Cyprus

The environmental challenges facing Cyprus stem from development and neglect. Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean, separated territorially between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. An independent state formed in 1983, it is recognized only by Turkey. Cyprus buffets the three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it a significant island in the Mediterranean basin. The terrain of Cyprus presents diverse landscapes, including two mountain ranges, the central plains of Messariois, and a differentiated coastline that is threatened by erosion and flooding.

The political and territorial partition of the island produces unique challenges to environmental management; unity is an elusive condition. The exodus of a large number of refugees from the north of the island following the Turkish deployment of troops in 1974 subsequently triggered a rapid development of the Greek–Cypriot region. The construction of a vibrant tourist industry, which has evolved from mass tourism to visitors seeking first-class amenities and leisure provisions such as international competition-grade golf courses, swimming pools, and elite resort development, has introduced fresh challenges in the management of water-hungry professional and public amenities. The increase in visitor complexes and urban development has disturbed wildlife habitats and increased demands on naturally scarce resources. While property development and tourist flows have been affected by the recession in the world economy, problems persist from development.

The growth in the tourist sector and expanding material wealth has created challenges in controlling waste management, including industrial, human, and animal solid waste, complications that have not been resolved. Ironically, the expansion of the port in Limassol and the escalation of sea freight generated by exports to other European Union (EU) members has generated marine pollution beyond the Akrotiri Bay from ballast and foreign algae, which is having a derogatory impact on the wider coastal environment. Throughout the island, the large military environmental footprint, which disturbs fragile resources, is also present.

Water is a key resource issue in Cyprus. As the island has no extensive natural reservoirs or substantive water catchments, groundwater contamination from agriculture, surface contamination from industrial chemical pollution, and aggressive organic compound emissions are compromising the sustainability of freshwater reserves, a resource crucial to the well-being of the island. Lower rainfall linked to climate change is producing droughts, which necessitate multiagency responses and microactions in meeting the challenges. In the long term, the key source of freshwater is produced by rain. Therefore, it is likely that climate change will continue to have a dramatic impact on Cyprus.

The Republic of Cyprus's membership in the EU and its need to comply with environmental legislation in the areas of air quality and emissions standards is generating compliance. However, waste management issues such as rubbish, sewage, and chemical discharge continue to cause concern.

In the Turkish sector, domestic water supplies are often precarious, culminating in serious supply issues that impact public health. With border restrictions increasingly relaxed, and Turkey's interest in becoming a member of the EU, it is possible that coordinated policies on long-standing problems will be resolved to stem the challenges arising from a range of environmental issues. The increased tourist flow to the northern part of the island, as well as improved living standards, will nevertheless place additional demands on existing resources. Mining also continues to generate problems; for example, the facility at Lefke provokes controversy and concern.

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