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A research study on the environmental risks and economic benefits of sector activities in Limassol demonstrates the urgent need to protect the city’s coastal, marine and maritime environment.
The “Blue Limassol: Environmental Risk Assessment” study for the identification and overall evaluation of the activities that threaten the coastal and marine environment of Limassol is coordinated by Frederick University and the Municipality of Limassol and its preliminary results were presented at a round table discussion organized on the initiative of the Democratic Rally (DISY) leader, Mr. Averof Neophytou.
The Mayor of Limassol, the Research Team and representatives of stakeholders and organizations attended the discussion which took place in Limassol on December 6, 2021.
Thanking the participants, Mr. Neophytou stressed that "the broader issue of environmental protection must be central to both the political and social agendas." Referring to Limassol’s development and its positive results for both the local and the state economy, the DISY leader acknowledged the need to take measures for the protection of the environment.
The initiative for the study belongs to the Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Nicos Nicolaides, who during his welcoming remarks praised the importance of the study as a documented scientific basis in the effort to ensure the sustainable development of the city. The Mayor thanked Frederick University for their long-term collaboration, which began by co-hosting the Blue Limassol Forum in 2020.
Within the framework of the Blue Limassol Forum, 500 citizens of Limassol were given the opportunity to share their thoughts on a number of environmental issues. "The 'Limassol Blue: Environmental Risk Assessment' study provides answers to the citizens’ concerns”, said Mr. Nicolaides.
Dr. Angelos Menelaou, the Blue Limassol study Project Manager and Head of the Department of Maritime and Commerce at Frederick University, pointed out that the study further reflects the global concerns directly related to the EU's strategic development goals and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
More than 25 scientists from Cyprus and abroad worked on the scientific documentation of the study, which is the first such to examine all the development and operational activities in main sectors of the economy that may pose risks to the coastal, marine and maritime environment of Limassol. In particular, the risks arising from the operation of ports and ships, oil and gas, marinas and yachts, water sports, fish farming and fishing, construction and hotels and the sewerage and municipal waste management systems.
The study further suggests the implementation of best practices to reduce the risks that threaten the environment of the city, with the ultimate goal of preserving the attractiveness and sustainability of the major coastal front of Limassol. "We are optimistic that Limassol can have a sustainable future due to the willingness of more than 100 competent bodies and relevant organizations to cooperate with us during the preparation of our study, their sincere concern and intention to act now", commented Dr. Menelaou who thanked the Research Team that worked on the study: his fellow academics and researchers at Frederick University, DNV Hellas, the Marine and Environmental Research Lab (MER), the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) and the Limassol District Development Company (ANELEM). He also thanked the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, the Shipping Deputy Ministry, companies Ernst & Young and Total Energies for supporting the project.
The final results of the study will be presented next February at the 2nd Blue Limassol Forum co-organized by the Municipality of Limassol and the Department of Maritime and Commerce of Frederick University as part of their strategic collaboration.
