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2011 | Buch

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Water Resources Allocation

Policy and Socioeconomic Issues in Cyprus

herausgegeben von: Phoebe Koundouri

Verlag: Springer Netherlands

Buchreihe : Global Issues in Water Policy

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

The dilemma facing Cyprus—that of limited water supplies (both in terms of quantity and quality) in the face of steadily increasing water demand, coupled with a fragmented institutional structure of the water sector—is characteristic of most arid and semi-arid countries all over the world. Another common characteristic of Cyprus is that the water management administrative boundaries there do not coincide with the hydrological ones, while the ongoing political problem of the island creates significant administration problems.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

This chapter aims to communicate the two main rasons d’être of this book, namely: (1) to present and analyze the Cyprus experience in water resources management policies (2) communicate this experience to other countries that can inform, develop and improve their water resources policies by understanding the strong and weak elements of the Cyprus experience. Moreover, the chapter introduces the specific themes and issues that are analyzed in the consecutive chapters of the book.

Phoebe Koundouri, Ekin Birol

Chapter 2. Water Resources in Cyprus: Endowments and Water Management Practices

Abstract

The availability of water resources in the island and the supply – side of water resources, including inter-annual characteristics of precipitation and its geographic distribution; surface catchments and runoff; groundwater basins and their current water balance; surface water impoundment works; inter-basin transfers; treated municipal wastewater reuse are presented; Given that desalination is an important parameter for the situation of water resources in Cyprus, the island’s experience in this supply-side enhancement method is highlighted, and its advantages and disadvantages are explained. In conclusion the water policies and projects planned to regulate and manage water shortages and assessing their adequacy are presented.

Iacovos Iacovides

Chapter 3. Water Use Patterns in Cyprus and Demand Management: Towards Water Resources Sustainability

Abstract

The demand-side of the island’s water resources and pattern of water use by each sector, both current and into the future are presented. More specifically, the water allocation and use by different economic sectors and geographical areas, with special emphasis on the main water user in the island: the agricultural sector is described. The time profile of the population-water resources equation; the impact of the seasonality of tourism, as well as the value-in-use of water in various economic sectors are also examined in detail. Demand management measures are finally addressed and their potential to safeguard conservation and future sustainability of water resources is discussed. The shift from developing basic infrastructure to provide water into better management of water resources is highlighted.

Iacovos Iacovides

Chapter 4. The Implementation of the European Union Water Framework Directive in Cyprus

Abstract

In this chapter, first the raison d’être, aims and timeline of the WFD are introduced. Particular emphasis is given to the economic and social aspects of the WFD to assist policy makers towards sustainable water resource management and social welfare enhancement. This is followed by a summary of the relevant steps taken to date to implement the WFD. The potential challenges that Cyprus will face while implementing the Directive are drawn to attention. The potential future social and economic benefits of the implementation of the WFD are examined. Finally, equity issues related to the different consumers’ access to water, in the face of the Directive’s requirement for full-cost recovery of water services, are discussed. As will be indicated in this chapter, the consecutive chapters in this book present more details on the impacts and challenges of, and issues related to the implementation of the WFD in Cyprus.

Ekin Birol, Phoebe Koundouri, Kyriaki Remoundou

Chapter 5. Water Management: Administration and Legislation

Abstract

A concise review of the evolution of water resources administration in Cyprus is provided and the current changes in water resources related legislation and institutions within the context of EU harmonization is documented. The inherited problematic institutional arrangement for water resources management in Cyprus is highlighted. In particular, the previous legislation, which divided the responsibility for water resources administration between several ministries that exercised overlapping jurisdictions, caused duplication of efforts, and occasionally lack of action, is discussed. These weaknesses and deficiencies have been targeted and largely corrected through the development of the new and unified legislation in accordance with the requirements of the EU WFD.

Iacovos Iacovides

Chapter 6. Water Policy Networks: A New Form of Governance for Cyprus? The Case of Nicosia

Abstract

This chapter aims to present and analyze the framework of policy networks and its implementation in the Cypriot water sector, with particular emphasis on the island’s capital, Nicosia. The chapter’s argument develops in four steps. First, information on Cyprus’ water situation is presented, so as to explain why co-operation in this sector is imperative for the island’s survival. Second, a short history of Nicosia is portrayed in order to shed light on its uniqueness and particularity as a case study. Third, the areas of bi-communal co-operation on water resources management in Nicosia are presented along with a description of the existing policy networks. The last step includes the presentation and analysis of the policy network concept along with the synthesis of the theory with the case study. The chapter closes by drawing some conclusions.

