I.A.CO Environmental and Water Consultants Ltd and Frederick University as a joint venture have signed a Contract with the Water Development Department (WDD) for the implementation of the Project “Sampling, Sample analysis and evaluation of biological quality elements. Implementation of Article 8 of Directive 2000/60/EC” for the three-year period 2026-2028.
The monitoring of the Biological Quality Elements (BQEs) is conducted within the framework of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC. This involves the collection of field data on aquatic flora (macrophytes and diatoms), benthic macroinvertebrates and fish. The data is essential for the assessment and classification of the ecological status of rivers in Cyprus, supporting the implementation of the 5th River Basin Management Plan (RBMP).
During the Project, additional information will be collected concerning the presence and indicative population of alien species and selected native species of aquatic fauna. These include three amphibian species, as well as the terrapin, the freshwater crab and the eel – species protected under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EC or listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Through the Project, it is expected that any pressures affecting the island’s riparian ecosystems will be identified and that appropriate mitigation measures will be proposed.
