Environmental Information Management Archives

CYPRUS SHELF SEABED MAPPING – BYTHOS Project

The main purpose of the BYTHOS Project titled “Cyprus Shelf Seabed Mapping” of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (Tender Procedure No. 13/2017) was to conduct a comprehensive Hydrographic Survey in order to improve the knowledge of the seabed topography and the safety of the navigation and the environment.

CLIENT: Department of Fisheries and Marine Research

REGION: Cyprus

TYPE: Environmental Information Management

DURATION: 04/2018 – 04/2019

OTHER PARTNERS: Subcontracted by Lighthouse S.p.A and METRICA S.A.

The aim of the BYTHOS project was to support the ongoing Cypriot national endeavor of improving its seabed topography knowledge, in order to ensure the safety of both navigation activities and the environment. A comprehensive hydrographic survey covering a water depth range starting from the isobath of -50m to approximately -250m with an area of 1.195km²was the main objective of the Project. Part of the Project – which I.A.CO was awarded – was the implementation of Lights and Buoys survey along the coastline of Cyprus coupled with the provision of support material for nautical publications i.e. photographs shooting of sites such as Fishing Shelters, Ports and Marinas.

A total number of 51 lights, 76 buoys and 74 sites were provided by the Client, together with the relevant information to be collated and presented in tabular form. All survey items were numbered in a sequential manner based on the list provided by the Client. The coastal area of Cyprus was divided in 9 survey areas: Paralimni, Ayia Napa – Ormideia, Larnaca, Zygi, Limassol, Akrotiri, Paphos, Peyeia, and Akamas – Pyrgos. The offshore activities, with a total duration of 11 days, were executed by a boat, while one day of onshore surveying activities was required for surveying the listed items. A GNSS (Global Navigaiton Satellite System) GPS system was used for the offshore and onshore survey.

The tasks that were successfully completed and the services that were provided are the following:

Survey of the listed lights provided by the Client. For each light, a table containing information such as location, structure description and height, was filled.
Survey of the listed buoys provided by the Client. For each buoy a table with information such as the type and name of mark, the shape and the color of the buoy, the color and the rhythm of the buoy’s light, was filled.
Identification and survey of new lights and buoys.
Photographs shooting of 74 sites that were provided by the Client including Ports, Marinas, Fishing Shelters, private installations, major industrial and urban areas, marine protected areas, etc.
Additional photographs shooting of other new sites, which were considered “points of interest” within the scope of the Project.
Production of Maps for each survey area showing the findings of the survey.
Submission of a “Lights, Buoys and Sites Survey” Report to the Client.

Assessment of the Current Situation of Public Water Supply Works for all Municipalities and Communities in Cyprus not supplied by Town Water Boards. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

in Environmental Information Management

Assessment of the Current Situation of Public Water Supply Works for all Municipalities and Communities in Cyprus not supplied by Town Water Boards

Cyprus has always had a problem of water shortage, resulting in problems in the balance of water supply and demand, especially in times of recurring droughts. The policy of the Water Development Department promotes the sustainable management of water resources in Cyprus, aiming to address water scarcity due to droughts and also uncontrolled development. Also the provisions of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD) are applied, which also aim in the sustainable management of water resources. This project is part of the sustainable development and management of water resources in Cyprus and its aim was the investigation of the current situation of water supply networks to Municipalities that are not covered by the supply of the main Water Boards.

Client: Water Development Department Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment
Cyprus

Region: Cyprus

Type: Environmental Information Management, Water & Flood Management

Duration: 09/2009 – 06/2010

Other Partners: ENVECO S.A. (Greece)

Drought is a matter of great importance for Cyprus. Cyprus has always had a problem of water shortage, resulting in problems in the balance of water supply and demand, especially in times of recurring droughts. The policy of the Water Development Department promotes the sustainable management of water resources in Cyprus, aiming to address water scarcity due to droughts and also uncontrolled development. Also the provisions of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD) are applied, which also aim in the sustainable management of water resources.

This project is part of the sustainable development and management of water resources in Cyprus and its aim was the investigation of the current situation of water supply networks to Municipalities that are not covered by the supply of the main Water Boards.

Extensive actions of data collection took place through questionnaires and interviews with representatives of Municipalities and the collected data were inserted into a project – specific database and used for statistical analyses.

The aspects that were examined covered: water sources, water meters (number, quality), water losses, water supply networks (quantity and quality), service water reservoirs, possible water cuts during the summer period, methods of water billing to the consumers, etc.

