In order to implement the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in due time, the aim of this project is to develop an efficient monitoring programme which will both be adapted to the special natural conditions of Cyprus and meet the requirements of the WFD. Amongst other things, Ecologic will be involved in sketching and comparing different scenarios for an efficient monitoring programme. Ecologic supports to a great extent the cost estimation of different options for implementing a water monitoring programme in Cyprus.

Background

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to achieve good status in all waters in the European Union. All water bodies that do not comply with the proposed good status now have to be improved by a targeted programme of measures. In order to reach this goal, efficient monitoring programmes have to be established which can evaluate the water status of all water bodies and can track the effect of the measures applied. 

The requirements of the WFD for monitoring are very complex. For the first time, water management refers to the natural catchment as the frame of reference and not to political or administrative boundaries. Moreover, water management has to integrate all uses in a holistic approach. This approach triggers extensive reorganisation of the administration and technical units. Regarding water monitoring, the emphasis is put on assessing the impacts of human activities on the water bodies themselves, supported by controlling quality standards of emissions into the waters. The status of each water body or group of water bodies has to be evaluated by a number of parameters, which in turn allow for qualitative statements to be made about distinct quality elements. According to the actual status of a water body, the monitoring programme measures varying parameters with varying frequencies. Water bodies that are in danger of not achieving the good status by 2015 are going to be monitored with a more intensive operative monitoring programme. All other water bodies, and the overall trend in the catchment, will be monitored by a coarser surveillance monitoring programme. Cyprus is facing a particularly challenging situation in terms of WFD implementation because it has only been member of the EU since 1st of May 2005. The government of Cyprus aims to implement each step of the WFD in due time according to the deadlines provided.

Project objectives

In detail, the objectives of this project are:

• the evaluation of the initial analysis according to Article 5 of the WFD for Cyprus with regard to the necessary design of the future monitoring network, i.e. allocation of monitoring stations for operative and surveillance monitoring;
• determining locations and number of necessary monitoring sites in the water bodies;
• elaboration of different possibilities for conducting analysis of water quality, for example by on-site monitoring stations or by spot sampling in combination with laboratory analysis;
• conducting a cost estimation for different options to implement a water monitoring programme;
• establishing a data management system for analysis and reporting.

The overarching aim for all steps of the project is to establish an efficient and effective monitoring programme for Cyprus that not only fulfils the provisions of the WFD but also reliably reflects the actual water quality of all water bodies of Cyprus.

The role of Ecologic

Ecologic supports to a great extent the cost estimation of different options for implementing a water monitoring programme in Cyprus. 

Further information

The project is funded by the Government of Cyprus and is part of the national implementation strategy for the Water Framework Directive.
The internet homepage of the Water Development Department of Cyprus provides further information.