Nicosia, Wednesday 2 nd November 2011

Presentation of the LIFE+ project: Development of a national strategy for

adaptation to climate change adverse impacts in Cyprus

Nicosia, Wednesday 2nd November 2011

Prof. Maria Loizidou

National Technical University of AthensSchool of Chemical Engineering

CYPADAPT

LIFE+ Environment project: LIFE10 ENV/GR/000723

CYPADAPT

Introduction

Area of implementation: Cyprus

Project Budget: 1.358.847,00 € (50% EC funding)Start date: September 1st, 2011 End date: March 31st, 2014 Duration: 31 months


CYPADAPT

Project partners

Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment of Cyprus

National Technical University of Athens

National Observatory of Athens

Coordinating beneficiary:

Associated beneficiaries:


CYPADAPT

Aims & Objectives

The CYPADAPT main aim is to strengthen and increase Cyprus adaptive capacity to climate change impacts through the development of a National Adaptation Strategy. This is expected to be achieved through the following specific objectives:

Describing climate change and its impacts Projecting future climate changes and providing estimates of

potential impacts Assessing the sensitivity of different systems, sectors or

communities to climate change Assessing adaptive capacity, vulnerability and opportunities

associated with climate change Proposing appropriate actions that should be taken

immediately as well as policies for future actions.


CYPADAPT

Assessing current climate changes and

risks

Assessing current socio-economic conditions

Current impact and vulnerability assessment

Projecting future climate changes and

risks

Projecting future socio-economic conditions

Future impact and vulnerability assessment

Formulation of an adaptation strategy

Implementation

Monitoring

Assessing adaptive capacity

Enga

ging

sta

keho

lder

sMethodology for adaptation


CYPADAPTClimate change adaptation policy areas


CYPADAPT

Timetable


CYPADAPT

Activity 1(a): Review of the observed changes and responses to climate change worldwide and especially in Cyprus. Observed impact, vulnerability and adaptation assessment for the case of Cyprus

Action 1: Preparatory actions

Activity 1(b): Examination and analysis of European and international policies and legislative framework with respect to climate change

Start date: 01.09.2011, End date: 29.02.2012, Duration: 6 months

Recording of the observed impacts of climate change in different sectors including water resources, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, marine and coastal zones, freshwater and terrestrial biological systems, human health

Vulnerability assessment on the basis of several impact characteristics such as magnitude, timing, persistence, reversibility likelihood

Rules, institutions and procedures governing the international climate change regime (UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol)

Proposals and consultation for action in adaptation to climate change (White, Green Paper)

Sector/risk specific directives including adaptation measures (Water Framework Directive, Floods Directive)


CYPADAPT

Activity 2(a): Review of existing national and regional adaptation strategies and practices as well as guidelines on the development of adaptation plans

Action 2: Review of existing national adaptation plans worldwide and assessment of relative measures implemented in Cyprus

Activity 2(b): Assessment of past responses to adapt to the adverse climate change impacts in Cyprus


Review of applied National and Regional Adaptation Plans (NAPs and RAPs) for developed countries, National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) for Least Developed Countries

One trip to Finland will be realized in order to come into contact with the competent authorities and discuss on the adaptation policies and the potential barriers met during the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan .

Evaluation of existing plans, strategies and measures implemented in Cyprus to reinforce the adaptive capacity of different sectors

Identification of potential barriers to implement adaptation measures (e.g. legal, policy, institutional, social, economic, cultural)

Gap analysis between the existing policies in Cyprus and the respective EU and international legislative policy aiming to determine complementary measures for the elaboration of the national adaptation plan in Cyprus


CYPADAPTAction 2: Review of existing national adaptation plans worldwide and assessment of relative measures implemented in Cyprus


Activity 2(c): Development of a database consisting of adaptation measures applied worldwide

Categorization of adaptation measures considering: National and Regional Adaptation Plans in developed countries National Adaptation Programmes of Action in developing

countries Measures and policies implemented by countries that have not

yet adopted an integrated adaptation plan Categorization of the adaptation measures based on the following

characteristics: location (longitude, latitude), climatic conditions (average temperature, precipitation), population, economy (GNP, per capita income)

The database will be a helpful tool for the development of adaptation plans by identifying suitable adaptation measures of countries or regions with similar characteristics of the examined area.


CYPADAPT

Activity 3(a): Literature review and evaluation on the state-of-the-science computer-based climate simulation models

Action 3: Prediction of future changes and responses due to climate change in Cyprus

Activity 3(b): Projection of climate change in Cyprus with the use of selected regional climate models


Activity 3(c): Future Impacts and Vulnerability Assessment due to climate change in Cyprus

Evaluation of existing Global and Regional Climate Models (GCMs, RCMs) used for the projection of climate change variables (temperature, sea level, precipitation rate, rainstorm events occurrence)

Selection of the appropriate models for the projection of climate change in Cyprus

The projection will be based on the IPCC emission scenarios which represent consistent developmental paths for the key factors which drive emissions of greenhouse gases (i.e. demographic, social, economic & technical development)

The output of the models will include temperature changes, precipitation variation changes in the hydrological cycle, socio-economic impacts etc.