The main conclusions were:

All Municipalities had individual water meters for measuring water consumption for each establishment. There was an increasing nationwide trend of water meters installed of around 6-7% per year.
The percentage of unregistered water was around 25%.
The Nicosia District had the highest percentage of Municipalities that needed to bring in line additional boreholes for addressing the water supply needs during the summer months.
During years with normal to high precipitation most Municipalities made no cuts in the water supply. However, during years of drought this changes significantly where around 30% of the Communities apply cuts to water supply.
The methods of water pricing and consumer billing vary to a great extent among the Municipalities. This applies to the fixed charge and to the consumption – pricing scales, billing frequency, water price per cubic meter, etc.
Other aspects that emerged were:
microbiological water pollution, in some cases, especially in communities where they use springs for their water supply, especially after a period of heavy rainfall
seasonality yield in many boreholes and springs
actual and potential increase in residential zones resulting in increased water demand and need of new infrastructure (network, service reservoir etc.)
absence or insufficiency of water valves that isolate parts of the supply network in case of failure
existence of asbestos pipes in some cases
old networks in several communities that result to large water losses due to frequent breakdowns

Suggestions and future recommendations were made.

Development of Integrated National Water Monitoring Programme and Development of Associated Databases supporting the implementation of Article 8 of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

in Environmental Information Management, Water & Flood Management

Development of Integrated National Water Monitoring Programme and Development of Associated Databases supporting the implementation of Article 8 of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC

The main objectives of the project were the design of an integrated national monitoring programme for all water categories (rivers, lakes, coastal and groundwater) of Cyprus according to the provisions of Article 8 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC and the design of integrated databases and associated Geographical Information System (GIS) applications to store, analyse and present the data collected.

Client: Water Development Department Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Cyprus

Region: Cyprus

Type: Water & Flood Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Information Management

Duration: 04/2006-01/2008

Other Partners: WL|Delft Hydraulics (Netherlands) – ENVECO S.A. (Greece) – Ecologic (Belgium) – D. Argyropoulos (Greece) – Nikolaides & Associates (Cyprus)

The specific objectives of the study were to:

The design of an integrated national monitoring programme for all water categories (rivers, lakes, coastal and groundwater) of Cyprus according to the provisions of Article 8 of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC
The design of integrated databases and associated Geographical Information System (GIS) applications
The direct beneficiaries of the Project were the Water Development Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment (MANRE) as the Implementing Agency and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of MANRE and the State General Laboratory of the Ministry of Health as Co-operating Agencies.

The tasks that were successfully completed and the services that were provided were:

Evaluation of existing situation and technical – institutional framework conditions
Development of efficient and reliable monitoring programme that fulfilled the requirements of the WFD and preparation of Action Plan
Standardisation of data collection and data recording procedures, improving data accessibility
Development of environmental quality criteria for target chemicals
Development of Integrated Databases and associated GIS system that are suitable to store, analyse and present the data collected
Support in the implementation of the Monitoring Programme
Capacity Building and Training Programme for the personnel of the Beneficiaries in order to monitor, analyse, store and present data

The monitoring plan and the relevant databases were designed based on the following principles:

Compliant to the WFD 2000/60/EC requirements and to corresponding Guidance Documents
Suitability to the characteristics and conditions of water bodies in Cyprus
Consistency with the requirements of other relevant directives
Adaptation to existing knowledge and experience
Technical, economic and institutional feasibility

Implementation of Articles 4 & 5 of the Flood Directive 2007/60/EC in Cyprus. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

in Environmental Information Management, Water & Flood Management

Implementation of Articles 4 & 5 of the Flood Directive 2007/60/EC in Cyprus

The aim of the project was the implementation of Articles 4 and 5 of the Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks and the relevant national legislation. The main objectives were the preliminary flood risk assessment in accordance with the relevant guidance documents and the identification of areas for which there is serious potential flood risk

Client: Water Development Department Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Cyprus

Region: Cyprus

Type: Water & Flood Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Information Management
Duration: 01/2011 – 01/2012

Other Partners: –

The main objectives of the project were:

Preliminary flood risk assessment in accordance with the relevant guidance documents
Identification of areas for which there is serious potential flood risk
The tasks that were successfully completed and the services that were provided were:
Preliminary flood risk assessment on River Basin District level
Inventory of important past flood events that can be used to predict important negative impacts of similar events in the future
Classification of the past flood events based on the significance impacts on human life, human health, economy, cultural heritage and Environment
Impact assessment of climate change on flood occurrences
Assessment of adverse impacts of potential future major flood events
Methodology development for the identification of areas for which there is significant potential flood risk, using GIS tools to a great extent. This included the selection of rivers’ segments with a catchment area greater that 10 Km2 (in most cases) that are located in urban areas, which include residential uses, public use areas, industrial, commercial and tourist areas. A buffer zone was created and the potential flood impacts on human health, environment, cultural heritage and economy were evaluated. This evaluation took under consideration the recording and evaluation of historic flood events.
Detailed maps and information sheets were prepared for all the areas of significant potential flood risk that were identified.

