LIFE programme - Country Factsheet

CYPRUS
Overview
Since the launch of the LIFE programme by the European Commission in 1992, a total of 35 projects have been financed in Cyprus. Of these, eleven focus on environmental innovation, six on nature conservation, one on information and communication and 17 on capacity building. These projects represent a total investment of 32 million, of which 17 million has been contributed by the European Union. This document provides an overview of LIFE in Cyprus. It showcases success stories and ongoing initiatives, indicates how to find further information on the projects and provides a list of current projects in Annex. Every year a call for project proposals is launched for its three components: Nature and Biodiversity, Environment Policy and Governance, and Information and Communication. You will find more details on all current LIFE projects in Cyprus in the annexed lists.

Last update: 29/07/13

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European Commission, DG Environment LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

Environment Policy and Governance

As Cyprus only joined the European Union in May 2004, all projects between 1992 and 2004 were financed under the LIFE Third Countries component (see dedicated section below). So far, the LIFE Environment Policy and Governance component has co-financed eleven projects in Cyprus. These projects represent a total investment of 14 million, of which the EU has contributed 7 million. Of these projects, one was completed in 2008. A summary of the results is presented in the box below. One other project, related to industrial waste and the setting-up of an environmental management system for the Tsiakkas winery in western Cyprus, is currently closing. There are nine ongoing projects in Cyprus, which cover issues such as: waste management (demonstrating a sustainable conversion technology for energy generation and a sustainable processes for managing waste and wastewater); industrial waste (demonstrating an environmentally and financially sustainable procedure for the management and treatment of returned, expired dairy products); agricultural waste (developing, demonstrating and evaluating an integrated system for the treatment of livestock waste); wastewater management at the scale of the river basin (strengthening the scientific basis of water management programmes, including criteria development for pollutants with a high potential impact on environmental quality and biodiversity); air quality (assessing the environmental, social and financial impacts arising from the adoption of a carbon dioxide allowance trading scheme for the shipping industry in three countries: Cyprus, Greece and Denmark, and supporting the competent Cypriot authorities in preparing efficient and cost-effective particulate matter management plans); climate change (reinforcing Cyprus adaptive capacity to climate change ; demonstrating a sustainable conversion technology for energy generation, and sustainable processes for waste and wastewater handling; and pointing the way towards a more economically and environmentally sustainable electricity grid in Cyprus and Europe); and industry-production (demonstrating alternative methods for the production of bricks, ceramics and cement using waste quarry slurry as a raw material). The projects are being implemented by national authorities, universities and a large enterprise (Vivartia Cyprus) and will run for between 24 and 44 months.

Environmental Policy Support Tool for Recycling in Islands (R.E.P.T.) LIFE07/ENV/CY/000081

The REPT project successfully developed and tested a pilot Decision Support Tool (DST) for the assessment of environmental and financial aspects of waste recovery and recycling on islands. This has provided a valuable tool to support the competent authorities in the EU Member States in designing and implementing better recycling policies, in accordance with the relevant EU Directives. The project partners analysed the current situation with regards to PW (glass, metals, plastics and paper) and WEEE (cooling equipment, CRT screens and fluorescent lamps) in each participating country, taking account of spatial and temporal inventories, waste legislation frameworks and detailed cost-benefit assessments of existing management systems from a technical, managerial, environmental and financial perspective. The work identified the main economic and environmental constraints faced by islands in the implementation of cost effective and sustainable recycling schemes aimed at meeting the requirements of the EU Directives. It confirmed that the recovery/recycling measures promoted on islands differed from those on the mainland. Recycling schemes on islands often proceed despite not being financially viable and often achieve lower recovery rates. Additional, preparatory work for the establishment of the DST was completed, including the definition of a database of important parameters, such as the fuel consumption per km for different methods of transport. The completed DST comprised programmes capable of: estimating quantities of waste from data on population levels and economic activities; forecasting future waste volumes; calculating the environmental emissions including emissions of dangerous substances - and energy consumption of different waste management processes; analysing what-if scenarios for different management processes and producing reports presenting outcomes from different systems. The DST was tested by the participating beneficiaries, and it identified promising environmental approaches or best available techniques (BATs) for the recovery and recycling of waste on small islands, including five specific scenarios. The DST was disseminated at the projects final conference and made available on the project website, together with a us ers' manual. The University of Cyprus will continue to provide on-line support to stakeholders interested in using the DST in other island contexts for at least five years after the project ended. For further information: http://www.eng.ucy.ac.cy/rept/

