Filenews 10 May 2021 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The first study carried out in our country, as a universal risk detection study at strategic level, on the marine environment of Limassol but also the economic benefits of activities in the coastal and marine area of the Gulf of Limassol has garnered great interest from foreign media, universities, chambers of commerce and town halls of coastal cities.
The final conclusions and recommendations of the study, covering from Akrotiri to Vasilikos, are expected to be published next September.
The mayor of Limassol informed the mayors of Greater Limassol about the development of the Study of Total Environmental Risks for the beaches and the sea of the Bay of Limassol. The study is carried out by the Municipality of Limassol in collaboration with Frederick University, is part of the promotion of the blue economy in the city of Limassol and follows the First Blue Limassol Forum organized in May 2020 on "Sustainable Coastal, Marine and Maritime Environment".
The study analyses six areas of activity which are also potential sources of environmental risks. These sectors are Merchant Shipping (port, anchorage), Leisure Activities (marines, boats), Oil and Gas Enterprises, Coastal Buildings (tall buildings, hotels), Aquaculture/fishing and Waste and Wastewater Management.
The Project Team consists of the Steering Committee, the heads of the six Research Sectors and the Team of Experts and Scientists. As project leader Dr. Angelos Menelaou, president of Frederick's Department of Maritime Studies and Trade, said, a first-stage risk assessment will be carried out in each of the areas of activity followed by conclusions on collective risk, risk mitigation practices and final recommendations. To date, more than 110 stakeholders, government agencies, organisations and companies have been involved in all the work.
The mayor of Limassol, Nikos Nikolaidis, said that "the Study of Total Environmental Risks for the beaches and the sea of Limassol bay, which takes place in collaboration with Frederick University, is of enormous interest".
In order to ensure the transparency, objectivity and reliability of the findings, the research team will draw confirmed and in-depth data from government sources, the authorities, organisations and companies involved in areas related to the marine environment. Already several public and private bodies, such as the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, the Cyprus Foundation for the Sea (CYFOS), the Cyprus Chamber of Shipping (CSC), the Cyprus Port Authority (CPA), the Cyprus Association for the Protection of the Marine Environment (CYMEPA) and the TOTAL Foundation, have confirmed their full support and active participation in the research project.