The project resulted in the identification of 19 areas – river segments, for which there is significant potential flood risk. These need to be further studied in order to prepare flood hazard maps and flood risk maps for different flood scenarios. These will be used to prepare the Flood Risk Management Plans (until 2015).

National Inventory Preparation and Assessment of Mine Waste Facilities including closed/ abandoned mines and elaboration of Model Waste Management Plans. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

in Environmental Information Management, Waste & Pollution Management

National Inventory Preparation and Assessment of Mine Waste Facilities including closed/ abandoned mines and elaboration of Model Waste Management Plans

The project aimed in the National Inventory Preparation and Assessment of all the Mine Waste Facilities in Cyprus, including closed/ abandoned mines, that can potentially cause environmental impacts according to the requirements of Directive 2006/21/EC “on the management of waste from extractive industries” and the national legislation, Formulation of model Waste Management Plans and Development of suitable Database to store and present all the collected data.

Client: Environment Department
Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Cyprus

Region: Cyprus

Type: Waste & Pollution Management, Environmental Information Management

Duration: 12/2010 – 12/2011

Other Partners: ENVECO S.A. (Greece)

The main objectives of the project were:

National Inventory Preparation of all the Mine Waste Facilities in Cyprus, including closed/ abandoned mines according to the requirements of Directive 2006/21/EC “on the management of waste from extractive industries” and the national legislation
Assessment and classification of the active Mine Waste Facilities in Cyprus based on the risk to cause adverse impact into the environment, especially in water, soil and air
Assessment and classification of the closed/ abandoned Mine Waste Facilities in Cyprus based on the risk to cause adverse impact into the environment, especially in water, soil and air
Formulation of model Waste Management Plans
Development of suitable Database to store and present all the collected data

The tasks that were successfully completed and the services that were provided were:

Collection and recording of all available data for all mine waste facilities in Cyprus
Review of international best practices regarding the management of mine waste facilities and restoration of mine waste sites
Extensive field work to identify existing extractive waste facilities, including closed/ abandoned mines
Topographic survey of mine waste facilities and determination of the ownership of each facility
Assessment and Classification of both the active and the closed/ abandoned Mine Waste Facilities in Cyprus based on the risk to cause adverse impact into the environment, especially in water, soil and air according to the National Legislation (Law 82(Ι)/2009)
Development of Database suitable to store and present the data collected
Formulation of model Waste Management Plans

In Cyprus the most active extractive waste facilities are originated from quarrying activities, apart from one active copper mine. The majority of the active mine waste facilities have minimum risk to cause adverse impact into the environment, due to the inert characteristics of these wastes.

In contrast, there are many abandoned mine waste facilities, originated from the intense copper mining activities during the second half of 20th century. The majority of these facilities can cause adverse impact into the environment, especially in the degradation of the quality of water and soil.

Preparation of the National Inventory of Emissions, Discharges and Losses of Priority and Priority Hazardous Substances in accordance to Article 5(6) of the Environmental Quality Standards Directive 2008/105/EC (under the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC Common Implementation Strategy). Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

in Environmental Information Management, Waste & Pollution Management

Preparation of the National Inventory of Emissions, Discharges and Losses of Priority and Priority Hazardous Substances in accordance to Article 5(6) of the Environmental Quality Standards Directive 2008/105/EC (under the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC Common Implementation Strategy)

The aim of the project was the establishment of an inventory of emissions, discharges and losses for all priority substances (PS) and pollutants in Cyprus River Basin District according to the Article 5 of Directive 2008/105/EC on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy (Directive EQS) and the relevant national legislation.