Last update: 29/07/2013

European Commission, DG Environment LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Nature and Biodiversity

To date, the LIFE Nature and Biodiversity has co-financed six projects in Cyprus. These projects represent a total investment of 8 million, of which the EU has contributing 5 million. One project was completed in 2008. A summary of the results is presented in the box below. The other five projects are ongoing. One is addressing the threatened status of priority plant species and habitat types by establishing and managing a network of five plant micro-reserves. Another project aims to improve the conservation status of 20 fauna species (including Coluber cypriensis, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Myotis nattereri) and their habitats within 14 Natura 2000 sites. The third projects main objective is to improve the conservation status of important bird species in the Oroklini Lake area. The fourth project is seeking to improve the conservation status of the priority habitat type 9560* (Endemic forests with Juniperus spp.) in Cyprus, while the fifth project aims to promote and enable the long-term conservation of arborescent matorral with Zyziphus and gypsum steppes in Cyprus. The projects have an average duration of 36 to 42 months and are carried out exclusively by two governmental bodies (the Ministry of agriculture, natural resources and the environment and the Game Fund).

Conservation management (COMANACY) LIFE04/NAT/CY/000013

in

Natura

2000

sites

of

Cyprus

This project was successful in restoring Q. infectoria woodland and in the management of human activities in the Troodos mountains. A peat grassland area targeted by the project is now completely safe from trespassing and there are no longer visible signs of human activities, which has greatly helped habitat recovery. The restored Q. infectoria woodland is now the largest area of this habitat in Europe, and represents the most important area for the endemic S.morrisii. The project also established guidelines for the drawing up of management plans for all Natura 2000 sites in Cyprus. Overall, the project contributed significantly to the conservation of unique habitats and species in Cyprus and raised awareness about the Natura 2000 network and nature conservation issues. This first involvement of local authorities in the management of a LIFE Nature project also enhanced their capacity and laid the groundwork for the continuation of nature conservation activities in Cyprus.

For further information: http://www.life-natura-sites.cy.net/

Last update: 29/07/2013

European Commission, DG Environment LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Information and Communication

Projects funded under this LIFE+ component aim to disseminate information and raise the profile of environmental issues. They also provide training and awareness-raising on the prevention of forest fires. To date, there is one ongoing project in Cyprus under the LIFE+ Information and Communication component. In accordance with the targets set out in the EUs 2020 biodiversity strategy (EU COM (2011) 244 final) , and the EUs 2020 target to halt the loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems, the projects objective is to conduct an awareness-raising campaign focusing on aspects of biodiversity. Its aims are described in more details in the project box below. The results of the project will be included when it closes. The projects total investment comes to 1.4 million, of which the EU is contributing 48.71%. The project beneficiary is Dias Publishing House Public Ltd, the largest and one of the oldest media groups in Cyprus. The project started in September 2012 and will run for a period of 36 months.

