Cyprus has a wealth of natural capital with an important number of nature-protected areas. The marine environment is particularly important for Cyprus, both for environmental as well as economic reasons, given the island’s dependence on tourism.
Its high density of population leads to high environmental pressure and land use change. Long drought periods, forest fires and invasive alien species are also serious threats to its nature and biodiversity.
Highlights
Cyprus is putting in place a digital one-stop shop for renewable energy sources project permitting, included in its Recovery and Resilience Plan. The Mediterranean country also shows excellent records under the Bathing Water Directive, with 97.6 % of Cypriot bathing water rated excellent quality.
Main Challenges
Circular Economy
Urgent reforms and investment in waste management and the circular economy are needed to move away from Cyprus’s reliance on waste disposal in landfills, which remains significant. The rehabilitation of two remaining illegal landfills is ongoing, but progress is very slow and waste generation is significantly above the EU average.
Nature and biodiversity
There has been little progress in maintaining or restoring species and habitats. Cyprus still needs to complete its Natura 2000 Network, in particular the marine part, and the protection of existing Natura 2000 sites from incompatible activities remains a concern, especially in the coastal zone. Management plans must be completed and properly implemented and all necessary environmental assessments carried out correctly before plans or projects can be approved. Infringement cases are open on these matters.
Pollution
Water abstraction remains the main pressure on water in Cyprus and urban wastewater treatment also remains an issue, with slow progress and limited funding sources.
Governance and investment
The investment gap to meet Cyprus’s environmental objectives is an estimated €212 million per year, representing around 0.79% of national GDP, slightly higher than the EU average of 0.77%.
Cyprus still needs to improve public access to the courts in national environmental cases and eliminate practical barriers, such as excessive costs.