Client: Environment Department
Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Cyprus

Region: Cyprus

Type: Waste & Pollution Management, Environmental Policy, Water & Flood Management, Environmental Information Management

Duration: 07/2012 – 02/2013

Other Partners: –

The aim of the project was the establishment of an inventory of emissions, discharges and losses for all priority substances (PS) and pollutants in Cyprus River Basin District according to the Article 5 of Directive 2008/105/EC on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy (Directive EQS) and the relevant national legislation.

The inventory included all the information regarding the relevance of priority substances within the River Basin District, the spatial distribution and the load discharged into the aquatic environment, in order to support the preparation of the new Management Plans under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC and the adoption of appropriate measures on reducing emissions, discharges and losses of priority.

The inventory included:

Information gathered pursuant to Articles 5 and 8 of Directive 2000/60/EC, Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 and other available data
Review of the current state of all priority substances and pollutants, according to all available information
Register of point and diffuse sources (industrial installation, farms, waste water treatment plants, agriculture, etc.) that are related to emissions, discharges and losses of priority substances and pollutants
Classification of pressures (very Important, important, less important) according to the Water Framework Directive
Presentation of all the above in suitable maps

Based on the above analyses, recommendations were made on the major potential sources of priority substances for each river watershed and on the adjustment needs of the national water monitoring programme so that to include water bodies that are expected to have priority substances.

The results of this project contribute to the following:

Support the adoption and implementation of targeted measures to reduce emissions, discharges and losses of priority substances and to lead to the gradual elimination of emissions.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Programme of Measures of the River Basin Management Plan
Assessment of whether and to what extent the monitored concentrations of PS are derived from natural sources or processes or distance-transport processes of pollutants
Support to the Commission in monitoring compliance with environmental goals set by the WFD
Gap identification in local knowledge and indication of the need for new strategies and policies
Support to the implementation of the Water and Marine Strategy Frameworks.

Policy development guidelines to the Cyprus competent authorities for sustainable management of pig farming wastes in compliance with EU practice. LIFE 3rd Countries, European Commission.

in Environmental Information Management, Research and Development, Waste & Pollution Management

Policy development guidelines to the Cyprus competent authorities for sustainable management of pig farming wastes in compliance with EU practice

The aim of the project was to support the competent authorities of Cyprus to formulate a waste disposal policy in accordance to the EU practice for sustainable management of the pig-farming wastes.

Client: LIFE 3rd Countries
European Commission
subcontracted by Nikolaides & Associates (Cyprus)

Region: Cyprus

Type: Waste & Pollution Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Information Management

Duration: 01/2004 – 12/2006

Other Partners: Agricultural Research Institute (Cyprus) – Nikolaides & Associates (Cyprus) – National Technical University of Athens (Greece) – BIOSCAN A/S (Denmark) – Environment Service (Cyprus)

The aim of the project was to support the competent authorities of Cyprus to formulate a waste disposal policy in accordance to the EU practice for sustainable management of the pig-farming wastes.

The main objectives of the project were:

Support of the Cyprus competent authorities for the design and implementation of a piggery waste management and disposal policy in accordance to the EU Directives in view of the accession process and EU requirements of Cyprus
Promotion of policies and tools for environmental protection and pollution prevention due to pig farm waste management in Cyprus
Promotion of the sustainability of pig farming in the national policy of Cyprus
Identification and demonstration of feasible and sustainable piggery waste management techniques, suitable to Cyprus local conditions
Dissemination of information and training of the competent authorities and farmers on piggery waste management through publications, workshops and website
Preparation of a guidance document towards policy formulation for sustainable management of the pig farming wastes, in compliance with EU Directives, for use by the competent authorities of Cyprus

The tasks that were successfully completed and the services that were provided were:

Assessment of the current situation in Cyprus, through:
- - Examination of surface and groundwater pollution from piggery waste disposal in Cyprus
  - Assessment of piggery waste management practice in Cyprus
  - Review of piggery waste management and control technologies (Best Available Techniques)
  - Review the recovery, recycling and reuse of piggery waste in agriculture in Cyprus and similar practice elsewhere
Implementation of pilot schemes with promising waste management techniques
Examination of economic – cost issues on piggery policy
Dissemination and training actions (guidance document, publications, workshops, website)

National Action Plan and Programme of Measures towards Combating Desertification in Cyprus. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

in Enviromental Policy, Environmental Information Management

National Action Plan and Programme of Measures towards Combating Desertification in Cyprus

The project’s aim was the preparation of a National Action Plan to combat desertification in compliance to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and in line with all relevant national legislation, and the elaboration of a Programme of Measures.

