Cyprus’ long history of successfully using desalination, “serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for neighbouring countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region and developing countries around the world that face similar water challenges,” Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Petros Xenophontos said on Tuesday.
Addressing the European Desalination Society’s Conference titled “Desalination for the Environment, Clean Water and Energy,” taking place in Limassol, Xenophontos said that Cyprus’ experiences and knowledge can be shared, fostering regional collaborations that accelerate progress in water management and resource sustainability. By working together, we can create a more resilient and water-secure future for all.
“Cyprus, with its arid climate and limited freshwater resources, faces immense challenges in meeting water demand for all uses, especially during the hot summer period where demand is disproportionally high for tourism and agriculture,” he said.
With a population of approximately 1.2 million and 3 to 4 million tourists visiting us every year, our country relies heavily on desalination to bridge the gap between water demand and supply, he said, noting that today, desalination capacity has reached an impressive 280,000 cubic meters per day, ensuring water security and supporting sustainable development.
He stressed however while technological advancements drive the evolution of desalination, “we must recognize that it is not a standalone solution.”
“I emphasize the importance of integrated water resource management and the reuse of treated waste water that has proven to be a reliable steady source of water for agriculture and industry. Embracing a holistic approach allows us to optimize our water resources, minimize waste, and promote agricultural sustainability,” Xenophontos added.
Stressing the socio-economic dimensions of desalination, the Agriculture Minister noted that access to desalinated water must be equitable and affordable, particularly for rural communities who depend on reliable water sources for their livelihoods.
Moreover, Xenophontos acknowledged that the journey of desalination is not without its challenges, pointing out the energy requirements of desalination processes, “which can place a significant burden on both the environment and the economy.”
“We are therefore committed to fostering research and development to optimize energy consumption, explore renewable energy integration, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with desalination,” he concluded.
On her part, Ursula Annunziata, President of EDS said that desalination continues to make the headline worldwide with a growing population, diminishing resources, combined with a totally unpredictable distribution of floods and droughts across the world.
“Never before desalination was so critical and its development crucial to the world population,” she added.
