The Environment

in All Partner Countries

DANEMARCA

BELGIA

CIPRU

GRECIA

ITALIA

POLONIA

PORTUGALIA

ROMANIA Source:

DANEMARCA Denmark has historically taken a progressive stance on environmental

preservation; in 1971 Denmark established a Ministry of Environment and was

the first country in the world to implement an environmental law in 1973.

To mitigate environmental degradation and global warming the Danish

Government has signed the following international agreements: Antarctic Treaty;

Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol; Endangered Species Act. These agreements

have helped in the reduction in CO2 emissions by Denmark.

Denmark was ranked as the 10th best country in the world for "Living

Green" by a 2007 Readers Digest survey, and Copenhagen is recognised as one of

the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. Much of the city's success

can be attributed to a strong municipal policy combined with a sound national

policy; in 2006 Copenhagen Municipality received the European Environmental

Management Award. The award was given for long-term holistic environmental

planning. Recently many of Denmarks smaller Municipalities such as Lolland and

Bornholm have also become environmental leaders. Denmark is home to five of

the world's ten largest central solar heating plants (CSHP). The world's largest

CSHP is situated in the small community of Marstal on the island of Ærø.

Copenhagen is the spearhead of the bright green environmental movement in

Denmark. In 2008, Copenhagen was mentioned by Clean Edge as one of the key

cleantech clusters to watch in the book The Cleantech Revolution. The city is the

focal point for more than half of Denmark's 700 cleantech companies and draws on

some 46 research institutions. The cluster employs more than 60,000 people and is

characterised by a close collaboration between universities, business and governing

institutions. The capital's most important cleantech research institutions are the

University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Business School, Risø DTU National

Laboratory for Sustainable Energy and the Technical University of Denmark

which Risø is now part of. Leading up to the 2009 United Nations Climate Change

Conference the University of Copenhagen held the Climate Change: Global Risks,

Challenges and Decisions conference where the need for comprehensive action to

mitigate climate change was stressed by the international scientific community.

Notable figures such as Rajendra K. Pachauri, Chairman of the IPCC, Professor

Nicholas Stern, author of the Stern Report and Professor Daniel Kammen all

emphasised the good example set by Copenhagen and Denmark in capitalising on

cleantech and achieving economic growth while stabilising carbon emissions.

Denmark's green house gas emissions per

dollar of value produced has been for the most

part unstable since 1990, seeing sudden

growths and falls. Overall though, there has

been a reduction in gas emissions per dollar

value added to its market. It is comparable to

countries such as Germany, but lagging behind

other Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden.

BELGIA About 520 sq km (200 sq mi) of reclaimed coastal land is protected from the

sea by concrete dikes. As of 2000, Belgium's most significant environmental

problems were air, land and water pollution due to the heavy concentration of

industrial facilities in the country. The sources of pollution range from nuclear

radiation to mercury from industry and pesticides from agricultural activity. The

country's water supply is threatened by hazardous levels of heavy metals, mercury,

and phosphorous. It has a renewable water supply of 12 cu km. Pollution of rivers

and canals was considered the worst in Europe as of 1970, when strict water-

protection laws were enacted. Air pollution reaches dangerous levels due to high

concentrations of lead and hydrocarbons. Belgium is also among the 50 nations

that emit the highest levels of carbon dioxide from industrial sources. In 1996 its

emission level was 106 million metric tons. Belgium's problems with air pollution

have also affected neighboring countries by contributing to the conditions which

cause acid rain. The Ministry of Public Health and Environment is Belgium's

principal environmental agency, and there is also a Secretary of State for Public

Health and Environment. The Belgian government has created several

environmental policies to eliminate the country's pollution problems: the 1990–95

plan on Mature Development, an Environmental Policy Plan, and the Waste Plan.

As of 2001, there were six species of mammals and three species of birds that

were endangered. The Mediterranean mouflon, the Atlantic sturgeon, and the black

right whale are listed as endangered.

CIPRU One of the unique features of Cyprus' habitats is the wild and sharp

differences in elevations and habitats in different parts of the island as well as

different climate conditions, all of which supply a diverse habitat for a unique

array of fauna and flora. The number of plant species and sub-species of wild plant

in Cyprus is possibly in the thousands, many of them being endemic. Wildlife can

be seen in Troodos mountains, Larnaca salt lake, Akrotiri salt lake and

undoubtedly Akamas national park. Cyprus is home to Cyprus moufflon which is a

national symbol of the country. Moufflon is protected and can be seen in Paphos

forests towards branches of Troodos Mountain.

Under the Town and Country Planning Law of 1972, the government has the

power to issue "reservation orders" in order to protect historic buildings, trees, or

other specific points. Other conservation laws seek to preserve forests, restrict the

hunting of wildlife, and maintain environmental health. The most significant

environmental problems in Cyprus are water pollution, erosion, and wildlife

preservation. The purity of the water supply is threatened by industrial pollutants,

pesticides used in agricultural areas, and the lack of adequate sewage treatment.

