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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The Planning Bureau is in charge of the preparation of five-year Strategic Development Plans for the balanced development of the island’s economy and has responsibility for the broader coordination of the European Union accession process.
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
No information available.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
No information available.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information available.
Programmes and Projects
No information available.
Status
In view of the accession of Cyprus to the EU, the Cypriot economy is oriented to a more liberal one, with better macroeconomic returns and significant environmental benefits.
Challenges
No information available.
Capacity-building, Education, Training
and Awareness-raising
No information available.
Information
No information available.
Research and Technologies
No information available.
Financing
No information available.
Cooperation
No information available.
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
See under Chapters Energy and Transport.
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
See under Chapters Energy and Transport.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
See under Chapters Energy and Transport.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information available.
Programmes and Projects
See under Chapters Energy and Transport.
Status
No information available.
Challenges
No information available.
Capacity-building, Education, Training
and Awareness-raising
See under Chapter Energy.
Information
No information available.
Research and Technologies
See under Chapters Energy and Transport.
Financing
See under Chapters Energy and Transport.
Cooperation
No information available.
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information available.
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
No information available.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
No information available.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information available.
Programmes and Projects
See under the heading Financing in the various chapters of this profile.
Status
No information available.
Challenges
No information available.
Capacity-building, Education, Training
and Awareness-raising
No information available.
Information
No information available.
Research and Technologies
No information available.
Financing
No information available.
Cooperation
No information available.
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Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technology
Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information available.
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
See under Chapter Science.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
No information available.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
See under Chapter Science.
Programmes and Projects
See under Chapter Science.
Status
No information available.
Challenges
No information available.
Capacity-building, Education, Training
and Awareness-raising
No information available.
Information
No information available.
Research and Technologies
See under Chapter Science.
Financing
No information available.
Cooperation
See under Chapter Science.
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Biotechnology
Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
See under Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies.
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
Law
No. 150(I)/2001 established a national Bioethics Committee. In 2001, a bill was
submitted to the House of Representatives providing for the control of the
import, supply to the market and deliberate release into the environment of GMOs.
The
Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance (Department of Labour Inspection),
enforces the legislation on health and safety at work, which, among others,
covers risks from biological agents and genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs).
New Regulations are being prepared under the Safety and Health at Work Law to
cover the contained use of GMMs in Cyprus; they are expected to be enacted early
in 2002. The 1998 Seeds Law covers the registration of genetically modified
seeds.
The Animals (Scientific Experiments) Law of 1995 (No. 30(I)/95), and the Animals Health and Welfare Law (No. 46(I)/94), provide the framework legislation in the field of animal experiments. Implementing Regulations (No.18/2000) under the Animals (Scientific Experiments) Law, were passed in 2000. A new Law (No.25 (III)/1999) ratifying the Amended Protocol to the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experimental and Other Purposes was also passed. See also under Status.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
No information available.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information available.
Programmes and Projects
See under Capacity-Building, Education, Training and Awareness-Raising and Research and Technologies.
Status
There is only one laboratory in Cyprus carrying out animal experiments. An advisory committee takes ethics into account when issuing permits and a dual-licensing system exists, thus requiring both personnel and the project to be licensed. Personnel must be professionally trained in order to be issued with a permit. Dogs and cats are not used for experimentation in Cyprus. It is prohibited to test cosmetics on animals. The use of GMMs in Cyprus, is presently restricted to medical diagnostic purposes. The Ministry of Health is proceeding with the upgrading of the necessary equipment.
Challenges
No information available.
Capacity-building, Education, Training
and Awareness-raising
Know-how
is being built up in the Institute of Genetics and the Agricultural Research
Institute. The Ministry of
Health is proceeding with the training of the personnel.
Information
Currently all experiments with animals are reported and published in an annual report. The Ministry of Health is to establish a data bank with the results of the chemical and microbiological analyses.
Research and Technologies
Experimental
work in the field of genetics is carried out in Cyprus, and a molecular biology
unit is being set up.
Financing
No information available.
Cooperation
Cyprus is currently preparing to ratify the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism deals with: industrial estates; energy management and conservation; exploitation of new and renewable sources of energy; the management of a grants scheme which assists manufacturing industries in installing waste treatment systems; and accreditation and EMAS.
