Cyprus is experiencing significant climate change impacts that are expected to worsen, according to a risk assessment that formed the basis for revising the country’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the Department of Environment has revealed.
The revision project, which began in 2023 with international and local expert collaboration, is funded by the European Union.
The impacts are becoming more evident through temperature changes, increasing the risk of endemic and vulnerable species extinction, the spread of infectious diseases, and effects on agriculture, human consumption and ecosystems.
The revised strategy includes a detailed climate risk and vulnerability assessment, which has identified primary climate risks across 15 sectors including agriculture, biodiversity, cultural heritage, public health, water management, tourism, infrastructure and energy.
Based on findings to date, Cyprus already faces significant climate impacts including temperature rise, prolonged drought periods, increasing frequency of fires and coastal erosion.
The strategy proposes targeted adaptation measures for each sector to enhance the country’s resilience.
Key measures include using reclaimed water for irrigation in agriculture, creating species monitoring databases for biodiversity protection, strengthening historical monument protection, developing reclaimed water distribution networks, establishing early warning systems for extreme weather events, protecting coastal areas from erosion, and enhancing building resilience.
The revised strategy will include a specific National Action Plan with defined indicators and monitoring systems, ensuring regular progress tracking and adaptation based on needs.
Progress reports will be published every two years, with strategy evaluations conducted every six years.
Implementation will be supported by multilevel funding sources, including European funds, the national budget and private investments. Private sector participation and green financing tools are central elements for the strategy’s sustainability.
A public consultation will begin on February 18, 2025 for one month, after which the final document will be submitted for approval by the Council of Ministers.
The final consultation text is expected to include measures proposed by Provincial Self-Government Organisations, primarily for flood protection and water supply losses.
The first National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy was approved in 2017 by the Council of Ministers.
The current revision aligns with the updated 2021 European Strategy, which emphasises a “smarter, faster and more systematic” approach towards achieving EU climate resilience by 2050.
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