Client: Environment Department
Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Cyprus

Region: Cyprus

Type: Environmental Policy, Environmental Information Management

Duration: 08/2007 – 12/2008

Other Partners: –

The main objectives of the project were:

Elaboration of a National Action Plan to combat desertification based on the obligations that arise from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and all the relevant national legislation.
Identification of Environmentally Sensitive Areas threatened by desertification in Cyprus
Elaboration of a Programme of Measures to combat desertification
Public awareness and consultation

The tasks that were successfully completed and the services that were provided were:

Detailed analysis of the obligations that arise from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and all the relevant national legislation that need to be incorporated in the National Action Plan for Cyprus
Identification of the factors and processes that contribute to desertification with particular reference to the conditions of Cyprus. The main factors were climate, topography, vegetation, geology, soil, hydrology and anthropogenic impacts. The main processes that were analysed were erosion, reduced rainfall in recent years, non sustainable irrigation methods, chemical pollution, etc.
Based on the current situation and the possible trends, future predictions for the desertification were elaborated under various scenarios.
Based on the current situation and the possible trends, future predictions for the desertification were elaborated under various scenarios.
Elaboration of the National Action Plan to combat desertification, which included:
- - Identification of Environmentally Sensitive Areas threatened by desertification
  - Evaluation of current policies and measures, including policies in other relevant aspects such as Rural Development Plan, Water Policy, Forest Action Plan, CAMP, etc.
  - Assessment of the need for further more efficient institutional arrangements and procedures
National strategy to prevent and combat desertification and promote sustainable land use and water resources management
Identification and proposal of concrete and practical measures necessary for the prevention and combating of desertification and mitigation of the effects of drought
Prescription of the role of the State, local government and land users
Assessment of the required resources (financial, institutional and technical) to implement the national Action Plan and the Programme of Measures.
Extensive awareness and consultation campaigns with the public and stakeholders

Elaboration of Water Pricing Policies according to Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC and Design of related Databases. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

in Enviromental Policy, Environmental Information Management

Elaboration of Water Pricing Policies according to Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC and Design of related Databases

Consultancy services to the Water Development Department (Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus) for the implementation of Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC. This involved the economic analysis of the water services and water uses, the elaboration of suitable Water Pricing Policies and the design and development of related databases supporting the above.

Client: Water Development Department
Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Cyprus

Region: Cyprus

Type: Environmental Policy, Water & Flood Management, Environmental Information Management

Duration: 03/2008 – 03/2010

Other Partners: ENVECO S.A. (Greece) – DRAXIS Environmental Technology (Greece) – D. Argyropoulos (Greece)

The main objectives of the project were:

The elaboration of suitable Water Pricing Policies, according to the provisions of Articles 5 and 9 of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC and according to the local conditions and needs.
The development of Information Protocols and Database System to support all information and data needed for the economic analyses
The tasks that were successfully completed and the services that were provided included the following:
Identification of water services (drinking water, irrigation, secondary wastewater treatment, recycled water), water providers and water uses/ users.
Water Supply – Demand Analysis per water source, water service, water providers and water uses (detailed water balance)
Determination of the importance of water uses (according to water demand, pressures and socioeconomic factors)
Cost analysis per water service (financial cost, environmental cost, resource cost)
Estimate of level of total cost recovery per water service
Elaboration of suitable Water Pricing Policies in order to achieve appropriate cost recovery per water service
Proposal for exemptions to the water pricing policies considering socioeconomic impacts, or other local needs/conditions
Development of Information Protocols and Database System that can support all the information and data needed for the economic analyses, and clients capacity building
Execution of an extensive awareness and consultation campaign with the public and stakeholders

CYPRUS SHELF SEABED MAPPING – BYTHOS Project

Assessment of the Current Situation of Public Water Supply Works for all Municipalities and Communities in Cyprus not supplied by Town Water Boards. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

Development of Integrated National Water Monitoring Programme and Development of Associated Databases supporting the implementation of Article 8 of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

Implementation of Articles 4 & 5 of the Flood Directive 2007/60/EC in Cyprus. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

National Inventory Preparation and Assessment of Mine Waste Facilities including closed/ abandoned mines and elaboration of Model Waste Management Plans. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

Policy development guidelines to the Cyprus competent authorities for sustainable management of pig farming wastes in compliance with EU practice. LIFE 3rd Countries, European Commission.

National Action Plan and Programme of Measures towards Combating Desertification in Cyprus. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

Elaboration of Water Pricing Policies according to Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC and Design of related Databases. Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus.

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