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
As
far as quarrying activity is concerned, the Mines and Quarries regulations refer
to the rehabilitation of affected areas in general; it is now required to submit
a plan for rehabilitation of areas affected. The Town and Country Planning Law
requires a planning permit, which is followed by a quarrying license, in order
to open up new areas. In addition, an Environmental Impact Assessment is
necessary before any new quarrying activity is licensed.
The
Cyprus Standards and Quality Control Organization has in recent years dealt with
issues relating to the Life Cycle Analysis of materials (LCA) as a tool for
their comparative evaluation, especially in the packaging field.
Enforcement of legislation regarding the control of industrial effluent and emissions under the Water Pollution Control and the Atmospheric Pollution Control laws is carried out through a system of inspection of premises and installations. Other inspectorates cover marine environment protection issues; public health issues; and the control of mining and quarrying.
A
bill was submitted to the House of Representatives in November 2001, providing
the restructuring and independence of the Cyprus Organization of Standards and
Control of Quality into a new Standardization and Accreditation Organization. A
verification organization was also established.
The
broader issue of risks and accidents from industrial sources is covered by the
Health and Safety at Work Law, which is in line with the ILO Safety and Health
Convention and the relevant legislation of the European Union. The land use
planning aspects are already adequately covered by the 1990 Town and Country
Planning Law. The final draft of the relevant regulations to be issued under the
Safety and Health at Work Law has been completed. Submission to the House of
Representatives is planned early in 2002. The relevant UN/ECE Convention is
planned to be ratified.
Control of noise is pursued through the general provisions of the Protection of Common Peace Law and land use planning instruments. A draft Bill on Noise, includes provisions to empower the competent authorities to issue mandatory abatement notices (orders), and for the adoption of ambient noise exposure levels, the preparation of programmes for the reduction of noise exposure, the establishment of noise abatement zones, etc. The first legal draft of a bill to regulate the level of noise emitted from household appliances was prepared, planned to be submitted to the House of Representatives in the middle of 2002. Noise emission levels from construction plant and equipment used outdoors will be adopted by the end of 2002, with regulations based on a broader framework law.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
The State provides Industrial Areas with the necessary infrastructure (roads, water supply, power supply, telephone network) and leases the land to industries. The Government has adopted a subsidy scheme to manufacturing units for the installation of industrial pollution control systems. The scheme covers systems for the processing of liquid/solid waste, recycling or reuse systems within the manufacturing process, and systems for the control of atmospheric pollution.
Basic
elements of the Government’s strategy are the expansion of the existing
markets for the export of products and the technological upgrading of the
industrial units.
Basic parameters of the environment/industry relationship are: the improved management of resources, aiming at their rational use; the use of information, in order for the consumer to have a better possibility of choice and for the public to acquire more trust in industrial activities and controls, as well as in the quality of products; and, the adoption of standards for productive procedures and products.
Decision-Making: Major
Groups involvement
Programmes and Projects
The Cyprus Organization of Standards and Control of Quality is already involved in Quality Systems Certification (ISO-9000) and is moving towards certification of an environmental management system (ISO-14000 and EMAS). In August 2000, the Council of Ministers decided the establishment of a private certification body.
A ‘LIFE’-financed project is currently being completed, aimed at establishing the mechanism and preparation for full implementation of EMAS. See also under Status.
Status
The
contemporary structure of the Cypriot economy placed emphasis on tourism and the
construction and agriculture sectors, making extensive use of the natural
resources. Other economic activities, particularly those relating to the
services sector, are now substantially reinforced.
The economy of Cyprus is dominated by small enterprises. The overwhelming majority of enterprises (99,9%) employ less than 250 persons, whereas 95% employ less than 10 persons. The basic point of reference is the small size of the industrial units that pollute the environment.
In the last years, the industries of Cyprus and other organizations have displayed a particular interest in the implementation of quality systems. The Cyprus Standards and Quality Control Organization, currently in charge of accreditation issues and product control matters, has promoted an enlarged definition of quality that, by its nature, includes environmental parameters. Furthermore, interest in promoting the Eco-label is being observed both on the part of consumers and of manufacturers due to the pressure created by competition because of the imported products bearing the label.
