more detailed assessment of the implementation progress of the measures identified on the Adaptation Action Plan will be undertaken for the preparation of the revised Adaptation Strategy Plan that is expected to start being prepared within 2023.
Good practices and lessons learnt
Cooperation and experience
In addition, the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through SDG 13 ‘Climate Action’, urges for action to combat climate change and its impacts through strategic planning in all countries, including city areas or metropolitan regions. The monitoring and coordination for the implementation of the SDGs in Cyprus is given to the Directorate General for European Programmes, Coordination and Development, so as to ensure the consistency of policies.
Finally, there are mechanisms in place to coordinate disaster risk management and climate adaptation and thereby ensure coherence between the two policies. The MARDE, notably the Department of Environment , the Department of Forests, and the Water Development Department are represented within the structure of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (UN Sendai Framework, Hyogo Framework for Action). The Platform was established in 2012 and is coordinated by the Department of Civil Defense.
Cyprus has concluded a number of STI Cooperation Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with third countries (i.e. United States, Israel, Russia, Egypt, China, Cuba). The choice of partner-countries is decided on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration Cyprus’ external policy priorities and the interest of the Cypriot Research Community for cooperation in R&I with a specific country.
Cyprus is also a founding member of SESAME and in fact, the only EU Member State participating as a full member, together with Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey, providing a link between the EU and the organization, which is highly valued by the European Commission in the context of scientific diplomacy.
The implementation of bilateral and multilateral agreements between Cyprus and other countries in the field of research and technological development and the promotion of the participation of, Cyprus
in European and International initiatives and organisations (COST, EUREKA, EUROSTARS, etc.) are carried out mainly by the RPF through relevant Schemes in the National Funding Programme “RESTART 2016-2020”.
Specifically, the National Framework Programme “RESTART 2016-2020”, under the priority “Extroversion – Open Horizons” includes 4 programmes (Bilateral Cooperation, International Collaboration-Dual targeting, EUREKA Cyprus and European Initiatives) for the enhancement of the extroversion of the R&I sector.
In the Eastern Mediterranean Region two trilateral schemes of technical cooperation and partnership have been recently initiated, at a high political level, between Greece, Cyprus and Israel and between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt, in 2016 and in 2017, respectively. The ultimate objective of these cooperative schemes is to enhance peace and stability in the region and facilitate the sharing of experiences, knowledge and know-how in order to promote joint projects of mutual interest, find solutions to common concerns and promote interconnectivity and complementarity of actions.
Cooperation on adaptation issues is a priority in the 2017 trilateral cooperation agreements between Greece-Cyprus-Israel and Greece-Cyprus-Egypt mainly focusing on the exchange of knowledge and know-how on adaptation policy monitoring, evaluation and good practice at regional and local scales.
Finally, there are already bilateral and multilateral sectoral programmes aiming at strengthening science and sharing of knowledge.
The cooperation on adaptation actions is also achieved through a number of bilateral and multilateral projects, funded mainly through EU competitive programmes. Examples of such programmes include Interreg and LIFE. Such examples include: Cooperation between Greece and other, mostly neighbouring, Union Member States on adaptation action in agriculture (i.e. LIFE Adapt2Clima project), urban adaptation (i.e. LIFE UrbanProof) and health (i.e. LIFE Medea
Moreover, an additional example of local activity is the MAREMED project on adaptation in coastal areas in which the Larnaca District Development Agency is partnering with 14 regions from five countries.
Overview of institutional arrangements and governance at the sub-national level (where “sub-national” refers to local and regional)
CAMP-Cyprus, which is implementing activities in the southern peri-urban coastal area of Larnaca town with regard to biodiversity,capacity assessment, strategic environmental assessment and environmental economics and economic instruments. It involves the co-operation of Larnaca municipality and the communities of Pervolia, Meneou and Kiti.
Stakeholders were involved in several phases of the project and in particular during the following: assessment of current and future impacts, adaptation and vulnerability assessment, identification and
assessment of the adaptation measures the development of the National Adaptation Strategy. The Adaptation Strategy has gone through two different consultation phases before it was finalised.
The Action plan is annually discussed with all the involved stakeholders assess the status of implementation of the activities included in the Action Plan and to plan the way forward, including budget availability. Sub-national strategies, policies, plans and efforts exist only at the level of local authorities, where some have prepared their local adaptation strategy.
The national adaptation strategy includes and number of other vertical strategies (e.g. biodiversity, desertification, coastal management, flooding, droughts) which however are all at national level.
Until recently, the focus of assessing the environmental footprint of an investment by a business or public authority was the energy efficiency of buildings, facilities, and vehicles. Regarding the digital transformation plan of a public or private enterprise, there is no evaluation framework and relevant indicators that would allow the measurement of such initiatives and plans in terms of their environmental / energy footprint. In line with the EU 's goals for a "twin transition", it is urgent to take steps to support a sustainable digital transformation.
Expected results:
An observatory for the evaluation of the energy efficiency of digital infrastructures (Trend recording, analysis of parameters that affect the green digital transition, creation of a barometer, promotion)
Comparative evaluation of results between the participating countries Preparation of an action plan for a green digital transition (roadmap)
The establishment of up to 13 Regional Task Forces was prepared , with the following scientific focus areas (or a combination thereof):
• Energy Systems
• Built Environment
• Health
• Water resources
• Agroforestry and Food Chain
• Marine Environment/Resources
• Education and Outreach
• Migration
• Tourism
• Enabling Technologies (monitoring, digitization, remote sensing, etc)
• Development of Green Economy and Innovation in the Region
• Cultural Heritage
Comprised of up to fifteen prominent scientists with expertise in the relevant topic in the EMME region, the Task Forces focused on collecting existing knowledge, in order to assess the situation, identify gaps in research and policy needs and provide a “toolkit” of possible actions to address the climate challenges in the region. In this regard, the Task Forces produced Thematic Reports (“White Papers”) in their respective areas of scientific focus. Input from the Task Forces feeds into a Comprehensive Scientific Report that contains an overarching conclusion, as well as technologically matured and economically affordable solutions for addressing the impacts of climate change in different socioeconomic sectors.