Review and assessment of the adaptive capacity of the water sector in Cyprus against climate change impacts on water availability

This paper presents an overview and assessment of the measures implemented in Cyprus that are considered in order to address the impacts of climate change on the water availability of the country. Considering that an adaptation framework on water resources has not yet been established either at European level or in Cyprus, specific measures that address climate change impacts on water availability, constituted the basis of the analysis. The measures reviewed are in the form of infrastructural works, policy plans and strategies, legislative actions, market-based instruments (e.g. pricing mechanisms and subsidies), technologies and practices, research, as well as awareness and dissemination activities. The measures are assessed based on their effectiveness, their robustness under climate change uncertainty and their sustainability in environmental, economic and social terms. In addition, potential barriers and risks associated to the implementation of the adaptation are identified. The results of the study revealed that although there is a substantial number of adaptation measures in place that are considered to address climate change impacts on water resources and the adaptive capacity of the water sector has considerably increased, the overall vulnerability remains high, as water demand is still not satisfied at certain areas and/or for certain uses, in times of drought. Furthermore, there should be a shift towards a more balanced and integrated approach on water management in Cyprus, according to which demand-side measures are further enhanced, while adverse impacts associated with the implementation of the measures are minimized to the degree possible.