Over the last years, significant progress has been made in many sectors, particularly through the preparation and implementation of a new Industrial Policy, including the following schemes and incentives: the establishment of a Center for Technology, Research and Development for carrying out applied research and development in specific high-tech fields; provision of grants for the technological upgrading of industrial units investing in new machinery and equipment with the aim of increasing their productivity and improving the quality of their products; undertaking of studies for the adoption of standards e.g. ISO 9000, CE, HACCP, Eco-labelling etc; purchase of consultancy services for the improvement of technology, environment, organization, human resources etc.; operation of a Technological Information Center by the Institute of Technology to facilitate the transfer of technology to SMEs; full participation of Cyprus, as from 1999, in the Fifth Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration (1998-2002) of the European Union, which provides a line of action in favour of SMEs.
Challenges
Noise and congestion from intensive development pose growing environmental problems in built-up areas, the principal cause being traffic by various modes and entertainment and construction activities.
Capacity-building, Education, Training
and Awareness-raising
See under Status.
Information
See under Status.
Research and Technologies
See under Status.
Financing
Implementation of EMAS and Eco-label will be covered by the framework Bill on the Environment and related Regulations and the new Law on Standardization and Accreditation. Both texts will be enacted during 2002.
Cooperation
See under Decision-Making:
Legislation and Regulations.
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The Ministry of Communications and Works is responsible for: the enforcement of International Civil Aviation standards on noise from aircraft; motor vehicles inspection; and Type Approval for vehicles.
Decision-Making: Legislation
and Regulations
A
new bill on fuel quality specifications was prepared. A decision to upgrade the
oil refinery at Larnaca was taken, following an agreement between the Government
and Larnaca Municipality.
A
framework Law on Type Approval of Motor Vehicles (No. 18(I)/2000) was approved.
It provides the enactment of regulations and orders for conformity assessment,
which will enable Cyprus to request an EU certificate of conformity for all
imported motor vehicles.
The
Atmospheric Pollution Control Law (terminals, petrol stations) and the framework
law for motor vehicles (trucks) regulate VOC emissions from the
storage/distribution of petrol. A Notification (No.1998/99) was issued under the
Atmospheric Pollution Control Law, according to which all existing service
stations are obliged to install the necessary gas retention equipment by the end
of 2002. All new service stations must install this equipment during
construction. Regarding VOC emissions from the storage of petrol, the operating
conditions under the same law were issued in March 2001, obliging terminals to
install the necessary equipment also by the end of 2002.
The
Atmospheric Pollution Control Law also partially covers VOC emissions from the
use of organic solvents. Its associated Regulation (No.53/93), in force from
January 1994, defines the registration licensing process that includes some
activities that use organic solvents.
General
provisions for the control of pollution from noise from motor vehicles exist in
the Traffic Regulations but, with the establishment of new vehicle inspection
centres, new regulations are now being prepared which would adopt European
standards. Provisions for regulating noise from civil airplanes are included in
the Air Navigation Regulations of 1988, set according to the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
See also under Status.
Decision-Making:
Strategies,
Policies and Plans
No information available.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information available.
Programmes and Projects
At
the transport sector, the measures promoted include a programme for a network of
bicycle lanes; better traffic management; production of improved fuel,
particularly for diesel engines; the establishment of an E- type approval system
and vehicle inspection; and encouraging public transport.
A ‘LIFE’- financed project is currently under way to enhance the motor vehicles emissions control system, infrastructure and know- how. See also under Status and Research and Technologies.
Status
As
of October 2001, systematic motor vehicles emissions control has been
established though private-run but state-licensed and controlled inspection
centres. During the first stage of implementation, only high-risk vehicles are
inspected, e.g. public use vehicles, commercial vehicles and vehicles
manufactured more than 20 years ago.
In
2000, the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services completed an
assessment of the types and brands of motor vehicles in circulation as far as
their capacity to run on unleaded fuel is concerned. On the basis of the
results, only 4% of the vehicles (12,000) cannot use unleaded 98 RON. Another 10
000 will require only slight routine modifications. They are mostly models
produced from 1970 to 1991.
The tankers with no bottom-loading equipment will be gradually replaced or modified by the end of 2002. No new tankers are imported without the appropriate equipment.
Challenges
No information available.
Capacity-building, Education, Training
and Awareness-raising
No information available.
Information
The major installations concerned with VOC emissions (dry cleaning, printing and paint installations) have been identified and an inventory of the rest of the solvent-using activities is currently being prepared.
Research and Technologies
A
traffic management and public transport enhancement study for the Nicosia area
was prepared in 2001. The study analyses and suggests measures for the Nicosia
public transport system.
