A RESEARCHER at the University of Cyprus, specialising in conventional energy and low carbon release technologies, has called on the state to be pro-active in its environmental policy, by acquiring the specialised knowledge and training on the use of special equipment required in an emergency.
Dr Constantinos Hadjistasou said that the exploratory drillings for hydrocarbons in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) posed serious threats to marine flora and fauna.
“Bearing in mind that the potential hydrocarbon reserves are offshore and rather deep, this makes the task of protecting the marine environment even more difficult in the case of an accident” said Hadjistasou.
Hadjistasou said that this was the perfect opportunity for Cyprus to seek the appropriate expertise to protect its marine habitat, because drillings are still at a preliminary stage.
He emphasised the positive profile Cyprus could project with a strong environmental policy, a feat which would subsequently benefit the island financially, politically and environmentally.
“The exploitation of natural resources is inextricably linked with the environment, the food chain and sustainable development” said Hadjistasou.
“This is why we rate the protection of the natural environment as high as the rational exploitation of the mineral wealth of a country.”
He said that the biggest challenge faced by humanity was the decarbonisation of energy production, with the move from fossil fuels towards more environmentally friendly energy sources, such as natural gas, solar, wind and hydroelectric being seen as an attractive alternative due to elements’ unlimited nature.
Hadjistasou stressed that the switch to alternative sources of energy was not without an environmental cost itself, with the release of pollutants such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere constituting an example of a negative externality that is usually overlooked in debates for green policies.
He said that the impact on the environment is rather minimal during the exploratory drilling stage, destroying mostly plantation at the bottom of the sea, near the drilling point.
“The first notable damage on marine life is caused when the floating structures of offshore gas processing are installed, with the placing of pillars on the seabed” said Hadjistasou.
He said that the biggest impact on marine life would probably be the installation of the pipeline which transports the natural gas from the floating treatment plant to the shore. He stressed that proper mapping of the seabed could help save coral reefs and other sensitive marine life cradles.
“The Republic of Cyprus has conducted a strategic environmental research, while it has also ratified numerous European and international conventions, and as part of the EU it can contribute to environmental protection” said Hadjistasou.
“Cyprus has a golden opportunity…to put in place the right foundations for a thorough environmental policy that would ensure the protection of its marine environment” he said.
