|
Desalination for the
Environment, Clean Water and Energy
I am delighted to address today
the European Desalination Society’s conference. I take the opportunity to
welcome you all and wish you a pleasant stay in Cyprus.
This esteemed gathering
provides a unique opportunity to discuss the critical intersections between
agricultural and rural development, climate change and environmental
sustainability; their common challenges and the vital role desalination has
to play in addressing those challenges and securing a sustainable future.
Cyprus, with its arid climate
and limited freshwater resources, faces immense challenges in meeting water
demand for all uses, especially during the hot summer period where demand is
disproportionally high for tourism and agriculture. As the Minister responsible
for overseeing agriculture, rural development and the environment, I am very
much aware of the profound impact water scarcity has on our communities, food
production and the overall well-being of our citizens.
Cyprus's reliance on
desalination is remarkable. With a population of approximately 1.2 million
and 3 to 4 million tourists visiting us every year, our country relies
heavily on desalination to bridge the gap between water demand and supply.
Today, our desalination capacity reached an impressive 280,000 cubic meters
per day, ensuring water security and supporting sustainable development.
As we convene here today, we
must acknowledge that the journey of desalination is not without its
challenges. One such challenge lies in the energy requirements of
desalination processes, which can place a significant burden on both the
environment and the economy. We are therefore committed to fostering research
and development to optimize energy consumption, explore renewable energy
integration, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with desalination.
Furthermore, the responsible
management of brine discharge remains our priority. We are fully aware that
it is imperative to protect our delicate marine ecosystems and we are
therefore dedicated to ensuring that brine disposal adheres to strict
environmental standards, while also encouraging innovative approaches for
brine treatment and resource recovery. By doing so, we can safeguard our
marine habitats and preserve the ecological balance of the sea surrounding
our island.
While technological
advancements drive the evolution of desalination, we must recognize that it
is not a standalone solution. I emphasize the importance of integrated water
resource management and the reuse of treated waste water that has proven to
be a reliable steady source of water for agriculture and industry. Embracing
a holistic approach allows us to optimize our water resources, minimize
waste, and promote agricultural sustainability.
In addition to technical and
environmental considerations, we must address the socio-economic dimensions
of desalination. Access to desalinated water must be equitable and
affordable, particularly for rural communities who depend on reliable water
sources for their livelihoods. It is therefore required, in areas where
desalination is used, to develop policies and initiatives that enhance
accessibility and mitigate financial barriers.
The impact of desalination in
Cyprus is evident. Our long history of successfully using desalination,
serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for neighbouring countries in the
Eastern Mediterranean region and developing countries around the world that
face similar water challenges. Our experiences and knowledge can be shared,
fostering regional collaborations that accelerate progress in water
management and resource sustainability. By working together, we can create a
more resilient and water-secure future for all.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The European Desalination
Society’s conference provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge
exchange and innovation. Let us seize this opportunity to reinforce our
commitment to sustainable desalination, water reuse and environmental
stewardship. Together, we can shape a future where desalination plays a
pivotal role in ensuring water security, protecting the environment, and
fostering prosperity.
Thank you.
(MG)
|