Other water resource problems include uneven rainfall levels at different times of

the year and the absence of natural reservoir catchments. Cyprus has 0.2 cu mi of

water, of which 91% is used for farming activity. One hundred percent of Cyprus'

urban and rural dwellers have access to safe water. Another environmental concern

is erosion, especially erosion of Cyprus's coastline. In accordance with the

Foreshore Protection Law, several coastal areas have been zoned to prevent

undesirable development. The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has

primary responsibility for environmental matters. The expansion of urban centers

threatens the habitat of Cyrpus' wildlife. As of 1994, one mammal species, 17

types of birds and 43 plant species in a total of 2,000 are threatened with

extinction. About 20 species of flora are protected. The Cyprus mouflon or wild

sheep is protected in the Paphos Forest game reserve.

GRECIA Among Greece's principal environmental problems are industrial smog and

automobile exhaust fumes in metropolitan Athens. Over half of all industry is

located in the greater Athens area. From June to August 1982, the air pollution

became so oppressive that the government closed down 87 industries, ordered 19

others to cut production, and banned traffic from the city center. In July 1984, the

smog again reached the danger point, and 73 factories were ordered to cut

production and cars were banned from the city. In January 1988, the number of

taxis in the center of Athens was halved, and private cars were banned from the

city's three main thoroughfares. The smog regularly sends hundreds of Greeks to

the hospital with respiratory and heart complaints. Greece is among the 50 nations

with the world's highest levels of industrial carbon dioxide. In 1992, it ranked 37th,

with emissions totaling 73.8 million metric tons, a per capita level of 7.25. In 1996,

the total rose to 80.6 million metric tons. Greece's pollution problems are the result

of almost complete disregard for environmental protection measures during the

rapid industrial growth of the 1970s, compounded by unbalanced development and

rapid, unregulated urban growth. Water pollution is a significant problem due to

industrial pollutants, agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, and

sewage. The Gulf of Saronikos is one of the most polluted areas because 50% of

Greece's industrial facilities are located there. Greece has 54 cu km of renewable

water resources with 81% used for farming and 3% used for industrial purposes.

The nation's cities produce about 3.5 million tons of solid waste per year.

Government policies have emphasized rational use of natural resources, balanced

regional development, protection of the environment, and increased public

participation in environmental matters. Four environmental and planning services

were consolidated under the Ministry for Physical Planning, Housing, and the

Environment.

In 2001, 13 of Greece's mammal species and 10 of its bird species were

endangered. Six types of reptiles and 16 types of freshwater fish were also

endangered. Of the nation's 4,000-plus plant species, 446 were threatened with

extinction. Endangered species include the Mediterranean monk seal, the hawksbill

turtle, Atlantic sturgeon, and the large copper butterfly.

ITALIA After its quick industrial growth, Italy took a long time to confront its

environmental problems. After several improvements, it now ranks 84th in the

world for ecological sustainability. National parks cover about five percent of the

country.

In the last decade, Italy has became one of the world's largest producers of

renewable energy, ranking as the world’s fifth largest solar energy producer in

2009 and the sixth largest producer of wind power in 2008.

However, air pollution remains a severe problem, especially in the

industrialised north, reaching the tenth highest level worldwide of industrial carbon

dioxide emissions in the 1990s. Italy is the twelfth largest carbon dioxide producer.

Extensive traffic and congestion in the largest metropolitan areas continue to cause

severe environmental and health issues, even if smog levels have decreased

dramatically since the 1970s and 80s, and the presence of smog is becoming an

increasingly rarer phenomenon and levels of sulphur dioxide are decreasing.

Many watercourses and coastal stretches have also been contaminated by

industrial and agricultural activity, while due to rising water levels Venice has been

regularly flooded throughout recent years. Waste from industrial activity is not

always disposed of by legal means and has led to permanent health effects on

inhabitants of affected areas, as in the case of the Seveso disaster. The country has

also operated several nuclear reactors between 1963 and 1990 but, after the

Chernobyl disaster and a referendum on the issue the nuclear program was

terminated, a decision that was overturned by the government in 2008. A deal was

signed with France in 2009 for the construction of up to four new nuclear plants.

Deforestation, illegal building developments and poor land management policies

have led to significant erosion all over Italy's mountainous regions, leading to

major ecological disasters like the 1963 Vajont Dam flood, the 1998 Sarno and

2009 Messina mudslides.

POLONIA Poland's environmental situation has improved since the ouster of its

communist regime, which has been accompanied by decreased emphasis on heavy

industry and increased government awareness of environmental issues. However,

Poland has yet to recover from the overexploitation of forests during World War II

and the loss of about 1.6 million hectares (4 million acres) of forestland after the

war. As of the mid-1990s, 75% of Poland's forests have been damaged by airborne

contaminants and acid rain.