An awareness-raising campaign in Cyprus for appreciating biodiversity in our life (BIOforLIFE) LIFE11/INF/CY/000863
In accordance with the targets set out in the EUs 2020 bi odiversity strategy (EU COM (2011) 244 final), the objective of this project is to conduct an awareness-raising campaign focusing on aspects of biodiversity. It aims to improve understanding of the concept of biodiversity among the public generally and in particular among influential policymakers or actors whose decisions/actions have an impact on biodiversity protection (e.g. the judiciary/law enforcement, politicians, government departments, the tourism industry and hunters). The project will be underpinned by a media campaign targeting the general public and aimed at promoting: an understanding of biodiversity and the need to protect species and habitats; better acceptance of the Natura 2000 process and its importance to the lives of Cypriots; and a more effective integration of biodiversity into land-use (territorial) decisions. The project expects to reach more than 300 000 individuals per year through this media campaign (i.e. some 33% of the Cypriot population). In addition, it aims to reach more than 1 000 policymakers and persons in positions of influence through 10 conferences and 11 training workshops for specific audiences (hunters, civil servants, local authorities officials, judiciary/law enforcement personnel, tourism practitioners, teachers, etc..). The tourism industry will be engaged in vocally promoting biodiversity through its representatives and by publicly condemning destructive actions such as the trapping of birds and uprooting tulips. The project expects that the positive responses towards biodiversity in the Eurobarometer opinion survey should, thanks to the campaign, increase by at least 10%. An information pack for 12-17 year olds will also be produced and circulated to some 40 000 pupils. Finally, a 10% reduction in mortality rates for turtles and raptors is expected. For further information:

http://www.cyprusbiodiversity.eu

Last update: 29/07/2013

European Commission, DG Environment LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Third countries
At the end of 2006, the LIFE Third Countries component had co-financed seventeen projects in Cyprus. These projects represented a total investment of 8.5 million, of which 5.2 million was contributed by the European Union. The projects had wide-ranging themes, including: the reduction of traffic and noise pollution; sustainable development in rural communities; integrated control of industrial pollution and chemical substances; the introduction and pilot application of EMAS; the creation of cycling networks in Cypriot towns; the assessment and management of mining waste; and the sustainable management of waste from pig farms. Apart from three projects that were carried out by NGOs, the beneficiaries were all national authorities. The projects had an average duration of 36 months. The project presented in the box below is an example of a successful LIFE Third Countries project in Cyprus.

Guidelines to the Cyprus Competent Authorities for Policy Formulation for Sustainable Management of pig-farming wastes in Compliance with EU Practice (PIGWASTEMAN) LIFE03/TCY/CY/000021
Pig waste is a source of serious annoyance and environmental pollution in Cyprus. Areas with high concentrations of pig farms suffer from odour problems, a deterioration in the quality of surface and ground water and soil, and restrictions on the use of land. The PIGWASTEMAN project was implemented to tackle the lack of proper handling of pig waste and, more specifically, the disposal of wastewater from pig farms. The project was carried out in collaboration with Greek and Danish experts. In response to suggestions by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, the project also recommended best available techniques (BAT). For further information: http://pigwasteman.ari.gov.cy/

Last update: 29/07/2013

European Commission, DG Environment LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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How to find out more about LIFE and LIFE projects

By surfing on the LIFE website
The LIFE website provides a wealth of information on the LIFE programme: http://ec.europa.eu/life/

By searching on the LIFE projects

For further information on LIFE projects in Cyprus or LIFE projects in general, please consult the online LIFE projects database. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm The easy-to-use database is the authoritative source of information on all ongoing and closed LIFE projects. The database also provides information on the beneficiaries, their contact details, and the projects websites.

By contacting: The National Contact Point for Cyprus

Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment of Cyprus Name: Address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website: Dr. Charalambos HAJIPAKKOS, Senior Environment Officer Ms. Marilena PAPASTAVROU, Environment Officer CY - 1498 Lefkosia +357 22408927 +357 22408926 N/A chajipakkos@environment.moa.gov.cy mpapastavrou@environment.moa.gov.cy Department of Environment

The Monitoring Team for Cyprus

ASTRALE GEIE - PROSPECT C&S c/o Mrs G. Valaoras 14 Asklepiou GR - 10680 ATHENS Tel: +30 210 361 00 88 Fax: +30 210 362 02 85 E-mail: prospect@astrale.org

Last update: 29/07/2013

European Commission, DG Environment LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Recent Environment Policy & Governance projects in Cyprus

Project Title Project Number Website Click on the icon to read the project summary Project duration

Environmental Policy Support Tool for Recycling in Islands (R.E.P.T.)