After a relevant study of the current system of car registration/circulation fees, a restructuring was proposed, for encouraging the use of vehicles with low CO2 emissions. The proposal is under consideration and is expected to be adopted by the end 2002.
Financing
No information available.
Cooperation
No information available.
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) is responsible for tourism development, promotes agrotourism and is the coordinator of the BLUE FLAGS scheme in Cyprus.
Decision-Making: Legislation
and Regulations
According to the legislation regarding Hotels and Tourist Establishments, the installation of biological systems for the treatment of wastes is a requirement for all hotel units in coastal areas. A Code of Environmental Behaviour was issued, which includes general principles and specific guidelines for the environmental management of tourist enterprises, as well as for the behaviour of the public and the visitors.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
The
need for a “new” perspective in tourism policy emerged in the 1980s, mainly
because of the socially, ecologically and culturally negative impacts of
tourism. The fundamental difference from the previous perceptions of tourist
development lies in the fact that, according to the modern approach to tourism,
it should respect and be kept within the limits of the local social, cultural,
economic and environmental particularities and conditions.
The
Cyprus policies aim at the improvement of tourism management and the protection
of coastal and mountainous regions; better information to tourists regarding the
environment; and an improvement of tourist services, so that there is less
impact on the environment. The CTO has cooperated with other agencies for the
implementation of environmental protection measures, which will benefit tourism,
through the preservation of habitats, the protection of the quality of waters
and the control of waste disposal.
The
new Strategy on Tourism, has defined the level of the sector’s growth,
formulated the general and the special objectives for the sector, and determined
the ways to achieve the objectives on a balanced basis. The Strategy refers to
the upgrading of the quality of services provided, with the major goal of
attracting tourists of higher income.
During the preparation of the new Strategy, the following parameters were taken into consideration: the need for the maintenance and protection of the natural environment; the need to ensure a more balanced tourist development in all areas of Cyprus; and, the improvement, upgrading, and enrichment of the tourist product, the improvement of infrastructure, the launching of new forms of tourism and the adequate protection of archaeological sites.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information available.
Programmes and Projects
A
series of activities, which aim at the achievement of sustainable tourist
development have been initiated. Various forms of tourism are developing in
order to enrich the market, such as cultural tourism, agrotourism, and mild
forms of tourism, athletic tourism, and convention tourism. The encouragement of
specialized forms of tourism is aimed at lessening pressures on the coast as
well as at making use of other activities or special features of the inland
region.
The
programme for the development of agrotourism, which has been implemented since
1992, contributes to the diversification of the tourist product, the attraction
of visitors with special interests, the preservation and protection of the
natural and built environment of the inland, as well as the highlighting of the
cultural traditions and the architectural heritage of the country. Within the
framework of the programme, financial incentives are granted to the owners of
buildings of traditional architecture, for their conversion to traditional
tourist lodgings, restaurants, workshops and cultural spaces. Projects for
village squares and other interesting sites, as well as public buildings in 50
inland villages are also funded. The proprietors of agro-tourist units have
become organized in a co-operative, which runs a Central Reservations Office and
has proceeded to the publication of an elaborate and very interesting catalogue.
Funded
by the CTO, the Department of Forests has constructed Nature Trails as well as
an Information Centre in Troodos, which provides information to the visitors on
the environmental significance and value of the region. Nature study trails have
also been created in other forest regions in Cyprus, such as in Akamas and Cape
Greco, as well as in regions outside forests.
The promotion and development of the mountainous Troodos region, based on the safeguarding of the environment through tourist development was also pursued.
Status
The
implementation of the Master Plan has already begun.
Tourism
constitutes a major factor for the economic development of Cyprus.
Sustainable tourism depends on a clean environment with sufficient natural resources for the satisfaction of the needs of a large number of people, temporarily residing in regions that are often sun-baked and arid. The key sustainability issues refer to the handling of problems in existing tourist areas, and to environmental issues related to other tourist installations (theme parks, golf courts, marinas, etc.).
Challenges
Capacity-building, Education, Training
and Awareness-raising
No information available.
Information
No information available.
Research and Technologies
No information available.
Financing
Designs and projects of a Master Plan for the protection, upgrading and promotion of archaeological sites and ancient monuments have been funded by the CTO and the Department of Antiquities.See also under Programmes and Projects.
Cooperation
No information available.
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