Pollution of the air, water, and land were the most significant environmental

problem facing Poland in the 1990s. Air pollution results from hazardous

concentrations of airborne dust and chemicals including carbon dioxide, nitrogen

compounds, fluorine, formaldehyde, ammonia, lead, and cadmium. In 1992 Poland

had the world's 12th highest level of industrial carbon dioxide emissions, which

totaled 341.8 million metric tons, a per capita level of 8.9 metric tons. In 1996, the

total rose to 356 million metric tons. Industry-related pollution affects particularly

the Katowice region, where dust and sulfur dioxide emissions exceed acceptable

levels. Water pollution in the Baltic Sea is 10 times higher than ocean water.

Poland has 55 cu km of renewable water. Two percent is used to support farming

and 64% is for industrial purposes. Poland's cities generate on average 5.7 million

tons of solid waste per year. The nation's wildlife has also suffered from

degeneration of its habitats. As of 2001, 9.1% of Poland's total land area was

protected. Ten mammal species were endangered. Six bird species and one type of

plant are also threatened with extinction. The cerambyx longicorn and rosalia

longicorn are among the endangered species.

PORTUGALIA Air and water pollution are significant environmental problems especially in

Portugal's urban centers. Industrial pollutants include nitrous oxide, sulfur

dioxides, and carbon emissions. In 1996, industrial carbon dioxide emissions

totaled 47.9 million metric tons. The nation's water supply, especially in coastal

areas, is threatened by pollutants from the oil and cellulose industries.

Portugal has 37 cubic kilometers of renewable water, of which 53% is used to

support farming and 40% is for industrial activity. In total, the nation's cities

produce an average of 2.6 million tons of solid waste. The nation's wildlife and

agricultural activities are threatened by erosion and desertification of the land.

The principal environmental agencies in Portugal include the Ministry of

Quality of Life and the Office of the Secretary of State for the Environment. The

nation's basic environmental legislation dates from 1976. In 2001, 13 of Portugal's

mammal species and 7 of its bird species were endangered, as well as 186 plant

species. Endangered species in Portugal include the Spanish Lynx, rosalia,

Mediterranean monk seal, and Spanish imperial eagle. The São Miguel bullfinch

and three species of turtle (green sea, hawksbill, and leatherback) were endangered

in the Azores. The Mediterranean monk seal and four species of turtle (green sea,

hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, and leatherback) were endangered in Madeira.

ROMANIA Rapid industrialization since World War II has caused widespread water and

air pollution, particularly in Prahova County, an oil refining region. The nation has

49 cu km of renewable water sources, with about 59% used to support farming and

33% used for industrial purposes. Romania's cities produce on average 3.0 million

tons of solid waste per year. Air pollution is heaviest in the nation's cities, where

industry produces hazardous levels of sulphur dioxide. In 1992, Romania had the

world's 28th highest level of industrial carbon dioxide emissions, which totaled

122.1 million metric tons, a per capita level of 5.24 metric tons. In 1996, the total

dropped to 119 million metric tons.

A high percentage (47% of the land area) of the country is covered with

natural and semi-natural ecosystems. Since almost half of all forests in Romania

(13% of the country) have been managed for watershed conservation rather than

production, Romania has one of the largest areas of undisturbed forest in Europe.

The integrity of Romanian forest ecosystems is indicated by the presence of the

full range of European forest fauna, including 60% and 40% of all European brown

bears and wolves, respectively. There are also almost 400 unique species of

mammals (of which Carpathian chamois are best known), birds, reptiles and

amphibians in Romania. The fauna consists of 33,792 species of animals, 33,085

invertebrate and 707 vertebrate.

In Romania there have been identified 3,700 plant species from which to date

23 have been declared natural monuments, 74 missing, 39 are endangered, 171

vulnerable and 1,253 are considered rare. The three major vegetation areas in

Romania are the alpine zone, the forest zone and the steppe zone. The vegetation is

distributed in an storied manner in accordance with the characteristics of soil and

climate and includes various species of oaks, sycamores, beechs, spruces, firs,

willows, poplars, meadows, and pines.

There are almost 10,000 km2 (3,900 sq mi) (almost 5% of the total area) of

protected areas in Romania covering 13 national parks and three biosphere

reserves: the Danube Delta, Retezat National Park, and Rodna National Park. The

Danube Delta Reserve Biosphere is the largest and least damaged wetland complex

in Europe, covering a total area of

5,800 km2 (2,200 sq mi). The

significance of the biodiversity of

the Danube Delta has been

internationally recognised. It was

declared a Biosphere Reserve in

September 1990, a Ramsar site in

May 1991, and over 50% of its area

was placed on the World Heritage

List in December 1991. Within its boundaries lies one of the most extensive reed

bed systems in the world.