Since the Industrial Revolution at the beginning of the 19th century, our planet has suffered the vast impacts of pollution in every possible way. During the last few decades, the rapid expansion of human development has caused severe deteriorating conditions to all aspects of our environment: air, water and soil. Human development is altering the biosphere’s climate and as the emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continue to rise, the threat of a global temperature increase becomes more evident than ever. Environmental changes will eventually lead to changing ecosystem structures, habitat and species loss, and introduction of invasive species. Natural systems are adversely affected and biodiversity is reduced consequently having a direct and/or indirect negative impact on human health. Biodiversity is a key resource, as it provides both goods and services to people. It is estimated that up to 60,000 of plant species may become extinct by 2050 if present trends continue.

The European Union identifies the importance of protecting the environment and has set strict legislation and directives concerning the emissions of both stationary and mobile sources of pollution such as the IPC directive 56(I)2003. In an effort to reduce greenhouse gases, energy consumption and combat climate change, the EU Renewable Directive 2009/28/EC has set targets that need to be met by 2020. Examples include the increase of renewable energy usage to 20% of the total energy consumption and 10% of transport fuels to be met by biofuels (or other RES). The EU countries are committed by law to respect and protect their own environment and strict penalties are being applied when the European legislation is violated.

The vast majority (98%) of the energy consumed in Cyprus is generated via crude oil combustion which has high rates of CO₂ emissions. As a result the air quality needs to be monitored on a frequent basis and advanced monitoring stations are scattered all over the island. Data are presented here. The Department of Labor Inspection (DLI), Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance is responsible for operating the network and implementing abatement measures in order to reduce environmental pressures and improve air quality. During the past few years there has been an attempt to incorporate the use of renewable energy sources (wind farms and photovoltaic parks) in Cyprus.

Sewage disposal is another major environmental issue that needs to be addressed. In order to prevent pollution and protect environmental sensitive areas, strict restrictions are applied on the quality of effluents that are discharged into natural waters (EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EEC). In order to comply with the 2000/60/EEC and the Waste Framework Directive (2006/12/EC), agencies and industries that release wastewaters rich in inorganic nutrients and are currently in breach of the directives, have to install water treatment systems to remove the excess nutrients.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an environmental planning policy instrument that allows the prediction and mitigation of any environmental consequences that a project might cause. It is now realized that EIA is of great importance and it should be compulsory prior to any project approval. Cyprus must comply with EIA’s law (140(1)2005). The responsible authority for the island is the Environment Service department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Environment.

MER believes that there is an urgent need to reduce the anthropogenic activities that pose a threat to our natural environment, make use of alternative green methods, implement mitigation strategies to improve the ecological status of affected natural systems and increase environmental public awareness. To reach a reconciling equilibrium between the use of resources, technological and economic development and environmental sustainability is a major challenge for all industrialized developed nations.

Services that MER can now offer:

• Integrated Environmental Pollution monitoring and control
• Scientific research on the impacts of persistent pollutants on marine and terrestrial environments
• Sample collection, identification and analysis of marine and terrestrial flora and fauna
• Chemical and biological/microbiological analysis of water, sediment and tissue samples in terrestrial, fresh, estuarine, or salt water environments
• Field trips and environmental education programs for all ages
• Public outreach and information sharing