The complete seizure of discharging treated sewage in the marine environment.
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Government
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#OceanAction41313
Description
Cyprus, since the early 1980s has taken the political decision to eliminate all treated and untreated wastewater discharges in the sea, reducing therefore the risks of eutrophication and its negative effects.
Since then all successive governments have adhered to the policy not a drop of water in the sea and the program for the construction of sewerage networks and treatment facilities for all agglomerations with population equivalent greater than 2000 population equivalent (p.e.) was systematically implemented. Efforts were concentrated on the five coastal towns, namely Limassol (165.000 p.e), Paphos (100.000 p.e), Larnaca (80.000 p.e), Paralimni (53.500 p.e) and Ayia Napa (37.500 p.e), with a generated waste water load of 436,000 p.e.
In all these agglomerations sewerage networks and tertiary treatment facilities, utilizing the latest technology in the field, have been constructed . The treated effluent requirements are of the highest international standard and include nutrient removal. Specifically the treated effluent standards are BOD 10 mg/l, Suspended Solids 10 mg/l, Phosphorus 10 mg/l, Nitrogen 15 mg/l).
In the coastal towns of Paralimni, Ayia Napa and Larnaca the treated effluent is stored in lagoons and used for irrigation via dedicated irrigation networks. In Limassol the treated effluent is either used directly for irrigation or stored in an aquifer and is abstracted for irrigation. Similarly for the town of Paphos all the treated effluent is stored in an aquifer and is abstracted for irrigation.
Currently about 3% of the treated effluent of Limassol and Larnaca during winter, when demand for irrigation is low, is discharged to the sea through an appropriately designed and constructed sea-outfalls. In order to eliminate completely all marine discharges, the treated effluent irrigation networks are currently under expansion, are expected to be completed by the end of 2020 and all effluent discharges will seize. The cost of these remaining networks is expected to be in the range of 35 million USD.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.1 | By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution |
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Contact Information
Charalambos Hajipakkos, Senior Environment Officer