The Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Shipping is expected to finalise a comprehensive strategy to prevent, monitor, and respond to marine pollution before summer.
- The Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Shipping is expected to finalise a comprehensive strategy to prevent, monitor, and respond to marine pollution before summer.
- As Mesimeris concluded, the initiative is designed to clarify actions and responsibilities among all involved parties, enhancing the overall response to marine pollution in Cyprus.
According to Theodoulos Mesimeris, the director general of the ministry, the goal is to establish a clear coordination mechanism among various authorities, ensuring that everyone knows their responsibilities during both preventive measures and crisis responses. This initiative is a response to a pressing need for better management and accountability in marine environmental protection.
The roots of this strategy trace back to January 2024, when the Council of Ministers decided to centralise the efforts to address marine pollution. Mesimeris noted that the coordination role was a topic of intense discussion, as it required input from multiple services and institutional stakeholders involved in environmental protection.
“It was something unprecedented for the Deputy Ministry of Shipping,” Mesimeris explained, acknowledging the previous gaps in expertise, particularly concerning land-based sources of pollution. Initial steps had been taken by the former director general, who convened a technical committee to begin addressing these issues.
With Mesimeris now at the helm, there are heightened expectations for progress. Drawing on his extensive experience in environmental management, he has initiated consultations with various stakeholders. Notably, he has already met with Giorgos Kiteos, the civil administrator of the British bases at Akrotiri, which have undertaken significant work in this domain.
Mesimeris is also planning a series of meetings across Cyprus with mayors from regions historically affected by pollution, including Ayia Napa, Paralimni, and Paphos. His objective is to gather insights directly from those who have witnessed the impacts of pollution in their communities.
The timeline set for the action plan is clear: it must be prepared before summer and submitted to Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis for approval by the Council of Ministers. The plan will detail specific actions, assign responsibilities, and establish timelines that encompass prevention, monitoring, and response to potential pollution incidents.
A key focus of the strategy is to enhance the monitoring of bathing waters. Mesimeris intends to increase sampling frequency from once every fifteen days to weekly, aiming for more robust oversight of water quality.
Incorporating technology into the strategy is also a priority. The use of drones, in collaboration with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), will facilitate the detection of pollution slicks and overloading of the sea.
Strengthening inspections, particularly in Limassol, is another critical component of the plan. Mesimeris pointed out existing issues such as stormwater pipelines discharging into the sea and illegal discharges from high-rise buildings, which need urgent attention.
Furthermore, the plan aims to address illegal practices observed in tourist areas like Paralimni and Ayia Napa, where sewage discharges have raised serious environmental concerns. Mesimeris emphasised that the new strategy will not disrupt existing institutional responsibilities but will serve as a coordinating mechanism to ensure effective implementation of environmental laws.
As Mesimeris concluded, the initiative is designed to clarify actions and responsibilities among all involved parties, enhancing the overall response to marine pollution in Cyprus.