Impact assessment based on climate change projection in Cyprus

A 2nd vulnerability assessment will be performed for each sector and compared to the existing situation which is considered as the baseline


CYPADAPT

Activity 4(a): Literature review on the state of the art multi-criteria analysis tools used for the development of adaptation plans worldwide

Action 4: Development of a multi-criteria analysis tool for the elaboration of the adaptation plan for Cyprus

Activity 4(b): Development of a multi-criteria analysis tool for the selection of the most appropriate set of adaptation options. Implementation for the case of Cyprus


Identification of the most prominent multi-criteria analysis (MCA) tools used in the field of adaptation planning to climate change

Comparison between MCA tools and identification of their advantages and disadvantages

Development and Use of a multi-criteria analysis tool for the prioritization of the alternative adaptation options that have been identified. The stakeholders participation is considered of paramount importance

The structure of the MCA tool will be based on objectives, alternative measures/options/interventions, criteria and weights applied to the criteria


CYPADAPTAction 4: Development of a multi-criteria analysis tool for the elaboration of the adaptation plan for Cyprus


Activity 4(d): Evaluation and optimization of the MCA tool

Activity 4(e): Two (2) 1-day training seminars/workshops

The MCA tool will be uploaded at the project website and at the interactive blog for a period of two months for public consultation aiming to evaluate its performance

Questionnaires will be developed aiming for a more specific evaluation approach.

to present the aims and objectives of the project, to introduce and demonstrate the capabilities of the MCA, to train the relevant operators of the software in order to gain

sufficient knowledge in operating, maintaining and altering the software,

to enhance awareness on issues related to climate change.

Activity 4(c): Preparation of the software operation manual and demonstration video

To attain highest diffusion and easiness to the application of the developed multi-criteria analysis tool, an operation manual and a demonstration video will be prepared


CYPADAPT

Activity 5(a): Elaboration of a National Adaptation Plan for Cyprus

Action 5: Elaboration of a National Adaptation Plan for Cyprus


The output of the multi-criteria analysis will be used for the preparation of a draft adaptation plan for Cyprus.

Stakeholders will evaluate the adaptation options proposed by the MCA tool on the basis of their contribution to climate change adaptation, the potential barriers for their implementation, the cost effectiveness and viability

Selection of a set of measures that will be incorporated in the National Adaptation Plan for Cyprus

Distinction between urgent and less urgent policies that address the current adverse impacts of climate change (based on projected impacts)

Development of a draft adaptation plan Public consultation for a period of two months Submission of the revised adaptation plan for endorsement to

the Parliament


CYPADAPTAction 5: Elaboration of a National Adaptation Plan for Cyprus

Activity 5(b): Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan in Cyprus


Development of monitoring indicatorsIn order for an effective implementation of the developed NAP to be achieved, the adaptation efforts and effects must be thoroughly monitored and evaluated on the basis of meaningful indicators and follow up measures making it possible to clearly identify the progress made and the remaining need for action.

A set of indicators will be developed by which the performance of adaptation activities will be assessed. These indicators will provide the basis for before and after analyses and describe the effects (positive and negative) of project interventions.

The formulation of a monitoring and evaluation committee

composed of a number of concerned institutions and stakeholders will be proposed, within, or under the jurisdiction of, a competent ministry (e.g., MANRE). The committee will use the produced indicators in order to monitor and evaluate the respective adaptation needs and activities.

Formulation of a monitoring and evaluation committee


CYPADAPT

Action 6: Dissemination


Launching Event (22/09/11, Nicosia, Cyprus) Development of an interactive website and blog

(http://uest.ntua.gr/cypadapt/) Development and distribution of informative material &

publications/notice boards/posters Publications in national and international scientific and

technical journals/conferences Organization of (1-day) events Organization of an international conference Cyprus national adaptation plan distribution to the

public Layman’s report


CYPADAPT

Networking with other projects

Start date: 01.09.2011 End date: 31.03.2014 Duration: 31 months

Indicatively: ADAM project. The project intended to support the EU in the

development of post-2012 global climate policies, the definition of European mitigation policies to reach its 2020 goals, and the emergence of new adaptation policies for Europe with special attention to the role of extreme weather events.

CIRCLE-MED is a geographical group in the frame of CIRCLE ERA-Net. It aims at creating a Mediterranean research community network through collaborative research projects on Climate Change Impact Research, with the objective to bring the results of this research to policy and decision-makers.

AQUIMED. Its objective is to develop capacity building methods for water users to define and discuss possible strategies of adaptation to future changes including climate change.

CANTICO. Its objective is to develop a methodology to assess and prioritize risks from combined Climate Change and anthropogenic impacts on coastal areas (create decision support tools).


CYPADAPT

Networking with other projects

Start date: 01.09.2011 End date: 31.03.2014 Duration: 31 months

MAREMED. The project focuses on those constituents of maritime policy with a strong transnational dimension, namely Integrated Coastal Zone Management, pollution, adaptation to climate change in coastal areas, fisheries, coastal and maritime data management.

REGIOCLIMA. The overall objective of the project is to assist societies to adapt to the new climate conditions both by minimizing the risk of damage and exploiting the new opportunities arising from a changing climate.

COASTANCE. The main project aim is to develop mid and long term Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans. The results produced will be used as Public Policy Tools for erosion control by regional, national, EU administrations.

SESAME. The general scientific objectives of the project are to assess and predict changes in the Mediterranean and Black Sea ecosystems as well as changes in the ability of these ecosystems to provide goods and services.

CARBONTOUR. The project objective is to develop a strategic approach for CO2 offsetting and carbon neutrality for the tourist accommodation industry which will provide guidelines for the reduction of tourism contribution to climate change.

Thank you for your attention!

More information on the project available at: http://uest.ntua.gr/cypadapt/

Documents

Nicosia, Wednesday 2 nd November 2011