LIFE07 ENV/CY/00081

http://www.eng.ucy.ac.cy/rept/

01/2009> 12/2010

Advanced systems for the enhancement of the environmental performance of WINEries in Cyprus (WINEC) Demonstration of an integrated waste-to-energy system for energy generation from biodegradable organic waste and wastewater (INTERWASTE) Strengthening the scientific foundation of water quality programs (WATER) Impact assessment for the adoption of CO2 emission trading for maritime transport (MARITIMECO2) Particulates monitoring, modelling and management (PM3) Sustainable management via energy exploitation of end-oflife dairy products in Cyprus (DAIRIUS) Development of a national strategy for adaptation to climate change adverse impacts in Cyprus (CYPADAPT) Quarry Resource Efficiency Demonstration Project (QuaResE) Smart net metering for promotion and cost-efficient grid-integration of PV technology in Cyprus (LIFE+ SmartPV) Sustainable management of livestock waste for the removal/recovery of nutrients (LIFE LIVE-WASTE)

LIFE08 ENV/CY/000455

http://www.eng.ucy.ac.cy/winec/ 02/2010> 10/2012

LIFE08 ENV/CY/000457

http://www.interwaste.org/ 01/2010> 09/2012

LIFE08 ENV/CY/000460 LIFE08 ENV/CY/000461

http://www.life-water.eu/ 02/2010> 07/2013 http://www.maritimeco2.com/ 01/2010> 07/2012

LIFE09 ENV/CY/000252 LIFE10 ENV/CY/000721

http://www.ess.co.at/LIFE/ 01/2011> 12/2013 http://www.dairiusproject.com/ 02/2012> 01/2015

LIFE10 ENV/CY/000723

http://uest.ntua.gr/cypadapt/ 09/2011> 03/2014

LIFE11 ENV/CY/000859 LIFE12 ENV/CY/000276

http://www.quarese.com

06/2012> 11/2014

N/A

07/2013> 03/2017

LIFE12 ENV/CY/000544

N/A

09/2013> 08/2016

Last update: 29/07/2013

European Commission, DG Environment LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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Recent Nature & Biodiversity projects in Cyprus

Project Title Project Number Website Click on the icon to read the project summary Project duration

Establishment of a Plant Micro-reserve Network in Cyprus for the Conservation of Priority Species and Habitats (PLANT-NET CY) Improving the Conservation Status of Fauna Species in Cyprus: from microhabitat restoration to landscape connectivity (ICOSTACY) Restoration and management of Oroklini Lake SPA (CY6000010) in Cyprus (OROKLINI) Improving the conservation status of the priority habitat type 9560* (Endemic forests with Juniperus spp.) in Cyprus (JUNIPERCY) Improving the conservation status of the priority habitat types *1520 and *5220 at the Rizoelia National Forest Park (LIFE-RIZOELIA)

LIFE08 NAT/CY/000453

http://www.ncu.org.cy/plantnet/hom e.html

01/2010 > 06/2013

LIFE09 NAT/CY/000247

http://www.icostacy.gov.cy

10/2010 > 03/2014

LIFE10 NAT/CY/000716

http://www.orokliniproject.org 01/2012 > 12/2014

LIFE10 NAT/CY/000717

http://www.junipercy.org.cy 01/2012 > 06/2015

LIFE12 NAT/CY/000758

N/A 09/2013 > 02/2017

Recent Information and Communication projects in Cyprus

Project Title Project Number Website Click on the icon to read the project summary Project duration

An awareness-raising campaign in Cyprus for appreciating biodiversity in our life (BIOforLIFE)

LIFE11 NAT/CY/000863

http://www.cyprusbiodiversity.eu 09/2012 > 09/2015

Last update: 29/07/2013

European Commission, DG Environment LIFE E.3 & E.4 Units (http://ec.europa.eu/life/)

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