Anthi Dionissia Brouma, Cahit Ezel

Chapter 7. The Economics of Water Resource Allocation: Valuation Methods and Policy Implications

Abstract

In this chapter a ‘watershed economics approach’ that could be applied in Cyprus is proposed which is composed of two important stages. In Stage I economic valuation techniques are used to establish the economic value of the competing demands for surface and groundwater, incorporating where necessary an analysis of water quality. The valuation exercise allows the objective balancing of demands based upon the equi-marginal principle to achieve economic efficiency. In Stage II a policy impact analysis is proposed which addresses issues of social equity and the value of water for environmental/ecological purposes. The analysis is undertaken within the confines of the watershed; the most natural unit for the analysis of water allocation and scarcity since it determines the hydrological links between competing users and thus the impacts of one user upon another. The methodology is encapsulated by a case study of the Kouris watershed in Cyprus.

Ben Groom, Phoebe Koundouri

Chapter 8. Integrated Water Resources Planning in Cyprus

Abstract

Water is by far the most precious resource in Cyprus. It is a prerequisite for progress. All aquifers in Cyprus, as of 1970, are overexploited beyond their safe yield. As a result sea intruded into most of the coastal aquifers. The depletion of both the quantity and quality of groundwater coupled with the concurrent increase in the demand necessitated the development of the surface water sources. The impressive development of the conventional sources – groundwater and surface water – that followed proved to be insufficient for facing successfully the extreme droughts of the last decade. The situation was not sustainable. The new water policy, or Master Plan is imaginative and flexible and safeguards sustainability. Its objectives are the balance of the supply with the demand water sectors, the maintenance and enhancement of the water quality and the integrated management of the water resources via a single competent water authority/institution. This can be achieved through the following measures/actions that are holistically applied: (1) Secure additional sources of water supply; (2) Introduce “Demand Management” and ensure efficient use of water; (3) Modify the current crop and water allocation matrix. Implement water banking; (4) Curtail the irrigated land area; (5) Recover the aquifers and build up strategic groundwater reserves; (6) Maintain and enhance the quality of the water and of the environment; (7) Establish a ‘Water Entity’ for effective and efficient management.

George Socratous

Chapter 9. Water Pricing Policy in Cyprus: The Implications of the Water Framework Directive

Abstract

In Cyprus, the water tariffs for agriculture are calculated using the “Present Worth Value” method while for the households sector the “Balanced Budget” method is used. Both methods are described and evaluated in the paper. Water for irrigation purposes and household uses including industrial and tourist uses, is subsidized by as much as 78% and 38% of the total cost respectively. The prevailing policy is to achieve tariffs in agriculture that are at least equal to the operating and maintenance and administrative costs and in households equal to the full financial costs. Administrative difficulties as well as political unwillingness have prohibited the increase in water prices. Water prices need to be revised upwards after being augmented to reflect environmental and resource costs as well. This will promote efficiency and conservation in water use thus helping out in combating the water shortage problem. In addition this will be in accord with the provisions of the New Water Framework Directive of the EU. The implications of the WFD on the water prices will be discussed and evaluated.

George Socratous

Chapter 10. Water Resources Management and Wetland Conservation: The Case of Akrotiri Wetland in Cyprus

Abstract

This chapter presents the results of a contingent valuation study, which was carried out to estimate the socio-economic value of one of the most important wetlands in Cyprus, namely the Akrotiri wetland. Resulting policy implications for effective, efficient and sustainable management of this wetland, according to the requirements of the WFD and other EU Directives, are spelled out.

Ekin Birol, Phoebe Koundouri, Yiannis Koundouris

Chapter 11. Facing the Future: Concluding Remarks

Abstract

This concluding chapter proposes a holistic way forward for water resources management in Cyprus within the framework of the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive, given the climatic, hydrogeological, socio-economic, historical, political and ethical dimensions of this interesting resource allocation problem.

Phoebe Koundouri, Ekin Birol, Cahit Ezel

Erratum to: Chapter 10 Water Resources Management and Wetland Conservation: The Case of Akrotiri Wetland in Cyprus

Ekin Birol, Phoebe Koundouri, Yiannis Koundouris

Backmatter

Titel: Water Resources Allocation
herausgegeben von: Phoebe Koundouri
Verlag: Springer Netherlands
Electronic ISBN: 978-90-481-9825-2
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-9824-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9825-2