Other reports in this collection
Coastal Zone Management for Cyprus: Trans-national Technology Transfer
and Diffusion
Xenia I Loizidou
Ministry of Communications and Works
Cyprus
Keywords:Cyprus, The Netherlands, shoreline management plans, technologies
to combat erosion
Summary
In 1993 the Government of Cyprus and Delft Hydraulics jointly started the Study
"Coastal Zone Management for Cyprus" under the framework of the European
Union programme MEDSPA (MEDiterranean Strategy and Plan Action). The contract
involved transfer of technology and know-how on shoreline management and erosion
control technologies from the Dutch Consultants to the staff of the Coastal
Unit of the Public Works Department of Cyprus.
The major objectives were:
The outcome of the study formed the basis for further work on Shoreline Management
in Cyprus, which is currently being conducted by the Coastal Unit.
Background
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. The Coastal zone is
of vital economic importance for the island and is under increasing pressure
mainly due to tourism development. During the late 1970s and 1980s, erosion
of the coastline and shortage of fine sandy beaches led to a sectoral approach
to managing the receding coastlines. This included construction of coastal defence
structures without considering any long-term effects. This approach resulted
in a series of problems such as erosion of neighbouring areas, water quality
problems, disruption of the ecological balance in the areas with coastal structures,
etc. In light of these problems and considering the coasts as a natural resource,
the Government of Cyprus recognised an immediate need for an integrated approach
for managing the coastal zone.
Approach
The Study was co-financed by the Government of Cyprus (50% of the funding) and
the European Union through the MEDSPA programme. The free coastline of Cyprus
was divided into 12 littoral cells. A monitoring system was set up in order
to generate scientific data concerning morphology and dynamics of the coastal
zone. Numerical models were used to analyse and process the data in order to
identify and describe the natural system components.
The technical committee appointed to oversee the operations included scientists
from eight governmental departments. The committee also sought active participation
of the local authorities and private sector though a series of workshops and
meetings. The study resulted in the preparation of Shoreline Management plans
for three selected coastal areas. Furthermore, environmental impact studies
were carried out for the proposed coastal structures.
Impacts
The technologies proposed by the Study to combat erosion included: 1) retreat
management in areas with no coastal development and 2) beach nourishment supported
by the construction of low-crested offshore breakwaters, and demolition of the
existing vertical groynes in highly developed coastal areas. All stakeholders
accepted the proposals. However, the implementation process was constrained
by specific barriers. For instance, budget allocation took three years of negotiations
with the involvement of the Council of Ministers. The recent decision (in 1998)
on this matter defines that coastal protection work is going to be co-financed
by the Government and the local authorities. However, since some local authorities
have financial problems with their contribution, the implementation of the study
is still partly pending.
The task pertaining to defining specific set-back lines for each coastal area
is still pending due to lack of funding for the study and limited number of
scientific personnel.
Lack of borrow material to proceed with beach nourishment. The seabed from the
coastline up to 20 m depth is protected by the Barcelona Convention (protection
of Posedonia Meadows), thus making dredging a difficult option. Detailed investigation
around the coasts of Cyprus revealed that the entire seabed in waters deeper
than 15 m consists of extremely fine sediment, which is unsuitable for beach
nourishment. The investigation of land borrow pits was also unsuccessful. The
option of importing sediment from neighbouring countries was rejected due to
the extremely high costs and other ecological considerations. Based on the above,
it was decided that beach nourishment was not feasible as a solution for general
application in Cyprus. A small-scale pilot project has monitored the coastal
area the last three years and the results support this decision (Famagusta Nautical
Club, Limassol). The stakeholders accepted this proposal and new plans for combating
erosion are now under implementation.
Lessons Learned
It is very important to have Shoreline Management plans for coastal areas under
rapid development. Over the last three years, these plans helped Cyprus to control
coastal development. However, decisions on implementing appropriate technological
solutions can take time. Knowledge of local conditions proved important. Thus,
setting up an efficient monitoring system is necessary. This case study also
illustrates the importance of using local expertise for decisions on appropriate
solutions. The approach adopted in this case involved all stakeholders in the
process of decision making which proved to be very efficient and flexible.
Bibliography
Delft Hydraulics, Coastal Zone Management for Cyprus. Reports I, II, III, 1993,
1994, 1996, The Netherlands.
Coastal Unit, Internal Reports 1993-1996. Public Works Department, Ministry
of Communication and Works, Cyprus.
Contact
Xenia I. Loizidou
Executive Coastal Engineer
Coastal Unit, Public Works Department,
Ministry of Communication and Works, Cyprus,
Tel +357 2 806622, Fax +357 2 498934;
e-mail: xenia@logos.cy.net
|
Other reports in this collection |
|