UNFICYP hosts discussion on collaborative efforts to address water scarcity in Cyprus ahead of World Environment Day [1]
On June 2, 50 participants gathered in Ledra Palace Hotel inside the UN buffer zone, to join a conversation facilitated by UNFICYP and environment experts on water scarcity affecting the island. This event, held as part of several activities organized to mark World Environment Day, brought together Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot experts to share insights and foster collaboration in addressing the water crisis.
Water scarcity poses significant challenges to various sectors in Cyprus, including agriculture, tourism, and biodiversity. The Mediterranean region, already facing severe environmental pressures, is exacerbated by climate change. "Water is a shared resource that transcends divisions. Collaboration between communities and scientists is essential to ensure its sustainable management," stated Assistant Professor Dr. Bertuğ Akıntug, emphasizing the need for joint efforts.
Dr. Christos Zoumides highlighted alarming trends in water usage, indicating that “recent figures show that Cyprus already exceeds well over its renewable freshwater resources and has the highest exploitation rate in Europe. If we do not move swiftly to demand-side approaches, precision irrigation and island-wide solutions, every extra cubic meter we pump today will undermine the resilience of our farmers, our tourism sector and the ecosystems that sustain us. Water is therefore not just a resource but a shared responsibility that can unite the island around evidence-based solutions.”
During the discussion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Emine Sulun remarked, "We must prioritize island-wide innovative solutions that protect our water resources and the environment." These sentiments reflect the urgent call for sustainable practices in both communities to mitigate the impacts of water scarcity.
Dr. Xenia Loizidou added: "We need to approach the water crisis as part of the climate crisis of the Mediterranean, which is a hotspot of climate change. We need immediate actions, implementation of solutions to combat climate impacts through a participatory process, to address the actual needs of the ones who are in imminent risk.”
The event served as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, bringing together Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to think of future initiatives that can address the water scarcity crisis in Cyprus. As the discussions concluded, the participants echoed a unified message: sustainable water management is essential for of both communities and the preservation of Cyprus's rich biodiversity.
As the Mediterranean region continues to confront environmental challenges, the collaboration between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots stands as a positive step toward a sustainable future.
UNFICYP puts partnerships at the heart of its work to achieve sustainable peace. Our Civil Affairs Section is responsible for facilitating activities that promote harmony and conditions for future reconciliation. The section works to promote intercommunal dialogue such as this discussion, in efforts to the encourage collaboration between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots as a vital step towards sustainable peace.