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Water Resources Allocation pp 65–87Cite as

Water Policy Networks: A New Form of Governance for Cyprus? The Case of Nicosia

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Part of the book series: Global Issues in Water Policy ((GLOB,volume 1))

Abstract

This chapter aims to present and analyze the framework of policy ­networks and its implementation in the Cypriot water sector, with particular emphasis on the island’s capital, Nicosia. The chapter’s argument develops in four steps. First, information on Cyprus’ water situation is presented, so as to explain why co-operation in this sector is imperative for the island’s survival. Second, a short history of Nicosia is portrayed in order to shed light on its uniqueness and particularity as a case study. Third, the areas of bi-communal co-operation on water resources management in Nicosia are presented along with a description of the existing policy networks. The last step includes the presentation and analysis of the policy network concept along with the synthesis of the theory with the case study. The chapter closes by drawing some conclusions.

This chapter represents the joint work of the two authors. However, the interviews with the various­ stakeholders were carried out exclusively by A.D. Brouma during her research fieldtrips in Cyprus in 2004, 2005 and 2008. Brouma uses the theoretical framework of policy networks and the Cyprus field data in her doctoral thesis at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Excluding (a) the Dhekelia and Akrotiri Sovereign Base Areas (254 km2), in which the United Kingdom retains full sovereignty and jurisdiction since 1960 and (b) the Buffer Zone, which accounts for about 3% of the island’s surface area. For detailed information, see UNFICYP (2005) and CIA (2005).

  2. 2.

    All citizens of the North (including those who were born after 1974) can claim the Republic of Cyprus passport. However, the settlers from Turkey and elsewhere, who moved to the North after 1974, are not regarded as Cypriots under Republic of Cyprus law and are, accordingly, not entitled to passports issued by its authorities.

  3. 3.

    Morphou aquifer, which is the largest aquifer in the North, estimated to have an area of 240 km2 (94 miles2) of which 150 km2 is located within the North and the remainder 90 km2 in the South. According to estimates, total recharge capacity of the whole aquifer is 48 million cubic meter (MCM) per year of which 11 MCM per year used by Greek Cypriots leaving 37 MCM per year to the disposal of users in the North (Ozturk 1995). It is estimated that 57 MCM of water is tapped from this aquifer annually causing a deficit of 20 MCM every year. Local inhabitants and people of Nicosia and Famagusta consume 6 MCM annually (Bozer and Topan 1991). Water for domestic use is conveyed from Morphou to North Nicosia and Famagusta through a pipeline that was built in 1989. Part of the water conveyed through this pipeline is also diverted to South Nicosia and is given back to the North through Nicosia’s drinking water distribution system. The over-exploitation of the aquifer has resulted from uncontrolled “wild” irrigation practices in the North. Salinity is a formidable problem in the region and, consequently affects both agricultural and domestic water consumers.

  4. 4.

    The term Green Line is often used to refer to the line of demarcation that divides the Cypriot capital of Nicosia into the southern Greek Cypriot region and the northern Turkish Cypriot region. The barrier itself consists of concrete walls, barbed wire fencing, watchtowers, anti-tank ditches, and minefields.

  5. 5.

    http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/greekhome.shtm

  6. 6.

    http://www.lefkosaturkbelediyesi.org/english/index_eng.html

  7. 7.

    The information was compiled from Nicosia Municipality (2005).

  8. 8.

    One is in Lokmaci area and the other in the Yesilirmak village.

  9. 9.

    For an analysis of the impacts of the EU membership for example on the Austrian environmental policy networks, see Falkner et al. 1999.

  10. 10.

    For examples on environmental policy see Jordan et al. (2004), for industrial pollution policy see Smith (2000) and for industrial policy see Atkinson and Coleman (January 1989).

  11. 11.

    That name was given because most of the scholars are or were related to the Max-Planck-Institut fϋr Gesellschaftsforschung (MPIGF) located in Cologne, Germany.

  12. 12.

    The original plan was comprised of three stages. (1) Stage I (1969–1974 and 1979–1980): Original design completed and sewage treatment plant at Mia Milia constructed in two phases due to de facto division of the island in 1974. (2) Interim Period (1980–1983): Completion of Stage I (Mia Milia treatment plant became functional) and preparation of Stage II (UNDP searched for funding for Stage II and the plans were redesigned due to changes in soil absorption capacities and increased population density from the influx of displaced populations). (3) Stage II (1984–1987): Beginning of expansion of Mia Milia sewage treatment plant by 100% of original capacity and further update of the plan due to new areas of urgency. (4) Stage III (1986-ongoing): continuation of expansion and development of sewage treatment plant at Mia Milia and men-power training (UNHCR 1995).

  13. 13.

    See UNHCR (1997b)(pp. 31–32) for detailed information about the water distribution network in Nicosia.

  14. 14.

    The information presented in this section was compiled from the following sources:

    1. 1.

      The Nicosia Master Plan information leaflet provided by the Bi-communal Development Program

    2. 2.

      The official web-site on Nicosia Municipality (http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english)

    3. 3.

      The official web-site of Partnership for the Future (http://undp-unops-pff.org)

    4. 4.

      http://www.paradigmata.gr

  15. 15.

    The information presented in this section was gathered during interviews with the people ­mentioned below by Anthi D. Brouma in the period January-February 2005.

  16. 16.

    Which explains why in joint meetings the officials are referred to as representatives of the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot community respectively.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG, London, United Kingdom

    Anthi Dionissia Brouma

  2. Global Water Partnership-Mediterranean, 12, Kiristou str, Athens, 105 56, Greece

    Anthi Dionissia Brouma

  3. Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Cyprus, via Mersin 10, Turkey

    Cahit Ezel

Authors
  1. Anthi Dionissia Brouma
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  2. Cahit Ezel
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Correspondence to Anthi Dionissia Brouma .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of International and European Economic Studies (DIEES), Athens University of Economics and Business, 76, Patission Street, Athens, 104 34, Greece

    Phoebe Koundouri

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Brouma, A.D., Ezel, C. (2011). Water Policy Networks: A New Form of Governance for Cyprus? The Case of Nicosia. In: Koundouri, P. (eds) Water Resources Allocation. Global Issues in Water Policy, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9825-2_6

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