- Funding Programme
- Year
- 2021
Livestock waste and animal by-product management
The Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) of the European Commission (EC) provided technical support to Cyprus’s national authorities. The goal is to integrate circular economy principles into the management of livestock and animal by-products (ABPs) waste. This project aligns with DG REFORM’s mission to foster growth-enhancing administrative and structural reforms using EU funds and technical expertise. The primary beneficiary is the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (MARDE), specifically the Department of Environment and the Veterinary Services. Key stakeholders include the Department of Agriculture, Water Development Department, Agricultural Research Institute, and Energy Service. The expected results are improved waste management, reduced pollution, enhanced livestock sector sustainability, regulatory compliance, and progress towards a circular economy and renewable energy goals.
Context
The project was initiated in response to Cyprus's request under the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) to provide technical assistance for integrating circular economy principles into livestock and ABPs waste management. This aligns with EU policy priorities, supporting the green transformation agenda by promoting sustainable waste practices and reducing pollution.
Several problems and challenges necessitated this project. Livestock waste and ABPs are significant sources of environmental pollution and can pose serious threats to human and animal health when mismanaged. Current waste management practices in Cyprus are fragmented and inconsistent, leading to environmental risks and missed opportunities for sustainable resource management. Additionally, there is a pressing need for compliance with current and forthcoming EU regulations, particularly the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). Challenges encountered include aligning local practices with international best practices, ensuring comprehensive stakeholder engagement, and overcoming inconsistencies in waste management practices.
Support delivered
Who: The main entities involved in delivering the support included PwC EU Services and IACO, who provided the technical assistance, and the European Commission’s DG REFORM, overseeing the project's alignment with EU policies. Key Cypriot authorities involved were MARDE, the Department of Environment, and the Veterinary Services. Other stakeholders included the Department of Agriculture, Water Development Department, Agricultural Research Institute, and the Energy Service of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry.
What: The support involved technical assistance to develop and implement sustainable waste management practices. Main activities included a state-of-play assessment, development of a future scenario for sustainable management, a feasibility study, technical design for biogas production units, and a national strategy for long-term waste management. Specialised training sessions were provided to enhance the capacity of government officials.
When: The project ran from June 2022 to June 2024 across eight phases.
Where: The project investigated livestock waste issues across various regions in Cyprus, focusing on areas like Orounda for establishing a pilot biogas production plant.
Why: The initiative aimed to address significant environmental pollution from mismanaged livestock waste and ABPs, enhance livestock sector sustainability, ensure compliance with EU regulations such as the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), and promote a circular economy whilst aligning with NECP targets.
Results achieved
- Achievement 1: The project conducted the first comprehensive analysis of livestock waste and ABPs management practices in Cyprus. This study effectively mapped the current waste management landscape, identifying critical intervention areas and developing a to-be scenario outlining an ideal future state for managing livestock waste and ABPs.
- Achievement 2: A national strategy for livestock and ABPs management was developed, addressing inefficiencies, and converting challenges into opportunities, enhancing the sector’s contribution to the Cypriot economy.
- Achievement 3: The project secured government endorsement to address issues from untreated livestock waste, ensuring necessary actions and reforms are supported at the highest levels.
- Achievement 4: Regional authorities were successfully engaged, informed, and involved in the project's initiatives, ensuring future efforts are tailored to local needs and supported by key stakeholders.
More about the project
You can read the documents related to the project here: